Julian Alvarez has expressed doubts over his Manchester City future after being left out of 'important games'.

Alvarez played 2657 minutes in the Premier League for City last season, his most in a single campaign since joining the club in January 2022.

He made 31 starts in the league, though mainly as an attacking midfielder, and in other competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup, in which the Citizens reached the final, he was often second choice to Erling Haaland.

The Argentinian, who is currently representing his country at the Olympics, admitted his frustration at not getting a chance in big games when asked about his future.

"I haven't stopped to think about what I'm going to do," Alvarez told DIRECTV Sports.

"Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.

"But it's true: in the end, in some important games, it's not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.

"I haven't stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself."

Alvarez has scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City in all competitions, also providing 18 assists.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in the 24-year-old's signature should he decide to move away from the Etihad.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42million. 

Calafiori, who will wear the number 33 shirt for the Gunners, has penned a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The 22-year-old centre-half made 37 appearances for Bologna last season, helping the Serie A club qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 1964-65 campaign.

His impressive performances in the heart of defence earned a first senior international call-up earlier this year, while he subsequently represented Italy at Euro 2024.

Arsenal's Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: "It has been a great team effort in completing this transfer, and we welcome Riccardo to the family.

"Riccardo has consistently shown his quality for his club and country. He was one of the best players in Serie A last season and gave strong performances for Italy in the Euros this summer.

"Mikel [Arteta] and our coaches are excited to start working with Riccardo, and we all look forward to seeing him in our shirt."

Calafiori is Arsenal's second major signing ahead of the 2024-25 season after Mikel Arteta made David Raya's initial loan move from Brentford permanent earlier this month.

He could make his debut when the Gunners host Wolves on August 17 in their opening match of the new Premier League campaign.

Arne Slot is bringing an "elegant" style of play to Liverpool, and Harvey Elliott is relishing a "fresh start" under the Dutchman.

Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp at the start of July, with the latter having called time on his near nine-year stint at Anfield.

Klopp led Liverpool to great success during his time at the club, and Slot acknowledged he has big shoes to fill.

But Elliott, who was a regular under Klopp last season, playing 34 times in the Premier League and scoring three goals, says former Feyenoord boss Slot has hit the ground running.

"It's [a] very elegant, Dutch style, it's very nice," Elliott said, as reported by BBC Sport.

"The style of play is a lot different. It's more about in possession now.

"The players are excited, we play certain patterns, it is a good buzz around the team and the lads are excited to apply it in games.

"It's a fresh start for everyone. I don't think it is nerves but excitement. I think we will learn very quickly.

"We have seen in the last game there were certain moments where the amazing football was free-flowing.

"It's pre-season and it is only the first couple of games and we need to keep trusting what they are teaching us. We need to keep going if things don't work out [immediately] because it is all new."

Liverpool beat Real Betis 1-0 in their opening pre-season friendly under Slot in the United States, and next up is a test against Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Despite his strong performances for the Reds, Elliott was not included in England's squad for Euro 2024, and the 21-year-old's next aim is to cement himself in Slot's line-up to earn a Three Lions call-up.

He said: "It's just down to me to put in the work, put in the performances.

"You can say it all you want but it is down to me to work as hard as I can, perform in training and games, so it is on myself. There's no one I could blame apart from me.

"I just wanted to come back early to get to grips with the new style of play and meet the coaching staff and gaffer for the first time.

"It gives me a chance to get up and running in pre-season. I feel like I've done that. I just need to keep going and building."

New Chelsea signing Renato Veiga has urged fans to trust the process under Enzo Maresca after their heavy pre-season friendly defeat to Celtic on Saturday.

The Blues were thrashed 4-1 by the Scottish champions in Indiana, which followed a 2-2 draw with League One side Wrexham in their first match under the Italian.

Chelsea had 10 shots on target in their defeat to Celtic and struck the woodwork twice, but their only goal came from the penalty spot as Christopher Nkunku converted.

They have also struggled in defence, getting caught playing out from the back three times in those games, leaving Maresca with problems to solve ahead of their Premier League opener against Manchester City.

However, Veiga, who played his first minutes in a Chelsea shirt on Saturday, remains optimistic the club will soon see the results of Maresca's tactics.

"Of course, it's about results and in every football game you want to win," he said. "Chelsea especially has to win every game. But we are in pre-season. The most important thing is the process, the connection between each other.

"When the time comes [to play Manchester City] on August 18, that is when it counts and when we have to win for sure.

