Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Ezri Konsa is expected to undergo his **** nal medical today after the club agreed a deal worth £51 million plus add-ons with Aston Villa.
The England international is now on the verge of becoming **** nal's fifth senior signing of the summer after reportedly saying his goodbyes to Villa team-mates and staff ahead of the move.
Arsenal have reached an agreement with Aston Villa worth around £51 million plus performance-related add-ons for Konsa, with the 28-year-old scheduled to complete his medical before signing a long-term contract.
The deal follows weeks of negotiations after **** nal's opening £30 million bid was rejected. Villa had initially valued the defender at around £60 million before accepting **** nal's improved offer.

#konsa #aston #worth

Aston Villa have received a warning over Ollie Watkins' future after Al-Hilal agreed personal terms with the England striker, according to TEAMtalk, with Graeme Bailey reporting on 18 August that the Saudi giants now stand ready to open negotiations. Al-Hilal still need to clear Karim Benzema's situation before they can push ahead.
Watkins, 30, comes off a campaign. He scored 16 Premier League goals and supplied three ******* ists in 37 appearances, then added five goals and two ******* ists in 15 Europa League matches as Villa won the competition. He went to the 2026 World Cup with England, and the Three Lions finished third after beating France 6-4 in Miami. Villa secured their first continental trophy since 1982.
From Villa's perspective, this timing could hardly look worse. Jhon Duran has left for Al-Nassr at the start of the year, Tammy Abraham has struggled to impress and carries an injury concern, while teenager Brian Madjo faces a spell out after picking up an injury. That leaves Watkins as the senior focal point when Emery's side needs attacking continuity. Watkins has scored 15 or more goals in four successive European seasons, so losing that output creates a problem that money can't replace overnight.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 21: Ollie Watkins #19 of England speaks to the media during an England Press Conference during an England FIFA World Cup 2026 Camp on June 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Personal terms, however, don't equal a transfer. Villa should reject any offer and demand a fee that reflects Watkins' importance and his contract, which runs until June 2028. A bid above £60-70 million would create a different discussion because Watkins is 30 and near peak market value.

#england #kansas #hilal

Como have officially signed Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea for a reported fee of €30m plus add-ons. 'It's an ambitious, rising project, and working with manager Cesc Fabregas again is truly special.'
The negotiations had been dragging on for quite a few weeks, including a period where Como backed out in a pact of non-aggression with Inter.
However, when the Nerazzurri decided the asking price of €30m plus add-ons was too steep, they walked away from the table and left it to Como.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 01: Trevoh Chalobah #12 of England arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Chalobah arrived in Italy on Wednesday for his medical tests, but the transfer was only made official today.

#como #chalobah #plus

In a recent report, The Daily Mail offered an update on ******* nal and their pursuit of Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa. It has been mentioned that the Gunners are prepared to launch another move for the English centre-back in this transfer window.
Konsa enjoyed a decent run of form at the West Midlands club in the previous campaign when he put in a string of impressive displays at the heart of their backline. The 28-year-old netted two goals and earned one ******* ist in 48 appearances for Aston Villa last season across all competitions.
The English defender is currently one of the most talented centre-backs in the Premier League. Hence, it is no wonder that the Gunners are hoping to get a deal over the line for him this summer.
His current contract at Villa Park will run out in the summer of 2028, which could make it difficult for ******* nal to sign him on a cut-price deal this off-season.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 27: Ezri Konsa #2 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and England at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

#konsa #jersey #arsenal #gunners

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 20: Devin Haney looks on during a Press Conference for the Ring IV: Night of the Champions Fight Night ahead of his World Welterweight ******* le fight against Brian Norman Junior at Boulevard Riyadh City Square 2 on November 20, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Rolly Romero is set to defend his WBA welterweight ******* le against Teofimo Lopez on August 22, but on Friday he made headlines discussing other potential opponents. We'd normally consider fellow champion Devin Haney one of those potential foes, but when Romero was asked about the possibility of a unification fight with the WBO champ, Rolly shut it down.
"Me and Devin are never going to fight because he is scared of me," Romero said to Fight Hub TV. "And I'm not going to waste my time. I don't want to talk about Devin Haney. He's ugly." The latter was Rolly being Rolly, but it'll be interesting to see if the two men ever meet. Romero has to take care of business against Lopez to keep the fight realistic. Let's talk boxing.
Where a Romero–Haney unification actually stands
Rolly Romero holds the WBA welterweight ******* le; Devin Haney holds the WBO

#devin #welterweight #title

A failed drug test threatened to derail the career of former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. But a decision issued Thursday by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed that Parker has been cleared to fight and can now continue his run toward a second world **** le.
New Zealand's Parker returned an adverse **** ytical finding for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) drug test conducted hours after losing his WBO interim **** le at the hands of Fabio Wardley this past October in London.
Cocaine is a stimulant and therefore considered performance-enhancing when taken in-competition. Parker was facing a ban of up to two years for the presence of the substance in his system. The former champion denied knowingly or intentionally using the drug.
Fabio Wardley stunned Joseph Parker with a late knockout to win in Round 11 at The O2 Arena on October 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Parker argued that the presence of traces of cocaine in his system was due to the regular use of the substance by a nutritionist he employed for the bout.

