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Director Andrea Berta has personally held talks over signing a high-earning player as one of his first actions at Arsenal, and it is believed the Gunners target could now be tempted to join Mikel Arteta’s side as a result.

Andrea Berta's list of forward targets at Arsenal

Rumours have surrounded the acquisition of a new striker for Arsenal this summer, with Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko all repeatedly linked.

Arsenal: Berta tells Arteta to sign "powerful" forward likened to Aguero

He’s been compared to Man City’s all-time top goalscorer.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 2, 2025

Following Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz’s long-term injuries, the need for another prolific option up top is made all the more prevalent, with midfielder Mikel Merino currently being used as an emergency makeshift striker.

Arsenal are developing a strong interest in Gyokeres to fill the void from next season, according to David Ornstein, while fellow reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has tipped Berta to make an offer for Isak.

However, while a new striker is believed to be high on Berta’s agenda, the Italian also plans to upgrade Arteta’s wide options.

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal are targeting a left-winger this summer, and they’re even pondering the possibility of bringing in someone who can compete with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side.

Last summer, under ex-director Edu, Arsenal displayed a real interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams for the role.

It was reported at the time that Williams was a top target for Arteta, off the back of an impressive 2023/2024 campaign where he bagged 19 assists in all competitions, but the Spain international opted to remain at Bilbao for this season.

The 22-year-old’s contract includes a £48 million release clause, and Arsenal’s interest hasn’t gone away. However, they face very stiff competition for his services, as Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also targeting Williams.

Andrea Berta holds Arsenal talks with Nico Williams targeted

That is according to The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons, who states that Berta has personally held Arsenal transfer talks with Williams’ representatives in “one of his first acts” as director.

In his report for The Guardian, Aarons also reports Berta’s influence could tempt Williams to join Arsenal over elite clubs in the race for his signature – following two years of heavy scouting from the Gunners.

The £200,000-per-week forward is also expected to push for a summer exit, but while his £48m release clause will be enticing, the major obstacle will lie in his rumoured wage demands. Williams apparently wants as much as £300,000-per-week at his new club, which would make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player.

The question is, would he be worth it? Williams carries a reputation as one of La Liga’s most highly-rated young attacking stars, completing the fifth-highest rate of successful take-ons per 90 in the entire division (WhoScored), and his exciting style would hand Arsenal another major weapon in the final third.

His return has lessened this season compared to last – scoring nine goals and assisting seven others in all competitions – but his form has picked up lately as we approach the summer window.

Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been sent a warning by the potential new bosses of Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

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• Wrexham warned by Championship rivals' new owner
• Consortium planning to buy Sheffield Wednesday
• Want to build new stadium

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The acting duo have overseen massive changes in the fortunes of Wrexham since they took over in 2021. The Welsh side achieved three consecutive promotions and will now play in the Championship for the 2025-26 campaign. Ahead of competing in the second tier of English football, Wrexham have been issued a warning by their rivals Sheffield Wednesday's potential new owner.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A 16-member consortium led by Florida property investor John Flanagan and Sheffield-born businessman Adam Shaw is exploring the option of buying Wednesday from Thai businessman Dejphon Chansiri, who has stopped his investment at the club. Shaw wants the club to become popular in the US and has told the Red Dragons that the Owls are 'way bigger'. There are also plans to build a new stadium to replace Hillsborough.

• WHAT ADAM SHAW SAID

  Speaking to , Shaw said: "Sheffield Wednesday are nowhere in America. We sell zero shirts and have no commercial presence there – that’s got to change. With the World Cup in the US next year and with the individuals we have in our ownership group, we could easily become Florida’s English football team.

  "We should and can be way bigger than Wrexham. Ryan Reynolds would give his left leg to have what we already have at Wednesday in terms of our history and fanbase. Let’s use that."

