Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 12:21 AM ET

Transfer Market

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has brushed off speculation surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly, saying he welcomes players being linked with moves. Meanwhile, Arsenal are actively chasing further additions; Arteta admitted there is a limited pool of available players who can elevate the squad after Bruno Guimaraes’ debut. The club have also held further talks over Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, while Galatasaray have submitted a bid for Gabriel Martinelli. Chelsea have set Manchester City a deadline of 5pm Friday to make an offer for Enzo Fernandez. Atlético Madrid and Tottenham have agreed a €40 million deal for Argentina defender Cristian Romero; a separate source confirms the Romero agreement is in principle. In other moves, Romelu Lukaku has sealed an “emotional” switch to Fenerbahce from Napoli, and Hull City confirmed a club‑record signing for centre‑back Nobel Mendy. Diego Simeone and Julian Alvarez held talks at Atlético amid the forward’s transfer request. Bruno Fernandes remains the centre of attention at Manchester United, with his future and contract still uncertain.

Pre‑Season and Friendlies

Myles Lewis‑Skelly underlined his Arsenal commitment by scoring in a 1‑1 friendly draw with Como, helping the Gunners to a 4‑3 penalty win; Lewis‑Skelly scored amid transfer speculation, while Guimaraes made his bow in the same match. In Dublin, Noussair Mazraoui kept his cool as Manchester United beat Leeds United 5‑4 on penalties; he said pitch invaders show “big love” for Man United. Real Madrid edged Deportivo La Coruña 1‑0 with a Brahim Diaz goal in a friendly that saw Silva and Dumfries start. Marcus Rashford was absent for United in the Leeds friendly but remains part of the club’s plans, despite his Rashford absence.

UEFA Super Cup

Desire Doue scored the winner as Paris Saint‑Germain beat Aston Villa 2‑1 to lift the UEFA Super Cup. Teenage striker Brian Madjo, ended an eight‑month competitive wait with a dream Villa debut and goal; Doue silenced Madjo‑mania as PSG claimed back‑to‑back Super Cups. Doué’s second‑half goal proved decisive in a PSG win, while Madjo’s fearless performance earned plaudits.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi rejoined Inter Miami CF on Wednesday, appearing on the bench for their Leagues Cup game against Club Leon after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. He later paid tribute to his father on Instagram in an emotional post. As he ponders retirement, BBC Sport looks back at Messi’s most iconic moments.

International and Other News

The Netherlands have appointed Barcelona great Xavi Hernández as their new national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, following Ronald Koeman’s resignation. South America is helping kick off the 2030 World Cup in three countries, but its limited role in the centenary tournament has left plenty of concerns on the continent. In a quirky note, Barcelona and Montpellier players have been advised “don’t look up” as they play during a solar eclipse in Spain. Barcelona and Real Madrid released their new third kits for 2026‑27, adding another layer to the Clásico rivalry. In the NWSL, the last‑placed Chicago Stars fired coach Martin Sjögren and brought back Lorne Donaldson.