Eddie Howe is putting his Newcastle players through post-game training sessions to bolster their attacking output, as the Magpies seek to replace the goalscoring prowess of Alexander Isak. With record-signing Nick Woltemade bagging just once in his first three appearances, and Yoanne Wissa out through injury, Newcastle's manager is hoping to get his whole team firing to kickstart their season.
Newcastle stars involved in post-match shooting practice
reports that after Newcastle's 4-1 win over Bradford City in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, many of the club's stars took part in an attack-versus-defence drill in front of the Gallowgate End. The drill saw Woltemade, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali take part, with the Italian midfielder smashing the ball into the roof of a portable net. The session was part of Howe's call to arms for his players to push forward in scoring more goals in the absence of Isak. The Swede, whose protracted transfer saga and eventual departure to Liverpool dominated Newcastle's preparations this summer, scored 27 goals in all competitions for the Magpies last term.
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Howe's men struggle in front of goal after Isak sale
Newcastle are struggling to replace that output. They are the Premier League's second lowest scorers, bagging just three times in their first five league outing this season. Only Aston Villa, with one, have scored fewer. Howe's men are averaging just 2.6 shots on target per game, down from 4.6 last year.
Woltemade adapting to the Premier League
If this drought is to continue, questions will certainly be asked of the towering Woltemade. The 23-year-old bought himself some time when he scored on his debut in Newcastle's 1-0 win over Wolves, however he has not bagged in his following appearances. The towering German offers a significantly different threat than Isak. A highly technical player that likes to drop deep to both connect play and dribble at opponents there is some speculation around the club that his best position may actually be as a second striker or a number 10. However, with Howe preferring to play a sole target man, extra work is required to get Woltemade up to speed with his demands, the requirements of the Premier League and also to get him acclimated to his teammates.
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Howe wants goals across his Newcastle team
Hope reports that Newcastle's pre-season tour from hell — Isak's refusal to travel with the team to Asia kickstarted the extended saga — was the genesis of Howe's plans to bolster his attack from deep. The head coach routinely led an exercise that saw Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton encouraged to break forward from attack. It will be heartening to the Newcastle coaching staff that Joelinton chipped in with two goals and Bruno two assists in their 4-1 victory over Bradford.
However, the manager will be hoping for more from his wide players. The quartet of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga have yet to record a goal and boast just one assist between them. That was from Murphy's cross to Woltemade for the German's debut goal.
At £55 million (€64m), Elanga represented a significant investment for the Magpies, but he has yet to displace Murphy in Howe's preferred starting XI. Speaking to Howe said: ‘It’s harsh to say he’s got no goals or assists. Statistically, that is right. But you look at the chances he has created and sometimes it’s not on him that players he has served haven’t scored.
"If Nick scores Jacob’s cross with the header, he gets the assist. Vice-versa, if someone misses an opportunity, that assist doesn’t happen. Anthony has done his job several times but it hasn’t ended up in a goal.
"He’s looked a threat. He has that raw pace and power that is so difficult to defend against. But I think he can get better, and we can help him do that as we continue to work with him."
Arsenal chiefs are currently attempting to get a few players off Mikel Arteta’s books right now after a summer of serious spending.
The Gunners have maintained their real interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze following extensive talks with his representatives (Fabrizio Romano), amid serious competition from Tottenham, and Arteta has confirmed that they’re still looking to strengthen before the transfer deadline on September 1.
However, the Spaniard is also clear that Arsenal need to sell.
“Let’s see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks,” said Arteta last week.
“But we are actively looking at options. As well, there are a few players that, maybe, they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens.”
Arsenal have enjoyed a very productive summer window, investing north of £200 million on six major signings in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres.
To balance out the squad, reports claim that Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all players who could leave Arsenal in the next fortnight, while uncertainty also surrounds the future of defender Jakub Kiwior.
The Poland international impressed alongside William Saliba towards the back end of 2024/2025 when Gabriel was out injured, but he isn’t exactly guaranteed consistent playing time, with Kiwior reportedly open to exploring opportunities away from Arsenal.
Several clubs are apparently keen on signing the defender, as reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.
Now, according to a fresh update from TUTTOmercatoWEB, AC Milan are one of the sides considering a potential deal.
Mikel Arteta stance on selling Jakub Kiwior as Milan open talks
TMW report that the Rossoneri have opened discussions with Arsenal over Kiwior, who the north Londoners value up to £26 million.
