Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.

Today we’re heading back to the summer of 2006, and a saga that saw rival lines crossed from the North to West of London as Ashley Cole traded boyhood club Arsenal for rising force Chelsea.

So why was the acrimonious move considered such a betrayal? And how did the deal signify a power shift in capital as the blue side of London rose to prominence?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Simon Johnson & James McNicholas

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva

Sound Design: Jay Beale

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On Tuesday Liverpool made an approach to sign Alexander Isak.

And now they have also made a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, who is also being targeted by Newcastle United.

So could they get both?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: David Ornstein and James Pearce

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

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Chelsea are the new Club World Cup champions beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Gianni Infantino says the competition has marked a new era for club football.

But has the Club World Cup really been a success?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Adam Crafton and Phil Hay

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.

Today we’re heading back to July 2009 when Carlos Tevez swapped the red half of Manchester for blue.

So why was the move quite so controversial - and how symbolic was it in shifting the balance of power in the hunt for Premier League dominance?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Andy Mitten & Oli Kay

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva

Sound Design: Jay Beale

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday July 4th, news broke that former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations relate to three different women who reported the incidents which took place between 2021 and 2022.

Police began investigations in February 2022 but Partey carried on playing for Arsenal until his contract expired on June 30.

He denies all the allegations, and will appear in court on August 5.

Arsenal say the player’s contract ended in June and they are unable to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.

We’ll discuss why it took so long to get here? Was it right that Arsenal let Partey play on? And how do fans feel about the situation?

Read Sarah Shepherd's column here

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Marcus Rashford is one of five players Manchester United told didn’t need to report for the start of pre-season but showed up anyway.

So where does his future lie - and how difficult will it be for United to move on their unwanted stars?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Mark Critchley and Phil Hay

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

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Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres.

So what could the Swede offer Mikel Arteta’s side?

And is he the missing piece in the title puzzle for the Gunners?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: David Ornstein, Carl Anka

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producers: Mike Stavrou

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There's been two football tournaments in the United States this summer, the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. Both with an ostensible Saudi feel, all part of grand plan to invest heavily in sport backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Adam Leventhal has travelled to Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas to witness this soft power at play. Hear from Saudi players and fans who celebrate the exposure afforded by these tournaments, but also, crucially, those who fear its impact. All with an eye on the future when Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup.

Host: Adam Leventhal

Producer: Jesse Howard

Exec Producer: Abi Paterson

Featuring footage from: DAZN, Fox News, CBS News, France 24 News, FIFA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.