Arsenal have are now said to have agreed a deal to sign a new left winger after negotiations over recent days. The Gunners are now sparking their summer transfer window to life, having spent big money to land Christos Tzolis to add depth following the departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas.

Mikel Arteta’s priority this summer is to add a new starting left winger and a new number 8, but there could be further recruits, especially with some of the squad players likely to be offered the chance to start elsewhere, as Trossard was.

That work goes on, but in the meantime, Arsenal have managed to add yet another top young talent, agreeing a deal with Cardiff City to sign their young hotshot winger.

Arsenal ‘agree’ deal with Cardiff City

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have agreed to sign Bluebirds youngster Axel Donczew, who has already been blooded at senior level at 16 years of age. Romano posted on X: “Arsenal agree deal to sign 16 year old talent Axel Donczew from Cardiff City, here we go! Donczew became Cardiff City’s youngest ever player in the EFL Trophy in October 2025, now set to sign for Arsenal this week. 16 year old already completed his medical at #AFC.”

The deal likely involves a compensation package, and the fact Arsenal have agreed to one means they can involve a tribunal at a later stage, with Donczew yet to turn 17, meaning he has not signed a professional contract.

Arsenal have been here before of course, signing Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff City back in 2008, although Ramsey had already turned professional and played a key role in Cardiff’s run to reach the 2008 FA Cup final. Ramsey turned out to be quite the signing, going on to become a club legend at the Emirates Stadium.

It’s likely Donczew will link up with the younger Arsenal age groups for now, but given the trust Arteta has shown in players like Max Dowman, there is clearly a path to the first team if it is earned.

Donczew playing well beyond his years

Donczew has made two senior appearances so far, both in the EFL Trophy last season. Cardiff were promoted from League One last season, so they had a highly competitive squad. The young winger, who has a Polish family background, has represented Wales throughout the age groups and is a current under-19s international, playing well beyond his age.

Donczew was a joint-winner of Cardiff’s Academy Player of the Season, and speaking after the young winger’s debut, senior boss Brian Barry-Murphy said: “I think if they’re good enough, and he clearly is, then they’re old enough for us with Axel.”

He added: “For Axel to come on and show real signs of what we see in training is an insight into how high our hopes are for him.”

The Cardiff boss said after another appearance: “Axel [Donczew] came on and you saw the style of play that he displayed, so it’s an exciting time for the future.”

A midfield rebuild has been the main priority for Manchester United but signing a new striker is under consideration.

Benjamin Sesko impressed during his debut season, especially after Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January. The Slovenian shared most of the team’s goals with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Carrick turned to Joshua Zirkzee in the last three games of the season due to Sesko sustaining a shin injury. The Dutch attacker failed to impress and speculation is growing over a potential summer exit.

Zirkzee has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Juventus while AS Roma have also shown interest. If he moves on, it looks as though INEOS have decided on a replacement.

Man Utd Monitoring Ollie Watkins

Should Zirkzee move on, signing a new centre-forward becomes somewhat of a necessity and the club could reignite their interest in Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa striker had been on the Red Devils’ radar before they decided to sign Sesko as their new number nine.

According to SunSport, United are monitoring Watkins’ situation at Villa and if Zirkzee leaves, they will make an “official approach” for the English frontman. Arsenal are also keeping tabs after Fernerbahce planned to make a £30 million bid.

The Turkish giants decided against submitting the offer after Villa made it clear that they wouldn’t accept it. The Villans are thought to be willing to consider offers of around £40 million for the player.

Watkins, described as “exceptional” has two years left on his contract at Villa Park and has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent finishers over the years. Last season, the 30-year-old scored 16 goals in 37 league games despite enduring a rough patch.

Watkins is a Must-Have For Man Utd

If United want to challenge for major honours, Watkins is the type of signing that helps them do so. An experienced striker who has been superb during his time at Villa and is probably the second-best English striker behind Harry Kane.

Sesko is obviously Carrick’s main frontman but adding Watkins to his squad gives him another option who is reliable. That’s not been the case with Zirkzee who managed just two goals in 24 league games last season.

The price might be an issue given the club are looking to sign a third midfielder and potentially a new left-back. But you know what you’re getting from him and that’s goals along with an extensive understanding of the English game.

Oleksandr Usyk watched on as Anthony Joshua survived a huge scare to overcome Kristian Prenga on Saturday evening.

Joshua made his return to the ring this weekend, eight months after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Nigeria which took the lives of two of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

The 36-year-old was easily expected to overcome Prenga in their bout at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia. However, while the bout only lasted two rounds, those two rounds were packed with drama.

Prenga came racing out of the blocks and knocked a shell-shocked Joshua down twice in the opening round.

Joshua regained his composure and asserted his dominance in the second round, and the bout was stopped following a brutal shot that sent Prenga crashing to the canvas.

Oleksandr Usyk’s Reaction to Joshua’s Victory

Credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Usyk was present in Jeddah to watch Joshua fight. The 39-year-old, who beat Joshua twice earlier this decade, trained alongside his former opponent as he prepared for his fight against Prenga.

Usyk took to Instagram on Saturday afternoon to wish Joshua good luck. He wrote: “Good luck tonight Anthony Joshua. I know how much work you have put into preparing for this fight. Now go out there and do what you came to do. Respect always!”

Ring Magazine have now posted footage showing Usyk’s reaction to Joshua’s victory. The Ukrainian appeared to breathe a huge sign of relief after Joshua’s victory was secured.

Usyk then made his way into the ring and the two shared an emotional embrace, with Joshua saying that ‘it was okay.’

Usyk gave his assessment on Joshua’s performance after his victory. He told talkSPORT: “Anthony Joshua is next undisputed champion. First round it’s a test but AJ is back.

“It’s boxing, [the] big upper cut is good, it’s a knockdown. AJ [come] back and win. Greedy Belly [Fury] will speak now and say weak chin, Greedy Belly get out. AJ wins [against Fury], [he will] knock him out.”

Joshua Praises Prenga and Speak About Fury

Credit: REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

Joshua was very complimentary of Prenga following the bout. He said, per Sky Sports: “He’s a strong guy and I think Eddie [Hearn] wants to sign him now!

“He is going to do well and has a bright future. Maybe with a bit more experience, he will be up there with the rest of us.

“He is strong and durable and gave me a good test but this is what champions do, we rise. We get knocked down and stand up. That’s life.”

Joshua is now expected to face Tyson Fury next. Speaking about the potential bout, Joshua said: “I am going to rip his heart out. I am the meanest and most vicious champion there has ever been!

“All jokes aside, I respect everything he has done and achieved but we are here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”