"He [Maresca] is a very direct manager, very direct in what he wants. You just have to enjoy and learn the maximum that you can in every training session, to give everything you can in every session — that is very important for him as well, and after, you can replicate it on the pitch."

Veiga signed from FC Basel for a reported fee of €14million earlier this month, penning a seven-year contract with the West London club.

The versatile 20-year-old is yet to be told if he will definitely be part of Maresca's plans for the upcoming season, but he is relishing the chance to represent Chelsea.

"How can you say no to Chelsea?" he added. "For me, they are the biggest club in England.

"They have a very ambitious project, not only for the present but the future as well. Right now, the most important thing is the present and I am very happy to be here.

"I am a very versatile player. I just can't wait to get more opportunities to play for this club.

"I was watching them [Chelsea] at home [when I was young], buzzing about Didier Drogba's goals and N'Golo Kante's tackles. I just want to be able to live those moments as well."

Ederson says he has yet to make a decision about his future at Manchester City amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

The Brazilian goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad this transfer window, with Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr interested in his signature, though the latter reportedly pulled out of the race.

Pep Guardiola is keen to keep his goalkeeper at the club, saying "I wish from the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us" when asked about the prospect of him leaving.

Ederson has proved an integral figure for City since arriving from Benfica in 2017, making 332 appearances in all competitions and keeping 155 clean sheets.

The 30-year-old is currently on City's pre-season tour of the United States having missed the Copa America with an eye injury, and started their 3-2 defeat to Milan in New York on Saturday.

Speaking after that game, Ederson admitted he still did not know where his future lies, but welcomed the praise from Guardiola.

"There isn't a decision yet," he said. "To hear Pep saying that was very gratifying.

"It's now my eighth season with him, living many good moments, also some bad ones. He's a guy who is easy to work with, he's a football genius and everyone knows that. So, it's really good to hear that from him.

"I'm happy here, having a good moment with my team-mates. I'm enjoying as well to get my fitness back on track. I'm very calm, whatever happens is in God's hands and he knows the right way to go. Whatever he gives me I'll be happy with."

City's next friendly on their pre-season tour will see them face Guardiola's former side Barcelona in Orlando on Tuesday. 

Tottenham have reached an agreement with K League 1 side Gangwon FC over the signing of South Korea youth international Yang Min-Hyeok.

The 18-year-old winger will join Spurs in January on a deal that will run until 2030.

Yang has progressed through Gangwon's youth ranks to become a key first-team player, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 25 appearances this season.

He has also represented South Korea at the World Cup and Asia Cup at under-17 level.

Yang is Spurs' fourth signing of this transfer window, along with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and George Feeney.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he has held "really positive talks" with the club amid uncertainty over his future.

While Howe has reiterated his commitment to Newcastle, the former Bournemouth boss did suggest there were some frustrations over the club's dealings and concerns about how he would fit into a new structure under sporting director Paul Mitchell.

At the end of June, Newcastle had to cash in on youngsters Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh in order to comply with the Premier League's financial rules.

Howe, meanwhile, has also been touted as a possible replacement for Gareth Southgate, who resigned as England manager in the wake of the Three Lions' loss to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

But speaking after Newcastle's friendly win over Hull City, Howe dismissed the suggestion he wants the final decision on the club's transfer activity while confirming he has held positive discussions with the hierarchy.

"It's not about having a final say" he said, as reported by The Athletic.

"I'm not going to say anything different to what I said before: collaboration.

"We’ve had really positive talks and we're trying to bring the right players for the football club.

"It's never about one person's decision and neither should it be. It's about a group of people coming together and making the right decisions, all for the benefit of the football club.

"Towards the end of collating information, that's when I'll have my input. There's a lot of work going on always through the year in terms of trying to bring players in.

"I've just been working every hour to make sure we're ready for next season."

Andre Onana believes Manchester United made the right decision to keep Erik ten Hag as their manager despite a difficult second season in charge.

Ten Hag's future was the subject of rife speculation in the second half of the season as United slumped to their worst-ever finish in the Premier League, ending the campaign in eighth.

However, the Red Devils finished the campaign on a high by beating Manchester City 2-1 to lift the FA Cup, booking a place in the Europa League after missing out on the European places due to their league finish.

The Dutchman also lifted the EFL Cup in his first season in charge, while his Premier League win percentage of 54% (41/76) is better only by Alex Ferguson (65%).

Ten Hag penned a contract extension earlier this month, and Onana, who also played under him at Ajax, believes it was the right choice to keep him.

"I'm not the one who decides if the manager stays or not," Onana told Sky Sports. "We had a difficult season with Erik last year, but we ended really good.

