Football Feb 18, 2026

EFL highlights: Portsmouth beat Charlton; Late Bristol City stunner denies Wrexham

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
EFL highlights: Portsmouth beat Charlton; Late Bristol City stunner denies Wrexham

VOTE: Who is the best player in the Premier League?

After Bukayo Saka signed a new contract with Arsenal, making him the club's best-paid player, where does he rank among the best in the Premier League?

Saka's previous deal had been due to expire in June 2027, but he has now committed his future to the Gunners until 2031.

But in terms of the best of the best, what about Premier League top goalscorer Erling Haaland? Or is Saka's Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice, the Gunners' most expensive ever signing, worth more?

We've compiled a list of those and others in the mix - but there is an option if you think someone else deserves the top spot too. Let us know!

Diaz: Leaving Liverpool a 'good decision'

Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz speaking to Sky in Germany about leaving Liverpool:

"When FC Bayern approached me, it was clear from the very first moment that I wanted to go through with this transfer. It filled me with pride because I had known the club for a long time and basically understood what to expect there.

It was a good decision a decision for an incredible and outstanding team. And when you arrive somewhere new, you naturally want to give your very best, to give 100 per cent and to feel comfortable where you are. Being happy is the most important thing for a player and for his family as well. It was exactly the right move to come here.

I knew I would be joining an incredibly strong group of footballers and a club with excellent infrastructure and top-class training facilities. I had no doubts about that. The most difficult part for me and my family certainly was and still is the language but I knew I would fit in very well here and that I would contribute my part to the teams success just as I did previously in Liverpool. FC Bayern placed their trust in me, and I am trying to repay that trust on the pitch."

Man Utd have no intention of negotiating Rashford fee

Manchester United have no intention of re-negotiating a transfer fee for Marcus Rashford with Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail.

As part of the deal Barcelona agreed to pay 26million to make the deal permanent at the end of the season and they are also covering the entirety of Rashfords 315,000-a-week wages, the report states.

However, there have been stories emerging in the Spanish press that have claimed Barcelona are looking to negotiate a lower fee for Rashford.

Saka firmly among Premier League's best

Analysis by Your Site' Nick Wright:

Arsenal spent close to 300m on new signings during the summer transfer window, but securing Bukayo Saka's future might be their most significant piece of business this season.

The 24-year-old academy product has become a talismanic figure for the club. He captains the side in the absence of Martin Odegaard and continues to be crucial to their attack, with Arsenal consistently looking to him to unlock games from their right flank.

No player can claim to have been more influential under Arteta. In addition to making more Premier League appearances than any of his team-mates under the Spaniard, he ranks top for goals, assists, shots and chances created, underlining his all-round threat.

There is no doubting his status among the Premier League's elite. Since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Ollie Watkins have contributed more goal involvements.

His groin injury was a significant factor in Arsenal's drop-off last season, but he has reached the halfway point of the new campaign having returned to top form.

The squad is deeper for the summer recruitment, but Saka remains vital, his future at the club assured.

Saka signs new Arsenal deal

Your Site News understands Bukayo Saka has signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at Arsenal until 2031.

Sakas previous deal was due to expire in the summer of 2027.

Your Site News reported last month that he and Arsenal had agreed on an extension in principle.

Saka has now put pen to paper though Arsenal have yet to officially confirm his new agreement.

Man Utd not willing to re-negotiate Rashford's Barca permanent fee

Latest from Your Site News' Danyal Khan:

Your Site News understands Manchester United are not and will not re-negotiate with Barcelona over the option fee for Marcus Rashford for his loan move to become permanent.

This comes amid a report that talks have been under way between the two clubs, with Barca wanting to pay less than the current option, which stands at around 26m (30m).

However, Your Site News understands that is not the case and from Uniteds point of view, the situation remains unchanged.

Rashford has scored 10 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants this season.

Man Utd deny contact with Klopp

Manchester United have denied having any contact with Jurgen Klopps agent after he said the club made an enquiry about the German taking over at Old Trafford.

An article in Transfermarkt published on Monday claims both United and Chelsea approached Klopps representative at some point after he left Liverpool.

Chelsea also deny making any contact.

Marc Kosicke, who also said Klopp could have managed England, added: Even Chelsea and Manchester United inquired, although Jurgen had clearly stated that he would not coach any other club in England. 

"These inquiries keep coming. He's extremely happy with what he's achieved. And it's still wonderful to go down in history as one of the few coaches who only managed three clubs and were never fired."

Paper Talk: Man Utd ponder shock summer move for Mac Allister

Here is a quick roundup of some of the biggest stories making today's back pages, with Manchester United reportedly weighing up a shock raid on bitter rivals Liverpool for Alexis Mac Allister.

Who is Spurs' new interim head coach Tudor?

Toney leaves door open for PL return and reveals England World Cup hopes

Al Ahli striker and England World Cup hopeful Ivan Toney has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League after turning down January offers in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.

Over 18 months on from his shock 40m move from Brentford to Al Ahli in August 2024, Toney revealed that despite having the opportunity to leave the club and rejoin a Premier League side, he's enjoying life in Saudi.

Toney finished second to just Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi Pro League golden boot last season as Al Ahli won the Asian Champions League, before lifting the Saudi Super Cup in August. The 29-year-old netted 30 times across all competitions in his debut season in Saudi Arabia.

"Never say never," Toney told Your Site Newswhen quizzed on a potential return to England.

"I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time.

"I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what's around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?

"I'm comfortable here and like being here. I'm doing well, my numbers speak for themselves and I'm settled. I'm enjoying my football and don't see why I'd leave to go back to where I was."

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