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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has overseen a massive overhaul of his playing squad since his arrival, spending plenty of money in the transfer market to turn his side into regular challengers for silverware.

The Gunners splashed the cash in 2025 on the likes of Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, but who is the club’s most expensive signing of all time?

Here, we’ve taken a look at Arsenal’s most expensive signings in their history, with the help of Transfermarkt and news reports, alongside a detailed look at the top 10.

Here’s a detailed look at Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings:

10

Alexandre Lacazette

£46.5m from Lyon, 2017

French forward Alexandre Lacazette joined Arsenal in 2017 from Lyon after spending his entire career with the Ligue 1 side.

He went on to have five years at the Emirates, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 71 times, winning the FA Cup. Lacazette left Arsenal on a free transfer, returning to Lyon where he will go down as a club icon.

9

Ben White

£50m from Brighton, 2021

After starring out on loan with Leeds United in the Championship and making an impact in the Premier League with Brighton, Arsenal won the race to sign Ben White in 2021.

The versatile defender has been a regular for Arsenal since then and has been transformed into a right-back under Arteta, with his contract with the Gunners running until 2028.

8

Noni Madueke

£52m from Chelsea, 2025

Noni Madueke was one of Arsenal’s first summer signings of 2025, swapping Stamford Bridge for the Emirates in a deal worth a total of £52m.

The Gunners would go on to spend a lot more ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Madueke penning a five-year contract.

7

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

£56m from Borussia Dortmund, 2018

In 2018, Arsenal spent big to add more firepower to their attack, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining from Borussia Dortmund. In total, Aubameyang would go on to score 92 goals in 163 appearances, scoring the winner in the 2020 FA Cup final.

Aubameyang and Lacazette struck up a good relationship in north London, but like his former strike partner, he left Arsenal in 2022 before returning to England for a short stint with Chelsea.

6

Martin Zubimendi

£60m from Real Sociedad, 2025

Central midfielder Martin Zubimendi almost signed for Liverpool in 2024, however, six months later, Arsenal were putting plans in place to sign the Spaniard ahead of those at Anfield.

A transfer was put in place in January 2025 and Zubimendi moved to north London six months later.

5

Viktor Gyokeres

£63m from Sporting CP

Signing a new striker was Arsenal’s biggest priority in 2025, and Viktor Gyokeres was the centre-forward tasked with leading the Gunners’ line.

After scoring for fun with Sporting CP, Arsenal spent a total of £63m to win the race for the Sweden international, who only wanted the Gunners.

4

Kai Havertz

£65m from Chelsea, 2023

Chelsea recouped the majority of the transfer fee they paid Bayer Leverkusen for Kai Havertz when selling him to Arsenal in 2023, with the German attacker penning a five-year deal at the Emirates.

The versatile forward has been deployed in numerous positions by Arteta so far and looks to be a valuable signing going forward.

3

Eberechi Eze

£67.5m from Crystal Palace, 2025

Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal in 2025 was one of the most dramatic, with the attacking midfielder so close to joining rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Before he signed for Spurs on the dotted line, boyhood Gunner Eze phoned Arteta, which led to Arsenal hijacking a transfer and sealing a deal with Crystal Palace worth a total of £67.5m.

2

Nicolas Pepe

£72m from Lille, 2019

A big-money signing that ultimately didn’t work out was Nicolas Pepe. Arsenal splashed the cash on the Ivorian back in 2019 after starring in France for Lille.

However, Pepe never really got to grips with life in England and, after making 112 appearances for the club, scoring 27 times, left in 2023 on a free transfer despite having 12 months remaining on his contract at the time.

1

Declan Rice

£105m from West Ham, 2023

Comfortably Arsenal’s record signing, Declan Rice was also wanted by Manchester City during the summer of 2023, but it was the Gunners who won the race after laying plenty of groundwork months prior.

The England international is under contract until 2028, so he looks set to be an important member of Arteta’s side for years to come.