"The club made the right decision.

"Me, as a player, I think I'm talking on behalf of all of us, we follow the instruction of the manager. We are with him 100%."

United are currently on a pre-season tour of the USA, with the first of their three games being played against Arsenal in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Fabio Carvalho is determined to force himself into Arne Slot's Liverpool plans by "making a statement" during pre-season.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan, enduring mixed fortunes as he first went to RB Leipzig before joining Hull City.

While he struggled for game time in Germany, Carvalho cemented his place at the Championship side, making 20 appearances in the league for the Tigers.

The midfielder had made just 21 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions before that, netting three goals, and with his future under the new manager still uncertain, he is ready to play for a place in Slot's squad.

"I've had a few conversations with the manager which I'm not going to go into detail about, but he wants me to get my head down and work hard and see where that goes," Carvalho said.

"It's about making a statement. There are good chances for all the young players on this trip. It's a chance for everyone to stamp their mark.

"The time I spent at Hull was crucial. I needed game time, and I was happy when I was playing regularly. Every footballer wants to be playing week in and week out. I feel I got the best of myself when I was there and playing."

Carvalho got his first minutes under Slot in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Real Betis on Friday, playing just over an hour in Pittsburgh.

He was deployed out wide on the left, and despite admitting it is not his favoured position, he was happy settling into his new manager's style.

"We spoke about it and he [Slot] told me to try and settle on the wing, but obviously I know where I play best, and I feel that is as a No 10. I think I play better there," he added.

"I'm just going to do what he wants me to do and just work as hard as I can for him. He's giving me good instructions and motivating me a lot in training and giving me that confidence.

"It was good to play against Betis and get a few touches, good to be back in. I feel like the manager's style is a good fit for all of us. I feel like he plays positive football, he likes creating chances and that's what we've been doing."

Ange Postecoglou saluted "fantastic" Mikey Moore, after the teenager struck a late winner in Tottenham's J-League World Challenge clash with Vissel Kobe.

The 16-year-old was the hero with his 88th-minute strike sealing a 3-2 victory at the Japan National Stadium in what was Spurs' first match in their preseason tour of the Far East.

Academy graduate Moore became Tottenham's youngest Premier League player when, aged 16 years and 277 days, he made his senior debut against Manchester City in the penultimate game of last season.

And Postecoglou insists the England youth international, who has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances at under-17 level, is deserving of his first-team opportunities.

"Mikey has been fantastic since we brought him in," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "He's earned his spot on the roster at the moment; he did at the end of last year.

"He got a run with the first team because we could see in training that he was handling himself really well, and that's followed through into pre-season training.

"He's been good in all the games; he probably should have had three tonight, but he did take his goal well by being in the right areas.

"All we can do is keep allowing him to develop. We have to remember that, last year, he had some injuries, and he is only 16.

"I think the future with a lot of our young guys looks pretty promising, but it's our responsibility to make sure they realise their potential and continue to work hard at their game."

Spurs made it three wins from three during preseason, following their 5-1 and 2-0 victories over Hearts and Queens Park Rangers respectively.

"I thought it was a good game," Postecoglou added. "The conditions did make it difficult for both teams, and we've had a hard week of training.

"Credit to the boys. I thought we played some decent football, and they put in as much effort as they humanly could out there.

"You want to provide some sort of entertainment for the supporters who made a great turnout tonight, not just Spurs supporters, but football supporters in general. It's always nice to give back in that way and, overall, I was pleased."

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's Premier League dominance in recent seasons would not have been possible without Ederson.

The Brazil goalkeeper's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain, amid speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Ederson has been an integral figure for City since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, with 112 clean sheets in 250 Premier League appearances under Guardiola, while recording a save percentage of 68.17.

The 30-year-old conceded just 26 goals last season as the Citizens won an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title - and their sixth since he joined the club.

Ederson's distribution has also been crucial to City's success, notably completing 942 of his 1,097 passes last term (85.87%).

"I wish from the bottom of my heart Eddie will continue with us," Guardiola said. "I would love him to stay.

"I cannot imagine our processes succeeding these last seasons without him. He is an important figure in the locker room."

Ederson could feature for City on Saturday when they continue their pre-season tour of the United States against Paulo Fonseca's Milan at the Yankee Stadium.

Erik ten Hag wants more transfer activity ahead of his third season in charge of Manchester United, saying the Red Devils must work to replicate their rivals' strength in depth.

