Alan Shearer didn’t hold back after Arsenal’s tense 1-0 win over West Ham, blasting what he sees as the Premier League’s inconsistent officiating.

West Ham, desperate for points at the bottom of the table, thought they’d snatched a late equaliser when Callum Wilson scored in stoppage time. But VAR caught a foul; Pablo was judged to have collided with Arsenal’s keeper David Raya, and the goal got chalked off. The review dragged on, too, with VAR official Darren England studying the replays for more than four minutes before telling referee Chris Kavanagh to check the monitor himself.

Shearer, chatting with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on The Rest is Football podcast, admitted the officials probably got it right in the end. Still, he said, VAR hasn’t fixed the bigger problem: referees can’t seem to make consistent calls.

“Some people think that’s a foul; some don’t,” Shearer said. “But where’s the consistency? Every week we’re seeing almost identical incidents.”

He pointed to another recent VAR call last week at Everton; Bernardo Silva drew a holding foul, but Merlin Rohl barely got a second look from the officials. “Where was VAR then?” Shearer asked.

The frustration goes beyond just the players and coaches. “Fans will show you screenshots of similar moments, and sometimes it’s a foul; sometimes it’s nothing. That’s why people are upset.”

West Ham walk away empty-handed, missing out on what could’ve been a crucial point in their relegation battle. Arsenal, meanwhile, hang on at the top, still five clear of Manchester City.

Gary Lineker added his two cents: “Probably a foul, but this isn’t how it’s supposed to work. If I were a West Ham or Man City fan, I’d be angry too. There were all kinds of grappling at that corner, Arsenal players grabbing West Ham attackers everywhere. Sure, keepers get special protection, and maybe it was a foul. But what about everything else going on in the box?”

Wayne Rooney, though, gave the officials some rare credit on his own show. “Clear foul in my book. You can see the arm hit Raya’s face, and he can’t reach the ball. VAR actually did its job in a big moment.”

João Gomes is quickly becoming one of the more interesting names in this summer’s transfer window. Wolves’ drop from the Premier League has shifted his situation dramatically. Once pegged at around £60 million, he’s now being seen as a prime “opportunity transfer", according to Caught Offside.

Their report digs into how the Wolves’ financial state is putting pressure on their key players. Gomes, at 25, is at a critical point in his career. With Brazil’s World Cup plans on the horizon, the idea of spending a season in the Championship doesn’t sit well with him, especially with some big European clubs watching closely.

Atletico Madrid has already made contact, while Liverpool, Manchester United, and, interestingly, Crystal Palace are following the situation carefully.

That pretty much sums up the intensity surrounding his potential move.

When it comes to his style on the pitch, Gomes is known for his intensity. He’s a combative midfielder, aggressive in tackles, covering ground constantly, and doing the gritty work that lets creative players shine. The phrase “all-action” really captures what he brings to the table.

Even through a tough season for Wolves, Gomes maintained a competitive edge that stood out. Relegation can highlight team weaknesses, sure, but it can also reveal who’s capable of playing at a higher level. Gomes clearly fits in the latter group.

For Liverpool and Manchester United, his profile makes a lot of sense. Both clubs need midfielders who bring energy, tenacity, and defensive reliability. Gomes offers that without the typical price tag linked to players already proven in the Premier League elite.

Liverpool’s interest feels quite natural. Caught Offside points out that “Liverpool admire his pressing ability and dynamism", and reports suggest Gomes himself might be open to a switch to Anfield.

That’s sure to catch the eye of supporters. Liverpool has long favoured players who combine technical skill with a relentless work rate. Gomes might not be the flashiest name out there, but his determination and high energy could address areas Liverpool has struggled with, especially in tight matches.

He could add bite to midfield battles, quick recovery in transitions, and a hunger for pressing. For a team working to regain control and dominance, those are valuable traits.

Manchester United’s interest also makes sense. Caught Offside notes that “Manchester United view Gomes as a cost-effective replacement for Casemiro, bringing energy and aggression to their midfield.”

That gets right to the heart of their midfield challenge. With Casemiro’s decline, there’s a clear need for someone younger who can cover more ground and bring back intensity to a part of the pitch that’s often been vulnerable.

Gomes wouldn’t be a headline superstar signing but rather a practical, impactful solution. Sometimes those are the kinds of moves that quietly shift a team’s momentum.

Wolves’ relegation has definitely weakened their negotiating position. Gomes is tied to them until 2030 and earns £105,000 per week, but the initial £60 million valuation seems to have dropped. The current expectation is closer to €45–50 million.

That price point opens the door for a few clubs. Atletico’s interest aligns with Simeone’s taste for tough, hard-working midfielders. Crystal Palace’s involvement is more unexpected, though the chance to play regularly in the Premier League could be a strong pull.

Caught Offside suggests the most likely scenario is that Gomes stays in the Premier League, with either United or Liverpool leading the bidding at around £40 million.

If that holds, this could turn into one of the most contested midfield transfers of the summer. Gomes ticks the boxes on profile, motivation, and market conditions to draw serious attention. For Wolves, the choice might narrow down to selling sooner rather than later.