Newcastle United are entering the summer transfer window with hopes of refreshing the squad with a few fresh faces, as reports have emerged over interest in a World Cup star.

The Magpies have already conducted some quick business in the transfer market, with Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona quickly being followed up by the signing of promising goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.

Other moves could be on the cards, with plenty of exit links appearing next to some other potential moves, particularly in the forward areas.

Victor Munoz is a key target to replace Gordon, while a fresh target has emerged for the defensive line heading into this opening of the window.

Newcastle Want Australia Star Alessandro Circati

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With potential defenders on the radar for Newcastle, a report from Italian outlet ParmaToday claims that Australia and Parma star Alessandro Circati has emerged as an option this summer.

The ‘underrated’ 22-year-old is believed to be a target for the Magpies, who have been “closely monitoring” the defender’s progress in recent months, which includes his recent performances at the World Cup with his national team.

Circati started for Australia in their World Cup opening group stage game against Turkiye, where they ran out as surprise 2-0 winners over the European nation, who were deemed as favourites for the clash.

It was a win characterised by the defensive solidity on show from Australia, with Circati starting as part of a back three that looked to snuff out any opportunities for the opposition.

The report claims that the defender is a “hero” for his performances for both club and country, having caught the eye in his time in Serie A before he got his eventual World Cup call-up.

That means not only Newcastle are interested in Circati, though it is unclear what Parma’s stance will be on a possible sale this summer.

Who Is Alessandro Circati?

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Alessandro Circati has appeared on the radar of plenty of teams, including Newcastle, as his reputation within football continues to rise on the global stage.

He is a 22-year-old right-footed centre-back who was born in Fidenza, Italy, but moved to Australia at the age of one, where he grew up through his early life.

Circati came through the Perth SC and Perth Glory youth teams, making plenty of appearances before he was linked with a return to Italy in 2021.

The youngster joined Parma in Serie A, making several appearances for the youth side before making his senior debut in 2022, where he has since cemented himself as a regular starter.

While Circati represented Italy at the youth level, he declared for Australia in 2023, and has made 14 appearances for the Socceroos, with plenty more to come.

Spain midfielder Rodri has received some strong criticism for his comments in the immediate aftermath of his country’s 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

La Roja opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with an underwhelming draw against the third-smallest nation to ever participate. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of the possession and taking 27 shots, they just couldn’t force the ball past 40-year-old Vozinha.

With games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay still to come, Spain will now be under pressure to get points on the board. As one of the favourites to win the entire competition, Cape Verde would’ve been viewed as an ideal opportunity to secure three points early.

Rodri Appears to Aim Dig at Cape Verde

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Rodri cut a frustrated figure in his post-match interview and he ended up landing himself in hot water with social media users. The Ballon d’Or winner did admit his teammates didn’t do enough to get the win, as he said:

After bemoaning Spain’s own shortcomings, the midfield metronome then aimed what many have taken as a dig at their opponents. Rodri pointed out how Cape Verde struggled to get into the Spain half, saying: “That’s how they play. They don’t get past midfield. It’s a matter of improving our finishing.”

Rodri Labelled ‘Salty’ For Cape Verde Dig

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Social media was in a state of shock after the surprise result. Many took aim at Rodri for his ‘salty’ comments, with one fan replying: “This brother has never given credit to any team that beats or frustrates his team. He’s always salty and cries about everything.”

“Since bro won the Ballon d’Or, he speaks with so much ego,” another added. Others were shocked at what the Manchester City ace expected: “How did Rodri want the opponent to play against almighty Spain?”

The 29-year-old appears to be getting a reputation for not taking negative results well. One supporter said: “Rodri is always talking and talking after draws and losses,” while another added: “Not like Rodri to be salty after a disappointing result.”

Some took it as a dig at his own teammate Ferran Torres, who failed to score despite having many chances. It was suggested: “Rodri is throwing indirect shades at Ferran Torres after his terrible performance against Cape Verde.”

Arsenal are plotting a surprise move to sign a Tottenham defender during the summer transfer window, and he’s set to leave the club at the end of this month.

It’s not often that we see players move from Arsenal to Tottenham or Tottenham to Arsenal, and it would often be considered a controversial move.

Sol Campbell is certainly the most notable in recent history when he joined Arsenal after his Tottenham contract expired in 2001.

The English defender’s decision certainly didn’t go down well with Spurs supporters after he had made over 250 appearances for the club.

It is rare that Tottenham or Arsenal would sanction a move between the two sides, but when contracts expire in the summer, it is difficult for them to have any control.

Arsenal Eyeing Tottenham Move

According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal are interested in signing Tottenham defender Elijah Upson, who is set to leave Spurs at the end of his contract this month.

Upson is the son of former Arsenal and England centre-back Matthew. He joined Spurs at the age of seven, and now, over ten years later, he looks set to be heading through the exit door.

Reports emerged that Upson had been offered a professional contract by Tottenham, but he opted against putting pen to paper in order to move on.

Upson was a regular for Spurs’s under 18 side during the 2025-2026 season, and he even appeared for the under-21s.

Arsenal Planning Youth Recruitment

It’s clear Arsenal have a plan to improve their academy set-up heading into the summer transfer window.

After winning the Premier League title, the Gunners can switch their focus from bringing in mostly senior-level players to signing up-and-coming stars to improve their academy.

According to reports, Arsenal have agreed terms with Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga ahead of a possible deal this summer.

There will be less of a worry on Arsenal’s end about signing players who can make an immediate impact, since they’ve clearly got a squad capable of being one of the best in the world.