Transfer news live: Arsenal and Chelsea battle for Simons, Ekitike to Liverpool agreed, Mbeumo in Man United medical

FootballSports
21 Jul 2025 • 10:50 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal’s negotiations for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres had stalled due to a difference in valuation and terms, though the Gunners are confident of completing a move they could face late competition from Manchester United who are considered a late push for the forward. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze remains a target, but Arsenal are set to leave on their pre-season tour of Asia without completing the deal for a new striker.

Man Utd continue to focus on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo and have now agreed a fee for the Brentford forward who will complete a medical. The club is now focused on outgoings as Marcus Rashford looks set for a loan move to Barcelona while Jadon Sancho is drawing interest from Juventus.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are in advanced talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike. The former Paris Saint-Germain player has a €100m (£86m) release clause and it is expected that Ekitike would want to make the switch to Anfield and that personal terms could be agreed with the 23-year-old. Newcastle are also interested in the forward but are prioritising keeping Alexander Isak on the books after the striker has received interest from clubs around Europa.

All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

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Transfer news live

  • Chelsea and Arsenal battle for Xavi Simons
  • Hugo Ekitike set to join Liverpool for £79m
  • Bryan Mbeumo completes medical with Manchester United
  • Arsenal could face Viktor Gyokeres twist due to stalling negotiations
  • Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona ahead of loan move
  • What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?

Chelsea and Arsenal battle for Simons

15:46

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Mike Jones

Xavi Simons has made his thoughts clear that he wants to leave RB Leipzig this summer.

Sky Sports say that there is some interest in the midfielder from Premier League clubs and that the player would be open to the move.

Arsenal and Chelsea were the two clubs named but both have been busy scouting out other targets this summer.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Simons but won’t make any moves until later in the transfer window.

Simons’ fee could cost anywhere between €50-65m.

Chelsea refusing Chukwuemeka loan?

15:45

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Mike Jones

Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka.

The German side prefer a loan move for the midfielder but Chelsea want to sell.

The Blues are reportedly sticking to their stance or a permanent transfer or no move at all.

One to keep an eye on.

Bamford not in Farke's plans for Leeds

15:38

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Mike Jones

Patrick Bamford looks like he’ll need to find a new club after Leeds boss Daniel Farke told the striker he is not in his plans for the new season.

"In the second day of pre-season, I got him into my office and told him he is not in my plans for the upcoming season," said Farke.

"I had a really open and honest conversation with Patrick, which was important," he added.

"He knows how much I rate him as a player and I would have preferred a fit Patrick Bamford for the last two seasons."

Manchester City sell midfielder as Pep Guardiola’s clearout continues

15:30

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Mike Jones

Manchester City have sold midfielder Maximo Perrone to Como in a deal that could make them up to €15m (£13m) as Pep Guardiola continues to trim his squad.

City also have a buyback clause for the 22-year-old midfielder and a 30 percent sell-on clause for when he leaves the Italian club.

The fee they will receive for Perrone in effect offsets the transfer fee they paid for Sverre Nypan, the 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder who completed his £12.5m move to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

Perrone impressed Como manager Cesc Fabregas while on loan there last season, helping the promoted club finish 10th in Serie A.

The Argentinian, who was bought from Velez Sarsfield in January 2023, only made two senior appearances for City, both as a substitute, amounting to 25 minutes on the pitch.

Howe on Sean Longstaff's transfer

15:23

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Mike Jones

Sean Longstaff completed a move to Leeds United at the end of last week and the former Newcastle midfielder will be missed by manager Eddie Howe.

“Sean was someone I never wanted to lose from the squad,” Howe said. “But as we know and I’ve said many times, finances, PSR etc, long-term planning meant that sometimes these decisions have to be taken.

“So he’s a big miss from our squad. Sean was very, very popular in the dressing room, very popular on the pitch. He did a great job. He tactically understood everything that we needed him to do.

“He’s been an incredible servant to Newcastle. But we have to move on now without him.”

West Ham sign Kyle Walker-Peters

15:15

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Mike Jones

West Ham have signed Kyle Walker-Peters on a three-year deal after his departure from Southampton.

The 28-year-old, a Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, made more than 200 appearances for the Saints.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “It feels like it has been a long-time coming - I’ve been linked with a move to the Club in the past - and I’m just happy to be here now.

“I spoke to Graham Potter and he was a big, big part of me making the decision. I’ve always liked his style as a coach, and I think it will suit me well.

