Atletico Madrid have officially announced the signing of Juventus forward Jonathan David on loan for the remainder of the current season.

The agreement, confirmed on the Spanish club’s official website, also contains an option for Atletico Madrid to make the move permanent. The announcement marks David’s switch from Juventus to the Madrid side, with the Canada international now set to continue the campaign with Atletico.

David joined Juventus in the summer of last year and has made 47 appearances for the Italian club in all competitions. During that time, he scored eight goals and provided five assists.

The 26-year-old’s contract with Juventus runs until the middle of 2030. Despite that long-term agreement, he will spend the rest of the current season with Atletico Madrid under the terms of the newly confirmed loan.

The option included in the deal gives Atletico the possibility of securing David’s services beyond the temporary arrangement. Earlier reports suggested the Spanish club could complete a permanent transfer for a fee of about €25m, although the official announcement did not provide further details about the option.

David’s departure brings a temporary change to his club career after one season in Turin. His record of 47 matches, eight goals and five assists provides the statistical summary of his time with Juventus before the move to Atletico Madrid.

For Atletico, the agreement provides access to a forward who has already been involved in 47 matches for Juventus across all competitions. The Canadian will remain with the Madrid club until the end of the current season, when the option to buy can become relevant.

The transfer was formally announced by Atletico Madrid, confirming that David’s immediate future lies in Spain rather than with Juventus. His contractual position in Turin remains protected by the deal that runs through mid-2030, while the loan allows him to represent Atletico for the rest of the campaign.

The reported figure of approximately €25m gives an indication of the possible cost of a permanent move, but the current arrangement is a loan with an option to buy rather than a completed transfer. No further terms were included in Atletico Madrid’s announcement.

David has therefore moved from Juventus to Atletico Madrid on a temporary basis, with the possibility of continuing in Madrid beyond the current season. The switch came after his first season with Juventus, during which he played 47 times and contributed eight goals and five assists in all competitions.

Italian football has started the Serie A season without a goalless draw, with at least one goal scored in each of the 20 matches played across the opening two rounds.

The statistic has been welcomed by the Italian press, particularly in comparison with the beginning of last season. Although six of this season’s matches have produced only one goal, every game so far has avoided a 0-0 scoreline.

That represents an improvement on the previous campaign, when the opening fixture between Genoa and Lecce ended goalless. The run of low-scoring stalemates continued throughout the early part of that season, with at least one 0-0 draw appearing in a match from every weekend up to and including the 12th round.

On some occasions, there was more than one goalless game in the same round. The 11th round, for example, featured several matches that finished 0-0.

After two rounds this season, however, every one of the first 20 fixtures has produced a goal. The six games in which there was only a single goal have kept the overall scoring totals relatively modest, but they have still ensured that the competition has not yet recorded a match without a goal.

According to derbyderbyderby.it, one factor behind the difference may be the current approach to refereeing in Italy. Officials have reportedly been encouraged to blow their whistles less often and allow players to continue playing, following what is described as a more European style.

The recommendation is intended to give matches greater continuity by allowing play to continue rather than stopping the game for every possible infringement. The Italian media have linked that approach, at least in part, to the absence of goalless draws during the opening two rounds.

The contrast with last season is therefore clear. Genoa’s 0-0 draw with Lecce meant the first match of that campaign immediately produced a scoreless stalemate, while the pattern remained present in at least one fixture during each weekend until the 12th round.

This time, all 20 matches have included at least one goal, even though six have been decided by a single strike. Serie A has consequently reached the end of its first two rounds without a 0-0 draw.

Francesco Pio Esposito has signed a new contract with Inter that will keep the 21-year-old forward at the Milan club until the summer of 2032, according to Football Italia.

Esposito completed the agreement on Tuesday after leaving Inter’s club offices, where the final details of the long-term deal were formalised. His previous contract was due to expire in 2030, but the Italian striker has now extended his commitment by a further two years.

The new agreement also includes a significant increase in Esposito’s salary. The improved terms follow a successful 2025-26 campaign, during which he made a notable contribution for Inter and strengthened his position with the Italy national team.

Across all competitions last season, Esposito scored 10 goals and provided six assists. Those figures marked an important step in his development and were followed by recognition at international level, with the forward establishing himself in the Italy squad.

He has also made an immediate impact at the start of the current campaign. Esposito has scored once and supplied one assist in two Serie A appearances so far.

On both occasions, he was named in the starting line-up alongside Inter captain Lautaro Martinez. The partnership has given Esposito an early opportunity to play a prominent role in the team, while his performances have underlined why the club moved quickly to secure his future.