Arsenal are also unwilling to agree any kind of loan for the 25-year-old, which makes this operation a pretty pricey one from Milan’s perspective, while it is also believed that Kiwior is considered an important player by Arteta – so he’s not keen on letting the ex-Spezia man return to Italy.
While the player wants to feature more regularly, whether that be at the Emirates Stadium or a new club, none of his suitors are prepared to meet Arsenal’s demands right now – including Crystal Palace – who also made a recent approach for him.
This isn’t the first time Kiwior has attracted interest from Serie A, as it has been a reoccurring theme ever since he joined Arsenal over two years ago.
“The interest in Jakub Kiwior from Italy is not surprising, He is a sensational talent, who can play across multiple positions,” said podcaster Adam Keys on X in 2023.
“Arsenal should, and most likely will, be shunning any offers that come through. He will get plenty of minutes here, and the potential is sky high.”
It’s been a spectacular summer for Arsenal this year.
Mikel Arteta’s side might not be favourites for the Premier League, but the club have backed them in a big way in the transfer market.
The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and even Noni Madueke could all be incredible signings, but perhaps the most exciting of them all is Eberechi Eze.
The Englishman feels like just the player the Gunners have needed, although he’s still worth less than someone the club lost years ago.
Eze's return to Arsenal
Apart from being an outstanding player, one of the primary reasons Eze’s move to Arsenal feels so momentous is that the club released him as a youngster.
Over the following years, he would be released by Millwall, Fulham and Reading, rejected by Bristol City and Sunderland, and face the very real possibility of not making it in professional football.
Fortunately, he finally got his break with Queens Park Rangers, and following a successful loan spell with Wycombe Wanderers, he enjoyed a full campaign in the first team in the 18/19 season.
A couple of years later, he moved to Crystal Palace for around £8m, and over the following five years would amass a stellar haul of 40 goals and 28 assists in 169 games, despite suffering several injury setbacks, including an ACL injury.
So, when it was announced that Arsenal had signed him for £68m last month, it was more than a normal transfer; it was a homecoming and a righting of the wrong that saw him leave North London all those years ago.
Eze’s Palace record
Appearances
169
Minutes
12089′
Goals
40
Assists
28
Goal Involvements per Match
0.40
Minutes per Goal Involvements
177.77′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Unfortunately, though, the Gunners do not get to correct every mistake they make, as another youngster who was let go is now worth even more than Eze.
The former Arsenal gem now worth more than Eze
Even though Arsenal have a brilliant record of producing and bringing through young talents, they’ve also been guilty of losing a host of future superstars.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
This is the case with Michael Olise, as before he moved to Chelsea’s academy, he spent time in the Gunners’ youth setup, and to say the club missed out on a great player would be an understatement.
After being released by the Blues in 2016 and spending time with Manchester City’s youth setup, he joined Reading in 2017, followed by Crystal Palace in 2021.
While he suffered from his fair share of injuries in South London, the young Frenchman more than proved himself, scoring 16 goals and providing 25 assists in 90 appearances, more than validating Oliver Glasner’s claim that he’s “one of the best talents in the world.”
After impressing south of the river for a few years, Bayern Munich came calling and paid the Eagles £50m for his services last summer.
Since moving to the German giants, the game-changing winger has more than lived up to his price tag, winning the league and scoring 24 goals and providing 23 assists in 54 appearances.
With such a brilliant start to life in Germany, it’s hardly a surprise to see that the CIES Football Observatory has valued him at 102m, which is about £88m, or £20m more than Eze cost the Gunners.
Ultimately, Arsenal should be delighted with signing the former Crystal Palace star this summer, but we can’t help but wonder how much more dangerous they’d be with Olise in the side as well.
He's "England's future LB": Arsenal sold Hale End's own Hincapie last year
The promising full-back looked brilliant in Arsenal’s academy.
