Arsenal are reportedly close to a new contract for star midfielder Declan Rice, as we recently reported here via the Daily Briefing Substack.

The England international has been a star performer for the Gunners since joining from West Ham United back in the summer of 2023, and his current deal expires in summer 2028.

Still, we were recently informed that talks were heading in a positive direction, and this is now also being reported by BBC Sport, who say an agreement is close.

Rice signing a new contract would be more good news for Arsenal after manager Mikel Arteta also committed his future to the club, as officially confirmed by the club yesterday.

Declan Rice set for big pay rise with new Arsenal deal

The BBC’s report adds that Rice should be in line for a major pay rise with his new deal, taking him from £240,000 per week to something more like the £350,000 per week earned by Bukayo Saka.

A pay increase like that would no doubt be richly deserved, as Rice has been super consistent for Arsenal ever since joining the club, and played a star role in their memorable 2025/26 campaign.

The 27-year-old featured in a remarkable 55 games in all competitions for AFC as they won their first Premier League title for 22 years and reached only their second ever Champions League final.

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Arsenal fans will hope Rice’s new deal can be confirmed as soon as possible, but it doesn’t seem like there’s really any doubt at this point that he’ll be staying.

Is Rice the best signing of the Arteta era?

Rice’s signing did not come cheap for Arsenal, and yet most fans would argue he looks like a bargain.

The BBC had Rice’s transfer fee at £105m, and yet now we’re seeing players like Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez, and Morgan Rogers moving for more.

In that context, it looks like Arsenal did pretty good business with their move for Rice, who has possibly been the one signing you’d look at who’s really helped the north London giants move up a level under Arteta.

Others like Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya are also right up there, but Rice was a bigger name when he arrived, and it was seen as quite a statement at the time for Arsenal to sign someone of his calibre ahead of rivals Manchester City.

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Newcastle United are reportedly in a strong position to bring Tyler Morton back to the Premier League, with the Lyon midfielder continuing to attract attention after an impressive spell in France.

The 23-year-old left Liverpool in 2025 in search of regular football, and that decision has worked out pretty well.

Morton has developed into an important player for Lyon, and Newcastle now appear ready to take advantage of that progress as they plan further changes to their midfield.

Nottingham Forest are also interested, but Newcastle may have the clearer pathway heading into next summer.

Newcastle United favourites to win Morton race

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are viewed as the long-term favourites to sign Morton.

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Forest could have an advantage if a January move develops, but expects Newcastle to become the stronger option by the summer.

He said: “He’s a hot talent that everybody’s after, but as usual, it’s minutes, and he wants to see his pathway, and I think Newcastle could offer that for him.”

Newcastle scouts have already been watching Morton regularly in France, while the club are expected to continue reshaping their midfield in 2027.

Morton made 43 appearances for Lyon across all competitions last season, gaining valuable European experience and establishing himself as a regular after struggling for minutes at Liverpool.

Henderson praise shows why Morton remains so highly rated

Morton’s qualities were recognised long before his move to France.

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson once said: “Tyler has been brilliant over the last few months, I really think he has improved.”
Henderson also praised his attitude and predicted that Morton would have “a big future ahead of him”, with the comments published by Liverpool’s official website.

That prediction is starting to look pretty accurate.

Morton now has the experience he was missing at Anfield, and his ability to dictate games from deeper midfield positions could suit Newcastle nicely.

The key issue will be playing time. He left Liverpool because he wanted regular football, so any move back to England needs to offer the same.

If Newcastle can provide that pathway, they may well have the edge over Forest when the serious negotiations begin.

Liverpool reportedly contact representatives over blockbuster 2027 transfer

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Arsenal are moving to secure another huge piece of their long-term project, with captain Martin Odegaard expected to follow Mikel Arteta by signing a new contract at the Emirates.

Arteta has already committed his future to the Premier League champions, and attention is now turning towards the core group of players who helped Arsenal finally end their long wait for the title last season. Odegaard sits right at the heart of that group.

The Norwegian’s current deal runs until 2028, so there is no immediate panic, but Arsenal clearly have no interest in allowing his contract to become a talking point.

Odegaard wants to extend Arsenal stay

According to TEAMtalk’s report on Arsenal’s contract plans, Odegaard is keen to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, with talks over improved terms progressing positively.

Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are also expected to hold discussions over new contracts as Arsenal look to protect the spine of Arteta’s title-winning squad.

Odegaard has returned to his best this season after dealing with injury problems during the previous campaign. More importantly, he remains Arsenal’s captain and one of the players around whom Arteta continues to build the team.

There has never been any serious indication that the 27-year-old wants to leave, with both Arsenal and the player understood to be happy with the direction of the project.

Arteta praise shows why keeping Odegaard is crucial

Arteta has never hidden how highly he rates his captain.

Speaking about Odegaard previously, the Arsenal boss said: “He’s been exceptional for us.” Arteta also praised his daily contribution, leadership and influence on the pitch, describing what he brings to the side as “exceptional.”

Those comments were published by Arsenal’s official website.

That makes a new contract feel almost inevitable.

Odegaard is not simply Arsenal’s most creative midfielder. He represents Arteta’s era more than almost anyone else in the squad, having grown from a Real Madrid loanee into a Premier League-winning captain.

Arsenal are now trying to turn one title into a sustained period of success. Keeping Arteta was step one.

Keeping Odegaard, Rice and Timber tied down for their prime years would be another major statement that this team intends to stay together and keep winning.

Liverpool face Arsenal and Chelsea competition for €70m-rated Bundesliga star

The post After Arteta: Arsenal are expected to agree new deal with ‘exceptional’ player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United have received encouragement in their pursuit of Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, with the Croatian reportedly eager to move to Old Trafford if the opportunity arises.

According to Football Insider, Matanovic would “jump” at the chance to join United in the coming years, although a January transfer is not currently expected. The 23-year-old has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea after making a strong impression in the Bundesliga.

Igor Matanovic attracts Manchester United interest

United are expected to remain in the market for attacking reinforcements over the next 12 months, and Matanovic has emerged as an increasingly interesting option. The Freiburg forward has enjoyed an excellent spell of form, contributing nine goals and assists across his first seven games this season after scoring 15 goals last term.

His performances have naturally increased his profile among leading Premier League clubs, with his combination of physical presence, finishing ability and continued development making him an appealing long-term target.

The Red Devils are not the only English club monitoring his situation, however, with Arsenal and Chelsea also understood to be keeping tabs on the striker.

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Matanovic could be useful for Man United

A move next summer could therefore become a realistic possibility if Matanovic maintains his current form. His willingness to test himself in the Premier League could also work in United’s favour, particularly if they decide they need another centre-forward.

Matanovic has already shown he can be an effective goalscorer in Germany, and his impressive efficiency in front of goal suggests he could improve further.

United will face competition for his signature, but the striker’s apparent desire to play in England makes this a situation worth monitoring. If he continues producing at his current level, a major Premier League move could become increasingly difficult to resist.

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Chelsea defender Malo Gusto could face a major decision when the January transfer window opens, as uncertainty remains around his role at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old stayed at Chelsea after failing to secure a move in the summer, but his position at the club could become clearer in the coming months. Manchester City had shown significant interest, while Liverpool were also linked with a late move before the transfer deadline.

Malo Gusto facing Chelsea future decision

Chelsea had reportedly been looking for around £75 million to consider selling Gusto during the summer, a valuation that proved difficult for interested clubs to meet.

Manchester City ultimately decided the asking price was too high, while Liverpool explored a loan deal. Chelsea, however, were only prepared to consider a permanent transfer or an arrangement that included a commitment to buy.

Gusto has remained part of the squad and has made three Premier League starts this season. However, he will need a stronger run of form to establish himself as an important player under Xabi Alonso.

The French defender is believed to prefer to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place, but another spell on the fringes could force him to reconsider his future, according to FlashScore.

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Gusto has plenty of options

His situation with France could also influence his thinking. New national team boss Zinedine Zidane did not select Gusto for the latest squad, reportedly due to concerns over his reliability.

Interest in the defender remains, with Atletico Madrid exploring a potential move. Bayern Munich, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain have also previously been linked with him.

Chelsea must now decide whether Gusto remains part of their long-term plans or whether a January transfer could benefit everyone involved.