#cocaine #fabio

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
James Benge reports for CBS Sports that AS Roma and Juventus are understood to be among a number of Serie A clubs who hold an interest in Gabriel Martinelli, with Turkish club Fenerbahce also monitoring the situation.
Benge adds that Martinelli won't rush a decision, considering the significance of his next move.
The winger has a year left on his ***** nal deal, but the Gunners have the option to extend that for a further 12 months, so there's no great rush to sell or renegotiate his deal right now.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

#pelham

In a recent post on X, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Chelsea are set to sign former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson on a two-year deal. It has been stated that the Blues will secure the services of the English talent on a free transfer this week.
Henderson enjoyed a good run of form at the English club in the previous campaign as he put in a string of influential displays for them in the Premier League. The England international scored once and grabbed three ***** ists in 34 matches for Brentford last season in all competitions.
The 36-year-old is currently one of the most experienced central midfielders in the Premier League. Hence, Chelsea would do well to sign him on a short-term contract this summer.
Henderson is currently a free agent after being released by Brentford recently. Hence, the Blues would be able to sign him on a free transfer this off-season.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 04: Jordan Henderson #14 of England speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England on July 04, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

#Chelsea

Reports in Italy claim that Tottenham defender Djed Spence would be more expensive than Anan Khalaili for Inter, but the Nerazzurri are still willing to open talks with Spurs.
Inter are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid after the Merengues agreed to match his €20m release clause.
Inter's primary target, Marco Palestra, joined Chelsea instead, while Khalaili failed his medical tests this week, leaving the Serie A ******* le holders still in need of a new right wing-back.
Gazzetta, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport claim that Spence is quickly becoming Inter's favourite target, although the Nerazzurri are still ******* sing and have a long shortlist, which includes Strasbourg's Guela Doué, among others.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 05: Djed Spence #25 of England clears the ball in front of Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jude Bellingham #10 of England celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
The world will get a World Cup final four that it deserves.
The four semifinalists are positioned one, two, three, and four, in the latest FIFA ranking:
1. France (6-0-0)
2. Argentina (6-0-0)

Como are ready to make a new offer for Trevoh Chalobah after the €28m plus €2m add-ons was rejected by Chelsea, as the fight with Inter goes on.
The two clubs have been competing for several different transfer targets this summer and Chalobah is the latest in this tug of war.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 20: Trevoh Chalobah #12 of England. during training on June 20, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
According to Sky Sport Italia, Como had made the opening offer at €25m plus €2m in bonuses, rejected because Chelsea are asking for €30m plus €5m add-ons.
A second bid was improved to €28m plus €2m add-ons, but again turned down.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Sami Mokbel reports for the BBC that England will ****** s Declan Rice’s fitness before their next game against Panama, after the midfielder limped away from their last match against Ghana with heavy strapping on his left calf.
But Mokbel adds that sources have indicated there is no major concern that the problem will affect Rice’s long-term involvement at the tournament, it just requires ****** sment and rest before a decision on the Panama game can be made.
Mike Keegan and Craig Hope confirm for the Daily Mail that Rice’s problem is not thought to be serious, but add that no chances will be taken in the Panama game. Kobbie Mainoo is on standby to start if Rice is unable to.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

England look to Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham again in a head-to-head for the top of World Cup Group L with Ghana's Kamaldeen Sulemana.
It kicks off in Boston at 21.00 UK time (22.00 CEST).
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, looks on during an England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Both teams won their opening games in the competition, so this is a face-off for the top of the group and early qualification to the next phase.
England had to dig deep for a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia, which was already 2-2 at half-time, and coach Thomas Tuchel sticks with largely the same starting XI.

Manchester United want Crysencio Summerville. According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Red Devils are willing to pay up to £50 million for the electric Dutch winger, viewing the 24-year-old as the perfect direct replacement for Marcus Rashford on the left flank. They need urgency. He has it.
The queue does not end at Old Trafford. Paris Saint-Germain are clearing the decks for a competing £43 million bid to tempt him across the Channel. Roma, Napoli, AC Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs. This explosion of continental interest comes down to one thing: the winger is absolutely shining for the Netherlands at the ongoing World Cup.
Dropping into the Championship on the final day of the season completely wrecked West Ham's position. Everyone knows they are vulnerable. Relegation forces hands, and reports suggest his actual price could easily slide to between £30 million and £40 million because of that financial hit. Clubs smell blood.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Crysencio Summerville of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Selling your best ****** et after going down is a bitter pill. Doing it on the cheap? Madness. The board must block out the noise regarding that supposed £30 million discount. By shining for the Oranje this summer, Summerville is doing the hard work for them, inflating his own value with every single game.

