Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
India Announce Squad for Afghanistan T20I Series, Shreyas Iyer to Lead From September 13
India have announced their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan , with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain and Tilak Varma retained as his deputy. The series will be played entirely at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi , beginning on September 13 , with the second and third T20Is following on September 15 and 17. It comes at a crucial time for India, arriving just days before the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where cricket returns as a T20 medal event from September 24. The series will give the team management a final opportunity to fine-tune combinations before that continental assignment. India's squad: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana* (* subject to fitness) The squad carries several names through from India's recent T20I assignments, with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continuing to build on his maiden call-up earlier this year. Frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah is included but listed subject to fitness, alongside all-rounder Washington Sundar, batter Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana. It will be just the second bilateral T20I series between the two nations, following India's 3-0 sweep of Afghanistan across Mohali, Indore and Bengaluru in January 2024.
Ben Stokes Returns to BBL, Signs Full-Season Deal With Adelaide Strikers
Ben Stokes has officially returned to the Big Bash League, signing with Adelaide Strikers for the entirety of the 2026-27 season in what stands as a marquee coup for the South Australian franchise. The deal is worth in the region of AU$500,000 (around US$360,000) , potentially making Stokes the most expensive overseas signing in the competition's history and comfortably eclipsing the previous top contract bracket of AU$420,000. It marks the first major overseas acquisition since the BBL reintroduced a direct-signing model this season, giving clubs greater freedom to negotiate and spend on international talent. The 35-year-old all-rounder will be available for the entire campaign, a rare commitment for a leading overseas player who would typically split his time across multiple franchise leagues. The season runs from December 12 to the finals on January 26, 2027, with Stokes' full availability owing largely to his retirement from Test cricket in June 2026, which freed up his calendar with no England red-ball commitments to balance. Adelaide Strikers beat out competition from Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades to land his signature, with the South Australian Cricket Association having pursued him for some time. "I'm really excited to be joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|16," Stokes said in a statement. "I've always enjoyed playing in Australia, and when the opportunity came up to join the Strikers it was one I couldn't pass up." It will be Stokes' second stint in the tournament, having previously featured in four matches for Melbourne Renegades during the 2014-15 season. The Strikers have also added New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert as a further marquee signing for the campaign.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal Score Twice as Barcelona Beat Rayo 5-2; Yamal Reaches 50-Goal Milestone at 19
Barcelona made it three wins from three at the start of their La Liga title defence, coming from behind to beat Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at Spotify Camp Nou, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal both scoring twice. Rayo stunned the hosts inside 12 minutes when Sergio Camello beat Andreas Christensen before finishing past Joan Garcia, the first goal Barcelona had conceded in the league all season. The response was swift: Raphinha levelled in the 19th minute cutting inside Pathe Ciss, and two minutes later Yamal completed the turnaround with a thumping left-footed strike into the top corner. Florian Lejeune turned a Anthony Gordon cross into his own net early in the second half to make it 3-1, before Camello headed in his second from a corner to briefly close the gap. Raphinha restored the two-goal cushion in the 71st minute finishing off a Gordon assist, and Yamal completed his brace in stoppage time with a curling finish to seal the 5-2 scoreline. The win took Hansi Flick's side back to the top of the La Liga table on goal difference, level on points with Real Madrid after both sides made it three wins out of three to open the season. Yamal's second goal doubled as a personal milestone , taking him to 50 goals for Barcelona's first team at just 19 years old, making him the youngest player in the club's history to reach the landmark. His second strike of the night moved his tally on to 51. The teenager has now been directly involved in a string of big performances for club and country since the World Cup, cementing his status as one of the standout young talents in world football.