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has likened Mohamed Salah to Cristiano Ronaldo and explained why it is far too early to be writing the Egyptian superstar off at Liverpool. The remarkable numbers that he has been posting for the Reds have dipped slightly in 2025-26, on the back of signing a new contract, but the expectation is that he will come good again.

• Salah's numbers have dipped after signing new contract

  Salah has, having moved to Anfield in 2017, become a modern day legend in his own right. He is five appearances short of 300 for Liverpool and requires just two more goals in order to reach 250. He is a two-time Premier League title winner with Champions League and domestic cup honours to his name – along with three PFA Player of the Year awards and four Golden Boots.

  Liverpool worked hard to agree an extension with their ‘Egyptian King’ over the summer, with fresh terms taking him through to 2027. More magical performances should be delivered in that time, despite the odd question being asked of his contribution at present – with the target only being found on three occasions through 10 appearances this term.

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  Too early for Salah to be written off

  Reds hero Carragher has said in his column for : "Liverpool have been basking in the glow of the Mohamed Salah era for the past seven years. The next seven weeks will give us an indication as to how much longer that will last. Salah is off form, the goals have dried up, and he does not look the same player as last season. If Liverpool are to retain the title, he needs to sharpen up before December’s African Cup of Nations, thus ensuring he is as indispensable as ever to Arne Slot when he gets back. There are valid causes for concern following recent performances. There are also valuable lessons from Salah’s career which serve as a warning to those prematurely predicting a decline. Do not write off Salah too soon because he has a habit of making criticism look silly."

• Salah's record vs Man Utd: Stunning strike rate

  A meeting with arch-rivals Manchester United is next on the agenda for Liverpool and Salah, much like Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo, tends to save his best for when it matters most. Carragher added on facing favoured opposition: "Salah has similar traits to Cristiano Ronaldo with regards to his mental toughness and determination to extend his career at the top and keep chasing records and trophies. The more he is doubted, the more he responds where it matters on the pitch.

  "If there is one club which will fear negative appraisals of Salah’s form more than any, it is this weekend’s visitors to Anfield, Manchester United. Salah’s record versus United is extraordinary. He has scored 16 times against Liverpool’s historic rivals. No team has suffered more against him. His all-time tally in this fixture is seven more than any player for either club, enhancing his reputation as the man for the big occasion."

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  Time catches up with all icons eventually

  Carragher concedes that Liverpool may be wondering whether handing Salah a new deal was the right decision, with every talismanic figure seeing stunning individual standards dip at some stage. He said: "With respect to all of the great players who have served [Jurgen] Klopp and now [Arne] Slot, when football historians view this period they will see Liverpool as ‘the Salah team’. He has defined it in the way [Kenny] Dalglish did in the late 70s and 80s, John Barnes the late 80s, and [Steven] Gerrard the 2000s. Like the legends before him, even a footballer with Salah’s pace cannot outrun father time. It is a question of when, not if, the greatest realise they have been caught.

  "Slot left Salah out of the first tricky Champions League away game in Galatasaray. With Salah unavailable when he joins Egypt in mid-season, Liverpool must get used to being without him. Salah must start to accept he may not start every week upon his return, which is never easy for such a high-profile, world-class player. Sooner or later Liverpool must move beyond Salah and enter the era of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Just don’t bet against Salah making that later rather than sooner."

  Liverpool head into their home date with old adversaries United looking to snap a run of three successive defeats. Slot’s side have come unstuck against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea across domestic and Champions League competition, leading to them slipping from the Premier League summit in an ongoing bid to defend their English top-flight crown.

Sunderland returned to the Premier League this season with a summer that made the rest of the league sit up and take notice.

Backed by ambitious ownership, the Black Cats spent £141.5m, just short of Nottingham Forest’s record spend for a newly promoted side in 2022.

It was a bold statement that they intend to survive the drop.

