Mikel Arteta has hinted at Arsenal's transfer plans as he aims to "upgrade" the squad ahead of the next Premier League season.

The Gunners finished as runners-up behind Manchester City in the previous two seasons, missing out on the final day last year as they finished just two points shy of the champions.

While they were closer to the Citizens last term – they won the same number of games as City and matched their goal difference of 62 – Arteta acknowledged they needed to bring in new additions to help mount another title challenge.

"We have to [improve]," said Arteta. "When you are so close you want to grab it.

"Perfection in this league requires different standards when you relate that word to winning the Premier League and that is what we have to do.

"We need to upgrade in everything we are doing. We have to improve in every area and that is what we are trying to do."

Riccardo Calafiori is expected to join the club from Bologna, who he helped to qualify for the Champions League, with Arsenal edging closer to a deal for the defender.

Although Arteta said he had "no update" on when the Calafiori deal could be done, he stressed the club were aiming to make strides in the transfer market.

"I don't know if anyone will join us [for the pre-season tour]," Arteta added.

"There is still a lot of time left in the window and, while that is more a question for the board, obviously, we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers, but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have."

"Obviously, we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short.

"We will try our best, but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better."

Arsenal will face Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool during their pre-season tour of the USA before beginning their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17.

Che Adams has joined Torino on a free transfer after leaving Southampton.

The striker has signed a three-year contract with Torino, who finished ninth in Serie A last season.

Adams joined Southampton from Birmingham City in 2019, making 191 appearances and scoring 48 goals in all competitions for the Saints.

He netted 16 of those last season in the Championship as he helped them secure promotion back to the Premier League via a play-off final victory over Leeds United.

The 28-year-old was offered a new deal by Southampton ahead of their return to the top-flight, while Wolves were interested in gaining his signature.

He is the third signing for Torino this transfer window, following Adam Masina and Saul Coco into the club.

Pep Guardiola is adamant that Kevin De Bruyne will stay at Manchester City this transfer window.

The influential midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne is going into the final year of his contract with the Citizens and admitted in an interview last month that a lucrative contract could sway his thinking.

Despite the speculation, Guardiola remains confident the Belgian will still be in his squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

 "Kevin isn't leaving," Guardiola told reporters at their pre-season training camp.

"If someone leaves, we are going to talk about that and, of course, until the last day [of the transfer window] we have chances.

"I don't rule out new players as an option, but I think there is an 85, 90, 95% chance we will have the same squad."

City have already signed Brazilian Savinho as they aim to win a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title next season.

They are also reportedly interested in bringing Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to the Etihad.

Mamadou Fall has completed a permanent transfer to Barcelona from Los Angeles FC, the MLS club confirmed on Monday. 

Fall initially joined the 27-time La Liga champions on loan last season, making 22 appearances for Barcelona Atletic, who play in the third tier of the Spanish league system.

The 21-year-old spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan with Villarreal's B team but made his name with the Black and Gold in the MLS. 

Fall arrived from Senegal to join the Montverde Academy as part of Sport4Charity, an organisation run by former Senegal international footballer Salif Diao. 

He signed a two-year contract with LAFC in 2021 and would go on to make 42 appearances in all competitions, registering six goals and one assist in that time. 

Barcelona's capture of the defender is not the first time they have signed a highly rated player from the MLS, having secured the services of Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy in 2023.

“Fall is a player with incredible potential and exceptional talent,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said.

“He began his professional journey at LAFC, and we are excited to see him join not only one of the top clubs in the world but also a great environment for his continued development.

"We wish him nothing but the best in his career at Barcelona.”

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has completed a move to Marseille. 

Hojbjerg, who made 184 appearances for Spurs, will join the Ligue 1 side initially on loan with the agreement including an obligation to buy for £17million.

The Denmark international made 39 appearances in all competitions during Ange Postecoglou's first season in charge, but only 10 were from the start. 

Hojbjerg had entered the final year of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and is Roberto De Zerbi's fifth signing of the transfer window. 

The 28-year-old scored 10 times during his four years with Spurs, one of which came against his new employers in the Champions League to secure top spot in Group D back in 2022. 