Bukayo Saka's Second-Half Strike Gives Arsenal 1-0 Win at Aston Villa
Arsenal made it two wins from two to open their Premier League title defence, edging past Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park thanks to a second-half goal from Bukayo Saka . The breakthrough came just before the hour mark in what had been a tight, cagey affair. Half-time substitute Eberechi Eze fed Riccardo Calafiori , whose low ball across goal was turned home from close range by Saka, his second goal in as many games this season. It capped a frustrating passage for Arsenal moments earlier, after they were initially awarded a penalty when Ian Maatsen appeared to foul Saka in the box, only for VAR to overturn the decision after replays showed the contact occurred outside the area. Villa, fielding debutants Zion Suzuki in goal and new signing Nicolas Jackson up front, had chances of their own. Emiliano Buendia crashed an effort against the crossbar in the first half, while Jackson later played in John McGinn, whose effort was blocked after he failed to get his shot away cleanly. Unai Emery's side pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way past a resolute Arsenal defence. The result extends Arsenal's perfect start to the season and means Mikel Arteta's side have now won their opening two league matches without conceding a goal. There was also a notable milestone off the pitch, with the match marking Arteta's 250th Premier League game in charge of the club. Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa both made their first appearances for their new clubs off the bench, with Konsa receiving a mixed reception from Villa supporters on his return to Villa Park.
Bangladesh Thrash Indonesia by 71 Runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026
Bangladesh Women made a statement in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener, thrashing tournament debutants Indonesia Women by a massive 71 runs in Dubai. Sent in to bat after Indonesia won the toss, Bangladesh were kept quiet in the powerplay before Sobhana Mostary (40 off 42) provided the platform. Shorna Akter then produced a blistering finish, smashing an unbeaten 31 off just 18 balls in the death overs to power Bangladesh to 129/8 . Ni Kadek Ariani was the pick of Indonesia's bowlers with 3/28, including two wickets in the final over. Indonesia's reply never got going. Bangladesh's spinners strangled the chase from the start, with Nahida Akter the standout performer, finishing with 3/15 . Marufa Akter struck twice up front to set the tone, and a string of run outs compounded Indonesia's troubles as they were bowled out for just 58 in 17.3 overs — handing Bangladesh a dominant win to open their Group B campaign. Bangladesh sit top of Group B with two points, while Indonesia will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
Lionel Messi Retires From International Football, Citing Father's Death and Emotional World Cup Final Loss
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to Argentina's most decorated career more than a month after his final appearance in the 2026 World Cup final. The 39-year-old shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo of a handwritten letter, revealing he had written the message on July 21, two days after the final, but held off announcing it. "After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the national team," Messi wrote. "It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all, not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too." In a footnote, Messi revealed the death of his father Jorge Messi , who passed away on August 8 at the age of 68, had strengthened his resolve. "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before," he wrote. Messi leaves international football as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and the country's most successful player, having captained the side to the 2021 Copa America title, back-to-back Copa America glory in 2024, and the 2022 World Cup, ending a 36-year wait for the trophy. He added eight goals and two assists at this year's World Cup as Argentina reached the final before falling to Spain. It marks his second international retirement, having briefly stepped away in 2016 before being talked into a return weeks later. This time, with his playing career at Inter Miami still ongoing, the national team chapter appears definitively closed.
Arsenal Agree Club-Record £60m Sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal
Arsenal have agreed a club-record £60 million sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal , with the Brazilian winger set to undergo a medical ahead of finalising the move before Tuesday's transfer deadline. The reported fee, worth around €70 million, comfortably surpasses Arsenal's previous record sale of £35 million, received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back in 2017. Al-Hilal have offered Martinelli a lucrative four-year contract worth a reported €20 million per season, with the deal said to include a penalty clause that would make the Brazilian more expensive for any European club looking to sign him before 2030. Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano as an 18-year-old in 2019 for a fee of around £6 million, initially arriving as a relative unknown before quickly establishing himself under Mikel Arteta. He went on to play a regular role in Arsenal's title-challenging sides over the following seasons, and was part of the squad that ended the club's Premier League title drought last season. Despite the affection the winger commands among supporters, his path to regular minutes had become increasingly difficult of late, with the club also chasing a marquee attacking upgrade to replace him. Martinelli's departure is expected to be followed by further outgoings before the window shuts, with Arsenal also reportedly closing in on deals to send Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona and Fabio Vieira to Hamburg. Speaking on the situation, Arteta acknowledged the ongoing conversations with players over their futures, saying such discussions go both ways. For Arsenal, the world-record fee represents a significant financial boost as they continue reshaping their attacking options for the season ahead.