Boland picked up two wickets late after South Australia’s quicks had removed the home side for 285 on a lively surface
Alex Malcolm06-Mar-2025A fighting 79 from Campbell Kellaway in the face of two excellent four-wicket hauls by Jordan Buckingham and Henry Thornton kept Victoria’s Sheffield Shield final hopes alive against ladder leaders South Australia on a difficult day for batting at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.Kellaway’s innings was crucial as Victoria were bowled out for 285 on a green surface having been sent into bat. Scott Boland then removed both South Australia openers in an examining evening spell to leave the visitors under pressure on 40 for 2 at stumps on the opening day.Kellaway, who scored a maiden first-class century before the BBL, got excellent support from Blake Macdonald who was playing his first Shield match for Victoria having moved from New South Wales without a contract last winter. Macdonald had earned his place through twin Second XI centuries against Western Australia and continued that form with a steady 45.Their 122-run stand could prove vital in the context of the game and the season. Following a short rain delay to start the day, Victoria were hit by the early loss of Marcus Harris who edged a delivery from Buckingham that pitched well outside leg stump to third slip in the second over.Scott Boland was soon in the wickets•Getty ImagesKellaway and Macdonald then settled in under overcast skies and calmly guided Victoria to lunch. They went about it in different ways. Kellaway struck nine boundaries in his 79 while Macdonald cleared the rope twice off Thornton and Ben Manenti but only struck two other boundaries in his 45.Thornton got his revenge slightly fortuitously to break the partnership with the score at 126 for 1 when Macdonald gloved a hip-high short ball down the leg side trying to pull behind square.Buckingham made a decisive blow shortly after, castling Kellaway with a cracking yorker that sneaked under the bat and hit the base of off stump. That sparked a collapse as Victoria lost 3 for 0 in the space of nine balls. Harry Dixon was adjudged lbw to Buckingham for a second-ball duck, although replays suggested it may have both pitched and struck the pad outside the line of leg stump.Thornton picked up Peter Handscomb in the following over pushing away from his body to guide a catch to Nathan McSweeney in the gully.However, Victoria’s lower order salvaged the innings. Sam Harper blasted seven boundaries in a 33-ball 44 before he fell edging Buckingham to first slip in the first over after tea. Xavier Crone made 34 not out while Sam Elliott and Fergus O’Neill provided valuable contributions of 23 and 22 respectively before Thornton returned to clean up the tail.Boland then went to work in the final hour, nipping the ball both ways to cause South Australia’s top order no end of trouble. He breached the defence on Conor McInerney in the opening over, nipping one through the gate from around the wicket. He then found the outside edge of Henry Hunt who was neatly caught at second slip by Handscomb to leave the visitors 8 for 2.Boland also had close lbw shouts against both McSweeney and Jason Sangha turned down. But the pair fought through the new ball to remain unbeaten at stumps. Sangha was positive, striking three boundaries in his unbeaten 19, while McSweeney ground out 9 off 53 balls but will reset on the second morning.
After weeks of hunting for a new attacking midfielder, Thomas Frank looks finally about to land a new talent to his Tottenham Hotspur first-team squad.
Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were two players constantly on their radar, but ultimately, the Lilywhites missed out on the aforementioned duo for various reasons.
However, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise, after the hierarchy agreed a deal to land RB Leipzig talent Xavi Simons, despite the Dutchman previously agreeing terms with Chelsea.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
It’s been reported that a €60m (£52m) deal has been agreed for the 22-year-old’s signature, with the youngster even completing his medical after travelling to North London yesterday.
Despite the agreement for Simons, it appears as though Frank and Co. aren’t done in this summer window, subsequently targeting other players before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Spurs’ hunt for new additions after Simons
Over the last couple of weeks, West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been strongly linked with a move to join Spurs – but no deal has yet been agreed for the Brazilian.
Talks have been held between the two clubs to try and reach an agreement, leading to the Hammers placing a £60m price tag on the 27-year-old’s head.
However, he’s not the only player who’s been on their radar during the summer window, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss still in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
They claim that Frank’s men could still make a move for the Moroccan, reporting that a late deal could be landed for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder on deadline day.
It also states that the manager and the staff behind the scenes are constantly monitoring his situation, with the youngster seen as a player who can add further quality to the current side – potentially being available for just £22m.
Why Spurs’ £22m transfer target is just like Paqueta
A deal for a star from West Ham may appear controversial, given the rivalry, but it wouldn’t be the first time this summer, after previously completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian has already made an immediate impact in North London, registering two assists in his first two Premier League outings under new boss Frank.
Should they agree a deal for Paqueta, he would be the latest star from Graham Potter’s side to make the move, but it would be a huge investment given his £60m asking price.
The pending deal for Simons could potentially put such a move on the back burner, which could make El Khannouss a more cost-effective squad option for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.
Whilst many supporters will raise their eyebrows at such a move, given the Foxes’ relegation last campaign, the Moroccan still managed to be labelled as a similar player to Paqueta by FBref.
When comparing his stats to those of the Brazilian from 2024/25, El Khannouss managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb addition to the side this summer.
The Leicester star, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more combined goals and assists, whilst also achieving a better shot on target rate in front of goal – a record that would hand the Lilywhites an added threat in the final third.