The contract extension means Inter have tied down a player whose previous agreement still had three years to run. Esposito’s new deal now provides a longer-term arrangement through the summer of 2032, together with financial terms that reflect his progress during the 2025-26 season.

His output of 10 goals and six assists in all competitions, combined with his emergence with Italy, has made the latest agreement a significant development for both player and club. Inter have now formalised the extension at the beginning of the new season, when Esposito has already contributed directly to goals in Serie A.

Football Italia reported that the forward left the club’s offices on Tuesday after signing the contract. The agreement confirms that Esposito will remain part of Inter’s plans for the long term, with his role at the club continuing alongside captain Lautaro Martinez at the start of the campaign.

Lazio have announced the termination of Samuel Gigot’s contract by mutual consent, with the French defender leaving the Italian club without making an appearance this season.

The decision was confirmed on Lazio’s official website. The agreement between the club and the 32-year-old was ended after both parties reached a mutual understanding.

Gigot has been unavailable because of back problems and has not featured in any match during the current campaign. His departure therefore comes before he has been able to play for Lazio this season.

The defender joined Lazio in 2023 and made 23 appearances for the club during his time in Rome. He scored two goals and provided one assist in those matches.

Lazio did not give further details about the circumstances surrounding the agreement, but the club’s announcement formally brings Gigot’s spell with the Serie A side to an end. The contract termination was presented as a decision reached by both the player and the club rather than as a unilateral dismissal.

Before moving to Lazio, Gigot built a career across several European leagues. He is particularly known for his time with Spartak Moscow and Marseille, while he also played for Gent and a number of other clubs.

His previous clubs formed the main part of a career in which he established himself as a defender before joining Lazio. At the Italian club, he made 23 appearances and contributed three goal involvements, comprising two goals and one assist.

Transfermarkt currently values Gigot at €1.2m. That figure reflects the player’s listed market value following the end of his contract with Lazio.

The club’s announcement means Gigot is no longer under contract with Lazio, ending an association that began in 2023. He leaves after two seasons with the club but without adding to his appearance total in the current campaign because of his back injury.

Lazio’s statement was published on the club’s website, confirming both the end of the agreement and the mutual nature of the decision. The 32-year-old’s record at the club stands at 23 matches, two goals and one assist.

Gigot’s next step has not been stated in the announcement. For now, the confirmed development is that his contract with Lazio has been terminated by mutual consent, bringing his time at the club to a close.

Fiorentina have confirmed that Iceland winger Albert Gudmundsson has joined Lazio on loan, with the Serie A club retaining the option to make the transfer permanent.

The move was announced on Fiorentina’s official website, confirming Gudmundsson’s departure after he had spent the past two years with the club.

Gudmundsson joined Fiorentina in 2024 and made 81 appearances for the Italian side. During that time, he scored 19 goals and provided nine assists.

The 29-year-old began his club career with PSV before also playing for AZ Alkmaar and Genoa. His spell at Genoa formed part of the route that eventually led him to Fiorentina, where he established himself as an important attacking player.

His switch to Lazio has been agreed initially as a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer. According to Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Lazio could have the opportunity to sign Gudmundsson outright for a fee of €12m.

Fiorentina’s announcement did not state that the purchase option would definitely be activated, leaving the player’s long-term future dependent on Lazio’s decision after the loan period.

Gudmundsson has also been a regular for Iceland. He has won 46 international caps and scored 14 goals for his country.

The move to Lazio therefore marks the latest stage in a career that has included football in the Netherlands and Italy, with the winger now set to continue in Serie A after leaving Fiorentina.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has completed a loan move to Como, where he will work with former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas for the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge after a difficult spell in goal, with his display in Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham appearing to bring his time as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper to an end.

Sanchez was considered responsible for both Fulham goals during that match, and Chelsea have since strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £7.5m.

The move to Como is understood to be a straightforward loan agreement. It does not include either an option or an obligation for the Serie A club to buy Sanchez permanently.

Chelsea confirmed the transfer in a brief statement, which also outlined the goalkeeper’s record since joining the club from Brighton and Hove in August 2023.

> “Sanchez arrived at Stamford Bridge from Brighton and Hove in August 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the Blues.

>

> “The 28-year-old was part of the Chelsea squad that won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

>

> “We look forward to supporting Rob throughout his time in Italy.

>

> “Good luck, Rob!”