“He spoke about the family feel at the Club, and that’s what I’m all about. I’d like to think I’m going to be a good fit for West Ham United.”

Bryan Mbeumo completes Manchester United medical

15:08

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Mike Jones

Manchester United have almost got their deal for Bryan Mbeumo over the line.

A £65m plus add ons bid for Mbeumo was accepted by Brentford and the forward has undergone a medical before Ruben Amorim takes his squad to the USA for their pre-season tour.

The 25-year-old winger is set to become United's third signing of the summer after the arrivals of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon.

Mbeumo, who joined the Bees in 2019 from Troyes, will become Brentford's biggest ever sale.

Mikel Arteta offers cryptic update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres

15:00

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Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta has offered a cryptic update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres as the club get into the swing of pre-season.

The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for the Sporting Lisbon striker who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season.

Arteta's side suffered last season from a lack of options in attack with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz meaning midfielder Mikel Merino was pressed into service as emergency for part of the campaign.

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Plymouth bid for Burrell

14:47

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Mike Jones

Plymouth Argyle have made a bid for Burton Albion forward Rurmarn Burrell.

The offer is believed to be around £1m for the striker who is said to be keen on the move.

West Ham eue Harmansen

14:39

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Mike Jones

West Ham are interested in Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen

The Hammers are in the market for a keeper after Lukasz Fabianski left when his contract expired earlier this month.

Hermansen started 27 Premier League games for Leicester last season.

Leicester likely need to make sales this summer before making signings and Hermansen is one of their most sellable assets.

Tottenham in talks for Joao Palhinha?

14:30

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Mike Jones

Joao Palhinha didn’t have the season he had hoped for after leaving Fulham for Bayern Munich - could a move back to London be on the cards for the Portuguese midfielder?

Reports in Germany suggest Thomas Frank is keen, though a mooted fee of £26m may be steep.

Man City star tops Everton’s ambitious £150m summer transfer plans

14:23

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Mike Jones

Manchester City’s James McAtee heads a list of ambitious summer plans for Everton, who can spend up to £150m under the new Friedkin ownership.

David Moyes wants a right-back, a number-six, a number-eight and a right-winger, having already secured Mark Travers as goalkeeper on a £4m deal from Bournemouth.

Other options for Everton are Juventus' Douglas Luiz, Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and Freiburg's Merlin Rohl in midfield, Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo on the right, and Panathinaikos' Georgios Vagiannidis for right-back.

Will Arsenal face Viktor Gyokeres twist?

14:15

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Mike Jones

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners were expected to pay a fixed fee of £55m (€63.5m), while add-ons were still being finalised and could reach up to £8.6m (€10m).

However, reports in Portugal say Manchester United have now made a bid for the striker roughly in the same ball park as Arsenals.

Gyokeres is adamant he wants a move to the Emirates Stadium and has been pushing for it this summer but a late twist could see him joining up with his former boss Ruben Amorim instead.

Liverpool spending big this summer

14:08

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Mike Jones

Liverpool are the Premier League’s biggest spenders this summer having forked out almost £300m.

The £79m agreed deal for Hugo Ekitike has taken Liverpool's spending to £295.5m, which is over £75m more than the next biggest spenders in Chelsea.

Manchester City and Arsenal are the third and fourth biggest spenders - so far.

Taking the knee is no longer enough – the Lionesses need the FA to take a stand over racist abuse

14:00

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Miguel Delaney

If the Jess Carter story sounds dismally familiar, a further problem is how it affects everyone in different ways. There is a lot of deep emotion around the England camp, since so many could relate to a case of yet more racist abuse.

That is why the group came together, driven by some infuriated players, to tackle this head on. A core of the squad did not want to just write this off as more social media abuse you have to accept. They were adamant.

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Frank hoping to take Tottenham to ‘new heights’

13:53

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Mike Jones

Thomas Frank expressed a desire to take Tottenham to “new heights” during his unveiling press conference, but made no guarantees over the future of Son Heung-min and was tight lipped on the club’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.

“Two top players, Sonny, been here 10 years, finally got his well-deserved trophy in the summer, so important for the team and the club.

“Cristian Romero, World Cup winner, Europa League winner, Copa America winner, very, very important for us as well,” Frank explained.

“I will not speak about players who are not mine. I think I have two exceptions and they are getting older – (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi. The rest I will just speak about the players who are inside Tottenham.”

Gabriel on Arsena's ambitions

13:46

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Mike Jones

"I've been at the club for five years now and I've seen how much the club has grown," said Arsenal defender Gabriel.

