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The Black and Gold forward could return to France this summer, according to a new report

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• Lille reportedly targeting Giroud for summer transfer
• Frenchman's contract expires end of 2025
• Has struggled in MLS since joining in summer 2024
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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ligue 1 side Lille are reportedly targeting LAFC striker Olivier Giroud for a summer transfer, according to Tom Bogert. French news outlet L'Equipe reported earlier Wednesday that Giroud was the subject of interest from Lille upon the end of his contract at the conclusion of the MLS season, but a summer deal could now be on the cards, ending the Frenchman's time in MLS after just one season.

  Giroud, 38, has only scored five goals across all competitions since signing for LAFC in the summer 2024. In their last 16 regular sason matches, he has only started five of them.

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  If Giroud were to leave LAFC, it would open up a Designated Player slot, while like providing a solution that benefits both parties. The 38-year-old has not adapted to MLS well and has struggled to maintain a starting spot or find any scoring prowess in the league.

  LAFC were participants in the FIFA Club World Cup, but were eliminated in the Group Stage of the competition. Giroud started one match, and came off the bench in the other two as the lost to both Chelsea and Esperance de Tunis, and drew Flamengo.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Giroud is France's all-time leading scorer internationally with 57 goals.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GIROUD?

  LAFC next take the pitch on Sunday against Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.

Arsenal appear to be closing in on their preferred attacking reinforcement this summer, with advanced negotiations underway for the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. Having evaluated multiple striker options, the Gunners have reportedly turned their full attention to the Swedish international, side-lining previous target Benjamin Sesko in the process.

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• Arsenal on the verge of signing Gyokeres
• Sporting remain firm on €75m demands
• Will stop their Sesko pursuit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  has indicated that Arsenal are nearing the final stages of securing Gyokeres' signature, with a five-year contract believed to be agreed between the player and the Premier League side. The negotiations with Sporting, however, are ongoing as both parties work through the financial details of the transfer.

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  Gyokeres is understood to be “betrayed and tired” with Sporting’s handling of the situation. Reports suggest he believes an earlier understanding with the club, an informal agreement allowing him to leave for a reduced fee, has not been respected. Sporting president Federico Varandas has acknowledged the club’s willingness to part ways with their top scorer but maintains they are not ready to let him go without receiving what they consider a fair price.

  "Sporting does not need to sell him, but we remain sensitive to the dreams of Viktor and any of our athletes," he said.

  "After weeks of meetings, we are not asking for the release clause and will be reasonable regarding the price we ask for Viktor. Today, I believe there is a strong probability he will leave. We have been watching the market and I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65 million.

  "I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor's market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75m. I'm not going to say what the price is, the player knows what it is. I can tell you that Viktor won't leave for €60m plus €10m, he won't, he just won't."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Gyokeres’ goal-scoring exploits last season were nothing short of extraordinary. The 26-year-old netted 39 times in just 33 league appearances, a tally unmatched across Europe’s top ten leagues. While Arsenal had previously been linked with RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, the progress made with Gyokeres suggests that their interest in the Slovenian may now be cooling.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Should the deal go through, Gyokeres would represent a marquee signing for the Gunners, someone capable of transforming their attacking threat and elevating the team’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. With his physical profile and scoring pedigree, he fits the mould of a traditional No. 9 that Arsenal have long sought to add to their ranks.

Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund have announced a deal has been agreed for Jamie Gittens to move to Chelsea.

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• Gittens leaving Chelsea for Dortmund
• Deal agreed during Club World Cup
• Chelsea's spending spree continues

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea and Dortmund are both currently participating in the Club World Cup in the United States and have managed to strike an agreement for Gittens during negotiations in Florida. The Bundesliga side have confirmed that all parties have reached an agreement for Gittens to move to the Premier League side, although "contract details are still to be finalised."

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  Gittens becomes the latest player to join Chelsea in another busy transfer window for the Blues. Joao Pedro has also recently completed a move to Stamford Bridge and joined Liam Depay in making the switch. Enzo Maresca's side have also added Willian Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez to the squad.

• WHAT DORTMUND SAID

  Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: "The talks with Chelsea were challenging, but ultimately we are pleased that we can most likely realize our financial ambitions and then have planning security. Jamie is an outstanding player who has given us a great deal of pleasure. He now wants to take the next step in his career at Chelsea, and we wish him all the best and much success."