Habib Diarra arrived from Strasbourg to add dynamism in midfield, Simon Adingra was snapped up from Brighton, while Chemsidine Talbi and Noah Sadiki joined from Belgium.

Perhaps the most eye-catching additions were Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen and Nordi Mukiele from PSG.

Both players who bring Champions League experience and leadership to a youthful squad. That recruitment drive quickly paid dividends.

A raucous Stadium of Light saw Sunderland sweep aside West Ham 3-0 on the opening day.

Reality bit a week later with a 2-0 defeat away to Burnley, but Régis Le Bris’ side bounced back.

A last-gasp Wilson Isidor strike secured a 2-1 win over Brentford before a disciplined 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace earned another valuable point.

The Black Cats host Aston Villa next, with the fanbase buzzing at the idea that this side might just be capable of more than survival.

For many, the excitement brings back memories of one man: Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanaian forward who lit up the Stadium of Light during his brief but memorable spell.

Asamoah Gyan – Sunderland’s Premier League icon

When Sunderland signed Gyan from Stade Rennais in 2010 for a then-club record £13m, expectations were high.

The Ghanaian had already proven himself in Ligue 1 with 14 goals and five assists in 53 appearances and had enhanced his reputation on the international stage, scoring freely for the Black Stars.

Gyan wasted no time making his mark, scoring on his debut against Wigan Athletic. His flair made him an instant fan favourite.

Sunderland supporters will never forget his role in the club’s famous 3-0 victory away at Chelsea, nor the dramatic 94th-minute equaliser in the Tyne-Wear derby that denied Newcastle a double over their fiercest rivals.

Though his stay was short – 11 goals in 37 appearances before a lucrative move to Al-Ain in the UAE – Gyan’s impact was lasting.

At Sunderland, he remains a symbol of what a talismanic striker can do for the club. Lift the team, energise the fans, and turn matches on their head.

Fourteen years on, supporters may finally have reason to believe they’ve found a modern version of Gyan in their new Dutch centre-forward.

Brian Brobbey can be Sunderland’s modern-day Gyan

When Brian Brobbey swapped Ajax for Sunderland in a deal worth up to £21 million, eyebrows were raised.

Here was a 23-year-old striker and “natural born killer”, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig, with a proven record in the Eredivisie – 56 goals and 24 assists in 163 appearances – opting to take the next step in his career on Wearside.

For Sunderland, it was their 13th signing of a hectic summer but arguably the most significant.

A two-time Eredivisie winner with Ajax, Brobbey also boasts international experience with the Netherlands, having earned eight caps so far.

Like Gyan before him, he arrives with pedigree and hunger, eager to prove himself in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

The timing of his move was crucial. Sunderland had been forced into the market after Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu as cover for Liam Delap.

Brobbey was identified not only as a replacement but as a forward who could spearhead the club’s attack for years to come.

A centre-forward “goal machine”, in the words of Kulig, his numbers speak for themselves.

Brobbey ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty expected goals (0.61 per 90), the 94th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.53 per 90), and the 99th percentile for assists (0.50 per 90).

He also offers physical presence, winning aerial duels at an impressive rate and pressing defenders relentlessly.

Stylistically, he has been compared to Nick Woltemade, Marcus Thuram, and Nicolas Jackson, as per FBref – all forwards who blend power with mobility.

Yet for Sunderland fans, the more exciting comparison is with Gyan.

Like the Ghanaian, Brobbey thrives on sharp movement in the box, intelligent link-up play, and an ability to score crucial goals.

If he can replicate even half of Gyan’s impact in red and white, Brobbey could become a cult hero on Wearside.

And unlike Gyan, who departed after just one season, Sunderland will hope their Dutch striker sticks around long enough to build a legacy of his own.

Le Bris could unleash his own Mateta in Sunderland's “one man machine”

Regis Le Bris could unleash Sunderland’s very own Jean-Philippe Mateta for his side’s away test at Crystal Palace.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 13, 2025

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard scripted history on Wednesday after guiding Coventry City to a record-breaking start to their Championship campaign. Under Lampard's tutelage this season, the Sky Blues have remained unbeaten in their first 11 matches, a feat that has been achieved for the first time in the club's history. Coventry now lead Middlesbrough by four points at the top of the table.