Sri Lanka Women Crush UAE by 9 Wickets in Women's Asia Cup Opener
Defending champions Sri Lanka Women made an emphatic start to their Women's Asia Cup 2026 title defence, thrashing hosts United Arab Emirates by 9 wickets in Dubai, wrapping up the chase in just 7.5 overs for their biggest-ever win in T20Is by balls remaining. Put in to bowl first, Sri Lanka's attack gave UAE nothing to work with. Debutant Chethana Vimukthi was outstanding on her T20I debut, finishing with 3 for 16 and picking up the Player of the Match award, while Mithali Ayodhya also claimed 3 for 14. Sugandika Kumari chipped in with 2 wickets as UAE were bowled out for just 79 in 19.5 overs, with only Esha Oza (18) and Samaira Dharnidharka (17) offering any real resistance. The chase was a formality from the outset. Openers Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu raced to 57 in just 5.5 overs before Dulani was run out for 25. Athapaththu, however, continued in the same vein, striking 7 fours and 2 sixes for an unbeaten 48 off 25 balls , guiding Sri Lanka home at 80 for 1 with the game wrapped up in under 8 overs. Speaking after the win, Athapaththu praised her new-look pace attack, highlighting the impact of Vimukthi and Ayodhya after years of relying heavily on veteran Udeshika Prabhodini. UAE captain Esha Oza was candid in defeat, admitting her side's failure to post a competitive total left their bowlers with nothing to defend. Sri Lanka's dominant win sends an early statement in Group B, with defending champions looking every bit the team to beat as the tournament progresses.
ICC Strips Sri Lanka of 2027 Women's Champions Trophy Hosting Rights
The ICC has withdrawn Sri Lanka's hosting rights for the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy 2027 , citing concerns over government interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Sri Lanka had originally been selected to host the six-team tournament, scheduled for February 14-28, 2027 , which would have been the country's second ICC event in as many years following their co-hosting of the 2026 men's T20 World Cup. The tournament will now be moved to another venue, with the ICC expected to confirm the new host at its next board meeting. Prakash Shaffter, Secretary of the SLC Transformation Committee, confirmed the development, saying the event had been moved out of Sri Lanka, though the new venue was yet to be finalised. The decision stems from SLC currently being run by a government-appointed Transformation Committee, an arrangement the ICC does not recognise. The global body has refused to allow SLC representatives to attend ICC Board meetings since the committee took over, and reiterated in a July statement that elections needed to be held as soon as possible for the board to regain recognition. It is not the first time Sri Lanka has lost hosting rights over governance concerns, having also been stripped of the 2024 men's Under-19 World Cup in 2023 for similar reasons, with that tournament subsequently moved to South Africa. Beyond the hosting loss, the decision could also create uncertainty over Sri Lanka Women's own participation in the tournament, given the event is expected to feature the top-ranked sides in the world. The move is also likely to have a financial impact on SLC, which had been counting on the tournament as a source of revenue. The development comes in the midst of Sri Lanka's ongoing Women's Asia Cup campaign in the UAE, adding to a turbulent period for the country's cricket administration off the field even as the team continues to perform on it.
Rafael Leao Completes €38m Move From AC Milan to Galatasaray
Rafael Leao has completed his move from AC Milan to Galatasaray in a deal worth €38 million , bringing an end to a seven-season spell with the Serie A giants and confirming a move that had also drawn interest from Aston Villa. The Portugal international signed a four-year contract with the Turkish champions, worth a reported €10 million per season net, with Milan retaining a 20 percent sell-on clause on any future transfer. Leao arrived in Istanbul to a warm reception from Galatasaray supporters at the airport before completing the formalities of the move, expressing his excitement to link up with fellow forwards Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane at the four-time reigning Turkish champions, who have also secured qualification for this season's Champions League league phase. The 27-year-old leaves Milan having made 291 appearances across all competitions, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists since his €49.5 million move from Lille in 2019, which was a club-record fee at the time. Leao was the standout performer during Milan's Serie A title-winning campaign in 2021-22, when he was named the league's Most Valuable Player, and also helped the club reach a Champions League semi-final in 2022-23 and win the Italian Super Cup last season. His form and fitness had become increasingly inconsistent in recent seasons, however, coinciding with a broader dip in Milan's own fortunes. Aston Villa had also been in advanced talks to sign Leao towards the end of the transfer window, but were ultimately unable to match Galatasaray's financial package. The move represents a major statement of intent from Galatasaray as they prepare for another Champions League campaign, with Leao set to make his first appearance for the club against Lille, his former side, when the two teams meet in the league phase on October 21.