If he can establish himself at Stamford Bridge, he could revive his international ambitions. Otherwise, January may give Gusto the chance to find a club where he can take on greater responsibility.

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Liverpool have joined the growing list of European clubs monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt wonderkid Niko Ilicevic.

The 15-year-old attacking midfielder is attracting significant attention after making an impressive start to the season, with several major clubs now monitoring his progress.

Niko Ilicevic attracts Liverpool interest

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have emerged as the latest club interested in the highly rated youngster, with Bournemouth also understood to be tracking his development.

Ilicevic has already caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter. Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with the German youth international.

The left-footed midfielder has impressed while playing above his age group and has already demonstrated his ability to make an impact at UEFA Youth League level.

He has registered three goals and three assists in six youth appearances this season, while his performances for Germany’s Under-17 side have further enhanced his growing reputation.

Liverpool have developed a strong reputation for identifying promising young players, and Ilicevic could be an attractive long-term investment for the Anfield club.

Liverpool handed double injury boost as Iraola shares update ahead of Man City

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Ilicevic faces uncertain future at Frankfurt

Frankfurt are understandably keen to retain control of the teenager’s development and believe he could be introduced to senior football gradually.

The Bundesliga club are also in a favourable position because Ilicevic is tied to Frankfurt until 2029, while his current agreement is expected to become a professional contract when he turns 16 later this month.

Frankfurt have already outlined a development pathway for the youngster as they look to convince him that his future is best served in Germany.

No formal negotiations have begun yet, but interest from Liverpool and several other European giants could make his situation one to watch closely once he becomes eligible to sign professional terms.

“I won’ say anything” – Agent responds after Liverpool linked with £40m move for wonderkid

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened talks over a new contract for academy prospect Luca Williams-Barnett as interest in the highly rated teenager grows.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in Tottenham’s system, with several top clubs reportedly monitoring his development.

According to The Sun, Manchester United and Chelsea are among the Premier League sides keeping tabs on the attacker, while Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked as interested parties.

Luca Williams-Barnett attracts growing interest

Tottenham are keen to prevent Williams-Barnett’s situation from developing into a major transfer concern and have therefore started talks over fresh terms.

The youngster already has senior experience despite his age, having made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old in the Carabao Cup last season. He also featured briefly against Charlton in August, underlining the club’s belief that he can eventually become an important member of the senior squad.

Roberto De Zerbi has previously spoken highly of Williams-Barnett and believes there is considerable potential in the attacking talent. The Tottenham manager has stressed that the teenager still needs to improve physically and become more effective in the final third, but his ability has clearly made an impression.

Tottenham face €100m hurdle if they want to sign La Liga ace

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Williams-Barnett’s future lies away from Spurs?

The youngster’s recent performances for England Under-19s have only increased the attention around him, with Williams-Barnett scoring twice during the latest international break.

Tottenham will now hope their contract talks lead to an agreement and keep Manchester United or another interested club from making a serious approach.

The Spurs already regard Williams-Barnett as a valuable long-term asset, and keeping him in north London could become an important part of their future plans.

For now, negotiations are still ongoing, but Tottenham’s decision to act demonstrates their desire to keep one of their brightest academy prospects away from the growing list of interested clubs.

Tottenham “hugely impressed” by striker who has shot to the “top of their list” after scoring 6 in 7 league games

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Gilberto Mora’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has refused to comment on reports that Liverpool are preparing a huge offer to sign the highly-rated Mexican wonderkid.

Mora has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in world football following his remarkable rise with Club Tijuana and Mexico.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with the 17-year-old, with reports suggesting the Reds have made a record-breaking offer worth $50 million (£40m) for the youngster.

However, when directly questioned about Liverpool’s reported approach, Pimenta refused to give anything away.

Rafaela Pimienta on Gilberto Mora

When asked directly about reports of a substantial bid from Liverpool for the Tijuana starlet, Pimenta refused to comment on the speculation and did not offer any clues regarding negotiations.

“Please understand that I don’t comment on transfer rumours,” Pimenta stated (quotes via SportsAdda).

“I won’t say anything at all about the transfer of any player. Thank you very much for your understanding.”

Pimenta, who represents a star-studded clientele including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, has consistently maintained a disciplined public stance regarding her clients’ transfer dealings.