• Coventry City's historic start in the 2025-26 campaign

  Coventry kicked off the 2025-26 campaign with a draw against Hull City before going on to register back-to-back wins against Derby County and QPR as they scored a whopping 12 goals in those two matches. They then drew their next three matches, before their latest five-match streak began on September 27 against Birmingham City. On Wednesday, the club beat Portsmouth 2-1, riding on Brandon Thomas-Asante's brace. With seven wins and four draws, the Sky Blues have already secured 25 points from their first 11 league matches, the best start the club has ever experienced.       

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  Lampard clashed with opposition coach

  While the Chelsea legend was thrilled after overseeing yet another victory over Portsmouth, he also lashed out at the opponent manager, John Mousinho for his on-field behaviour. The two coaches were spotted exchanging words and having to be separated in a heated touchline row following full-time.

  Lampard later shared his take on the incident after the game, telling reporters, "I haven't seen it again. I didn't think it was one at the time. I think it is a stadium where the crowd can put pressure on the referee and I don't think added pressure on the fourth official was necessary." 

  Explaining the incident, Mousinho shared his statement as he added: "It looks a clear penalty to me. The ball strikes his arm way outside of the body. I spoke to the referee and he wasn't looking at the incident – he was looking at the box – but I still expect someone from the officiating team to pick it up. I was trying to speak to the fourth official about it but I couldn't do it. But there is no needle with Lampard. I just spoke to him there and my main problem is with the officiating team for not dealing with it differently. It is a disappointing result, but I think it was a fair result overall. We got ourselves back into the game too little, too late."

• Lampard praised Coventry's performance

  Overall, the former England midfielder was satisfied with the performance of his side as they continued to remain unbeaten in the Championship. Lampard told reporters, "I thought we played well. To come here and look as powerful and dangerous in front of goal, and we could have scored one or two more, was good. People will get excited, and that ramps up when you win games but our job is to stay on it and stay diligent. We are happy with the start to the season with the performances and results, but we know what this league does if you relax."    

  The manager also heaped praise on the star of the game, Thomas-Asante, as he added: "From day one of pre-season, he has been amazing. He's been fit, hungry and fresh. For us as staff to have someone who moves from left side to right side to number 10 to number nine, gives us everything. Then you add his talent and his confidence at the moment and he deserves a lot of credit. All he needs to do now is stay humble and keep doing it. We need the talent he is showing at the moment to continue."

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  Coventry aim to extend their unbeaten streak

  Lampard failed to secure a promotion to the Premier League last season, despite guiding the team to a fifth-place finish after taking charge of the club in November last year. However, Sky Blues were eliminated from the play-off after losing against Sunderland in the semi-final. This time, though, the 47-year-old is determined to finish at the top of the table and secure a direct promotion to the top-flight. For now, Coventry's immediate goal is to continue their unbeaten streak and they next face Watford in the Championship on Saturday.      

Even in their current state, it’s not often that Manchester United struggle to welcome the world’s best players. Without Champions League football and off the back of finishing 15th in the Premier League, the Red Devils convinced Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens to join in a £200m spending spree.

Manager Ruben Amorim spoke about the attraction that Man United still have during the summer, shooting down any rumours that Cunha and Mbeumo joined the club because of the money offered.

It also almost goes without saying that the Red Devils rarely had trouble convincing players to join the club when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. United were at the top of the food chain in English football at that stage and even lured the likes of Rio Ferdinand from rivals Leeds United in 2002.

The iconic manager is still seen as a man with influence at the club even to this day. His opinion is arguably the most respected that anyone could find at Old Trafford.