Ollie Robinson Overtakes Bumrah for Best Test Bowling Average in 112 Years
Ollie Robinson has produced one of the most remarkable statistical achievements in modern Test cricket, moving past Jasprit Bumrah to claim the best bowling average among bowlers with a minimum of 20 Tests over the last 112 years , following a four-wicket burst on day four of England's second Test win over Pakistan at Lord's. Robinson's wickets in Pakistan's second innings pushed his career average down to 19.53 from 23 Tests, edging past the previous benchmark of 19.79 held by Bumrah among bowlers who made their debuts after 2000. Wisden's managing editor Ben Gardner summed up the scale of the feat succinctly, noting that no one since the First World War has taken as many wickets at a better average. Robinson finished the match with figures of 8 for 35, his second successive Player of the Match award, and now has 99 Test wickets , just one shy of the milestone century. Applying the 20-Test qualification, which filters out bowlers from cricket's earliest, uncovered-pitch era who played only a handful of matches, Robinson now sits fifth in the entire history of Test cricket. The four names above him, W Barnes (15.54), SF Barnes (16.43), R Peel (16.98) and J Briggs (17.75), all finished their careers before the First World War, underlining just how rare Robinson's placing is by modern standards. The achievement has arrived in the middle of a stunning comeback summer for the seamer, who was recalled to the England side after a two-and-a-half-year absence. Since returning, Robinson has taken 23 wickets in his last three Tests at an extraordinary average of 8.35, a run of form that has been central to England's dominant start to the home summer against Pakistan. Bumrah's own mark of 19.79, built across 234 wickets in 52 Tests in some of the most demanding conditions in world cricket, remains far from diminished by Robinson's rise, but for now, the record belongs to the Englishman.
Pakistan's Test Losses Overtake Wins for First Time Since 1987
Pakistan's Test record has taken an unwanted historic turn, with their number of defeats exceeding their victories for the first time since 1987 , following their 194-run loss to England in the second Test at Lord's. The result leaves Pakistan with 154 Test defeats compared to 153 victories from 473 matches, with the remaining 166 games ending in draws. The last time Pakistan's losses outnumbered their wins was after a draw against England at The Oval in August 1987, when their record read 39 wins and 40 defeats from 170 Tests. Since then, Pakistan enjoyed nearly four decades in which victories consistently stayed ahead of losses, a run now brought to an end by a difficult run of results in the current era. The loss at Lord's also confirmed England's series win with a match to spare, continuing a torrid recent run for Pakistan in Test cricket, having also lost the series opener at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. Ollie Robinson was the chief architect of both defeats, taking match figures of 8 for 35 in the second Test alone, as part of a remarkable comeback since being recalled to the England side. Pakistan's slide down the record books comes amid a broader period of transition for the side, and the numbers now serve as a stark marker of how far their fortunes have fallen since the high points of the late 1980s and early 1990s. With the third and final Test of the series still to come at Edgbaston starting September 9, Pakistan will have a chance to arrest the slide, even with the series already decided in England's favour.
Calvert-Lewin's Late Header Rescues Point for Leeds in 1-1 Draw at Brentford
Dominic Calvert-Lewin rescued a point for Leeds United with a late header, cancelling out Kevin Schade's deflected effort to earn Daniel Farke's side a 1-1 draw at Brentford . Brentford controlled much of the second half and looked to have done enough when Schade struck midway through the half, his effort taking a deflection off Jaka Bijol on the way past James Trafford. But Farke's introduction of Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson from the bench changed the game, with Gnonto's whipped cross met by a clean header from Calvert-Lewin to snatch a point in the closing stages.
Wilson Isidor's Late Goal Gives Sunderland First Win of Season, Beat Fulham 1-0
Sunderland picked up their first points of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham at the Stadium of Light, with substitute Wilson Isidor scoring the only goal of the game after coming off the bench. The Black Cats had lost their opening fixture at Ipswich and badly needed a response in front of their own fans. Regis Le Bris's side got exactly that, holding firm against a Fulham side who had looked sharp in attack, to claim a first win of the campaign.