Sanchez’s departure follows the arrival of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea’s new manager. The Spaniard’s decision to move the goalkeeper down the pecking order, combined with the recruitment of Martinez, left Sanchez without the club’s number-one position.

He now joins Como for the rest of the campaign, linking up with Fabregas, who is in charge of the Italian side. The move gives Sanchez the opportunity to continue playing in Serie A after his position at Chelsea became increasingly uncertain.

Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove in August 2023 and has made 112 appearances for the Blues. During his time in west London, he was part of the squads that won the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

His loan transfer brings a temporary end to a Chelsea spell that had begun with him establishing himself as a regular goalkeeper but concluded with competition for the position increasing. Emiliano Martinez’s arrival from Aston Villa has further altered the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy, while Sanchez will now continue his career in Italy with Como.

Atletico Madrid have completed the loan signing of Canada striker Jonathan David from Juventus, giving manager Diego Simeone another attacking option for the new season.

The Spanish club confirmed the deal on Tuesday, highlighting David’s movement, link-up play and ability to operate in different attacking roles.

“David stands out for his mobility, his ability to link up with his teammates, and his versatility in attack,” said Atletico in a statement announcing the deal.

David, 26, arrives in Madrid after a challenging first season in Serie A. He scored eight goals for Juventus following his move from Lille in 2025, a return well below the prolific record he established during his five seasons in France.

Before joining Juventus, the Canada international scored 109 goals in 232 appearances for Lille. His performances in France established him as one of the most productive forwards in European football, but his first campaign in Italy proved considerably less successful.

He will now compete for a place in Atletico’s attack alongside Argentina striker Julian Alvarez. Atletico resisted strong interest from Barcelona in Alvarez and have held firm in their decision not to sell him to their domestic rivals.

That stance has left Alvarez poised to remain with Atletico, meaning Simeone could have both forwards available as the club reshapes its attacking options.

Spanish media reports say Atletico have negotiated an option to buy David at the end of his loan for about €25m (£21.4m). The reports also state that the arrival of another striker was a request made by Simeone, regardless of whether Alvarez stayed at the club.

David’s signing is part of an active summer for Atletico, who have also added Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in, Cristian Romero and Alejandro Grimaldo.

The Canadian forward’s arrival gives Atletico additional flexibility in attack, with the club specifically pointing to his versatility as one of the qualities behind the move. His record at Lille, combined with the opportunity to recover from a difficult first season at Juventus, will now form the backdrop to his loan spell in Madrid.

For Juventus, David’s temporary departure follows a single season in Italy after his five-year spell with Lille. For Atletico, the agreement provides a chance to assess the striker before deciding whether to make the move permanent for the reported €25m fee.

The transfer also adds competition around Alvarez, whose future had been the subject of strong interest from Barcelona. Atletico’s refusal to agree to a sale has kept the Argentina international at the club while Simeone strengthens his squad in several positions.

Youssouf Fofana’s proposed move from Milan to Lyon has fallen through in the final hours of the transfer window because of financial restrictions imposed by French football’s regulatory body, the DNCG.

The breakdown was reported by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s website. Lyon had been attempting to complete a deal for the France midfielder, but the transfer could not be registered under the club’s current financial conditions.

The DNCG, which oversees the financial affairs of French football, would not have approved Youssouf Fofana’s registration while the restrictions remained in place. Lyon therefore had no option but to abandon the move permanently.

The situation was linked to another unresolved transfer involving Lyon forward Malick Fofana. The French club was unable to complete Malick Fofana’s move to a Premier League club, leaving it without the financial room required to register Youssouf Fofana.

That failure meant Lyon could not release the resources needed to proceed with the Milan midfielder’s transfer. Although the proposed move reached the closing stages of the window, the regulatory obstacle could not be overcome before the deadline.

Youssouf Fofana’s next move remains uncertain. Besiktas are continuing to monitor developments and could renew their efforts to sign him because the transfer window in Turkiye is still open.

The Turkish club’s interest gives Fofana a possible alternative after the Lyon deal collapsed, although no agreement has been reported. For now, the midfielder remains at Milan, with his future unresolved following the late failure of the proposed switch to France.

The DNCG’s decision was decisive in ending the deal. Even if Lyon had continued negotiations, registration would not have been possible under the conditions in force, making completion of the transfer impractical.

Lyon’s inability to finalise Malick Fofana’s departure to a Premier League club was therefore central to the situation. Without that move, the club could not create the financial capacity required for Youssouf Fofana to join.

The late collapse leaves the player’s options dependent on activity in another market. Besiktas can still explore a transfer while the Turkish window remains open, but the report gives no indication that a deal has yet been agreed.