Games played
33
33
Goals & assists
6
4
Shot on target accuracy
23%
7%
Progressive passes
5.9
5.8
Key passes made
1.7
1.3
Shot-creating actions
3.2
3.1
Take-on success
57%
44%
Progressive carries
2.9
0.9
Carries into the final third
1.9
1.2
However, an attacking midfielder is mainly responsible for chance creation – something which the Moroccan demonstrated in abundance throughout 2024/25.
He bettered Paqueta for both key passes made per 90, whilst creating more shooting opportunities for his teammates, having all the tools to thrive behind the striker in North London.
El Khannouss’ talents with the ball at his feet are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, subsequently taking the ball into the final third on more occasions in the Premier League last campaign.
There’s no denying that all the Spurs faithful are hugely focused on a deal to land Simons – and rightfully so given his mammoth transfer fee, which has seen him edge closer to completing his move.
However, El Khannouss would be an excellent backup to the Dutchman, with his potential late arrival handing Frank the added squad depth he’s been craving since taking the reins.
The new Eriksen: Spurs closing in on agreement to sign "world-class" star
Tottenham Hotspur could finally be about to land a new number ten for Thomas Frank this summer.
Australian allrounder Moises Henriques has joined Notts Outlaws for the 2025 Vitality Blast.Henriques, who has made 10 appearances in the competition for Surrey across two stints, the most recent coming in 2017, has been capped 44 times for his country, with the majority (24) coming in T20Is.The 38-year old brings a wealth of experience, with 282 matches in the T20 format. As Sydney Sixers captain, he has led his side to two Big Bash League titles, and is the leading appearance maker in Australia’s domestic competition, as well as being the fourth highest runscorer in its history.A stalwart of the global franchise scene, Henriques has featured in nine editions of the Indian Premier League, and played a prominent role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s triumph in 2016. He has also won the now-defunct T20 Champions League twice with New South Wales.”I can’t wait to get over to Nottingham this season to play in the Blast,” Henriques said. “Trent Bridge is an iconic cricket ground and I’m looking forward to playing in front of their amazing crowds.”On a personal note, I’ve made some great friends over the years with both past players and staff from Notts and their values as people I’m sure represent their time there, which I can’t wait to experience.”Notts have had a lot of success over the last decade and I’ll be looking to add to that. The current squad looks extremely talented and young and hopefully with my experiences of T20 cricket around the world I can add a bit of value to the group both on and off the field.”Henriques will fill Outlaws’ second overseas spot, joining fellow Australian Daniel Sams, and is a welcome boost following the news that veteran opener Alex Hales will skip the English season to take up franchise opportunities overseas during the summer.Nottinghamshire finished bottom of the North Group in 2024, and have not made the latter stages of the T20 Blast since winning it for the second time in 2020.”Moises’s experience and quality as a player will add a huge amount to our squad, while he’ll be another leader in the group,” said head coach Peter Moores. “His reputation as a captain precedes him. He’ll provide great support for Joe (Clarke) as he continues to grow into that role.”His ability to negotiate a run chase or set a score with the bat has been well proven over the years, providing experience and stability in a new look batting line up. Crucially he’s used to playing in a winning set up, which is exactly the mentality we’re looking to build as we move forward as a team.”
Kevin De Bruyne scored a second-half penalty to get Napoli back in the game against AC Milan before being subbed off by Antonio Conte in their first Serie A defeat. The Belgian looked frustrated as he walked off and went straight to the bench without acknowledging Conte. The coach said the decision was to bring fresh legs, adding he hoped De Bruyne’s displeasure was with the result, not him.
Kevin De Bruyne wasn't happy with Conte's decision
De Bruyne was one of Napoli's standout performers in their clash against AC Milan, orchestrating play from midfield and constantly probing the opposition defence. His most significant contribution came when he won a penalty after being tripped by a Milan defender while making a clever run into the box. The Belgian confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, briefly levelling the score for Napoli and showcasing his composure under pressure. Despite his strong performance, coach Conte chose to substitute De Bruyne around the 73rd minute. The decision clearly frustrated the player, who swiftly exited the pitch, notably bypassed Conte, and sat on the bench looking visibly disgruntled over being taken off at a crucial moment.
AdvertisementAFPConte's has no time to deal with tantrums
Asked about the changes specifically substituting De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund in the 73rd minute, the coach said: "I tried to bring in fresh players for one-on-one situations because Milan were closing down a lot. I swapped the striker for Lucca and nothing happened… You make substitutions to try and do something good. I think they were the right changes."
Sharing his take on De Bruyne's reaction, the coach said: "I hope he was upset about the result because if he was upset about something else he's got the wrong person."