Chelsea Survive Brighton Fightback to Win 4-3, Alonso's Home Debut Ends in Victory
Chelsea survived a spirited Brighton fightback to win 4-3 at Stamford Bridge, marking Xabi Alonso's first home game in charge with two wins from two to start the season. Chelsea raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening half hour through Romeo Lavia , Pedro Neto and João Pedro . Brighton hit back through Malick Yalcouyé before the break, and further pulled level in the second half when Pedro turned a Pascal Gross effort into his own net. Cole Palmer restored the two-goal cushion with a composed finish, but Brighton weren't finished — Gross headed home deep into stoppage time to complete a grandstand finish, though it was too late to deny Chelsea the win.
Bruno Fernandes Hat-Trick Fires Man United to 5-2 Comeback Win Over Ipswich
Manchester United claimed their first Premier League win of the season with a dramatic 5-2 comeback victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, inspired by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick . Ipswich made the brighter start and stunned the hosts when Leif Davis fired home a superb finish after good work from Abdul Fatawu. United hit back before the break when a defensive slip from Marcelino Núñez let Matheus Cunha in to tee up Fernandes, who drilled home the equaliser. United took control after the restart. Harry Maguire's effort deflected in off Jacob Greaves for the lead, and Greaves then conceded a penalty which Fernandes confidently converted. The United captain completed his hat-trick soon after, with Ipswich unable to respond as United ran out comfortable 5-2 winners to open their account for the season.
Smriti Mandhana Becomes 2nd-Highest Run-Scorer in Women's Cricket, Deepti Sharma Plays 150th T20I
Smriti Mandhana etched her name further into the record books during India's Women's Asia Cup 2026 clash against Thailand in Dubai, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in women's international cricket , overtaking New Zealand great Suzie Bates . Mandhana needed just four runs to move past Bates' tally and reached the milestone with a boundary off Thailand spinner Phannita Maya in the second ball of India's innings. She was eventually run out for 19 off 10 balls, but the knock was enough to take her career international tally to 10,756 runs — now only behind former India captain Mithali Raj , who leads the all-time list with 10,868. The match also marked a special milestone for Deepti Sharma , who made her 150th T20I appearance — becoming only the third Indian woman after Harmanpreet Kaur (202) and Mandhana (171) to reach the landmark, and the 12th player globally to do so. Despite an explosive 64 off 36 balls from Shafali Verma, India were restricted to 159/9 by a disciplined Thailand bowling attack led by Suleeporn Laomi and Sunida Chaturongrattana, after India had raced to 108/2 at one stage before a late collapse.
India Women Thrash Thailand by 94 Runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026 Opener
India Women made a winning start to their Women's Asia Cup 2026 title defence, beating Thailand Women by 94 runs in Dubai. Shafali Verma led the way with the bat, and India's bowlers followed it up with a disciplined display in the field. Put in to bat after Thailand won the toss, India were powered by a brisk 64 off 36 balls from Shafali Verma, who struck eight fours and three sixes at the top of the order. Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 19, and Pratika Rawal added 22 on her T20I debut for the team, having been called up as a replacement for the injured Jemimah Rodrigues. India were eventually restricted to 159 for 9 , with Suleeporn Laomi the pick of Thailand's bowlers, finishing with 3 for 26. Chasing 160, Thailand never got their innings going. Kranti Gaud struck early with the new ball, and Nandni Sharma was the standout performer, taking 3 for 18 to rip through the middle order. Nannapat Koncharoenkai put up the lone fight for Thailand, top-scoring with 41 off 48 balls, but ran out of partners as wickets fell around her. Thailand were bowled out for just 65 in 16.1 overs, with Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani also among the wickets. The win gives India two points from their Group A opener and sends an early statement as the defending champions look to reclaim the title. India next face Hong Kong, China Women on September 3 , before a blockbuster group clash against arch-rivals Pakistan Women on September 5 , with both fixtures also to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
England Beat Pakistan by 194 Runs to Seal Series Win at Lord's
