🚨 Arsenal agree €50m deal, Chelsea could re-sign star, plus World Cup 2026 round-up: Messi hat-trick, Mbappe new record, & more
Today's transfer news and World Cup round-up...
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Today’s top stories:
Arsenal agree €50m transfer and more!
World Cup 2026 round-up
Lionel Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina thrash Algeria
Lionel Messi opened his World Cup in style with a hat-trick for Argentina in their comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria.
The legendary forward scored twice from distance and once from a close-range rebound in a memorable display that put him on 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Messi may be 38 now and this will surely be his last World Cup, but he’s clearly intent on going out with a bang!
FT Argentina 3-0 Algeria [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Kylian Mbappe breaks France record in win vs Senegal
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a long-range screamer, to become France’s all-time leading goal-scorer as they beat Senegal 3-1.
It was a tough game for Les Bleus as they had to wait until the second half to find a breakthrough, but Mbappe delivered when it counted.
Bradley Barcola also scored a lovely dinked effort as France cemented their status as World Cup favourites with a well-earned three points.
FT France 3-1 Senegal [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Erling Haaland scores first World Cup goals in Norway win
Norway made a winning start to the World Cup as they put four past Iraq, with, who else, Erling Haaland hitting a brace for his first World Cup goals.
The game also featured a crazy moment when it looked like Iraq equalised with a stunning long-range effort, but it was just an optical illusion as it hit the outsider corner of the side netting.
FT Norway 4-1 Iraq [Pictures from BBC Sport]
Austria score screamer in win vs Jordan
Austria picked up three points against Jordan, with Romano Schmid stealing the show with a long-range thunderbolt to open the scoring.
Jordan also equalised with a superb strike of their own as they scored their first ever World Cup goal.
However, an own goal and a Marko Arnautovic penalty made sure of the win for Austria.
FT Austria 3-1 Jordan [Pictures from ITV Sport]
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Arsenal
Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Roma midfielder Manu Kone as they consider negotiating a €50m transfer deal for the French star. (Goal)
Arsenal have a strong interest in Sporting Lisbon right-back Ivan Fresneda, but the Portuguese giants reportedly have no intention of letting him go. (A Bola)
This Arsenal star could make a surprise return back to his former club - full story here!
Barcelona
This Barcelona star is set to discuss an exit away from the club after the World Cup - full details here!
Chelsea
Chelsea have a concrete interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer, with the Blues still looking at multiple options in that position. (Simon Phillips)
Chelsea are looking into a move to bring Lewis Hall back to the club as a replacement for the departing Marc Cucurella at left-back. (Sports Boom)
Another Chelsea left-back target is Real Madrid’s Alvaro Carreras, whose future could be in doubt after the arrival of Cucurella. (AS)
Chelsea are battling Barcelona to sign one of the most exciting wonderkids on the market - more info here!
Liverpool
Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola is pushing strongly for the Reds to complete the transfer of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. (TEAMtalk)
Liverpool are exploring a possible move for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram as he could be allowed to leave for the right price this summer. (Tuttosport)
Manchester City
Real Madrid currently look unlikely to continue their pursuit of Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol. (Sport)
However, Man City’s Ruben Dias remains one of Real’s top targets in defence for this summer. (the Athletic)
Manchester United
Marcus Rashford is open to staying at Manchester United and is not keen on joining another Premier League club after his loan spell at Barcelona came to an end. (the Athletic)
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is expected to be a target for AC Milan under former Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim. (Nicolo Schira)
Newcastle United
This Newcastle United star is ready to leave this summer as another Premier League club show interest in him - full story here!
Real Madrid
Real Madrid currently look unlikely to continue their pursuit of Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol. (Sport)
Tottenham
Tottenham have agreed a deal with Brighton for Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who is now closing in on a £52m transfer to north London. (David Ornstein, the Athletic)
Sandro Tonali to Tottenham could now be one to watch as Spurs have entered the running for the Newcastle midfielder, with Roberto De Zerbi viewing him as ideal to strengthen his midfield. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tottenham want £60m to sell Luka Vuskovic, with Brighton seeking a compromise on this deal as the Croatian defender is still keen to join them. (Football Insider)