The Italian coach wasn't pleased with the result but defended the team's overall performance blaming the drop in defensive hold on the lack of players and a congested fixture run.
"We've conceded a few more goals lately, seeing as we did the two goals against Pisa, the two goals today, and the goal against Fiorentina," he said. "Defensiveness has always been our strength, we'll have to be good at improving. Coming here with this performance and playing with this quality against Milan, who are a tough and physically strong team. If they close down, it becomes difficult… It has to give us a good feeling as a team."
Napoli needs defensive reinforcements
Napoli’s defence is in crisis with the absence of both Amir Rrahmani, out for several weeks with a muscle injury and expected to return in mid-October, and Alessandro Buongiorno, sidelined for about a month with an adductor injury, leaving the team short of centre-backs. Conte admitted after the Milan game that conceding more goals lately has been a problem and emphasised the need for defensive improvement, especially with only Juan Jesus and Sam Beukema left as fit centre-backs, while other defenders like Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Spinazzola and Mathias Olivera are either suspended or fatigued.
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Getty Images SportConte shifts focus to the Champions League
Napoli will host Sporting CP in their crucial Champions League match on October 1. With several key defenders injured, Conte is counting on the young players to step up and deliver strong performances to keep the team competitive during this injury crisis.
O Flamengo segue sendo a maior torcida do Brasil, com uma preferência de quase 30%. Em pesquisa, o time Rubro-Negro acumula aproximadamente 42 milhões de torcedores. Além da maior torcida, o Flamengo conta também como preferido nas regiões Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Norte.
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Seguido dele, o Corinthians conta com cerca de 30 milhões de torcedores espalhados pelo mundo, e representa 15% de todo o Brasil. Além de ocupar a segunda posição, é também a maior torcida da região Sudeste.
A terceira posição é ocupada pelo São Paulo, com mais de 17 milhões de fãs. Em quarto, o Palmeiras, que tem contado com com um crescimento no número de torcedores, graças as conquistas de títulos mais recentes, já conta com 12 milhões de pessoas na torcida e quase 8% de preferência do público.
Completando os cinco maiores, o Vasco tem mais de 8 milhões de torcedores espalhados, representando 7% dos torcedores brasileiros. O Grêmio vem logo em seguida, sendo o primeiro fora do Rio de Janeiro e de São Paulo a aparecer na lista.
Confira o ranking completo das maiores torcidas brasileiras:
Celtic have been chasing a striker all window and could now be set to land an experienced goalscorer who has his heart set on a move to Parkhead, according to a report.
Brendan Rodgers responds to Celtic transfer speculation
Brendan Rodgers has been asked plenty of times about transfer speculation this window and the questions aren’t about to stop any time soon, given his side need to secure arrivals to prepare them for a two-legged Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty.
Speaking after his side saw off Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup last week, the Irishman stated in his press conference that he is hopeful arrivals will come in sooner rather than later to bolster his squad.
Brendan Rodgers
He said: “Hopefully would be the answer to that. We have right up until, I believe it’s the day before the game, to change our squad so hopefully that can be the case. We hope that we can improve it, and hopefully by then we will do.”
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s loan from Manchester City was the last signing Celtic made, albeit West Ham United star Andy Irving is open to joining the Bhoys if he is allowed to leave the London Stadium before the end of the window.
Royal Antwerp star Michel-Ange Balikwisha is also on the Bhoys’ radar and may be a solution out wide. However, it remains to be seen how the Scottish Premiership champions go about strengthening in the forward areas.
Plenty of work remains to be done ahead of the close of play, and Celtic could now be well in contention to land a striker who has seen and done it all across his distinguished career.
Jamie Vardy has his 'heart set' on move to Celtic
According to The Sun, Jamie Vardy has his heart set on a move to Celtic and is reportedly desperate to reunite with Rodgers before the window closes, with the Hoops boss hoping to make a move.
West Ham United, Wrexham and Brentford are also keen on the free agent, who has enlisted the help of a personal trainer to keep fit since his departure from Leicester City.
Deal close: Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Celtic "sensation"
The youngster has already captained his national team.
By
Callum Kemp
Aug 17, 2025
The ex-England international believes he can play on for another season or two and will hope to replicate his goalscoring exploits south of the border, where he has netted 244 times across all competitions for club and country.
Last term, he hit the net ten times in 36 appearances, showing he still has plenty left to give in someone’s forward line despite turning 38 at the start of the year.
Now, it remains to be seen if Celtic can push a deal over the line, though the fact Vardy is seemingly relishing a shot at life north of the border will fill supporters with optimism.