Roma set to sign Iran striker Azmoun and Joao Felix seeks Atletico Madrid exit

The end of the transfer window is looming large on the horizon with clubs targeting last-minute improvements to their squads.

The rumour mill remains in full swing so we bring you the best transfer gossip and the likelihood of those stories materialising.

Iran international striker Sardar Azmoun is close to joining Roma, according to L’Equipe. The Italian club are said to have agreed a loan deal with Bayer Leverkusen that includes an option clause which allows him to be signed permanently. AC Milan were known to have been keen on the 28-year-old, but the latest suggests that Jose Mourinho has won the race to land the highly-rated Iranian frontman.

Monaco have agreed a deal to buy Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun for a fee of €45 million plus bonuses, reveals RMC Sport. Balogun, who changed allegiances from England to the United States earlier this year, has also been on the radar of Chelsea, but he is now said to be on the verge of joining the Ligue 1 side on a five-year deal. It is reported that a medical is set to take place amid confidence from both clubs that a deal will be completed.

Scottish left-back Kieran Tierney is close to completing a temporary switch to La Liga club Real Sociedad, reveals The Athletic. Arsenal are willing to let him leave on a season-long loan, with the 26-year-old struggling to garner regular first team minutes. It is understood that the deal will be a straight loan in which the Spanish side will cover his salary in full, though there is no permanent option clause that would allow them to sign him permanently.

Joao Felix remains intent on leaving Atletico Madrid in the current transfer window, reports El Chiringuito TV. The Portuguese attacking midfielder spent some time last season on loan at Chelsea, and has most recently been looking to join Barcelona, but the latest indicates that there is still some distance between him getting his wishes. Felix’s relationship with manager Diego Simeone has previously been reported to be tense.

Joao Felix is aiming to leave Atletico Madrid this summer but interest is limited. EPA

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is closing in on finding his squad’s back-up goalkeeper, understands Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg. Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos is understood to have agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the English club, who are also considering Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, submitting a bid to Benfica worth €15m.

Liverpool have seen their bid of €30m for Fluminense’s Andre turned down, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. The Reds are reported to have identified the Brazilian midfielder as a key upgrade this summer as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to add another midfielder, but they have seen their first attempt for the 22-year-old unsuccessful. It is said that they are also keeping close tabs on Flamengo star Gerson.

Al Ittihad are interested in signing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, reports Relevo. The Saudi Arabian club are said to be willing to hand the Egyptian star a salary that would see him surpass the earnings of Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and add that he is also willing to accept their offer if an agreement can be reached between both clubs.

Major deals of 2023/24 summer transfer window

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

Indika

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

How to avoid crypto fraud

Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.