Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly taken the lead in the pursuit of Vinicius Junior by holding direct talks with the Real Madrid superstar. A contract standoff at the Bernabeu has opened the door for a Premier League switch, but the Gunners will have to meet a record-breaking asking price to pull off the monumental move.

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Patrice Evra has advised Manchester United target Manu Kone to choose Arsenal instead, claiming the France midfielder possesses the physical tools to thrive under Mikel Arteta. The £51m-rated Roma star has attracted intense interest following an impressive World Cup campaign, with United holding formal talks to bring him to Old Trafford.

Inter Miami have intensified their efforts to bring Kevin De Bruyne to Major League Soccer as the veteran playmaker weighs up his future in Italy. The Belgian international is reportedly more open to a move to the United States than ever before as David Beckham looks to build a historic super-team in South Florida.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has returned to the matchday squad and is among the substitutes for the Herons’ Eastern Conference matchup against the Columbus Crew. Messi hasn’t appeared for the South Florida side since Argentina’s World Cup final defeat on July 19. His international teammate Rodrigo De Paul, however, has slotted straight into the starting XI.

Casemiro has expressed his delight after completing a free transfer to Inter Miami, calling new team-mate Lionel Messi the "God of football." The Brazilian midfielder also addressed Norway's Erling Haaland after Brazil's painful exit from the World Cup.

Kerim Alajbegovic has spoken of his pride after completing a move to Juventus from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee that could rise to €40m. The 18-year-old winger, who spent last season on loan at Salzburg, expressed his delight at joining the Italian giants on a five-year contract and insisted he is ready for the challenge of Serie A.

Paris Saint-Germain have submitted a formal €33m proposal to Parma for Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The Ligue 1 champions have moved decisively to hijack Juventus' pursuit of the 23-year-old shot-stopper, surging ahead in the race after submitting an official bid to secure his signature ahead of the new European season.

Harry Kane has been urged to consider an emotional return to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the England captain continues to shine for Bayern Munich. With his contract in Germany running until 2027, the 33-year-old striker has been publicly called upon to return to North London and complete his legacy by breaking Alan Shearer's Premier League goal record.

Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.

England international Hannah Hampton has committed her future to Chelsea by signing a new two-year contract with the Blues. The star goalkeeper's renewal provides a crucial boost for the club following a period of squad transition and fanbase anxiety.

Spain forward Salma Paralluelo has officially joined French powerhouses OL Lyonnes on a four-year contract following her departure from Barcelona. The 22-year-old free agent ends a glittering four-year spell in Catalonia, where she won 14 major trophies, to embark on her first career adventure outside of Spain under former manager Jonatan Giraldez.