Youssouf Fofana joined Milan’s midfield plans before the proposed move to Lyon became a possibility, but the financial controls applied by the DNCG prevented the transfer from being completed. His future will now be watched closely as Besiktas consider whether to make another attempt.

Roma have no intention of selling Chelsea target Manu Kone despite Enzo Fernandez being expected to leave Stamford Bridge for Manchester City.

Fernandez, 25, is understood to be on the verge of completing a move to Manchester City, where he would reunite with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Manchester City are expected to pay £125m for the Argentina midfielder, a fee that would match the joint British record set by Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool last summer.

The prospect of Fernandez’s departure has prompted Chelsea to look for a replacement, with only hours remaining before the summer transfer window closes. Kone, 25, is reportedly among the players under consideration by the London club.

However, Roma are understood to be unwilling to allow the France international to leave at this stage of the window. According to The Athletic, the Italian club have no plans to part company with Kone.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini was asked about the midfielder after his side’s victory over Lecce on Monday, 31 August. His response suggested he expected Kone to remain at the club.

“Manu leaving? I do NOT have that feeling, absolutely not,” he said.

“No one from the club informed me about that. Our ownership group also has no plan to sell players, at all”.

Gasperini’s comments represent a clear public indication that Roma do not expect Kone to depart, despite Chelsea’s reported interest and the pressure created by Fernandez’s imminent move.

Chelsea’s need for midfield cover has emerged late in the window because of Fernandez’s expected transfer to Manchester City. The fee involved would equal the amount Liverpool paid for Isak last summer, making it a joint British-record deal.

Fernandez’s proposed move would also see him link up again with Maresca, who previously managed him at Chelsea. The midfielder, aged 25, is therefore set to leave Stamford Bridge for a reunion with his former boss at Manchester City.

Kone has been identified as a possible option for Chelsea, but Roma’s position appears firm. Gasperini said neither the club hierarchy nor the ownership group had told him of any plan for the player to leave, while also stating that Roma did not intend to sell players at all.

With the transfer window approaching its deadline, Chelsea must decide whether to continue pursuing Kone or consider alternative options. Roma, meanwhile, have indicated that the Frenchman is not available, leaving little suggestion from the club that a late agreement will be reached.

Everton have confirmed that striker Beto has left the club to join Serie A side Fiorentina on a permanent transfer.

The Portuguese forward returns to Italy after Everton agreed what has been reported as a £16m deal for his move to the Florence-based club. Everton’s announcement did not disclose the transfer fee.

Beto joined Everton from Udinese in the summer of 2023 and scored 25 goals in 113 appearances across all competitions during his time on Merseyside.

His departure brings an end to his spell under manager David Moyes, with the striker now beginning the next stage of his career back in Serie A. Fiorentina have moved for Beto as part of a reshaped attack following the departure of Italy international Moise Kean.

Kean has joined Cesc Fabregas’ Como on loan, with an obligation for the transfer to become permanent at a cost of €40m. Beto is expected to help fill the attacking vacancy created by Kean’s move.

Everton are also set to strengthen their own forward options by signing United States Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco. The proposed arrival of Balogun is intended to provide cover for, and help replace, the “giant Portuguese” following Beto’s exit.

Everton confirmed the transfer in a farewell message on social media.

“We can confirm Beto has joined Serie A side Fiorentina on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

“Everyone connected with Everton thanks Beto for his dedication, commitment and service. We wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career in Italy.”

Beto arrived at Everton after establishing himself in Italy with Udinese, and his time with the Premier League club has now concluded after two seasons. His record of 25 goals in 113 matches across all competitions represents his overall contribution since joining the club in 2023.

The move also links him once again with Italian football, where he will now continue his career with Fiorentina. The Serie A side’s decision to recruit him follows the change in their attacking options caused by Kean’s move to Como.

For Everton, the transfer is part of a wider reshaping of their forward line. Beto has departed, Kean has moved to Como on a deal involving a potential €40m permanent fee, and Balogun is expected to arrive from Monaco.

Although Everton described Beto’s transfer fee as undisclosed, reports have valued the permanent move to Fiorentina at £16m. The club’s statement focused on thanking the striker for his service and wishing him well as he returns to Italy.

Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade has joined Juventus on loan for the remainder of the 2026-27 season, with the Italian club taking the Germany international in a deal that contains no option or obligation to make the move permanent.

The 24-year-old joined Newcastle from VfB Stuttgart for a club-record £69m last summer, but his first season at St James’ Park became increasingly difficult after an encouraging beginning.

