William Saliba set for ‘extended period’ on sidelines with back injury
Premier League champions Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow after centre-back William Saliba was ruled out for “an extended period” with a back injury.
The defender played with a back problem during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final and, although he will not require an operation, the 25-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines.
“Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation,” said a statement from Arsenal.
The defender played with a back problem during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 07:57
Liverpool to hijack PSG's bid Maghnes Akliouche?
After Andoni Iraola made clear that Liverpool “definitely need to sign a winger” this month, the Reds have reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
The 24-year-old, who is left footed, was part of France’s World Cup squad and has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain this summer. He scored six goals and made six assists for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season.
Sky Sports Newsare reporting that Liverpool have made an “initial approach” for Akliouche and have made an enquiry about his availability this summer. PSG have also been linked to another Liverpool target, Yan Diomande.
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 07:51
Newcastle 'frustrated' by Arsenal's approach to Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle are said to be “frustrated” by Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will listen to offers of more than £80m for their captain, according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie.
Arsenal are set to accelerate their interest in the Brazil international but Newcastle have been reportedly angered by the Gunners’ approach, as they are yet to contact Newcastle directly with a bid.
Guimaraes wants to leave the club this summer but Newcastle are also being guided by the £100m fee Tottenham paid for their Italy international midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 07:49
Chelsea transfer news: Possible moves?
Confirmed incomings: Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Denner, Emmanuel Emegha
Confirmed outgoings: Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Tyrique George
Linked with? Alex Scott, Maxence Lacroix, John Stones, Granit Xhaka
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 06:00
Liverpool transfer news: Possible moves?
Confirmed incomings: Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz
Confirmed outgoings: Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah
Linked with? Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande, Maghnes Akliouche, Adam Wharton
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 05:00
ICYMI: Jeff Bezos ‘approached’ to join consortium in talks over Liverpool investment
Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and fourth-richest man in the world, has been “approached” by a consortium that is in talks to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed on Tuesday that they had been approached by a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, the British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of QPR.
Sky News reported that Bezos has held “discussions” with the group, with talks still at an early stage.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have confirmed that a consortium led by former QPR co-owner Amit Bhatia is in talks over a minority investment
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 04:01
Southampton’s head coach Tonda Eckert charged by FA over ‘Spygate’ scandal
Southampton’s head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the Football Association over the ‘Spygate’ scandal.
Saints were thrown out of the Championship play-offs by the EFL in May over the affair and docked four points for the coming season.
The club admitted spying on a training session held by play-off opponents Middlesbrough in May, and on sessions at Ipswich and Oxford earlier in the season.
On May 21 the FA confirmed it was investigating the matter, and on Wednesday it announced charges had been brought.
Southampton’s owner Dragan Solak said he had no intention of sacking Eckert over the ‘Spygate’ row
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 03:00
ICYMI: Bournemouth reject Alex Scott bid from Chelsea
Bournemouth have rejected an approach from Chelsea for midfielder Alex Scott and the Cherris have reportedly made it clear that they will not be selling the England Under-21 international this summer.
However, the BBC have reported that Scott has rejected a new contract and has told Bournemouth that he is not willing to agree a new deal. The BBC report states that Chelsea’s bid was £64m but Bournemouth do not want to sell.
His current deal runs until 2028, so Bournemouth are not under pressure to sell this summer, having turned down one approach from Chelsea already.
Arsenal and Manchester United are also very interested as they seek help in the engine room and it would be a coup if any of the trio could prise Scott away from the south coast.
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 02:01
Premier League transfers: Top deals so far
1. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) - £117m
2. Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest to Man City) - £116m
3. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle to Tottenham) - £100m
4. Matheus Fernandes (West Ham to Tottenham) - £84m
5. Jeremy Jacquet (Stade Rennais to Liverpool) - £53.7m
6. Johan Manzambi (Freiburg to Aston Villa) - £51m
7. Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton to Tottenham) - £51m
8. Marco Palestra (Atalanta to Chelsea) - £48.6m
9. Andrey Santos (Man Utd to Chelsea) - £48m
10. Luka Vuskovic (Tottenham to Brighton) - £46m
Jamie Braidwood23 July 2026 01:00
ICYMI: How Morgan Rogers will fit into Chelsea
The ruthlessness of Chelsea’s move for Morgan Rogers in a British record £117m deal from Aston Villa caught many by surprise. Rogers was a long-standing Arsenal target and, as The Independent understands, a priority signing for Mikel Arteta from well before this summer.
Let’s take a deeper look at what Rogers brings, where he fits in and the potential issues that could arise with the England international on board under Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea are set to pay a British record £117m for the England and Aston Villa star and, as Jack Rathborn details, add versatility and depth to their new attack under Xabi Alonso
Jack Rathborn23 July 2026 00:01