  He added: "We wouldn’t do anything without consulting the fans, but we think the club should have a home where people can park more easily and have up-to-date facilities. If we want to create a culture that ensures we become a sustainable, competitive and successful Premier League side, then we must be proactive. Premier League clubs are all upgrading their stadiums."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Phil Parkinson's side are scheduled to travel to Australia and New Zealand in the second week of July for their pre-season preparations, where they will face three A-League clubs, Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.

Weah reportedly rejected a move to Forest after the Bianconeri and the English club came to an agreement over a transfer

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• Tim Weah reportedly turns down Nottingham Forest move
• Had been linked with English club alongside Samuel Mbangula
• Failed to agree personal terms after clubs reached agreement

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Tim Weah has reportedly rejected a potential transfer to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest, according to Fabrizio Romano. Forest and Juventus reportedly came to an agreement earlier this week over a potential transfer for the American forward and winger Samuel Mbangula in a package deal of around €22 million ($25.7M)

  Weah, competing with the Serie A side at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, has seemingly turned down the chance to sign for the English club.

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  Weah was left out of Juventus' Matchday squad on Thursday at the Club World Cup as the lost 5-2 to Manchester City in their Group Stage finale.

  Weah reportedly rejected a loan move to Everton in January 2024. He has been with Juventus since signing for the club in the summer of 2023, where he joined from Ligue 1 side Lille.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Weah has scored seven goals and recorded six assists in 78 appearances with Juve since joining in 2023. He also has seven goals in 44 matches for the USMNT.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Juventus play a Club World Cup Round of 16 match against Real Madrid on July 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Francisco Mendoza received four tickets to the upcoming quarterfinal match between PSG and Bayern Munich

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• Will attend the PSG vs. Bayern Munich quarterfinal
• Posed for a photo with Mexican legend Luis Hernández
• Thanked FIFA for an unforgettable memory

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Francisco Mendoza, a Monterrey supporter living in Atlanta, was honored as the 2,000,000th fan to attend a FIFA Club World Cup match. The milestone was reached during the Round of 16 clash between Rayados and Borussia Dortmund at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday, where the German side came out on top with a 2-1 win.

  Before kickoff, Mendoza was recognized by FIFA for purchasing the tournament’s milestone ticket. Overcome with emotion, he shared, "I’m still shaking. This is something I’ll never forget. My family just moved in with me to Atlanta, and this was our first match together. It turned into a lifetime memory. I’m going to frame that photo right away. Thanks to FIFA for making this moment possible."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  To make the moment even more special, Mendoza and his family had the chance to meet Luis “El Matador” Hernández, one of Mexico’s all-time top scorers in FIFA World Cup history, who posed for a photo before the match.

  The Round of 16 match between Monterrey and Dortmund drew a crowd of 31,442, slightly below the tournament’s average attendance of around 35,000 fans per match.

  As part of his prize, Francisco Mendoza received four tickets to the upcoming quarterfinal match between PSG and Bayern Munich, also set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The largest turnout in the competition was 80,619 fans during the group stage showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético de Madrid at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles. Notably, four of the next six highest-attended matches have also featured teams from different confederations.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MONTERREY?

   will return to Mexico to begin preparations for the Apertura 2025, as they kick off their campaign on July 13 against Pachuca in Week 1.

Getafe president Angel Torres claims that the club reached an agreement to sign Gonzalo Garcia on loan from Real Madrid before the Club World Cup.

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• Getafe reached agreement with Garcia
• Has enjoyed superb CWC
• Torres admits situation has changed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Torres claims that, prior to the Club World Cup, Getafe reached an agreement to sign Garcia on loan from Real. Prior to the tournament, the 21-year-old had made just six first-team appearances. At the tournament, however, he has scored four goals in five games, and has also provided one assist.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Getafe's president has now claimed that the two clubs reached an agreement for the striker to move to the club in the summer, but he accepts that the situation has changed, and that Los Blancos may now attempt to keep him as their back-up striker, behind Kylian Mbappe.

