Manchester United
Mason Mount on Thomas Tuchel’s Call and His England Ambitions
Mason Mount reveals a surprise call from Thomas Tuchel, fueling hopes of an England recall.
Manchester United’s Mason Mount has opened up on a recent conversation with England manager Thomas Tuchel, which has reignited hopes of a return to international duty after two and a half years away. The 26-year-old midfielder, who regained his fitness late last season and featured in United’s final 14 games, is eager to secure a more pivotal role at club level to boost his chances of an England recall.
Mount described the call from Tuchel during United’s preseason tour in the United States: “He called me and he said that he’s calling a lot of players and just wanted to catch up. I don’t know how many players he probably called, 40 or 50 maybe. But it was good to see his face, good to catch up with him and good to speak to him.”
Having been a key figure under Tuchel’s management at Chelsea, where he contributed to the club’s Champions League victory, Mount is aware that this does not guarantee his place in the national squad. “He said to me, ‘There’s no guarantees, even though you played for me.’ But it gives you more. You want to push even more to be able to be back in the squad. So it was really good to speak to him and see what he’s preparing.”
Mount also highlighted Tuchel’s enthusiasm for his new England role: “He looked very excited and had loads of energy, like I remember, and was bang up for the new role.”
However, Mount faces stiff competition in midfield for England, with established players like Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Morgan Rogers, as well as others including Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Gibbs-White all vying for a spot.
Arsenal
Premier League and European Clubs Active in High-Profile Transfer Negotiations
Key transfer dealings involve Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo, and other major European clubs.
The summer transfer window remains lively with multiple Premier League and European clubs pursuing notable targets. Juventus has shown interest in Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, with the Reds potentially open to a loan deal including an option to buy. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to negotiate a deal valuing Núñez at around €65 million. Meanwhile, Arsenal are maintaining contact with Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, although they are hesitant to meet his £60 million release clause.
Chelsea are progressing towards a deal for Xavi Simons while RB Leipzig look to re-sign Christopher Nkunku. Bayern Munich’s continued interest in Luis Díaz complements their summer strategy to offload David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, though neither player is currently keen on leaving.
Manchester United have ruled out a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after failing to meet Villa’s demand for a permanent sale. Nottingham Forest’s £25 million offer for Manchester City’s James McAtee was also rejected, with the Premier League champions seeking a higher fee.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to submit a £45 million bid for João Palhinha following talks with Bayern Munich. Additionally, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are all tracking Parma center back Giovanni Leoni, valued at €35 million.
Aston Villa are increasing their offer for Galatasaray forward Barış Alper Yılmaz, though still fall short of a €40 million valuation. Barcelona face pressure from Real Madrid over defender Ronald Araújo, prompting President Joan Laporta to negotiate with Liverpool, who are readying an offer exceeding €40 million for the player. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Gerard Martín may be sold after teammate Jofre Torrents’ rise secured coach Hansi Flick’s approval.
Lastly, Barcelona lead interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, favouring a loan with an option to buy over the Blues’ €50 million asking price. Across the board, this summer’s transfer activity signals significant squad reshaping among top European clubs.
Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand Endorses Stability at Manchester United to Nurture Leny Yoro’s Potential
Rio Ferdinand stresses stability at Manchester United to help Leny Yoro reach his potential.
Manchester United’s young centre-back Leny Yoro enters his second season at Old Trafford with high expectations and crucial support from club legend Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand has praised Yoro’s talent and work ethic while emphasizing the importance of a stable environment for his continued development.
Speaking ahead of a Premier League Summer Series match against West Ham United at MetLife Stadium, Ferdinand highlighted Yoro as a “fantastic talent,” noting, “The prospects, the talent, isn’t a question. It’s about fulfilling that talent, that potential, and I think he’s a serious person, works hard.” He added, “I still think you need the stability around him to help him as a young player.”
Yoro’s 2024–25 campaign was impacted by a serious foot injury suffered during pre-season against Arsenal, which delayed his Premier League debut until December under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite these challenges, the French defender made 21 league appearances in a season that saw United finish 15th, one of the club’s poorest performances in recent history.
Entering 2025–26, Yoro benefits from a more stable setup. The return of Lisandro Martínez and a full pre-season under Amorim enhance the prospects of the young defender. Alongside experienced centre-backs like Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, Yoro finds himself surrounded by senior professionals who can aid his development in what promises to be a pivotal season.
With no European fixtures to congest the schedule, Yoro is positioned to play a significant part in Manchester United’s defensive lineup under Amorim’s direction.
Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo Praises Ollie Watkins as ‘Complete Striker’ Amid Man Utd Transfer Talk
Bryan Mbeumo praises Ollie Watkins as a ‘complete striker’ amid links to Manchester United move.
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has spoken positively about former Brentford teammate Ollie Watkins, a player currently linked with a potential move to Old Trafford. According to reports, United are focusing their striking options on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Watkins, who is already established in the Premier League.
Mbeumo, who played alongside Watkins during the 2019–20 Championship season, highlighted his former teammate’s versatility and attributes as a forward. “I think he’s really complete…a complete striker,” Mbeumo said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “He can do a lot of things. He can drop or go in behind. And I think this is really good for me or [any] winger because you can use his space to fit in there. And he can combine as well. So, I think it’s really good.”
During their time together at Brentford, Mbeumo, Watkins, and Matheus Cunha made a significant impact, contributing a combined 49 goals and assists in the Championship. Saïd Benrahma also featured prominently in the attacking trio, adding 25 goals and assists of his own.
Mbeumo reflected on his early days at Brentford, noting language challenges and how relationships off the pitch helped his integration: “At the start for me it was hard because I wasn’t speaking really good English. So, I clicked straight away with Saïd, who was speaking French and he’s a great player. We had Ollie, who I got to know over time, because I think it’s really important as well to have a really good relationship off the pitch with your teammates. And, after my English got better, I could have a good chat with him.”