England beat Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord's, wrapping up the match inside four days to seal the three-match series with a game to spare, their first series win since December 2024. Set an imposing target of 389 for victory, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 around 45 minutes after tea, with Saud Shakeel leading the tourists' first real batting resistance of the series, falling agonisingly short of a century after being caught on the boundary for 97, the highest individual score for either side across the two matches so far. Pakistan were made to chase the target effectively a batter light, with opener Imam-ul-Haq unable to take any part in the innings after tearing his left calf on day one. Ollie Robinson was the architect of the win, following up his first-innings 4 for 11 with a devastating 4 for 24 on the final day for match figures of 8 for 35 , continuing his remarkable comeback summer since being recalled after a two-and-a-half-year absence from the side. Across his three Tests since returning, Robinson has now taken 23 wickets at an extraordinary average of just 8.35, and was a deserving Player of the Match for the second Test running. Jofra Archer offered strong support with the ball as Pakistan, who still haven't managed to post a 200 total in the series, once again found England's attack too hot to handle. The win means Joe Root has now won both Tests of his second stint as full-time England captain, having earlier led the side to an innings-and-103-run victory in the series opener at Headingley. It also continues an emphatic run of home form for England, whose bowlers have consistently exploited helpful conditions to dominate a struggling Pakistan batting unit throughout the series. The third and final Test doesn't get underway until September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, with England already able to approach the finale with the series safely wrapped up.
Tottenham Agree Ndiaye Deal as Richarlison Set for Everton Return in Separate Transfers
Tottenham and Everton have reached agreements in principle for two separate transfers that will see Iliman Ndiaye head to north London while Richarlison makes a return to Merseyside, according to widely reported transfer news. Spurs moved quickly after missing out on Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, who opted for a move to Manchester City instead, turning their attention to Ndiaye as an alternative attacking option. The Senegal international has rejected multiple contract extension offers from Everton over the past year, and his want-away stance left the Toffees with little choice but to negotiate an exit. Ndiaye scored 17 goals in 73 appearances since joining Everton from Marseille in 2024, and featured for the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth before the move gathered pace. Going the other way, Richarlison is poised to return to Everton, the club where he spent four productive years between 2018 and 2022 before his £60 million move to Tottenham. The Brazilian was left out entirely from Spurs' matchday squad for Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirming afterwards that the forward had made his desire to leave clear on multiple occasions. Richarlison scored 32 goals in 134 appearances during his time at Tottenham, but had grown increasingly frustrated with a lack of regular football. Both moves are structured as entirely separate transactions rather than a formal swap deal, though they have been negotiated in tandem between the two clubs. Both deals remain subject to players agreeing personal terms and passing medicals, with all parties hopeful of completing the paperwork before Tuesday's transfer deadline. The moves come amid a difficult start to the season for Spurs, who remain winless in the Premier League, adding urgency to De Zerbi's efforts to reshape his attacking options before the window shuts.
Barcelona Agree €10m Deal to Sign Gabriel Jesus From Arsenal
Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal for a reported €10 million plus add-ons , with the Brazilian forward scheduled to undergo his medical on Monday ahead of finalising the move. The transfer comes as a surprise late twist in Barcelona's search for a new centre-forward, having spent much of the summer focused on a move for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, only for the Spanish club to publicly rule out any negotiation with their La Liga rivals. With Robert Lewandowski having already departed Camp Nou, Barcelona turned to Jesus as an alternative solution, moving quickly to get the deal over the line before the transfer window shuts. The reported fee represents a steep discount for Arsenal, who paid Manchester City around £45 million for Jesus back in 2022. The 29-year-old had fallen behind Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres in the pecking order at the Emirates, and had been training away from Mikel Arteta's first-team squad after being made available for transfer. Jesus scored 32 goals and provided 22 assists in 123 appearances for Arsenal across his time at the club, though injuries repeatedly disrupted his spells in north London. Arteta had hinted earlier in the week that both Jesus and fellow forward Gabriel Martinelli could depart before the deadline, as Arsenal continue to reshape their attacking options. For Barcelona, the move gives Hansi Flick a recognised alternative up front following their impressive start to the La Liga season, with the club having already beaten Elche 5-0 and Athletic Club 2-0 in their opening two fixtures. Jesus is expected to travel to Spain in the coming hours to complete the formalities of his move.