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• TELL ME MORE…

  CEO Lars Ricken added: "Jamie Gittens' career is exemplary for the development of top talents at BVB. We discovered Jamie very early, signed him practically for free, continuously developed him in our youth academy, and also offered him playing time at the highest level with the professional team. Jamie has repaid the trust placed in him with commitment, performance, and goals. His transfer back to his native England would be extremely valuable to us. We wish Jamie only the very best for his sporting future."

Bayern Munich have been told the minimum offer they would have to make in order to get Stuttgart to open negotiations for star forward Nick Woltemade.

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• Bayern's €40m + €5m bid rejected
• Stuttgart demand €65m minimum to negotiate
• No exit clause in Woltemade's contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern made an opening offer of €40 million (£34m/$46m) plus €5m (£4m/$6m) in bonuses to sign Stuttgart striker Woltemade. However, Stuttgart rejected the bid immediately, with the board stating they will only enter personal negotiations if Die Roten table an offer of at least €65m (£55m/$74m), according to . Talks have so far included multiple calls and an online meeting between Bayern executives Max Eberl and Jan-Christian Dreesen, and Stuttgart's Fabian Wohlgemuth and Alexander Wehrle.

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  The German striker's contract runs until 2028 and includes no release clause, giving Stuttgart complete control over his future. They see him as a vital part of their project for the 2025-26 season after a breakout year in which he netted 17 goals. But Bayern, who are in search of long-term attacking options, view Woltemade as a priority signing and have already reached an agreement with the player.

• WHAT WOHLGEMUTH SAID?

  Stuttgart sporting director Wohlgemuth insisted that, while things can change, the expectation is for Woltemade to stay: “It is absolutely the most likely scenario that Nick will wear our colors in the 2025-26 season. He is still a Stuttgart player, and we assume that nothing will change in that regard for the coming year.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN AND WOLTEMADE?

  The Bavarians are expected to return with an improved offer this week. While Stuttgart hold the upper hand contractually, Woltemade’s desire to move could add pressure. All eyes are on Bayern’s next move, whether they’ll match the €65m price tag or walk away from the chase.

The veteran striker has scored just three goals in 34 appearances since returning to Chivas

• This is his fourth season with the club
• He didn’t play in Matchday 1 against León
• His contract reportedly won’t be renewed

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The recent controversy surrounding Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández's sexist remarks has amplified the criticism he’s faced in recent months since returning to his boyhood club, Chivas, after a successful run in Europe and MLS. His second stint has been widely disappointing: just three goals in 34 matches, with little playing time under the various coaches who’ve managed the now 37-year-old striker.

  Despite being Mexico’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most accomplished Mexican players to have played in Europe, Hernández has continued to benefit from a level of respect. But with his poor performances and now his off-field controversy – which led to fines from Chivas and the Mexican Football Federation – critics are urging him to step aside.

  Among those critics is seven-time Liga MX champion Ricardo ‘Tuca’ Ferretti, now an analyst at ESPN, who had a blunt message: "He should retire now – he should leave football, not let football leave him.”

  “I thought this season would go well for him because he had time for a proper preseason,” Ferretti added. “But he had surgery early on, then another issue, and then he pulled something during warm-up. It’s all taking a toll.”

  Ferretti says Chivas should not renew his deal after the Apertura 2025 and urged Hernández to protect his legacy: "Because of all the injuries and his current situation, he should really consider retiring. We remember him as a great player in Europe – Real Madrid, Manchester United, Leverkusen, the national team. Let’s not ruin that image."

  On FOX Sports, former striker Carlos Hermosillo said Hernández no longer fits into Gabriel Milito’s system and drew a parallel with his own retirement: "I left when I felt I couldn’t perform anymore – I didn’t want to sit on the bench."

  Eduardo de la Torre recalled that he considered retirement at 31 due to physical issues and urged Chicharito to do the same: "It’s time to give others a chance."

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  According to FOX Sports Mexico, Chivas does not plan to offer Hernández a new deal when his contract ends this season. Chicharito is currently dealing with a calf issue from his last appearance and is questionable for this weekend’s match, depending on whether he joins full training.