Ten Hag signed a new contract after overseeing United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, having previously been expected to depart.

Ahead of their first full season under the Jim Ratcliffe regime, United have spent an estimated £88million to acquire forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille.

But after United suffered more injuries causing a player to miss at least one match (45) than any other Premier League team last term, Ten Hag believes more is required.

"I want the squad as strong as possible," Ten Hag told reporters at a press conference ahead of Saturday's friendly versus Arsenal.

"We already made two very good buys, so when everyone is fit we have a team that can beat everyone.

"But also in squad depth, we have to catch up. We know that because when we had injuries, we were vulnerable, and we have to avoid this. 

"First, by picking up fewer injuries. And second, our squad has to be that good in depth.

"Of course, we have the quality, but in the depth we have to catch up even more, because this will be a season that is survival of the fittest.

"We proved we can beat the best team. Not just once, we did it twice. Our challenge is to do it consistently, that's what we have to work for."

Erik ten Hag has "100% belief" that Marcus Rashford will return to form for Manchester United after the forward endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

Rashford scored seven goals in 33 games last season as United finished eighth in the Premier League, having netted 17 times in 2022-23 when the Red Devils finished third.

The forward was subsequently left out of England's squad for Euro 2024, also being disciplined by his club for missing training to go to a nightclub in Belfast in January.

With former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy returning to Old Trafford in a coaching role, Ten Hag feels his presence can help Rashford get back to his best.

"The reason Ruud is here is clear, he can help the strikers, but he is much more than this. With Rashford, he can only prove himself," Ten Hag said.

"He is capable, he scored so many goals already at a relatively young age, he is capable of it. So I am confident, 100% belief, he can do the same as a few years ago."

Rashford was not the only England international to struggle for United last term, with Mason Mount enduring a disjointed first season at Old Trafford after arriving from Chelsea.

He made just 14 appearances in the Premier League, five of them starts, only scoring one goal and failing to provide an assist.

Ten Hag, however, feels it is unfair to judge him on last campaign and is certain he will fare better in 2024-25.

"You can't judge his season, because he was injured. Don't judge him. But when he is fit he will be a very good player for us and we can use him, he is versatile," Ten Hag said.

"You need certain types in the squad, team players, multifunctional players, he is one of the players who can play in several positions, he will help the team."

United continue their pre-season tour of the United States on Saturday as they face Arsenal, with matches against Real Betis and Liverpool also in the diary before they take on Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.

Pep Guardiola "would love to stay" at Manchester City beyond the expiration of his contract next year amid reports linking him with the England job.

Guardiola's contract with the Premier League champions expires in 2025, and some have tipped him to take the England job following Gareth Southgate's resignation.

In eight seasons with City to date, Guardiola has won 15 major trophies including six Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League in 2022-23. 

Since Guardiola arrived ahead of the 2016-17 season, City have won more games (225), scored more goals (755) and earned more points (716) than any other side in the Premier League.

On Friday, he hinted his stay at the Etihad Stadium could extend beyond nine years, telling reporters: "When I'm leaving, I will say I'm leaving, but I didn't say that.

"We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay.

"Nine years today at the same club is an eternity. So I want to be sure it's the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players.

"Still they run like they ran for eight years, it doesn't matter the competition, it doesn't matter the tournament and this is what I have to see.

"I am sure eight more years I won't stay! It's good to refresh, for players and managers.

"At the same time we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues, arriving in the last stages and playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now."

Guardiola was speaking ahead of City facing Milan in the second match of their pre-season tour of the United States, to take place at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

City are one of two English teams – alongside Chelsea – to have qualified for next year's 32-team Club World Cup, to be held in the USA.

Asked whether he would like to return stateside with City for that tournament, Guardiola said: "I would love to. Yeah, I would love to."

Ryan Sessegnon has resigned for Fulham on a free transfer, five years after leaving the club.

The 24-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Cottagers with the option to extend for a further year following his departure from Tottenham last month.

In his first spell at the club, Sessegnon worked his way through the academy over 11 years, scoring 25 goals in 120 first-team appearances.

He then moved to Spurs in a £25million deal in 2019, though struggled to nail down a place in North London, making just 57 appearances in all competitions, and scoring three goals.

"It's amazing to be back. Emotional, as well," he told FFCtv. "It's where it started for me, where everything began, and it's amazing to be back.

"It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."

Sessegnon is Fulham's first signing of the transfer window, though they have seen plenty of first-team departures already, with Joao Palhinha, Tosin Adarabioyo and Bobby De Cordova-Reid all leaving the club.