Manchester City in Talks With Liverpool Over £85m Cody Gakpo Deal
Manchester City have made formal contact with Liverpool over a proposed £85 million deal for forward Cody Gakpo , with the Dutchman reported to have already agreed personal terms on a move to the Etihad Stadium. Talks between the two clubs picked up steam over the weekend, with Liverpool valuing Gakpo at around £85 million, roughly double the £37 million they paid PSV Eindhoven to sign him back in January 2023. City are believed to have moved decisively after Gakpo, who had also attracted interest from Tottenham, opted to pursue a move to the Etihad instead. Sources indicate City are preparing to table their full package imminently, with the deal advancing rapidly in the closing days of the window. Liverpool's willingness to sanction the sale hinges on their ability to bring in further attacking reinforcements before Tuesday's deadline. The club have already all but completed a deal worth up to £123 million for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, and remain in the market for another wide option, having seen a £50 million bid for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr rejected and pulled out of a pursuit of Brighton's Yankuba Minteh after the Seagulls demanded £80 million. Gakpo started Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend and set up Alexander Isak's equaliser, but head coach Andoni Iraola remained non-committal when asked about the winger's future afterwards, saying only that he expected clarity on his squad once the transfer deadline had passed. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027 through a ruptured Achilles and Isak still finding full fitness, Liverpool face a delicate balancing act between cashing in on Gakpo and maintaining sufficient attacking depth for the season ahead.
Chelsea Complete £7.5m Signing of Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez From Aston Villa
Chelsea have officially completed the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa on a three-year deal, in a transfer worth a reported £7.5 million , a day before the summer window closes. The 33-year-old Argentina international joins after six years at Villa Park, during which he made 256 appearances, won the UEFA Europa League last season, and established himself as one of the Premier League's leading shot-stoppers. Martinez's exit was set in motion after Villa signed Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma earlier this month, paving the way for the veteran's departure. He becomes the second player to move between the two clubs this summer, following Nicolas Jackson's switch from Chelsea to Villa on Friday. "I'm delighted to be at this football club," Martinez said in a statement. "Coming to Chelsea, for me and my family, was an easy decision to make and I'm just over the moon. I want to be successful here. I'm someone who wants to win at everything I do, and I want to bring that here because it's a football club that wins titles, so I think it's a good match." Martinez arrives with a decorated international career, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and twice being named the world's best goalkeeper, picking up successive Yashin Trophies in 2023 and 2024. He also played a key role as Argentina reached the final of the 2026 World Cup before losing to Spain. At Chelsea, he is set to compete directly with Robert Sanchez, whose place had come under scrutiny following a shaky performance in the 3-2 opening-day win over Fulham, giving head coach Xabi Alonso a genuine selection dilemma in goal heading into the new season.
Joe Root Overtakes Ricky Ponting as Highest Run-Scorer in Home Tests
Joe Root has become the highest run-scorer in Test cricket on home soil, overtaking Ricky Ponting's long-standing record during the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, despite managing just 24 in the innings. Root now has 7,594 runs in home Tests for England, moving past Ponting's mark of 7,578 runs, which the Australian great compiled across 92 Tests on home soil in Australia. The milestone comes in fewer matches than Ponting needed, with Root reaching the tally in 87 home Tests, underlining the remarkable consistency he has shown throughout his career at English venues. Sachin Tendulkar sits third on the all-time list with 7,216 runs in home Tests for India, with Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene and South Africa's Jacques Kallis rounding out the top five. Root reached this new landmark needing just 79 runs coming into the series against Pakistan, having entered the campaign at Headingley with 7,500 home runs already banked, and duly crossed the mark during the tour. The achievement adds to an extraordinary year of milestones for the England captain, who earlier this year also became the second-highest run-scorer in Test history overall, moving past Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis and Ponting on the same day during a century against India at Old Trafford, leaving only Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921 runs ahead of him. Root's form with the bat has been a matter of some scrutiny of late, but the numbers continue to tell their own story. Now the outright leading run-scorer in home Tests in the format's history, Root adds yet another significant chapter to a Test career already regarded as one of the greatest of the modern era, with England looking to build on their series lead over Pakistan at Lord's.