Liverpool are now ready to smash the British transfer record again to sign a ‘world-class’ star for Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool chiefs are working overtime to strengthen Iraola’s squad ahead of the new season, with the only brand-new arrival so far this summer being Victor Munoz.

In a summer where the Reds have lost some key voices from the dressing room in Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate, and off the back of a disappointing season, that is clearly not enough.

A freshen up of the squad is needed and one of the big priorities is bringing in a replacement for Salah, who has been such a key player for the Merseyside outfit for a number of years in terms of his quality and extraordinary record of goals and assists.

As well as needing a response in the Premier League after a miserable defence of their crown, Iraola will also want to perform better than they did last term in the Champions League too.

While the Reds have decent depth on the left flank in Munoz, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, that depth is lacking on the opposite side, with Federico Chiesa and Jeremie Frimpong two of the main options available there.

Liverpool Ready to ‘Demolish’ Transfer Record for Bradley Barcola

REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now ready to ‘demolish’ their transfer record to sign Barcola this summer, after holding positive talks over a deal with the player’s representatives.

The Reds are now ready to make their move for the France international, with GIVEMESPORT sources revealing that their first bid is in the offing.

TEAMtalk report that the Merseyside outfit have been given fresh encouragement from the ‘world-class’ PSG winger’s camp over a move to Anfield, and while there is no agreement on personal terms yet, they aren’t expected to be an obstacle in any potential deal.

Liverpool are said to have made it clear they are willing to break the British transfer record again to bring the 23-year-old to the club, less than 12 months after they paid £125m to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

PSG value Barcola at around £145m, but that asking price seemingly hasn’t deterred the Reds, who believe that he is the ‘closest fit’ to Salah available anywhere in Europe.

Liverpool Make £85m Barcola Alternative ‘Dream’ Signing

According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, reporting for talkSPORT, Liverpool have identified exciting Bournemouth winger Rayan as their ‘dream’ target should they fail to make progress on a move to prise Barcola away from the Parc des Princes.

The Brazilian teenager only joined the Cherries in January, but he made a big impression in the second-half of the 2025-26 campaign with five goals in 15 Premier League appearances, striking up a strong partnership with Eli Junior Kroupi to help the south coast outfit qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.

It’s unclear how much Bournemouth would demand to sell Rayan this summer, with a £85m release clause for clubs incoming for 2027 for a player who looks to have a huge future ahead of him.

Arsenal believe that they can tie up a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United by the end of this week. That’s according to ESPN Brasil reporter Bruno Andrade.

The Gunners have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far, with winger Christos Tzolis their one big signing so far, arriving from Club Brugge in a deal worth around £34million.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also come in, arriving on a free transfer from Leeds United, with Jakub Kiwior completing a permanent move away after a season-long loan deal with Porto and Leandro Trossard leaving for Besiktas.

Vinicius Junior move signalled Arsenal’s intent in the transfer window

REUTERS/Ana Beltran

Arsenal remain in the hunt for a new midfielder and another forward, with Mikel Arteta keen to make a statement signing as the Gunners look to defend their Premier League crown in 2026/27.

They have been linked with a sensational move for Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, although it has now been reported that the Brazilian will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, they are still in talks over a move to sign Guimaraes, one of Vinicius’ teammates from the World Cup, with a move seemingly edging ever closer to completion.

Arsenal had an initial £55million bid rejected by Newcastle, who have already lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, with the Magpies holding out for £80million if they are to sell their ‘world-class’ player – something they are reluctant to do.

It seems the Gunners are closing in on a fee that could reach £75million all in, which they believe will convince Newcastle to sell.

Guimaraes to Arsenal could be completed by Sunday

via Reuters

Speaking on ESPN Brasil, Nadrade said: “Arsenal have raised the offer for Bruno Guimares, now they are offering £75million, £70million fixed plus £5million in objectives, totalling £75million.

“Two or three weeks ago the first offer of £55million was rejected so an agreement is starting to take shape. Newcastle are still waiting for an £80million offer, but given that Arsenal have already reached £75million it is very likely negotiations will progress positively this week since Bruno Guimaraes is in Brazil and returns to England on Friday and needs to report back [to Newcastle for training] on Monday.

“The idea is that this won’t even be necessary, that the deal with Arsenal will be closed. He has already sent a positive message to Arsenal that he is open to it, that he wants to negotiate. He hasn’t forced an exit but has already signalled, communicated his desire to be transferred, to take this step in the Premier League.”

Lionel Messi has a firm rule when it comes to commercial shoots, and it comes with a hard deadline attached.

That’s according to Hollywood star Will Ferrell, who picked up the details from fellow actor Steve Carell after The US Office star worked alongside the Argentine on a recent World Cup advert.

It’s a real insight into how one of the world’s most in-demand athletes manages his time on set, even as brands continue to queue up for his services. It also comes as Messi’s commercial and on-pitch earnings continue to reach staggering figures, solidifying his status as MLS’s top earner by some distance.

Lionel Messi Won’t Stay on set Past 30 Minutes, According to Will Ferrell

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

The Barcelona legend regularly appears in campaigns for major brands including Adidas, Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, Gatorade and EA Sports. He most recently featured in a star-studded lineup for the well-known crisp brand Lays, in their ‘No Lay’s No Game’ advert alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Alexia Putellas and Carell.

But according to Ferrell, speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, Messi keeps a strict limit on how long he’ll spend filming. Ferrell said:

Lionel Messi’s Commercial Deals Form Part of a Staggering Overall Income

Brett Davis / IMAGN Images via Reuters

Messi is MLS’s highest earner by some distance, with figures released in October showing a base salary of $12million and guaranteed compensation of $20.4million, before he signed a fresh three-year extension. He also holds an equity stake in Inter Miami alongside various bonuses and clauses.

Inter owner Jorge Mas said in March that Messi earns between $70 million and $80 million a year in total from the club, while Forbes reported his off-pitch earnings sit at around $70 million annually. He also has a lifetime deal with Adidas, believed to be worth $25 million a year, having represented the brand since 2006.