Hojbjerg becomes the seventh player to leave the club, following the departures of Joe Rodon, Eric Dier, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic, Japhet Tanganga and Ryan Sessegnon. 

Postecoglou continues his rebuild ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season and have registered their interest in Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey. 

As Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum enters into the second year of its partnership with the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), it launched new-look jerseys at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival.

The patrons of the festival, held at the Catherine’s Hall Sports Complex on July 18, 2023, experienced a fashion show showcasing six of the 14 team’s jerseys.

The fashion show unveiled the new kits for JPL 2024 season winner Cavalier FC, and the runner-up Mount Pleasant Football Academy. Also highlighted were the jerseys for Harbour View FC, Portmore United FC and Arnett Gardens FC and Montego Bay United FC (MBUFC).

On hand to see the show were executives of MBUFC, who lead the only top-tier professional football club from Jamaica’s western region, including Coach Rodolfo Zapata, General Manager Sumil Reid and Director Anthony Cameron.

“These jerseys are another manifestation of the Wray Rum partnership with the JPL, said Kerry-Ann Bryan, brand manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. “Our patrons at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival were the first to see and appreciate this next layer of support.

“Wray & Nephew has been a storied sponsor of football in Jamaica. We offer over $300 million in support across the Jamaica Football Federation national men’s and women’s programmes as well as to the JPL and Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA),” Bryan explained after the jerseys were revealed.

The kits were produced in partnership with Admiral and brandish bold colours, unique patterns, and details that represent each club, its surrounding community and showcases each Football Club’s history. The 14 JPL teams will utilise the home and away vibrant kit designs for 2024/25 season.

Having launched the kits, Rum Fest eventgoers had the opportunity to get first dibs on their jersey pick from the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum football-themed festival booth.

The JPL and Admiral collection can also be purchased online via the Admiral website, or at the Locker Room Sports location in Kingston.

Lionel Messi will miss the annual MLS All-Star game in Columbus on Wednesday due to his ongoing ankle injury, MLS has confirmed.

The Argentina captain sustained the injury during his nation's Copa America final victory over Colombia on July 14.

Messi subsequently left the pitch in tears, and watched from the dugout as substitute Lautaro Martinez struck an extra-time winner in Miami.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was expected to be part of the annual clash between an MLS XI and Liga MX XI.

However, he was listed as unavailable on the MLS website along with fellow Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, though their team-mates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are both included.

The likes of Hugo Lloris, Christian Benteke and Federico Bernadeschi also feature in the MLS roster, while Andre-Pierre Gignac and Salomon Rondon will feature for the Liga MX All-Stars.

Ian Maatsen labelled Aston Villa head coach as "brilliant" as he prepares for the club's maiden appearance in this season's Champions League. 

Maatsen completed his £37.5million switch from Chelsea while on international duty with the Netherlands at Euro 2024. 

The 22-year-old, who did not feature for Ronald Koeman's side in Germany, signed a six-year deal at Villa Park following an impressive loan spell with Borussia Dortmund last season. 

Maatsen made 16 Bundesliga appearances, scoring two goals and helping Die Schwarzgelben reach the Champions League final, playing the full duration of their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley. 

Emery led Villa to a fourth place finish in the Premier League, and has become well known for his success on the European stage during his time in Spain. 

The Spaniard has won the Europa League on four different ocassions, while also guiding Villa to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League last term. 

"Last season they did very well and the coach obviously is a brilliant coach with a lot of experience in Europe," Maatsen told Aston Villa's official club website.

"They are playing Champions League football this season so it is exciting. "He is a manager who loves to play football and win trophies.

"That was the challenge for me to come here and show the people that I am capable of doing these things at the highest level."

Maatsen made his Champions League debut in Dortmund's last 16 fixture against PSV Eindhoven, going on to make seven appearances in the competition. 

And while many predict Emery's side to follow Newcastle after trying to juggle league and European commitments, the defender insisted that he is confident that Villa can become regulars in Europe's elite club competition. 

"It's good because obviously we are here now to earn a spot in the Champions League every year - it's such a great competition."

