Dutchie Bowen

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Newcastle submitted an offer for Amar Dedić

Newcastle United are closing in on another important addition to Matthias Jaissle’s squad, with Amar Dedić emerging as the club’s leading target for the full-back position. Advanced discussions are now taking place between Newcastle and Benfica, with the two clubs working towards an agreement understood to be worth around £28m. The overall package is not yet completely settled, with potential add-ons still being discussed, but Newcastle are increasingly confident that the deal can be concluded this week. The remaining work is largely financial and contractual. Once those details are resolved, Dedić would become another significant addition to a Newcastle squad being reshaped under Jaissle. And there is a clear reason why the new manager is so keen. A player Jaissle already knows Dedić is not an unfamiliar name to Jaissle. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international developed through the Red Bull Salzburg system and worked with Jaissle during his time in Austria. Their previous relationship could prove important as Newcastle look to build a squad capable of adapting quickly to the German coach’s demanding style. Dedić spent much of his Salzburg career operating at right-back but has also shown the flexibility to play on the opposite side. That versatility is particularly attractive to Newcastle, who need greater depth across both full-back positions. His profile also fits the intensity Jaissle wants from his teams. Dedić is an aggressive runner who can carry the ball forward, attack space and provide width from deep. His 2025–26 numbers at Benfica underline that attacking contribution: one goal and four assists in 24 Primeira Liga appearances He also possesses the athleticism required to play in a high-tempo system, something Jaissle has prioritised since arriving at St James’ Park. From Salzburg to Benfica — and now Newcastle? Dedić, 23, was born in Austria but represents Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally. He came through Salzburg’s academy, also spending time with Liefering and Wolfsberger before establishing himself with the Austrian giants. He eventually made nearly 100 senior appearances for Salzburg before moving permanently to Benfica in 2025. The move to Portugal represented another step forward. At Benfica, Dedić has continued to develop as an attack-minded full-back and has earned regular opportunities in domestic and European competition. UEFA records him with 14 Champions League appearances for Benfica in the 2025–26 campaign, underlining the level of experience he has already accumulated at just 23. He has also become an established member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. His importance to the side was evident during their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, when he played the full match in the decisive play-off victory over Italy. At the World Cup itself, Bosnia’s campaign ended with a 2–0 defeat by the United States in the round of 32. Why Newcastle want him This is not simply a move for another full-back. Newcastle are attempting to build a squad with greater tactical flexibility, and Dedić offers precisely that. He can play on either side, contribute in possession and provide the athleticism needed to support an aggressive press. That versatility could become especially valuable across a long Premier League season. There is also an element of continuity in the recruitment. Jaissle knows Dedić’s qualities first-hand. The Newcastle coach previously worked with him at Salzburg, and Dedić has already shown that he can operate within the sort of high-intensity environment Jaissle wants to establish at St James’ Park. Recent reporting confirms that Jaissle has approved the player as a Newcastle target and that Dedić is keen on the move. For Benfica, meanwhile, the decision is more complicated. The Portuguese club only signed Dedić from Salzburg last summer for around €12m and handed him a contract running until 2030. A sale for around £28m would therefore represent a sizeable return on their investment.Aug 12, 2026

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Chelsea interested in Lewis-Skelly

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal future has suddenly become one of the more unexpected stories of the summer. The 19-year-old has been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United, with Arsenal exploring the possibility of a sale following the arrival of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle. It is a remarkable development given how quickly Lewis-Skelly established himself at the Emirates. The Hale End graduate broke into Mikel Arteta’s side as a left-back and enjoyed a breakthrough 2024–25 campaign, eventually earning a new contract through 2030. He has also developed into a versatile midfielder, with the Premier League noting that he began working more regularly in central midfield during the 2025–26 season. But his situation has changed. Guimarães changes the picture Arsenal’s £75 million acquisition of Guimarães has increased competition in midfield, where Lewis-Skelly already faces competition from Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino. The problem is not his ability. It is where the minutes are going to come from. Lewis-Skelly made 36 appearances across competitions last season but started only five Premier League matches, according to recent reporting. Arsenal are now assessing whether his development would be better served elsewhere — and whether his sale could help balance the books following their major investment in Guimarães. There is also an important tactical complication. Lewis-Skelly has increasingly spoken about his future being in midfield after initially establishing himself at left-back. That makes his situation different from a straightforward defensive departure. Arsenal would potentially be selling a player who could become a very good midfielder elsewhere. Chelsea interested, United weighing it up Chelsea have been made aware of Lewis-Skelly’s availability and have maintained long-term interest in the teenager. For Chelsea, the attraction is obvious. He is young, homegrown, tactically versatile and capable of playing both at left-back and in midfield. His previous time around Chelsea’s academy also adds another layer to the story. Manchester United have also been offered the player as they continue searching for solutions at left-back. United’s first choice remains Lewis Hall, but Newcastle are determined to keep their England international. David Raum is another option being considered, meaning Lewis-Skelly could provide United with an alternative capable of covering two positions. The financial question, however, could be decisive. Recent reports have put Arsenal’s valuation at around £45 million, while earlier approaches to United were understood to have involved an asking price closer to £60m. That is significant money for a 19-year-old who has only recently established himself at senior level.Aug 11, 2026

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