Author: Barkha Roy
In a surprising twist, Manchester United star Harry Maguire was spotted taking part in training alongside Erik ten Hag’s team, despite a previously confirmed agreement for his departure. Although West Ham have finalized a £30 million deal with United for Maguire’s transfer, the central defender’s presence at the training ground on Wednesday morning raises doubts about the status of his imminent transfer. Cameras captured Maguire running with his Manchester United teammates, leaving fans and pundits baffled by this unexpected turn of events.
At the same time, the soccer world was shaken by the news of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘s unexpected move to Besiktas, following his departure from Liverpool. Reports in The Times indicate that Oxlade-Chamberlain has reached an agreement with the Turkish giants, as he was seen arriving at Istanbul airport on Tuesday, signaling his intention to discuss the possible transfer with the club.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur seem to be gradually accepting the reality of selling their main striker, Harry Kane, to Bayern Munich. Throughout the summer transfer window, Bayern persisted in their pursuit of Kane, although they rejected several offers. Despite Spurs’ initial firm stance on a £100 million transfer fee, recent reports in The Times suggest a possible change in their position. The north London club seems increasingly open to negotiations, especially as the German champions have indicated their willingness to increase their offer. The timing of this possible transfer is interesting, as Bayern want to complete the signing within a week, while Tottenham prefer a significant part of the payment up front.
As England’s national soccer team faces the absence of its captain, Ange Postecoglou’s team is considering entrusting Richarlison with the responsibility of leading the attack. This strategic move is aimed at mitigating the absence of the 29-year-old captain and is further borne out by reports of Richarlison’s impending medical.
On a different front, Manchester City made a surprising move by tabling an offer of 70 million pounds for West Ham‘s star player, Lucas Paqueta. Following the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan during the summer transfer window, City are actively looking to strengthen their midfield. Although Mateo Kovacic has already been added to the squad, Pep Guardiola’s interest in Paquetá underlines the club’s commitment to improving its playmaking options. Notably, West Ham remain firm in their stance that the Brazilian midfielder will not be sold during this summer window. Paquetá, who became the east London club’s record signing for 2022 with a £53 million transfer from Lyon, provoked a strong reaction from West Ham, labeling City’s current £70 million offer as “unacceptable”.
Arsenal have agreed a £30 million deal to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, as reported by SunSport’s Mark Irwin. Raya, 27, will undergo medical examinations within 24 hours and is set to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium. This move brings Arsenal’s summer spending to £235 million, complementing their previous signings of Declan Rice, Kae Havertz and Jurrien Timber. Raya, a Spanish international, will now compete with Aaron Ramsdale for the number one spot in Mikel Arteta’s team. Brentford’s Thomas Frank targeted a fee of £40 million for Raya, whose value increased from a £2.7 million acquisition in 2019. Interest from Tottenham and Manchester United was deterred by that price during the summer.
Once hailed by club icon Martin Keown as a potential partner for fellow top scorer Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s young talent Marquinhos is now on the verge of a second loan spell away from the team. Despite being compared to Saka after an impressive debut in Europe last season, the 20-year-old’s progress has not met expectations. After an unsatisfactory loan spell at Norwich City last season, Marquinhos looks destined for another loan spell, with Nantes his likely destination for next season. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to offer Marquinhos more development opportunities outside the Emirates.