Woltemade finished the campaign with 11 goals and four assists from 51 appearances. He made 53 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle after moving to England, scoring 11 times in total.

The forward’s position in the team appeared to weaken following Eddie Howe’s surprise resignation and the appointment of Matthias Jaissle as his successor. Jaissle is understood to have preferred Yoane Wissa, leaving Woltemade facing greater competition for opportunities.

Newcastle confirmed the move after Woltemade came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win away at Tottenham Hotspur. He will now continue his career in Serie A with Juventus, who are coached by Luciano Spalletti.

Juventus have made a perfect start to their domestic campaign, winning both of their opening fixtures, and currently sit fourth in the Italian top flight.

Newcastle said the agreement was a straightforward loan covering the rest of the season, with no clause allowing or requiring Juventus to sign Woltemade permanently at its conclusion.

In a statement, the club said: “The German international has featured 53 times in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, since joining the Magpies from VfB Stuttgart last summer.

“Nick appeared as a second-half substitute during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League victory away to Tottenham Hotspur.

“The 24-year-old will now link up with Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus, who sit fourth in the Italian top-flight after winning both of their opening fixtures.

“Everybody at Newcastle United wishes Nick the very best of luck for the season ahead.”

Woltemade arrived at Newcastle as one of the club’s most expensive signings after his transfer from VfB Stuttgart, but was unable to maintain his early momentum across the full campaign.

His temporary move to Juventus gives him the opportunity to restart his season in Italy, while Newcastle will spend the remainder of 2026-27 without the forward in their squad. There is no indication in the agreement that Juventus will have a permanent route to retain him beyond the loan period.

The transfer also brings an end, at least temporarily, to Woltemade’s first spell at Newcastle after one season in which he was involved in 53 matches across all competitions. He now joins a Juventus side competing in Serie A under Spalletti, with the club already among the early leaders after two victories.

Roma have made club history by beginning a Serie A season with two emphatic victories under Gian Piero Gasperini. They opened the campaign by scoring four unanswered goals against Fiorentina before producing the same result away at Lecce in the second round of matches.

The result at Lecce means Roma have become the first side in the club’s history to start a new Serie A season with two wins by at least a four-goal margin. In both matches, their opponents failed to score, giving Roma a perfect record of six points from their opening two fixtures.

Their opening performance against Fiorentina established the tone for the campaign. Roma found the net four times without reply, securing a convincing victory in the first round of the Italian championship. They then repeated that scoreline in their next match, this time on the road against Lecce.

Although large-margin victories are not unusual over the course of a league season, Roma’s achievement is notable because of the way the two results came consecutively at the start of the campaign. The club had never previously opened a Serie A season with two wins classified as emphatic victories by a margin of four goals or more.

The early results also represent an impressive start to Gasperini’s spell in charge of Roma. His team have begun the new league campaign with an attacking approach that has produced eight goals across their first two matches, while their defence has yet to concede.

Roma’s next assignment will provide a different test. On Saturday, 5 September, they are due to face Atalanta, the club previously managed by Gasperini, in the next round of Serie A.

That meeting will bring the Roma manager up against his former club as his new team attempt to extend the strongest opening run in their history. Having already secured two victories by four-goal margins, Roma will now look to maintain their momentum when Atalanta visit them in the third round of the Italian championship.

For now, the defining statistic from the opening matches is Roma’s unprecedented start: two wins, eight goals scored, none conceded and a place in club history secured after only two rounds of Serie A.

Juventus have completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr on an initial loan, with the Italian club paying €2m for the move and holding a €27m option to buy.

The 23-year-old struggled to secure a regular starting place for Tottenham last season, making 26 Premier League appearances but beginning only 13 of those matches. Tottenham ended the campaign in 17th place.

Sarr’s position in the squad became more uncertain after Tottenham strengthened their midfield with the high-profile arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Those additions pushed the Senegalese midfielder further down Roberto De Zerbi’s selection order.

He will now spend the season at Juventus, where the agreement gives the club the opportunity to make his move permanent for a further €27m.

That option is understood to turn into an obligation to buy if two conditions are met. Juventus must qualify for either the Champions League or Europa League, while Sarr must also play in 50% of the matches available to him across all competitions during the season.

The structure of the agreement leaves Sarr’s long-term future dependent on both Juventus’ final league position and his involvement in the team. If the required sporting conditions are fulfilled, Juventus would be required to complete the permanent transfer rather than simply having the choice to do so.

