EPL and Serie A Rumors: Isak’s Potential Exit, Donnarumma’s Move, and Arsenal’s Title Hopes

Both the English Premier League (EPL) and Italian Serie A leagues have plenty of news, rumors, and speculation to analyze. The top football leagues in their respective countries are set to begin their new seasons within the next few days.

A big storyline in the EPL ahead of the 2025-26 season, kicking off on Friday, August 15th, is Newcastle United’s star striker, Alexander Isak. After netting 23 goals to lead Newcastle’s scoring output last season, Isak is reportedly away from the club following Liverpool’s alleged £110 million bid.

Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, stated, “We’ve had discussions, and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group. I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest.” The club finished fifth in the 2024-25 EPL table, scoring the fourth-most goals thanks to Isak’s efforts.

One of the best goalkeepers in the sport, Gianluigi Donnarumma, is no longer going to be rostered by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) moving into the 2025-26 season. The Italian was a big part of the team’s run to win Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League this summer.

The financial situation makes it difficult to envision Donnarumma’s return to Serie A, where he previously played for AC Milan from 2015-2021. The 26-year-old goalkeeper has no shortage of suitors, with speculative reports indicating Manchester City could land Donnarumma due to their available funds.

After a strong showing in both the 2024-25 EPL and UEFA Champions League a couple of months ago, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, believes his team, along with eight other clubs, can win the league this upcoming season.

“We know that we are so close now in two big competitions, and we just want to make the next step. There are going to be a lot of details and moments that have to go our way. We have to push for that to happen.”

The Gunners have now posted a runner-up finish in three consecutive EPL seasons. Arsenal was by far the best defensive team in the league last year, holding opponents to 34 total goals, leading to a +35 goal differential.

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In Serie A, Como have completed the signing of Alvaro Morata, acquiring the Spanish striker from Galatasaray in Turkey’s Süper Lig. Morata has also played for Chelsea in the EPL, which is where he was teammates with Como’s current manager, Cesc Fabregas, including Spain’s National Team.

Two clubs that finished inside the top five in the 2024-25 Serie A table, Atalanta and AS Roma, are both attempting to sign current Brighton forward, Julio Enciso. Each side has an open slot for a non-EU player to register on their roster. The Paraguay native will undergo knee surgery, which will sideline him for two to three months, but he is only 21 years old.