It's not Hojlund: Man Utd let "incredible" Sesko upgrade go for just £16m

Manchester United may now be regretting letting go of one former star who’s better than Benjamin Sesko.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 18, 2025

The history that he created is the reason why Man United are still able to welcome the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo. Amorim even admitted in one of his first interviews after stepping into the technical area that he’d like to have dinner with Ferguson.

He is, in many ways, the ace up Man United’s sleeve that has paid dividends on so many occasions. But that’s not to say it’s worked its charm every time. Not even the Premier League legend could convince one player to join the club back in 2020.

Ferguson and Cantona made Man Utd Jude Bellingham plea

As revealed by the great Bryan Robson, Ferguson and Eric Cantona both pleaded with Jude Bellingham to join Man United in 2020, before he ultimately rejected the club in favour of a £25m move to Borussia Dortmund. Given how things turned out, it’s hard to blame the midfielder for turning the Red Devils down.

Since choosing Dortmund over United, Bellingham has earned a move to Real Madrid and become one of the best midfielders in the world. His debut season for the Spanish giants proved exactly why those at Old Trafford went all out for his signature.

The England star ended the campaign with 15 goals and 15 assists from midfield in all competitions, as he showed the rest of European football that the biggest stage is exactly where he belongs.

Tottenham Hotspur have made some incredible additions over the last few years, with such talents undoubtedly helping the side beat Leeds United over the weekend.

Thomas Frank’s side secured a 2-1 win over the newly-promoted outfit, helping claim the side’s fourth Premier League win of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Dane has already impressed since taking the reins, with the Lilywhites only suffering one defeat in ten outings across all competitions after his appointment during the summer.

Numerous players have impressed in North London, whether that be players already on the books or ones brought in to make an impact after the manager’s arrival.

One of the players has made an immediate impact in North London over recent weeks, with his showing against Daniel Farke’s side one of his best for his new club.

Mohammed Kudus’ start to life at Spurs

During the summer transfer window, the Spurs hierarchy decided to fork out a whopping £55m for the signature of Mohammed Kudus to help bolster the options within the final third.

The Ghanaian caused a fair amount of controversy with his move, subsequently leaving rivals West Ham United to join the Lilywhites – even stating it was always going to be Spurs after leaving the Hammers.

On the pitch, the 25-year-old has already made an immediate impact, registering one goal and four assists within his first ten outings across all competitions.

His latest contributions came in Saturday’s triumph, scoring his first goal for the club, whilst also teeing up Mathys Tel for his first strike of the new campaign.

Kudus is now sitting at the top of the club’s list for combined goals and assists in the Premier League, with his tally of five now higher than Richarlison, who sits one behind in second.

However, despite the immediate impact he’s made in attacking areas, one other talent is rapidly becoming one of the club’s best additions over the last handful of years.

The Spurs star who is becoming their best signing

Micky van de Ven has been a crucial cog in Spurs’ defensive department over the last couple of years, with his £40m transfer in the summer of 2023 now looking like a bargain.

The Dutch international has racked up 61 appearances across all competitions, scoring six times – three of which have already come in the 2025/26 campaign.

His most recent effort came against Bodo Glimt in the Champions League, helping Frank’s side secure a 2-2 draw and maintain their unbeaten record in Europe.

The 24-year-old also registered the fastest sprint of any player in England’s top-flight last year, arguably being the perfect all-round option in the modern game.

However, summer addition Joao Palhinha may have been an addition many frowned upon at the time, but the midfielder is rapidly becoming one of the side’s most important players.

The Portuguese international joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, with the deal including an option to buy, subsequently offering a needed ball-winning option at the heart of the side.

He’s started all but one game in the Premier League to date, once again getting the nod in the recent triumph against Leeds at Elland Road this weekend.

His stats from the encounter highlight how impressive he’s been of late, with his arrival massively solving the issue that has been plaguing the side in recent years.

Palhinha, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by one analyst, won 100% of the tackles he entered – now being the first player to win 25 tackles in the Premier League this campaign.