Maatsen is one of seven new arrivals at Villa Park, with Emery taking his spending this transfer window to £140million after the arrival of Amadou Onana from Everton was confirmed on Monday. 

Villa begin the 2024-25 season away to West Ham on August 17, a side they have failed to beat away from home in the league since a 2-1 victory at Upton Park back in April 2011.

Vincent Kompany believes Bayern Munich's players are "showing a lot of hunger" in keeping with club traditions as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023-24 season.

The Belgian was appointed as Thomas Tuchel's successor in May following a rare trophyless campaign at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern surrendered their 11-year grip on the Bundesliga title to Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, while Real Madrid defeated them in the Champions League semi-finals.

Several players are linked with moves away, with Kompany quizzed by reporters at the club's pre-season training camp in Tegernsee.

However, the new head coach insists a collective team spirit will be fundamental as he targets a response in the 2024-25 campaign, highlighting his learnings from a recent visit to the FC Bayern Museum.

"They explained everything that has made Bayern so successful," he said. 

"I learned a lot about Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Uli Hoeness, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller - the big names. They all had one thing in common: they always kept going, even after success. That has always characterised the club.

"We're making such a mistake talking about individuals. None of the history of this club shows that; it's been about hard work and resilience.

"We've worked hard in the last weeks. Every player in the team has a lot of talent. It's about the future. I don't want to talk much about the past. I want to work with the lads. I feel like everyone is showing a lot of hunger.

"I don't want to look back too much. What I can say is that players like the ones we have always show a reaction. It's important that we show a reaction together. We don't need to make big speeches. It's important for me that we show that we're up for it.

"We have to win and to celebrate, but we also have to keep going. It's about the club, the next step - how can we get better? We can be proud of the past, but we are successful because we think about the future."

Leny Yoro is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League for Manchester United, a division he described as "the biggest in the world".

Yoro completed his £52million move to Old Trafford from Lille last week, signing a five-year contract with the option of a further year. 

The 18-year-old became United's second signing of the transfer window following the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna four days prior. 

Yoro was thrust straight into Erik ten Hag's starting line-up for their 2-0 win over Rangers in their pre-season friendly on Saturday and impressed on his debut. 

The French defender had the most touches (51), completed passes (44) and completed long passes (four) of anyone in the United side and is looking forward to showcasing his talents in the Premier League. 

"Yeah, for me, this is the biggest championship in the world," Yoro said in his first interview with United. "For me, the Premier League, this is where the football fully exists.

"So the fans, the level – because the level is crazy there, there is not an easy game - and, for me, the Premier League is the biggest in the world."

Yoro had long been expected to complete a move to Real Madrid after keeping 15 clean sheets in his 32 league appearances, earning him a place in the Ligue 1 team of the year last season. 

However, the 18-year-old revealed that a conversation with six-time Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand played a pivotal role in United securing his services. 

"This is Rio Ferdinand, this is a legend in Man United, so for me this is an honour," Yoro said. "This is a big defender, a legend, so yeah, big honour for me.

"It was like two weeks ago. He called me, so first of all I was really impressed to speak with him and yeah, we spoke like 10 minutes about Man United, so he helped me a lot to make my choice.

"He spoke to me about the club, and [that] this is a historic club with a big story, and if I go there I need to fight for the club, to be ready, because this is the biggest club in the world."

United fans will be able to see Yoro in action again this Saturday when they face Arsenal in the first game of their pre-season tour of the United States. 

Ten Hag's side will also play against Real Betis and Liverpool, before turning their attentions to their Community Shield encounter with Manchester City on August 10. 

Jamaica Under-20 Reggae Boyz captain Adrian Reid Jr says the team will have to quickly learn from their mistakes ahead of their second game in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship against Costa Rica on Monday.

The young Jamaicans opened up their campaign with a disappointing 0-9 loss to the USA at the Miguel Aleman Valdez Stadium in Celaya, Mexico on Friday.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted, obviously. It was a disappointing result. We didn’t show our quality or enough character,” Reid said in an interview with JFF Live on Sunday.