  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

• WHAT TORRES SAID

  Torres said, via Mundo Deportivo: “We have an agreement with Gonzalo. There was a commitment that as long as he didn’t stay at Real Madrid he could come. This is an agreement from a month and a half ago with both the club and the agent. I have hope, if Gonzalito comes it would be a good help. We also have Víctor Muñoz committed, but he is at the World Cup too.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Real play PSG in the semi-final of the Club World Cup later this week. If Garcia scores, one has to imagine Real may be minded to keep him.

The American midfielder to be among the highest-compensated women's soccer players in the world

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• Macario signs record deal with Nike
• Worth $10 million over 10 years
• Deal would make her among highest-paid

• Imagn
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. women's national team star Catarina Macario has reportedly signed a record-breaking endorsement deal with Nike that will see her paid $10 million over 10 years. Nike announced the signing of Macario this week, having recruited the American playmaker after her previous association with Adidas.

  As part of the deal, which includes a signing bonus and annual payments, Macario will hit that $10 million figure, according to Forbes, and her earnings could also be boosted through incentives and royalties.

  Additionally, the contract reportedly includes options in the final two years of the deal.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Per Forbes, between Macario's deals with Nike and her club, Chelsea, Macario is set to earn at least $2 million during the 2025-26 season, before taking into account other sponsors and appearance fees with the USWNT.

  She is expected to be one of the highest-paid players in women's soccer. Both Chelsea and the USWNT play in kits made by Nike.

  Despite dealing with knee injuries throughout the past few years, Macario has bounced back to reclaim her place as a USWNT mainstay in the months following the 2024 Olympics. Macario has 11 goals in 25 USWNT appearances, including three goals in 2025.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This isn't Nike's first big swing in the women's soccer space. The company lured Ada Hegerberg away from Puma in 2020 for a reported $1.1 million over 10 years. In total, Forbes 2024 list of highest paid female athletes determined that women's players across all sports had off-field earnings rise 11 percent in 2024.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MACARIO?

  Currently in the offseason, Macario's Chelsea campaign will begin with preseason in August. The USWNT, meanwhile, recently played a trio of summer friendlies, twice defeating Ireland 4-0, before topping Canada 3-0.

Real Betis are considering walking away from a deal to sign Manchester United outcast Antony on a permanent deal with the club still unable to find a breakthrough in negotiations for the winger.

• Betis keen to retain Antony
• Must find compromise with Man Utd
• Will walk away if no breakthrough

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a successful loan spell in Spain last season, Real Betis are keen to sign Antony permanently, but are struggling to find a breakthrough in negotiations with Manchester United. As a result, the La Liga side are now threatening to walk away from a potential deal.

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  Antony is part of the club's 'bomb squad' left behind from the pre-season tour to find transfers away this summer. But after raising their asking price to £30million, Betis are becoming frustrated with the situation and have threatened to move on to other targets if United refuse to lower their valuation of the Brazilian.

• WHAT HARO SAID

  Speaking on the situation, Betis president Angel Haro said: "From an economic standpoint, it has to fit within our parameters. A purchase depends on United’s price.

  "A loan rather than a purchase is more feasible, given what Manchester wants to ask for. We’re assuming, and Betis is making efforts, that he can arrive, but if he doesn’t, I don’t want it to be seen as a failure. It’s difficult to bring in a player of this quality and such a high financial compensation."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

  The ex-Ajax star would reportedly be keen on a move back to Betis, but Atletico Madrid are rivalling the club for his signature. A move to Spain looks on the cards for Antony, one way or the other.

Rasmus Hojlund has made it clear to Manchester United officials that he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford for RB Leipzig, according to reports from talkSPORT. Despite interest from the Bundesliga club, the Danish striker has informed the Red Devils that a move to Germany is not on his agenda.

• Man Utd eager to offload Hojlund
• Was tipped to join Leipzig
• The Dane has no interest in the transfer  

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leipzig had been exploring the possibility of signing Hojlund, potentially as part of a deal that would see United bring Benjamin Sesko to the Premier League. However, the 21-year-old Dane’s refusal to consider the switch could complicate United's efforts to land the Slovenian frontman.  

