Arsenal and Liverpool could be about to be embroiled in a transfer battle for one of Europe’s most highly-rated full-backs.

The Premier League rivals have spent much of the summer chasing the same targets, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. The Gunners have reportedly paved the way for the Merseysiders to land the French winger, but he’s not the only player linked with both clubs.

While Mikel Arteta is well-stocked at left-back, he could look to add more depth and move Myles Lewis-Skelly into midfield. Andoni Iraola is looking to replace Andy Robertson following the veteran Scotsman’s move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal and Liverpool Offered Maxi Araujo

Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly both been handed the chance to sign Sporting CP’s Maxi Araujo, per SunSport. Intermediaries are said to have reached out to potential suitors and informed them that the Uruguayan is available for the right price.

Sporting are asking for at least £51.5 million to sell the 26-year-old, who has shone in Liga Portugal. Last season, he registered seven goals and six assists in 47 games across competitions, earning his status as one of the most admired attacking full-backs in Europe.

The Premier League rivals are weighing up potential moves for Araujo and deciding whether his price is reasonable. He is thought to be dreaming of a move to the English top flight and, as such, personal terms will most likely be able to progress quickly.

While Arteta and Iraola’s main focus has been on adding a new winger to their squads, a move for Araujo, dubbed “superb”, might appeal. While he has spent most of his spell at Sporting at left-back, he can play on the wing.

A Move to Liverpool Makes The Most Sense

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Liverpool are the club who would benefit most from signing Araujo, as they clearly need another option at left-back. Milos Kerkez has been reunited with his former Bournemouth boss Iraola, and he’ll be hoping he can get back to his best under the Spaniard.

It’s crucial that the Hungarian is handed competition though and Robertson’s departure needs addressing. Konstantinos Tsimikas has failed to impress during his time at Anfield and moving the Greek defender on is probably a wise decision.

Arsenal have Lewis-Skelly competing with Riccardo Califiori for the left-back starting berth in Arteta’s team. An injury crisis could prove problematic, but given how much Sporting are demanding, it doesn’t make sense to spend that much money on a third left-back.

Donald Trump has denied discussing FIFA’s plans to sell World Cup investment stakes with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, despite growing scrutiny over their seemingly close relationship.

Speaking to reporters at Camp David on Friday, Trump said the topic had not come up between the pair, even as FIFA’s proposals continue to incite fury across world football.

The denial comes at a sensitive moment for both men, whose relationship has developed closely since the 2026 World Cup, and follows a period in which Infantino gifted Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.

With UEFA threatening a boycott and several other confederations voicing serious concerns, the timing of Trump’s comments has done little to quiet speculation over his own level of involvement.

What FIFA is Proposing and why it’s Causing a Boycott Threat

REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

FIFA confirmed plans this week to launch a new $20 billion subsidiary to oversee the World Cup and its other competitions, offering up to 20% of shares to outside investors. The investment group is reportedly being led by a fund that was founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The backlash has been swift and significant. UEFA has said its national teams will refuse to take part in any FIFA competition unless the plans are dropped entirely, with assurances that private ownership will never again be considered. CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also come out against the proposals, with the AFC saying trust in FIFA’s leadership has been damaged. Reports suggest as many as 143 countries, including England, France, Germany, Italy and the latest world champions, Spain, now back some form of boycott.

Internally, things look just as shaky for Infantino. Long-time adviser Carlos Cordeiro has resigned in protest, and FIFA’s own chief operating officer has accused Infantino of misleading staff over his true intentions. Infantino has defended the plan, insisting it’s designed to grow the game’s revenues and benefit member associations rather than hand over control of the sport.

A vote on the proposals is set for the 19th of September, though with three major confederations now opposed, Infantino appears to be running out of support and a vote may only make for embarrassing reading.

FIFA Eyeing a 64-Team World Cup for 2030

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Alongside the investment row, FIFA looks to be pushing ahead with plans to expand the World Cup even further. A leaked internal document shows FIFA wants to appoint an independent agency to examine increasing the tournament from 48 to 64 teams in time for 2030, despite this summer’s tournament being the first ever played with 48.

That 2030 edition will be a historic one regardless, co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain to mark the World Cup’s 100th anniversary, running for a record 44 days. Three centenary matches will also be staged in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, hosts of the original 1930 tournament, with all six nations automatically qualifying.