Her refusal to confirm or deny the approach comes amid reports that Liverpool are preparing an offer exceeding $50 million (£40m) to secure the prodigy’s signature.

Gilberto Mora is wanted by Europe’s top clubs

Mora’s rise at Club Tijuana has captured the attention of world football’s elite clubs.

At just 17 years old, the attacking midfielder has already established himself as a central figure in Liga MX, donning the iconic number 10 shirt and delivering goalscoring displays against top opposition like Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul.

The teenage sensation’s market value has skyrocketed to €25 million following historic international displays. Mora made headline history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the sixth-youngest player to feature in the tournament’s history after breaking into Mexico’s senior national squad.

Alongside Liverpool’s long-standing interest, European heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal have all actively monitored the prodigy.

With Mora turning 18, a high-stakes transfer battle is rapidly materializing ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

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Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has shared a somewhat positive update on Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ahead of the team’s high-stakes Premier League clash against Manchester City.

The manager refused to rule out either forward, leaving the door open for both to feature at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola provides Isak and Gakpo injury update

Speaking to the media ahead of the weekend fixture, Iraola provided clarity after both key attackers returned early from international duty due to fitness setbacks.

“Isak and Cody Gakpo both have had to leave the national teams with injuries,” Iraola stated (quotes via Liverpool Echo).

“Now it’s a matter of if they are going to recover in time to help us in the next game or not. But right now they are both injured.”

While neither player has been passed fully fit yet, Iraola’s assessment indicates that medical staff are working against the clock to evaluate their readiness before setting the matchday squad.

Gakpo and Isak injuries may not be as serious as first feared

The update offers genuine encouragement to Liverpool supporters regardless of whether either player starts against City.

Initial fears suggested Gakpo had sustained significant ankle damage while on duty with the Netherlands, raising concerns over long-term absence.

However, the fact that Iraola considers both Gakpo and Isak potential options for Sunday demonstrates that the setbacks are far less severe than initially feared.

Avoiding long-term lay-offs for their top goalscoring threats represents a major boost as the Reds enter a congested autumn schedule.

Liverpool will hope to extend their unbeaten run

Liverpool enter Sunday’s blockbuster clash looking to continue their strong momentum.

The Reds remain unbeaten across seven matches in all competitions under Iraola, winning four and drawing three.

Taking points off a ruthless Manchester City side, who currently lead the Premier League table with a perfect record, will require peak offensive sharpness as well as strong defensive organisation.

While Liverpool’s defence has been rock solid in the last few games, the injury to Jeremy Jacquet who has perhaps been their best defender so far, will no doubt serve a huge blow.

Likewise, in attack, Gakpo has been Liverpool’s main source of goals and assists and his injury will also be a massive blow if he does not recover in time,

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Chelsea and Liverpool were in talks over the future of a full back in the summer – and the deal isn’t dead yet according to some journalists.

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Chelsea had right back Malo Gusto up for sale in the summer, and Liverpool were one of the teams who came closest to buying him.

“Liverpool made a final push today to sign Malo Gusto on loan, but the attempt ended without success,” top French transfer insider Fabrice Hawkins said at the time.

“The Reds were only willing to consider a loan with no mandatory buy clause, while Chelsea were pushing for a permanent transfer. Liverpool simply don’t have the financial means to make a permanent deal happen.”

Now there are suggestions that Chelsea could lower their asking price to spark a deal up again.

Chelsea ready to deal for Gusto

“Malo Gusto could become more readily available when the January transfer window opens as questions grow over his role for club and country,” Dean Jones wrote for Flashscore.

“There is a feeling that Gusto’s value is being re-evaluated after a summer in which Chelsea were looking for around £75m to consider letting him leave.

“That figure proved too high for the clubs showing the strongest interest, with Manchester City particularly keen before deciding the price did not make sense.

“Liverpool were also linked with a late loan move before deadline, but Chelsea only wanted a permanent transfer or commitment to buy. Gusto stayed at Stamford Bridge, but his situation remains one to watch.’

A lot will depend on Ronald Araujo’s season. He was brought in on a last minute loan when it became clear that Gusto wasn’t signing. If he does well, Liverpool may prefer to buy him than restart Gusto talks.

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