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A delegation from United was reportedly sent to Germany earlier this week to open discussions with RB Leipzig regarding Sesko. The striker had also attracted strong interest from Arsenal earlier in the window. However, the Gunners backed away after Leipzig stood firm on their valuation, which exceeded €80 million (£70m/$93m). 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Newcastle United have also entered the chase for Sesko and have reportedly tabled an offer of €75 million (£65m/$87m), with an additional €5m (£4.3 million) in potential bonuses. Despite the significant bid, it is understood that Sesko would prefer a move to Old Trafford over a switch to St James' Park. This preference could tilt the negotiation in United's favour, especially if they can reach a compromise on Leipzig’s asking price. Sources suggest that both clubs are hopeful that a deal could be struck closer to the €70m (£61m/$81m) mark. 

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  WHAT NEXT?

  One of the proposals floated to facilitate the transfer was to offer Hojlund in exchange for Sesko, either as a direct swap or part of a package deal. This option was seen as a potential solution to help United manage their financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).    

  By offloading Hojlund and acquiring Sesko in return, United could theoretically balance the books and strengthen their squad at the same time. But with Hojlund now firmly opposing any move away from Manchester, the feasibility of that arrangement has been thrown into doubt.

The long-running Alvaro Morata transfer drama has finally concluded as AC Milan, Galatasaray and Como strike an agreement to resolve his future.

• Milan pay Galatasaray to end Morata's loan and finalise his transfer
• Morata reunites with Fabregas at ambitious Serie A club Como
• Player could debut vs Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy this week

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Milan have reached an agreement to pay Galatasaray up to €3 million plus potential bonuses to terminate Morata’s loan. This move frees the Spanish striker to complete a permanent transfer to Como, where he will reunite with former team-mate Cesc Fabregas. The deal also includes a €10m payment from Como to Milan for Morata’s contract, which is set to run through 2028. The transfer saga, prolonged by Galatasaray’s compensation demands after paying €6m for Morata’s initial loan, was resolved after extended negotiations.

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  Morata’s time at Milan proved underwhelming; joining for €13m (£11m/$15m) from Atletico Madrid in July 2024, he scored only six goals in 25 appearances. He was loaned to Galatasaray in January, where his form improved with seven goals and three assists in 16 matches, slashing his goals-per-minute average in half. His close relationship with Fabregas was influential in his decision to join Como, who recently finished 10th in Serie A and are aiming for European qualification next season. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Morata's club future appears to have been solved, there is still some uncertainty around his international career. The forward has said he is considering calling it quits with Spain after his costly missed penalty in the Nations League final defeat to Portugal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALVARO MORATA & COMO?

  Morata is set to join Como immediately after formalities are completed, with hopes of making his debut against Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy. Como’s attacking options are further strengthened ahead of the 2025-26 Serie A season, and the club eyes European competition. Milan will focus on reinvesting funds into their squad, potentially pursuing new striker options. Galatasaray, having secured Victor Osimhen, move forward without Morata.

GOAL breaks down expectations for U.S. internationals ahead of the upcoming European season

The European seasons have arrived. For Americans Abroad, the clock continues to tick, another landmark down on the road to the 2026 World Cup. This weekend, competitions throughout Europe will kick off – and some already began.

With the transfer window open until the end of the month, pieces continue to move around the chessboard. By and large, thought, this is it: the final club season before national teams gather for the World Cup next summer. That comes with pressure, particularly on the group of U.S. men's national team stars jostling for places.

Some will be fighting on their league's elite teams. Americans are key pieces at both PSV and Celtic, two clubs that will look to continue their dominance atop their leagues. Others will be looking to get there, with Johnny Cardoso's Atletico Madrid, Folarin Balogun's Monaco and Tim Weah's Marseille eager to leap back into title contention against the superpowers in the league.