He also made three clearances, along with one interception and seven duels – further showcasing his sensational ability to regain possession without the ball at his feet.

However, in possession, he was just as impressive, making four passes into the final third, helping him complete 27 passes and dictate the play during the triumph.

Given his recent form, it would be a surprise to no one if the club decide to trigger the option to buy at the end of the current campaign and sign Palhinha on a permanent basis.

Such a deal would be an excellent one, allowing the former Fulham star to continue on his impressive start to life in North London, potentially helping the club win further silverware in the years ahead.

100% dribbles, 10 duels won: 9/10 Spurs sensation looked like prime Bale

Tottenham Hotspur ground their way to an important win away at Leeds United on Saturday afternoon

By
Robbie Walls

Oct 4, 2025

Jurgen Klopp, now serving as Red Bull’s global head of football, paid a visit to Paris FC this week, but it wasn’t his new role that caught fans’ attention. The former Liverpool boss shared a light-hearted post from the French capital, joking about his appearance in a viral Instagram caption that read: "Smart, successful, good looking… AND ME."

• Klopp posts pictures from trip on social media

  Klopp caused a social media stir during his recent trip to Paris FC as part of his duties with Red Bull’s football group. The 58-year-old, who oversees strategy across the brand’s global football network, met with the French club’s directors and later posted a photo alongside them on Instagram. His caption read: "Smart, successful, good looking… AND ME."

  The self-deprecating joke quickly went viral, racking up thousands of likes from fans who have missed his humour and warmth since he stepped away from the touchline. It was classic, witty Klopp and served as a reminder of the personality that made him so beloved during his nine-year spell at Liverpool. His Paris FC appearance also marked one of his more public outings in his new Red Bull role, sparking discussion about how involved he might be with the Ligue 1 outfit moving forward.

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  Ex-Liverpool manager has no plans to return to touchline

  Klopp’s trip to Paris is part of his broader remit within Red Bull’s global football structure, which includes clubs such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino and Paris FC. His responsibilities involve overseeing coaching methods, player pathways, and transfer strategies across the group, as he helps unify Red Bull’s footballing philosophy worldwide. The German’s hands-on visit to France underlined his growing influence within the organisation, even though he insists his time as a frontline coach is over.

  Speaking to earlier this year, Klopp was clear about where he stands on returning to the dugout: "Not. At. All," he said when asked if he missed management. "I knew I would work again. But I also knew that I no longer wanted to work as a coach." It was a definitive answer from a man who once lived and breathed matchdays but now enjoys shaping the sport from a different angle. His new job lets him use his decades of experience to influence multiple teams without enduring the pressure cooker of the Premier League or Champions League again.

  When questioned about whether his decision was full and final, the German said: "That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything."

• Klopp loving freedom since leaving coaching

  Since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024, Klopp has embraced a new rhythm of life. Alongside his son Marc, he co-owns Padel FC, a Berlin-based company dedicated to promoting the fast-growing sport of padel. The pair are currently preparing to open a state-of-the-art facility in Liverpool’s Wavertree Sports Park, bringing Klopp back to the city in a different capacity. "In 25 years, I went to two weddings – including mine," he joked, reflecting on how much freer his schedule is now. "I have been more often to the cinema in the past eight weeks than during my entire coaching career."

  Even as he enjoys his new ventures, Klopp remains one of football’s most respected figures, and talk of a potential return to Liverpool refuses to die down. In a conversation on the Diary of a CEO podcast, he teased fans by admitting, "I said I would never coach a different team in England. So that means if I did return to England, then it’s Liverpool. Yeah, theoretically it’s possible." However, he also stressed that he doesn’t miss the intensity of the job, saying: "I didn’t know when games started. I was just out. I played sports. We enjoyed life, spent time with the grandkids – completely normal stuff."