"I am here to win big titles and I do believe that this season will be different. We have let a couple of titles slip through our fingers recently.

"We almost won but I think this year, things will be different. I have a lot of faith in that."

United losing 'great player' says Pogba

13:38

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Mike Jones

Paul Pogba believes Manchester United are losing a "great player" in Marcus Rashford.

Of the news Rashford will be joining Barcelona, Pogba said: "That's crazy, but I'm happy or him because they took his number. Manchester United are losing a great player, unlucky for them.

"It's great for Barcelona to be honest. I'm not even talking about United, because they've bought a few new players and the new manager wants to do his thing I guess.

"It's not really his fault, if he doesn't believe in someone. He needs to win. If he doesn't win they're going to sack him."

Matheus Cunha makes debut as Man United and Leeds kick off pre-season with dull goalless draw

13:30

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Mike Jones

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United and promoted Leeds kicked off pre-season preparations with a goalless friendly draw in Stockholm.

The Premier League sides played their first fixture ahead of the new campaign in front of a 45,345 crowd at the Strawberry Arena, where the Red Devils won the Europa League in 2017.

Summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon made their first appearances for Amorim’s men, who edged a forgetful first half in which Chido Obi struck wide when Cunha was well placed.

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Rashford completes Barcelona medical

13:20

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Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford has completed his Barcelona medical this morning.

The 27-year-old flew into the city on Sunday and is expected to be unveiled as a new Barca player on Wednesday.

Manchester United and Barcelona have agreed an initial loan deal for 2025-26 season with an option to buy him next summer.

Barcelona are expected to cover all of Rashford's wages during the proposed loan but will still have two years on his United contract when the loan ends next summer.

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Newcastle want Wissa

13:11

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Mike Jones

Newcastle are stepping up their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

The Magpies have missed out on Hugo Ekitike and are turning their attention to Wissa though it will be difficult to secure a deal.

Bryan Mbeumo is on the verge of joining Manchester United and Wissa leaving Brentford as well would be a significant blow to the chances of the Bees remaining in the Premier League next season.

Aston Villa in for Garnacho

13:01

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Mike Jones

Aston Villa are plotting a move for Alejandro Garnacho.

Manchester United remain keen to sell the winger this summer and are expected to lower their initial £70m asking price.

TBR Football claim that Villa are in the hunt and Garnacho has been exploring the possibility of working under Unai Emery.

Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal’s stance after Thomas Partey arrested for rape

12:54

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Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta has defended how the club handled the departure of former midfielder Thomas Partey after the 32-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

Partey left the Emirates at the end of June after he was not offered a new contract by the club, days before he was charged by police for the alleged offences as he faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

He is due to appear before magistrates on August 5.

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Spurs want Zabarnyi

12:45

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Mike Jones

Tottenham want to sign Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi.

The 22-year-old was strongly linked with PSG earlier this summer.

Bournemouth have valued the defender at £60m and Caught Offside claim that Spurs have made it clear they are willing to pay that in full.

Zabarnyi’s preference remains PSG but the Champions League winners are not actively pursuing the move.

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West Ham close to Hajdari

12:36

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Mike Jones

West Ham are nearing the signing of FC Lugano’s Albian Hajdari, according to Fussball Transfers.

The Hammers have targeted the 22-year-old centre-back to strengthen their defensive ranks, and he is rumoured to have a €5m release clause.

West Ham have not activated the clause as of yet but are considering making a move for the defender in the coming days.

Emerson Royal heading to Turkey

12:27

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Mike Jones

Emerson Royal is set for a switch to Besiktas from AC Milan.

The ex-Tottenham right-back will move to the Turkish club on loan in a deal that includes an option to buy.

He will be managed by former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Inter rebuff Man Utd enquiry

12:18

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Mike Jones

Manchester United have seen an enquiry for Francesco Pio Esposito turned down by Inter Milan reports Football Italia.

United are in the market for a new striker to supplement Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, and could move again for the Italian centre-forward.

Could Jadon Sancho follow Marcus Rashford out of Manchester United?

12:08

,

Mike Jones

Also perhaps on the move of the Manchester United exiles is Jadon Sancho.

Reports in Italy suggest that a deal is near between the Old Trafford club and Juventus, with a figure of just north of £20m mentioned.

Liverpool reach £79m agreement to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt

12:01

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Richard Jolly

Liverpool have agreed a £69m deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign striker Hugo Ekitike.

The fee could rise to £79m if add-ons are triggered and the French forward is set to become their fourth summer signing.