David Moyes wants his man, and he wants him now. Reports from trusted journalist Alan Nixon via his reluctantnicko platform, as relayed via WestHam_Central on X, suggest the Everton boss is driving a fierce internal campaign to land West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen. It is an aggressive, unexpected move. Moyes is currently badgering the Goodison Park hierarchy to sanction a concrete £20 million opening bid for the versatile forward.
Bowen tops the Scotsman's summer wishlist. No surprise there, really. The pair forged a brilliant understanding during their shared spell in East London, and Moyes desperately craves that exact brand of elite-level reliability on Merseyside. This is a massive statement of intent behind the scenes. Everton are hunting for a proven, top-flight pedigree to inject some serious bite into their frontline.
Negotiations will be brutal. West Ham will view Bowen as an indispensable ******* et, the heartbeat of their squad structure. A formal bid from Goodison will absolutely rock the transfer market, sparking intense boardroom discussions over the coming weeks. Moyes is clearly banking on past loyalties to pull off a monumental coup.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Let's look at the cold, hard facts. Spending £20 million on a 29-year-old winger is a massive gamble for a club with Everton's recent fiscal headaches. There is zero resale value here. None. Modern recruitment models scream for younger profiles with high sell-on potential. You can already hear the Goodison faithful muttering in the pubs around L4 about the wisdom of dropping limited funds on a player on the wrong side of his peak years.

Real Madrid have many players at the 2026 World Cup, but only a week into the tournament, one of them is already heading home.
Arda Guler would’ve had high hopes to go far in the tournament, with many spectators considering Türkiye to be one of the dark horses. However, last week’s defeat to Australia had them on the back foot to qualify from Group D, and it meant that they had to avoid a second loss in a row against Paraguay in order to remain in with a chance of reaching the Round of 32.
However, it was not to be for Guler and Türkiye, as they were defeated 1-0 by the South American side. Matias Galarza’s strike after 64 seconds was the difference, despite the fact that Paraguay played the entire second half after Miguel Almiron was shown a straight red card in stoppage time at the end of the first period.
Despite having 32 shots and 50 touches in Paraguay’s penalty area, Türkiye were unable to get the goal they need. It means they will head home after facing the United States next week, as they cannot overtake Australia or Paraguay due to FIFA changing the tiebreaker from goal difference to head-to-head record.
(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The accolades keep coming for Caroline Harvey, with the U.S. national team and Wisconsin defender named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year.
The honor caps a year in which the 23-year-old Harvey cemented her claim in being her generation’s most accomplished player.
Harvey was the overwhelming favorite in receiving more than 77% of the votes, the IIHF said. She finished ahead of Switzerland forward Alina Muller (9.1%), who scored her second career bronze medal-clinching goal at the Milan Cortina Games in February. Harvey’s U.S. and Badgers teammate Laila Edwards and Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin finished third with 4.5% of the votes.
To top it off, the IIHF honor comes the same day Harvey is expected to be selected with the first pick in the PWHL draft being held in Detroit.
From Pelham, New Hampshire, Harvey is the first defender and second American to earn the IIHF honor, joining Hilary Knight, who won the inaugural award in 2023.

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
The big news in the build up to England’s game against Croatia on Wednesday night was that **** nal’s Bukayo Saka wouldn’t be starting the game due to his ongoing fitness concerns.
Saka is obviously one of England’s best players, so it’s always a bit worrying when he’s not in the team. But in this case it only meant that fellow **** nal winger Noni Madueke would come into the team, and Saka’s replacement ended up helping England to break the deadlock.
Following a Declan Rice corner, Madueke snuck in ahead of Luka Modric to win the ball and draw a foul for a penalty, eventually converted by Harry Kane at the second attempt.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

The accolades keep coming for Caroline Harvey, with the U.S. national team and Wisconsin defender named the International Ice Hockey Federation’s female player of the year on Wednesday.
The honor caps a year in which the 23-year-old Harvey cemented her claim in being her generation’s most accomplished player.
Harvey was the overwhelming favorite in receiving more than 77% of the votes, the IIHF said. She finished ahead of Switzerland forward Alina Muller (9.1%), who scored her second career bronze medal-clinching goal at the Milan Cortina Games in February. Harvey's U.S. and Badgers teammate Laila Edwards and Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin finished third with 4.5% of the votes.
To top it off, the IIHF honor comes the same day Harvey is expected to be selected with the first pick in the PWHL draft being held in Detroit.
From Pelham, New Hampshire, Harvey is the first defender and second American to earn the IIHF honor, joining Hilary Knight, who won the inaugural award in 2023.