  It’s worth noting that Hernández arrived at Chivas with a torn ACL from his time in MLS, delaying his debut in Liga MX. Since then, he’s suffered an ankle injury, multiple muscle strains, a knee sprain, and other knocks that have affected his performance.

  In 2025, he’s dealt with a fresh ankle issue, a facial injury, recurring calf problems, and more muscle-related setbacks. The result? Just three goals in 34 games.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  At Chivas, the all-time leading scorer for the Mexican national team earns an annual salary of $2.5 million.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

  The Red and Whites will host Atlético de San Luis Saturday in Matchday 3.

The Argentine midfielder started in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Atlas in the Leagues Cup.

• Played the full 90 minutes
• Partnered with Sergio Busquets in midfield
• face Necaxa on Saturday

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Inter Miami's new star addition Rodrigo De Paul believes he was able to integrate quickly due to the warm reception he received from his new teammates. The former Atletico Madrid standout started and played all 90 minutes in Inter Miami's win.

  “The reception from the guys was incredible,” said the Argentine. “Some of them I already knew — like Lionel Messi, who I play alongside with the national team, and Luis Suárez, from our days at Atlético Madrid. I just wanted to contribute in whatever role the coach needed me.”

  “I feel very comfortable and happy at Inter. Hopefully, this is just the first of many wins. Masche wants us to play, to build from the back. I have a lot of faith in this team,” he added.

  In a separate interview with CNN, De Paul made his goals for this new chapter very clear: “I came here to compete, to win titles, to play with the best player in the world, and to help shape the legacy of this club. Inter Miami is being built to become something great, to grow its fanbase across the world — and I want to be a part of that. I want to help write the most important chapters in its history.”

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  De Paul made a strong debut Wednesday night against Mexico’s Atlas, showing clear leadership and even getting into a late-game confrontation. Before kickoff, he reunited with Messi, sharing a brief embrace with his longtime teammate.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Statistically, De Paul’s impact was undeniable. He completed 54 of 58 passes, recovered eight balls, and won 3 out of 6 duels – a complete showing for the World Cup champion.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

  will face Necaxa this Saturday, after the Mexican side defeated Atlanta United 3-1.

Italian refereeing chief Gianluca Rocchi confirmed that Serie A will now explain VAR decisions in the stadium in real time, akin to the Club World Cup

• Serie A set to undergo historic change
• Referees to explain VAR decisions in real time
• Changes were implemented at Club World Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As anticipated following IFAB’s approval, the major change this season will be the on-field announcement of VAR decisions. This development was confirmed during the league’s season presentation conference earlier this week, where Serie A and B referee chief Gianluca Rocchi and Italian Referees Association (AIA) president Antonio Zappi addressed the update.

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  The new system was previously tested during last season’s Coppa Italia semi-finals and final, though no VAR interventions occurred that required its use. It was also implemented during the Club World Cup this summer. Now, the on-field announcement of VAR decisions will become a regular feature in Serie A for the 2025–26 season. Italy, though, won't be the first country from the top five European nations to implement on-field VAR announcements. In January, during a Carabao Cup clash between Tottenham and Liverpool, referee Stuart Atwell became the first referee in England to explain VAR decisions using stadium announcement. 

• WHAT GIANLUCA ROCCHI SAID

  Speaking at the league presentation conference, Rocchi explained: "The referee will be able to explain the decision made following a VAR intervention directly in the stadium and on TV. This is an important step forward in communication, which we have been working with transparency for years. Now, however, the explanations will be in real time, in front of everyone. 

  "We will have to be very good at communicating; we will look for uniform words and formulas, but it is clear that there may be slight differences depending on the different referees and different personalities. We will prepare thoroughly, especially from a communication standpoint. We have a select group and we want to standardize the language and content to be clear with the public. There is no maximum time for on-field announcements, because each referee has his own style, language, and reaction times. We still have to work to standardize the content of the explanations, but we will not set rigid limits: the quality of communication will count above all.

  "The best referees are those who make decisions on the pitch, regardless of VAR. We will reward those who have the courage and clarity to take responsibility without leaving everything to technology. Technology must be used well and at the right time, but it must not relieve match officials of their responsibility. We will continue to emphasize this aspect, especially with the younger ones."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  These changes can be seen in action as early as August 23, when the 2025-26 season of Serie A kicks off. 