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  Key to Red Bull's football operations

  Klopp’s work with Red Bull is expected to continue shaping the future of their football portfolio, including Paris FC’s development as they look to establish themselves in the upper half of Ligue 1. His main focus is to "oversee, advise, and draw a strategic vision" for Red Bull’s family of clubs – a role he has described as "a perfect balance between involvement and freedom."

David Beckham sent a heartfelt message to Paul Scholes’ daughter Alicia following a tribute she posted after her father revealed he stopped doing commentary work in order to fit his schedule around his autistic son Aiden. The former England midfielder opened up to his ex-Manchester United team-mates Gary Neville and Roy Keane in an emotional interview earlier in the week.

• Tributes pour in following Scholes' emotional interview

  Tributes have continued to pour in for Scholes after he revealed he stepped back from working as a pundit and commentator in order to care for Aiden, 20, who he co-parents with his ex-wife, Claire Froggatt.

  Speaking candidly alongside former team-mates Neville and Keane – with whom he helped United win the treble in 1999 – Scholes said on podcast: “I made a decision this year because of Aiden, obviously due to his special needs you might know about.

  “All the work I do now is just around his routines cos he has quite a strict routine every single day, so I just decided everything I’m going to do it is around Aiden.

  "Everything I'm going to do now just works around him. I do studio work, but everything is built around his day.

  "Last season on Thursday nights I'd do the Europa League for Manchester United. That's the night I'd usually have him, so he was getting all agitated, biting and scratching. He knows the pattern's not there straight away.”

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• Ex-Man Utd man initially tried to deal with situation privately

  Scholes also revealed he was once dropped by former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he attempted to deal with Aiden’s diagnosis privately, having initially kept it a secret.

  "I never got a break from it, even when playing – it was very hard in those days," said the 50-year-old.

  "I don't think they diagnosed it until he was two-and-a-half years old. But you knew early something was wrong, but then you get the diagnosis, and I'd never heard of it.

  "I remember the first time after it, we were playing Derby away and I just didn't want to be there.

  "I remember the manager dropped me the week after, and I hadn't told anyone. I ended up telling them a few weeks later, as it was quite hard.

  "Even now, I don't want sympathy or anything. I just thought, even if I did speak to someone about it, it's not going to help Aiden.

  "The big concern now is, because you're getting a bit older, what happens when you're not here? That's the thing that's now on my mind all the time.”

• Scholes' daughter Alicia pays tribute to her 'role model' father

  Following the interview, Scholes’ daughter Alicia paid tribute to her father on Instagram, writing: “@paulscholesaaa god knows how hard that episode must’ve been !!!!! we love you so much.”

  She added: "I've never known anyone hate talking about themselves more than you! I can only imagine how hard it was to speak about Aidie and the reality of a very very hard situation.

  "My whole life your priority has always been being my dad, and growing up and realising how hard you had to work everyday alongside that is something I can't even comprehend. To achieve all you did takes so much sacrifice and hard work and somehow I still had you to take me to school every morning and be there at the end of each day, so present in every aspect of my life!

  "If anyone met you they wouldn't have a clue the life you've lived, they'd just see a genuinely kind, polite, caring person. You don't care about people who don't matter, and out of everything that is the most valuable thing i have learnt from you. The thing I am proudest of is being your daughter, you are the best role model and father figure I could ever have, and you do it so effortlessly.

  "Anyway well done on this episode dad it was amazing and if Aidie could tell you himself he would say you really are the best dad in the world, we love you millions."

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  An emotional Beckham sends heartfelt message to Alicia

  And commenting on Alicia's post, an emotional Beckham wrote: “Perfect words for your amazing dad @alicia.scholesx.”

  Beckham played alongside Scholes during an 11-year spell with United. Emerging through the Red Devils’ youth academy at the same time, both men were part of the club’s famous ‘Class of 92’ – alongside Neville brothers, Gary and Phil, and midfielders Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.

  All six players helped United dominate English football during Ferguson’s 26-year stint in charge, with the club winning 13 league titles under his stewardship. The Old Trafford club also won five FA Cups and two Champions League titles with Ferguson at the helm.

As Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill and three-time Olympic medalist and sprinter Noah Lyles bicker about who would win in a race, Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz has something to say.

De La Cruz took to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday night and injected himself into the debate between the two speedsters.

"They think they’re fast! I’ll beat them for sure," De La Cruz wrote.

The feud between Hill and Lyles all began back in August following the latter's bronze medal win in the men's 200m at the Paris Olympics, when Hill accused him of faking the effects of the COVID-19 virus following his somewhat disappointing showing. The Dolphins wideout then declared he would beat Lyles in a race. In response, Lyles pretended to forget Hill's name.

Hill then reignited the debate following Lyles's recent race against popular YouTube streamer IShowSpeed, who was narrowly bested by the American sprinter. Hill poked fun at Lyles, who later responded by saying he would defeat the Dolphins receiver in a race just as he did against iShowSpeed.

And while this debate seems to be squarely between the 4.29-speed of Hill and the American-record-breaking sprints of Lyles, don't discount De La Cruz.

Since his MLB debut in June of 2023, he has stolen 102 bases, including a league-leading 67 swipes in '24. De La Cruz ranked first in MLB in the Statcast metric Sprint Speed in '23 and third in the metric in '24. The Reds star was clocked running from home-to-home in under 15 seconds while hitting an inside-the-park home run back in April.

In short, he's fast.

Hopefully one day the sports world gets to see just how fast in comparison to the likes of Hill and Lyles.

Arsenal chiefs and sporting director Andrea Berta now want to tie down another player after William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, with the Gunners convinced he’s actually one of the world’s best.

Arsenal in talks with Bukayo Saka after confirming William Saliba deal

Earlier this week, Mikel Arteta expressed his joy after star defender Saliba committed his future to the club.

The Frenchman, who’s been pivotal to Arsenal’s trophy charges since forming an unbreakable partnership with Gabriel in 2022/2023, signed an extension which will keep him in North London until 2030.

Saliba’s defensive prowess was well noted by Real Madrid, who reportedly reached out to his camp over the summer, but the 24-year-old was apparently clear that he wanted to stay at the Emirates Stadium (HandOfArsenal).

Saliba and Gabriel, who also signed a new deal earlier this year, made a summer pact to stay at Arsenal and win major silverware together (HandOfArsenal), with the pair now set to marshal Arteta’s backline for years to come.

After the centre-back, it is reliably reported that Arsenal are confident they’ll agree a new deal with Saka shortly (Fabrizio Romano).

The winger is absolutely crucial to the way Arteta wants to play, with Arsenal dearly missing him midway through last season when Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Arsenal have attempted to manage the 24-year-old’s minutes this season too, taking his hamstring issues into account, but Arteta has little choice but to play Saka far more regularly than he’d hoped with Noni Madueke out injured until late November.

In any case, it is believed that Berta could agree an extension with Saka’s camp by Christmas, and his potential fresh terms could see the England international earn north of £250,000-per-week (Football Transfers).

Now, following an interesting turn of events, Berta is also planning to award defender Jurrien Timber with a brand-new deal too.

Arsenal plan new deal for Jurrien Timber amid behind-scenes praise

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are ready to offer Timber an extension following the Dutchman’s excellent performances — and they believe he’s actually among the world’s best in his position.

Talks with the former Ajax sensation are apparently scheduled for before the end of 2025, with Timber relegating Ben White to the bench and making the right-back spot his own after an injury-ridden debut season in 2023/2024.

The 24-year-old, who can also play at left-back and in the centre of defence, has been invaluable to Arteta since the start of 2024/2025 — making 48 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners last season.

Timber’s done superbly since working his way back from that ACL tear, missing just a handful of games since his recovery, and the full-back’s consistency has been remarkable.

Arteta has called Timber one of the leaders of Arsenal’s group too, piling praise on the Netherlands international after his comeback this time last year.