Ekitike will travel to Merseyside for a medical and will sign a six-year deal, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

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Arteta on transfer window

12:00

,

Mike Jones

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on whether it has been a stressful summer: "Exciting.

“You see the club ownership and ambition we have, the alignment we have everybody, in the board and with everybody connected with Andrea [Berta - Sporting Director].

"There is an excitement about the new season. Super positive about it."

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Arsenal’s biggest weakness is clear – here’s how Viktor Gyokeres can solve it

11:53

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Richard Jolly

Arsenal’s history could have been very different without Harry Woods. Without him, there may have been no Herbert Chapman, no trio of league titles in the 1930s, no status as London’s biggest club.

Arsenal narrowly avoided relegation in 1923-24. They only won 12 league games that season. Woods scored in six of them. He was Arsenal’s top scorer.

He also got a mere nine league goals. Which had a renewed pertinence more than a century later when Kai Havertz emulated him: for the first time in 101 years, Arsenal had no player in double figures for league goals.

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Chelsea refusing Chukwuemeka loan?

11:46

,

Mike Jones

Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka.

The German side prefer a loan move for the midfielder but Chelsea want to sell.

The Blues are reportedly sticking to their stance or a permanent transfer or no move at all.

One to keep an eye on.

Bamford not in Farke's plans for Leeds

11:39

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Mike Jones

Patrick Bamford looks like he’ll need to find a new club after Leeds boss Daniel Farke told the striker he is not in his plans for the new season.

"In the second day of pre-season, I got him into my office and told him he is not in my plans for the upcoming season," said Farke.

"I had a really open and honest conversation with Patrick, which was important," he added.

"He knows how much I rate him as a player and I would have preferred a fit Patrick Bamford for the last two seasons."

Chiesa left out of Liverpool's preseason squad

11:31

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Mike Jones

Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool's pre-season squad for their tour of Asia.

The Italian moved to Merseyside in August 2024 from Juventus, but only featured 14 times last season and isn’t one of Arne Slot’s key players.

Liverpool have named a 29-man squad for their tour of Hong Kong and Japan, with summer signings Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong included.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, who signed for Liverpool last season but remained at Valencia, is also included.

City to replace Ederson with Trafford?

11:23

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Mike Jones

Manchester City are exploring bringing James Trafford back to the club after he’s excelled with Burnley.

The Times say that Trafford is ‘ready to return’ to City if a deal can be agreed.

There is a £40m buy back clause in the contract signed by both parties when Trafford joined the Clarets though City have not triggered it yet.

At the same time Sky Sports are saying that there is interest in Ederson from Galatasaray.

The Brazilian is open to the move and this could be a situation that moves quickly if one of the deals progresses.

Ekitike deal breakdown

11:15

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Mike Jones

More details are emerging about Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt’s deal for Hugo Ekitike.

Sky Sports News say that Liverpool have reached a total agreement in principle with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth £79m (€91m).

That is made up of a guaranteed initial fee of £69m (€80m) plus £10m (€12.5m) in add-ons.

It is understood the add-ons require success from both the player and the club in order to be met in full.

Ekitike is expected to fly to England for a medical later this week.

Ekitike set to join Liverpool

11:10

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Mike Jones

Hugo Ekitike is set to join Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt and has been given the ‘here we go’ from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool had submitted a bid for £69m plus add-ons for Ekitike over the weekend but Romano reports the actual number could be closer to €90m (£78m) for the French striker.

Ekitike has reportedly signed a six year valid until June 2031.

His signing will also massively reduce the likelihood that Liverpool attempt to prize Alexander Isak out of Newcastle as well.

Will Arsenal face Viktor Gyokeres twist?

11:02

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Mike Jones

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners were expected to pay a fixed fee of £55m (€63.5m), while add-ons were still being finalised and could reach up to £8.6m (€10m).

However, reports in Portugal say Manchester United have now made a bid for the striker roughly in the same ball park as Arsenals.

Gyokeres is adamant he wants a move to the Emirates Stadium and has been pushing for it this summer but a late twist could see him joining up with his former boss Ruben Amorim instead.

Lauriente move falls through

10:50

,

Mike Jones

Armand Lauriente’s move to Sunderland has fallen through.

After failing to reach a full agreement with all parties, the Black Cats have made the decision to end discussions over the France U21 international.

Lauriente had travelled to Portugal to join up with the squad yesterday, but now returns to his current club Sassuolo.

Mbeumo announcement soon?

10:43

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Mike Jones

Manchester United and Bryan Mbeumo are very close to becoming partners.