For now, the move offers Sarr the chance to continue his career away from Tottenham after a season in which regular first-team football proved difficult to secure. His 13 starts in the Premier League reflected his limited role, despite making 26 appearances overall.

The arrival of Tonali and Mateus Fernandes had further reduced his prospects under De Zerbi. With the new midfield options ahead of him, Sarr has opted for a temporary move to Juventus, where his performances and availability will be closely linked to the future terms of the deal.

The transfer has been confirmed by Juventus, who will initially take the midfielder on loan. The €2m fee covers that opening stage of the agreement, while the potential €27m purchase would determine whether Sarr leaves Tottenham permanently.

The two qualification requirements provide a clear framework for the deal. Juventus’ participation in either the Champions League or Europa League would satisfy the club-related condition, while Sarr’s appearance record will decide whether the playing-time threshold is reached.

Unless both requirements are met, the transfer will remain an initial loan, with the €27m purchase option not becoming compulsory.

Fiorentina have reached an agreement with Sporting for the loan signing of Portugal midfielder Pedro Goncalves, with the proposed deal also including a route to make the move permanent.

The 28-year-old is set to join the Italian club on a temporary basis, according to respected transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. Fiorentina will pay a loan fee of €2.5m for the player.

The agreement is expected to contain an option allowing Fiorentina to buy Goncalves permanently for €22.5m. That clause could become mandatory if certain conditions included in the agreement are met.

The structure of the deal means Fiorentina will initially secure Goncalves’ services for the loan period, while retaining the possibility of completing a permanent transfer at a later stage. The obligation to buy, however, would depend on the fulfilment of the specified conditions.

Goncalves has been a Sporting player since 2020 and has spent six seasons with the Lisbon club. During that time, he has made 239 official appearances, scoring 97 goals and providing 64 assists.

Those figures underline his importance to Sporting since his arrival. Across his time with the Portuguese side, Goncalves has contributed directly to 161 goals in competitive matches, either by scoring himself or creating opportunities for team-mates.

His existing contract with Sporting runs until the summer of 2030. Despite that long-term agreement, the Portuguese club have now reached terms with Fiorentina over a deal that could see the midfielder move to Italy initially on loan.

Fiorentina will therefore pay €2.5m for the temporary transfer, with the potential permanent fee set at €22.5m. If the relevant conditions are satisfied, Fiorentina would be required to complete the purchase rather than simply retain the option to decide whether to do so.

The agreement concerns Goncalves’ move from Sporting to Fiorentina and covers both the initial loan arrangement and the possible permanent transfer. The deal was reported by Fabrizio Romano, who said the two clubs had reached an understanding over the midfielder’s switch.

Goncalves’ record at Sporting includes 97 goals and 64 assists from his 239 official matches for the Lisbon side. His contract remains in place through to the summer of 2030, while the terms agreed with Fiorentina provide for a €2.5m loan payment and a possible €22.5m permanent fee.

The proposed transfer would initially separate the Portugal midfielder from Sporting after six seasons with the club, with Fiorentina holding the opportunity to secure his services on a long-term basis if the conditions in the agreement are met.

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is set to undergo heart surgery after being diagnosed with a mild arrhythmia, the Serie A club have confirmed.

The 29-year-old Scotland international will have a procedure using radiofrequency ablation, a treatment intended to address the heart rhythm problem. Napoli announced the planned intervention on their official website, although the club did not provide further details about the procedure.

McTominay is expected to return to action after the upcoming international break, which ends on 6 October. The timing means the midfielder will be unavailable while he completes the treatment and recovery process, before resuming his playing career with Napoli.

The diagnosis concerns a mild form of arrhythmia. Radiofrequency ablation is being used as the method of treatment, with the procedure aimed at correcting the issue affecting his heart rhythm.

McTominay has established himself as an important central midfielder for both Napoli and the Scotland national team. His latest medical issue will therefore be monitored closely by the Italian club as he undergoes the operation and works towards a return.

Napoli’s announcement confirms that the surgery is required, while the club’s stated expectation is that McTominay will be back in the squad after the international window concludes on 6 October. No additional information about the length of his recovery or the precise date of the operation has been provided.

McTominay’s record for Napoli

During the previous Serie A season, McTominay played 33 league matches for Napoli. He scored 10 goals and supplied three assists, contributing directly to 13 goals across those appearances.

Those figures underline the attacking contribution made by the Scotland midfielder in his first full campaign reflected in the source article’s assessment of his Serie A record. His absence during the period surrounding the operation will leave Napoli without a player who provided both goals and assists from a central midfield position.