Ahead the European season, GOAL takes a closer look at the expectations for Americans Abroad. Next up: a look at Ligue 1, La Liga, the Eredivisie and more.

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  Ligue 1

  There's a chance that two-thirds of the USMNT's starting attack at next summer's World Cup will have earned their way there in France's top flight.

  Balogun has been in the league, first on loan with Reims and now with Monaco, but the USMNT striker heads into this season with a point to prove. After injuries derailed last season for both club and country, he is now a part of a very different Monaco team, one that features plenty of competition in the attack as they look to reclaim their place among Ligue 1's elite.

  Marseille were right up there last season, finishing second, and they signed Weah ahead of this season. The USMNT winger has joined the club on an initial loan with an obligation to buy, which means that Marseille will have plans to utilize him this season and beyond. It remains to be seen if Weah is more winger or wingback, much like it was when he was at Juventus.

  Tanner Tessmann is at another one of the league's big clubs, Lyon, who will be riding high after surviving chaos this summer. Cleared to remain in Ligue 1 and play in Europa League after being threatened with relegation due to financial issues, Lyon's situation has settled.  Tessmann wants to lock down a spot as a deep-lying midfielder despite competition from former Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton. He faces similar competition with the USMNT after missing out on the Gold Cup.

  And, finally, there's Mark McKenzie at Toulouse. The centerback stepped up last season, proving that he can play at a higher level after moving to Ligue 1 from Belgium. He'll look to take it one step further now in his sophomore season as he, too, finds himself in a positional battle with the U.S., having served as a backup to Chris Richards and Tim Ream this summer.

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  La Liga

  There were a number of big USMNT transfers this summer. Johnny Cardoso's move to Atletico Madrid might be the biggest. Despite injury issues this summer, it was an eventful offseason for Cardoso, who completed his $35 million move to one of La Liga's biggest clubs.

  The transfer was a like-for-like replacement for Rodrigo de Paul, who linked up with old pal Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. At Atleti, Cardoso will now play under one of the best and most passionate head coaches in the game has, Diego Simeone, as he looks to put his USMNT struggles behind him at one of the world's biggest and best clubs.

  He's not the only American in La Liga this season. Reports out of Spain indicate that Diego Kochen may get time in goal for Barcelona to start the season amid a goalkeeper registration crisis. It would be a huge moment for the young shot-stopper, one that would certainly aid his ambitions of making a push towards the World Cup roster at just 19 years old.

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  Eredivisie

  The season has already started for PSV, and it's started well. They've already lifted the Johan Cruyff Cup, earning a bit of silverware before then winning their first match of the Eredivisie campaign.

  Sergino Dest is off to a strong start, with goals in each of those two matches. After missing so much of last season with an ACL injury, Dest looks eager to make up for lost time. That's huge news for both PSV and the USMNT, who are surely glad to welcome back a defender that offers something totally unique and dangerous in the attacking end.

  Ricardo Pepi, ultimately, is the guy tasked with making things happen in that attacking end, and he, like Dest, is on the comeback trail. The striker was as hot as any forward in the world in January, but a knee injury knocked him out for the rest of the season. PSV have been content to ease him in since, giving him a 29-minute run-out in the cup win.

  Also in the Eredivisie? Taylor Booth, a player with two USMNT caps. After joining Twente in February, he'll be eager to lock down a bigger role with the club as he looks to prove he has the quality to be a part of the U.S. player pool.

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  Others to watch

  In Scotland, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Celtic will look to claim yet another league title, having lifted the trophy last season. Celtic, as always, are a dominant force in their domestic league, but both American defenders will face competition for centerback spots in a team that continues to upgrade it's squad all over the pitch.

  Belgium, meanwhile, is home to a few USMNT hopefuls. Marlon Fossey is off to a good start to the season with Standard Liege, while Griffin Yow and Bryan Reynolds remain at Westerlo for the time being despite transfer rumors all summer long.

  In terms of youngsters, keep an eye on Josh Wynder as he looks to break through at Benfica.