The club has agreed a transfer fee with Brentford and hope to have the deal signed off before they travel to the USA for a pre-season tour on Tuesday.

It is understood Mbeumo has completed his medical and formalised the details on a long-term contract.

United will pay an initial £65m in four instalments with a further £6m in performance related add-ons.

Will there be an announcement of his signing at some point today?

‘Keeping Isak is the biggest signing Newcastle can make’ says Given

10:36

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Mike Jones

“That’s as big of a signing you can make,” Given told The Independent in an exclusive interview, speaking ahead of his punditry work at the inaugural Club World Cup.

“If I was in charge of Newcastle, I would be tying him to a new contract, building the team around him and saying that we’re getting players to make you a better player. Whatever it takes to show this is the place to be.”

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Manchester United and Newcastle eye Randal Kolo Muani

10:29

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Mike Jones

Manchester United and Newcastle also fancy a French striker, it seems.

Footmercato believe Randal Kolo Muani is on the radar of the Premier League pair after a successful stint at Juventus.

Frank makes no assurances over Son or Romero futures

10:20

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Mike Jones

Thomas Frank made no guarantees over the future of Son Heung-min during his Tottenham unveiling on Friday.

Frank faced a series of questions about Son and vice-captain Cristian Romero, who have both been linked with a move away this summer.

"Two top players, Sonny, been here 10 years, finally got his his well-deserved trophy in the summer, so important for the team and the club. Cristian Romero, World Cup winner, Europa League winner, Copa America winner, very, very important for us as well," Frank explained.

"Both have trained well, setting the standards out there on the training pitch and both will play tomorrow so I'm very happy.

"My expectation is all the players are here and they are training well. That is what I am focusing on and again very impressed by them.”

Brazilian star joins Botafogo to boost Forest's PSR concerns

10:12

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Mike Jones

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo has signed for Botafogo.

Danilo, who joined Forest in January 2023, leaves the City Ground after making 62 appearances to return to his native Brazil.

The energetic midfielder missed most of last season with an ankle fracture suffered on the opening day of the campaign.

Marseille to re-sign Aubameyang?

10:04

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Mike Jones

French side Marseille are close to re-signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It is believed that Aubameyang has agreed a two-year deal in principle and will take a pay cut from what he earned at Saudi Pro-League club Al Qadsiah.

Aubameyang is expected to travel to Marseille this week for a medical.

PSV in talks for Stoke midfielder

09:57

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Mike Jones

PSV Eindhoven are in advanced talks to sign Stoke City midfielder Sol Sidibe says Sky Sports News.

The 18-year-old has entered the final two years of his contract at the bet365 Stadium and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

A back injury ruled him out for the second half of the 2024/25 season after he made 13 appearances in all competitions.

Stoke rejected two bids for Sidibe last summer.

Arsenal 'short' on numbers says Arteta

09:50

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Mike Jones

Arsenal have had a busy transfer window already having brought in The Gunners have completed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.

They are in talks over deals for defender Cristhian Mosquera and striker Viktor Gyokeres as well with those two transfers expected to get over the line.

"There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers," said Mikel Arteta whilst on Arsenal's pre-season tour of Singapore.

"We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market.

"Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."

Alexander Isak’s agent addresses transfer speculation after Celtic omission

09:42

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Mike Jones

Alexander Isak’s agent has addressed the rumours over his client’s future amid transfer interest in the Newcastle United forward from Premier League rivals Liverpool fc.

Isak was left out of the squad for the Magpies pre-season friendly against Celtic with manager Eddie Howe admitting he wanted to remove him from ‘scrutiny’ due to the speculation he may leave the club.

Reports have previously said that Liverpool are willing to spend big money - in advance of £125m though perhaps closer to £150m - for Isak this summer as they look to strengthen under manager Arne Slot.

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Liverpool Women sign Rafaela Borggrafe

09:33

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Mike Jones

Liverpool have announced the signing of goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe on a free transfer from Freiburg.

Borggrafe told the Women's Super League club's official website: "This means a lot.

"This is a big club with a big history and I want to be part of that - we never walk alone. I want to have fun playing football and [I] am so happy to now be a part of the Liverpool family.

"I spent 12 years with Freiburg but I think this is the best step for me, to come to Liverpool."

They later added the permanent signing of Scotland midfielder Sam Kerr, who spent the second half of last season on loan from Bayern Munich.

Wrexham break club transfer record to sign New Zealand international

09:25

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Mike Jones

Wrexham have signed New Zealand international defen