The club’s confirmation is the first official update on the condition. It states that McTominay has a mild arrhythmia and will undergo radiofrequency ablation, with his return scheduled for after the international break ending on 6 October.

Jonathan David is set to leave Juventus for Atletico de Madrid, with the Canada striker due to complete a medical examination on 1 September before finalising a loan move to the Spanish club.

The 26-year-old is expected to undergo his medical in the morning, according to football transfer insider Nicolo Schira, who reported the development on social media. Once the assessment has been completed, the two clubs and the player will sign the loan agreement.

Atletico de Madrid will also have the option to make David’s move permanent for a fee of 25m euros. The arrangement would allow the Spanish club to assess the forward during his loan spell before deciding whether to activate the purchase clause.

David has been a Juventus player since joining the Turin club last summer. His current contract with Juventus runs until the end of June 2030, meaning the proposed loan would not represent the end of his existing agreement with the Italian side.

The Canada international made 35 appearances in Serie A last season, scoring six goals and providing four assists. Those figures form the most recent statistical record of his contribution for Juventus before the planned switch to Atletico de Madrid.

The next step in the transfer is the medical examination scheduled for 1 September. Provided that process is completed, the parties are expected to proceed with the formal signatures on the loan deal.

David’s move would therefore change his club registration from Juventus to Atletico de Madrid while leaving open the possibility of a permanent transfer. The Spanish club’s 25m-euro purchase option will determine whether the forward remains in Madrid beyond the loan period.

For now, the immediate focus is on the medical and the completion of the paperwork. David is due to report for the examination before the agreement can be formally signed by the relevant parties.

Barcelona attacking midfielder Toni Fernandez is set to move to Italy, with the 18-year-old scheduled to undergo a medical at Venezia on 1 September.

The winger’s medical is expected to be the next step towards completing his transfer from the Catalan club. According to information published on social media by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Fernandez will meet Venezia’s medical staff before the two clubs formally conclude the deal.

Venezia have agreed to pay €4m for the player. Barcelona will also retain a 50% sell-on clause, meaning the Spanish club will be entitled to half of any future transfer fee if Venezia later sell Fernandez.

The move will bring an end to the midfielder’s involvement with Barcelona’s first team after a limited senior spell. Fernandez made two appearances for the club’s senior side and did not register a goal or an assist in either of those matches.

Fernandez has been regarded as an attacking player capable of operating in midfield or from a wider position, but his opportunities at Barcelona’s first-team level have so far been restricted. His planned switch to Venezia will take him into a new league and a different football environment as the Italian club complete the final formalities of the transfer.

The medical examination is a key condition before the agreement can be finalised. Once it has been completed, Venezia and Barcelona are expected to complete the paperwork for the €4m deal, including the clause that protects Barcelona’s financial interest in Fernandez’s future.

For Venezia, the proposed signing represents an investment in a player who has already been part of Barcelona’s senior squad, although his first-team record remains limited to two matches. For Barcelona, the arrangement provides an immediate transfer fee while preserving the possibility of further income through the 50% share of any later sale.

Fernandez’s medical is therefore the latest stage in a move that would take him away from Barcelona and into the Italian league. The transfer remains subject to the successful completion of the examination and the subsequent signing of the agreement between the clubs.

AC Milan’s Serie A meeting with Lazio has been moved forward by 24 hours and will now be played on Saturday, 12 September, rather than Sunday, 13 September.

The fourth-round fixture will also begin earlier than originally planned. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 Moscow time, replacing the initial 21:45 start.

The change has been made ahead of the beginning of the European club competitions, with AC Milan preparing to return to continental action in the Europa League. The Italian club will face Portuguese side Benfica in the competition on 16 September, four days after the rearranged Lazio match.

The fixture had initially been due to take place on the Sunday, with a late-evening kick-off at 21:45 in Moscow. It will instead be staged during the early part of the weekend’s schedule, giving AC Milan a different preparation timetable before their European opener.

Pianeta Milan reported the alteration, which affects both the date and the time of the Serie A encounter. The match will now take place on the Saturday afternoon in the local Italian schedule, although its start time is listed as 19:00 Moscow time.

AC Milan’s involvement in the Europa League comes after the club missed out on the Champions League, a competition their supporters had hoped to see them enter. Their European campaign will therefore begin against Benfica rather than in Europe’s premier club tournament.

The meeting with Lazio represents the fourth round of the Italian championship. It will be followed shortly afterwards by AC Milan’s match against Benfica on 16 September, making the revised domestic date particularly significant in the club’s early-season calendar.