The Cavalier SC defender, who recently got called up to the Senior Reggae Boyz squad for the first time for a World Cup Qualifying fixture against the Dominican Republic last month, says hos team will have to put Friday’s performance behind them ahead of Monday’s game.

“We just have to put that game behind us and learn from our mistakes. We go back to the drawing board and go back to training, see where we went wrong and try to fix our mistakes,” he said.

Despite the heavy loss, Reid Jr seemed encouraged by the mood in the camp, noting how everyone was taking responsibility.

“After the game, you could see everyone taking responsibility, owning up to everything that was done. Everyone was coming together to try to find solutions so it’s been a good mood in the camp,” he said.

Jamaica are competing alongside the USA, Cuba and Costa Rica in Group A of the 12-team tournament.

Cuba and Costa Rica played out a 1-1 draw at the same venue on Friday to sit second and third in the group.

The top two teams from all three groups will advance to quarterfinals alongside the two best third-place teams.

The winners of those quarterfinals will all qualify for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Chelsea have announced the signing of Caleb Wiley from Atlanta United for a reported fee of £8.5million.

The 19-year-old has signed a six-year contract, with the option to extend that for a further year, which would keep him at the club until 2031.

Wiley joined Atlanta's academy aged 11, progressing through the youth set-up before making his first-team debut in 2022.

He made 85 appearances for the Five Stripes in all competitions, scoring on his debut in a win over Sporting Kansas City.

Wiley has made two appearances for the USA senior side and is currently with the United States Olympic squad preparing for the Games in Paris.

The left-back is Chelsea's sixth signing this transfer window, after Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga.

However, he is expected to go out on loan next season, joining Strasbourg in Ligue 1 following his return from the Olympics. 

Amadou Onana has completed a £50million move from Everton to Aston Villa. 

The Belgium midfielder, who recently represented his nation at Euro 2024, becomes Villa's second-most expensive player in history after Moussa Diaby.

Onana arrives at Villa Park following a two-year spell at Everton, where he made 72 appearances under Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche.

The 22-year-old is Unai Emery's eighth major signing ahead of the 2024-25 season, as the Spaniard looks to bolster his squad ready to compete in the Champions League.

Ian Maatsen, Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Iling-Junior and Lewis Dobbin have already moved to Villa in this window, while Ross Barkley, Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene have also returned to the club.

Onana could make his Villa debut on August 17 when they travel to West Ham for their opening match of the new Premier League season.

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United do not want to sell Scott McTominay, despite speculation linking the midfielder with a move away from Old Trafford.

McTominay, who has been with United since the age of five, has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray and Fulham, with the latter seeing a bid of £17million rejected.

The Scotland midfielder enjoyed his most prolific season in 2023-24 with 10 goals, before appearing for his nation at Euro 2024.

And though the Red Devils are reportedly keen to offload players, Ten Hag hopes McTominay will not be one of them.

"We have very good players, so there will always be interest from other clubs," Ten Hag said.

"When you score 10 goals in a season and also perform very well for Scotland, then there will be interest. But we want to keep him because he is a very important player for our squad.

"What he can contribute, as we saw last season once we had our sixes available, he could play in a more advanced role, and he is a highly interesting player for our team."

Former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has backed Antonio Conte to make Napoli one of the main contenders in Serie A next season.

Conte returned to management after a 15-month absence by signing a three-year contract with the Partenopei last month.

Napoli won the Scudetto in 2022-23 with five games to spare after storming to the title, but followed that up by finishing 10th last season, outside the extended European places.

After Luciano Spalletti's departure in 2023, the club went through three head coaches last season, with both Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri being fired before Francesco Calzona oversaw the last few months of their underwhelming title challenge.

Gianluigi Buffon believes Napoli will finish in the top two this season, and Bonucci agreed with his former Juventus team-mate that Conte will make all the difference.

"Napoli couldn't have made a better choice after the year they've had," Bonucci told Sky Italia.

"They've taken on a world-class coach; he teaches you everything about football and gives you the right knowledge.

"The squad is strong and full of quality. Being able to work with them all week, he [Conte] will do really well."

Conte's first competitive game in charge of Napoli will be their Coppa Italia tie against Modena on August 10.