Barcelona’s standoff with Marc-Andre ter Stegen deepens as La Liga refuse to review his injury report without the German goalkeeper’s consent.

• La Liga needs Ter Stegen’s signature
• Barcelona claim legal "loopholes" exist
• Issue impacts Joan Garcia’s registration

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Barcelona and Ter Stegen are embroiled in a tense dispute over his injury report. The German goalkeeper has refused to sign the consent form that would allow his medical file to be shared with La Liga’s medical committee. Without his signature, the league cannot officially classify the injury as long-term. This classification is crucial for Barca, as it would free up 80 per cent of his salary and allow them to register Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

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  The Blaugrana club argue that exceptions exist in data legislation, allowing them to share the report without his approval for employment-related purposes. They also claim Ter Stegen’s refusal is harming the club financially and structurally. La Liga, however, insists on player consent, with Dr. Jordi Ardevol stating: "The player's consent is essential in the document for medical data to be processed outside the club."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 34-year-old's refusal came as a shock to Barcelona’s squad during their return from South Korea. Joan Laporta had earlier admitted that the “most direct” way to register new signings was to use Ter Stegen’s long-term injury, but the goalkeeper declined. As a result, his decision could lead to disciplinary action and potential legal proceedings from the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TER STEGEN AND BARCELONA?

  The Catalan giants have abandoned plans for a face-to-face meeting and are preparing disciplinary measures, reports. Legal services have been instructed to explore sanctions, while the club still hopes to find a way possibly through legal loopholes to submit the report. For now, tension remains high between the captain and the board, and the situation could escalate further in the coming days.

Borussia Dortmund see Chelsea defender Renato Veiga and ex-Manchester United player Victor Lindelof as potential solutions to their defensive crisis.

• Dortmund targeting new defender amid injury issues
• Sule, Schlotterbeck, and Can all sidelined
• Kovac wants experienced signing to strengthen his team

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dortmund are exploring the transfer market for defensive reinforcements, with Veiga and Lindelof, available on a free transfer, on their list of targets as manager Kovac contends with a major injury crisis, according to a report from . The urgency has increased following a torn calf muscle for Niklas Sule, which will sideline the German international for approximately two months.

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  The injury to Sule has compounded BVB's defensive problems, with Nico Schlotterbeck not expected to return from a meniscus tear until late September and Emre Can also unavailable. The situation leaves Waldemar Anton as the only fully fit senior centre-back at Kovac's disposal. The shortage forced full-back Julian Ryerson to play centrally in the recent friendly against Juventus and saw 20-year-old Filippo Mane promoted from the reserves.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Kovac has praised youth defender Mane, the manager is known for preferring experienced players rather than developing young talent. According to , this tendency is a key factor behind Dortmund's decision to pursue an established defender in the transfer market rather than relying solely on the 20-year-old.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DORTMUND?

  Dortmund are expected to accelerate their transfer plans to sign a new defender before the window closes. The club's hierarchy reportedly sees an opportunity to make a "smart move" by signing a player who can provide immediate cover and become a long-term option, especially with the contracts of both Sule and Can expiring next summer. In the short term, Kovac faces a selection puzzle for the start of the Bundesliga season.

Everton boss David Moyes did not name Jack Grealish in his starting lineup for the club's 2025-26 Premier League season opener against Leeds United on Monday. Grealish has been named in the matchday squad and has made it to the Toffees bench and could make his Everton debut later in the match at Elland Road. The Manchester City outcast completed a loan move to the Merseyside club last week.

• Grealish left out of Everton's starting XI
• Travelled with the squad to Elland Road
• Dewsbury-Hall makes Toffees debut 

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish will have to wait for his Everton debut after David Moyes kept the England international on the Everton bench in their season opener against Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday. Among the new signings this summer, former Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made it to Moyes' starting lineup.  

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  After falling out of favour at Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola last season, Grealish was being linked with a move away from City. His departure became imminent after he was left out of the club's travelling squad to the USA for the Club World Cup earlier in the summer. The English winger finally ended his nightmare with the Cityzens and completed a loan move to the Toffees last week. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After completing his move to Everton, it was revealed that Grealish has inherited the iconic No.18 shirt, which was previously worn by club legend and England icon Wayne Rooney. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

  Grealish will hope to get some minutes on the pitch and make his debut for the club on Monday in the latter stages of the game.