“Legendary Alan Shearer sends stark warning to Newcastle United: ‘Don’t sell our star player!’ The Magpies’ icon urges caution, stressing the player’s vital role in shaping the team’s future ( ANTHONY GORDON ). Shearer’s message: prioritize loyalty and ambition over lucrative offers.”
Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, while Liverpool and Bayern Munich are the two clubs left battling it out to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.
TRENDING RUMORS
– Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested in signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon at around £80m, says iNews. Gordon, 24, has a long-term contract that runs until 2030, but Newcastle could fall foul of the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) if they don’t raise funds from at least one senior player’s exit this summer and are therefore open to offers.
– Liverpool and Bayern Munich are the two clubs left battling it out to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, says The Telegraph. Sources told ESPN that Manchester City have backed out of the race, despite earmarking the Germany international as a possible replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season. Wirtz has 16 goals and 15 assists in 41 games across all competitions and The Times claims that Leverkusen would want at least €140m from his transfer.
– Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong will sign his contract to join Liverpool in the next 24 hours, according to Fabrizio Romano, who adds that the 24-year-old has already completed the first and second part of his medical and formal steps with an announcement to follow. This comes with the Reds moving quickly as Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares to join Real Madrid.
– AS have confirmed that Atlético Madrid is one of the clubs making informal enquiries to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez ahead of the summer transfer window. Los Colchoneros see the 32-year-old as an option to replace Jan Oblak if he departs, and Manchester United are also looking at the Argentina international. His valuation will reportedly rise significantly if Villa qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
– United States and Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso is a priority for Atlético Madrid, reports MARCA, with Thomas Partey’s wage demands blocking any return to Los Colchoneros even if he leaves Arsenal as a free agent. The 23-year-old’s contract extension, €80m release clause, and Tottenham Hotspur’s option haven’t concerned Atleti, as they know Cardoso will have the final say.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen explores why the best clubs in the world want to sign Florian Wirtz.
Arguably one of the best out-and-out attacking playmakers in the world right now, Wirtz’s contribution to Leverkusen’s domestic double last season was nothing short of phenomenal. From 49 games in all competitions, he registered a sensational 18 goals and 20 assists. And although Xabi Alonso’s side have struggled to repeat last year’s remarkable feats, there’s been no significant drop in the 21-year-old’s performances this time.
Depending on the formation, Wirtz is usually lined up as a lone central attacking midfielder — akin to a No. 10 — or in “double 10” setup tucked in behind a centre-forward.
Equipped with brilliant technical ability, Wirtz possesses an incredible ability to spot a run from a teammate and pick the right pass. Operating in the attacking pockets masterfully, he’s able to create chances single-handedly and often takes on defenders successfully (3.9 successful dribbles per 90 minutes). This is especially evident when he’s able to turn quickly with the ball and suddenly up the tempo of a move. Indeed, only Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard (or a peak Kevin De Bruyne) can rival Wirtz for spontaneous, game-changing actions from central attacking areas.
Averaging just short of 70 passes per 90 minutes, the youngster is highly active in the build up and is always looking for favorable positions to receive the ball. He is also a remarkable finisher. The majority of his goals tend to come from just inside the box (centrally), often executed after carefully picking his spot and applying the right pace on the ball with his striking technique. On the defensive side, he never shies away from his pressing responsibilities either.
So it’s no surprise that Wirtz is being courted by the biggest clubs in world football. Whoever ends up signing him are likely to end up with the defining attacking footballer for the next decade.