No change has been announced to the opponents involved: AC Milan will still host or visit Lazio as originally scheduled, with the adjustment limited to when the game is played and its kick-off time. The original Sunday fixture has consequently been replaced by a Saturday meeting, while the start has been brought forward by two hours and 45 minutes in Moscow time.

The revised arrangements mean the Serie A match will be completed one day earlier than first expected, before AC Milan turn their attention to the Europa League. Lazio remain the opponents in the fourth-round fixture, while Benfica are scheduled to provide the opposition in the European competition on the following Wednesday.

The move reflects the proximity of the European programme to the domestic fixture. AC Milan will now play Lazio on 12 September at 19:00 Moscow time, then begin their Europa League campaign against Benfica on 16 September.

FC Porto and AC Milan have officially confirmed an agreement for the transfer of Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez, who is leaving the Italian club after one and a half unsuccessful seasons in Italy.

The move is currently structured as a loan, meaning Gimenez will continue his career in Portugal with Porto rather than making a permanent departure from AC Milan at this stage. Both clubs have publicly announced that they have reached an agreement over the striker’s transfer.

Gimenez arrived at AC Milan in January 2025 after leaving Dutch club Feyenoord. His time in the Italian championship has now come to an end, with the forward set to continue his career in the Portuguese league.

The official announcements from Porto and AC Milan confirm the immediate outcome of the transfer: Gimenez is to join Porto on a temporary basis. No permanent transfer has been stated in the agreement announced by the two clubs.

For Gimenez, the move represents a change of league after his spell in Italy. He joined AC Milan midway through the 2024-25 campaign, having previously played for Feyenoord in the Netherlands. After one and a half seasons that did not prove successful, the Mexico international will now begin a new chapter with Porto.

The deal also means that Gimenez remains an AC Milan player for the time being, despite leaving the club to join Porto. The Portuguese side has confirmed his arrival, while AC Milan has likewise announced the agreement covering the striker’s move.

Gimenez’s transfer from Feyenoord to AC Milan took place in January 2025. His departure from the Dutch club preceded a spell in the Italian championship, where he spent the following one and a half seasons before the loan agreement with Porto was reached.

The move is therefore not being presented as a final sale. Instead, Porto will become Gimenez’s next club on loan, while AC Milan retain his registration under the terms currently made public by both sides.

The announcements bring clarity to the Mexican forward’s immediate future after his period at AC Milan. He will now leave Italy and continue playing for Porto, with the transfer agreement formally confirmed by the two clubs.

Domenico Tedesco has described Bologna’s return of zero points as “incredible” after his side suffered a second successive narrow defeat in Serie A.

Bologna were beaten by Atalanta in the second round of the Italian championship, following an equally close loss to Lazio in their opening match. The result leaves Tedesco’s team without a point from either of its first two league fixtures.

The Bologna head coach commented on the disappointing outcome after the defeat by Atalanta, with the club once again losing by the minimum margin. The latest setback followed the same pattern as the first: Bologna were unable to turn a tight contest into a positive result and ended the match empty-handed.

“Zero points is incredible,” Tedesco said in his assessment of Bologna’s start to the campaign.

The wording reflected the frustration surrounding a side that has now been beaten twice without either result developing into a heavy defeat. Against Lazio, Bologna began the championship with a narrow loss. They then faced Atalanta in the second round and were again edged out.

For Tedesco, the immediate concern is the gap between the team’s efforts in closely fought matches and its return in the table. Two defeats have produced no points, despite both games being decided by the smallest possible margin.

Bologna finished last season in eighth place in the league table. That final position provides the background to the club’s current start, with the team now looking to respond after failing to take anything from its first two fixtures.

The defeat by Atalanta is therefore Bologna’s second in succession at the beginning of the Italian championship. Tedesco’s comments underline the disappointment of a start in which the club has yet to convert its performances in narrow games into points.

With the opening two rounds complete, Bologna’s record stands at two defeats from two matches. The losses to Lazio and Atalanta have left the side with no points, while Tedesco has publicly acknowledged how difficult that return is to accept.

Bologna will now have to recover from the early setback and seek their first points of the campaign. For a team that ended the previous season eighth in the standings, the immediate objective is to halt the losing run before it becomes a defining feature of the opening weeks.

The Atalanta result means the Italian championship has begun with back-to-back narrow defeats for Tedesco’s side. His summary was brief but clear: after two matches, Bologna have nothing to show in the points column.