Transfer news live: Arsenal and Spurs battle for Leverkusen defender, Man Utd want Lammens, Isak to Liverpool update

FootballSports
25 Aug 2025 • 6:26 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Tottenham are sounding out attacking alternatives to Eberechi Eze after rivals Arsenal dramatically swooped to beat Thomas Frank’s side to his signature.

Arsenal confirmed a transfer worth £60m and £7.5m in add-ons – pretty much exactly Eze’s release clause - and the boyhood Gunners fan was unveiled at the Emirates before the Premier League match against Leeds. It leaves Spurs in a late scramble for a new attacker as the deadline looms, with Man City’s Savinho topping their list. However, The Independent understands both clubs are still very far apart when it comes to agreeing a price for the Brazilian.

Alexander Isak’s explosive statement this week accused Newcastle of “broken promises” and “lost trust”, with Liverpool still strongly linked with a move for the Swedish striker. The Reds’ offer of £110m fell short of Newcastle’s valuation and Eddie Howe described Isak’s statement as a “sad moment”, but the Magpies boss insists he won’t be left striker-short by the end of the window.

Elsewhere, Manchester United may be tasked with fending of more interest from Saudi Arabia for captain Bruno Fernandes, with Al-Ittihad targeting the midfielder. They continue to be hampered with goalkeeping struggles, but it is their city rivals that could strengthen in that department, with Manchester City agreeing personal terms with PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below

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Transfer news live

  • Arsenal and Tottenham both working on deals for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie
  • Man United in talks over highly-rated goalkeeper as Andre Onana decision made
  • Eberechi Eze deal complete as Arsenal and announce new signing
  • Tottenham push for Savinho but still far off Man City's valuation
  • Eddie Howe responds to Alexander Isak’s claim Newcastle broke promises over Liverpool transfer

Thomas Frank sends strong message to potential Tottenham signings after Eberechi Eze transfer snub

14:14

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Chris Wilson

Thomas Frank has said he only wants to sign players who are desperate to play for Tottenham, after Eberechi Eze snubbed the club for Arsenal.

Eze was set to move to Spurs before Arsenal stepped up their interest following an injury to forward Kai Havertz. The Gunners matched Tottenham’s bid for the Crystal Palace midfielder and Eze, who was released by Arsenal aged 13, chose the Emirates Stadium as his new home.

The blow leaves Frank with few attacking options. Richarlison scored two goals against Burnley last weekend and is set to continue in attack at Manchester City on Saturday, while new signing Mohammed Kudus made an impressive league debut. Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson are also options on the wings, and Dominic Solanke is fit, but injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and the departure of Heung min-Son, leave Spurs short of resources.

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Donnarumma deal remains complicated

14:00

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Chris Wilson

Manchester City still insist that they do not want to sell Ederson this summer, with Galatasaray interested in the Brazilian ‘keeper.

City are said to have agreed personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma as a replacement for Ederson, with the PSG ‘keeper now training away from his teammates.

However, any move for the Italian hinges on Ederson leaving the club, and it seems that City are blocking that move for now.

When does the transfer window close and what time is the deadline?

13:46

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Chris Wilson

Transfer deadline day is fast approaching with a number of big moves still to be completed.

Several clubs have made notable additions between now and the end of last season, with a mini-window that opened up ahead of the Club World Cup facilitating moves for players including Matheus Cunha, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rayan Cherki among others.

And the transfers have ramped up since the window re-opened on 16 June, with moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Viktor Gyokeres reaching into £60m territory while Liverpool paid a club-record £100m for Florian Wirtz, with that deal potentially becoming a Premier League record.

Almost every club in the Premier League remains keen on at least one addition before the end of the window, with the deadline to secure the last few deals fast approaching.

Here’s everything you need to know about the final days of the window:

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Liverpool to return with another Isak bid?

13:32

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Chris Wilson

Newcastle are “braced for a second bid” from Liverpool for Alexander Isak, according to the i paper.

The club rejected Liverpool’s initial £110m offer for the Sweden striker earlier this month, though they are anticipating another offer to come after the two clubs face off at St James’ Park tonight.

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Newcastle United transfer news: Yoane Wissa, Marc Guehi, Jorgen Strand Larsen and more

13:16

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Chris Wilson

Having ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success last season, Newcastle United now have work to do in the final days of a torrid transfer window.

With a return to the Champions League, the Magpies needed to strengthen their squad to compete at the highest level, but despite boss Eddie Howe making it known that he is looking to work fast this summer, Newcastle have missed out on several of their top targets so far.

Benjamin Sesko was one high-profile target to opt against a move to St James Park, while key striker Alexander Isak has blown his relationship with the club as he chases a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.

Newcastle have been without any major recruits over the past two seasons due to PSR rules, and started the summer with a big move for Anthony Elanga – with the Nottingham Forest winger joining in a deal worth £55m – but have been thwarted in attempts to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford since then.

And it means that there are a big few days ahead for the Magpies ahead of the transfer deadline on 1 September, with the club needing to strengthen in several key positions.

Here’s everything you need to know about Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans:

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Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insights

13:00

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Chris Wilson

The football fixture calendar is relentless, and the news cycle feels nonstop – spanning everything from results and matches to tactics, competitions, transfers, politics, global expansion, and even the geopolitics and greater forces now reshaping how the very sport is played.

In short, there’s a lot to keep up with – and to make sense of. That’s where my new newsletter Inside Football comes in.

Landing in your inbox every Monday and Friday, Inside Football delivers insight, opinion, and the under-the-radar details you love.

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Garnacho deal still on the table

12:46

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Chris Wilson

Chelsea should return for Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons once they make some sales, report Sky.

Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Tyrique George need to leave before the Blues can do more business, with plenty interest in each player. Renato Veiga and Carney Chukwuemeka are also on the verge of exits.

Chelsea are hoping to agree a deal worth around £30m for Garnacho, with United reportedly valuing him closer to £50m.

Eberechi Eze will create ‘magic moments’ and take Arsenal to next level – Arteta

12:32

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Chris Wilson

New Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze will create “magic moments” and take the club to a different level, manager Mikel Arteta claimed.

Eze was presented to the Emirates crowd in the minutes before Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition job of Leeds which fired the Gunners to an early sight of the Premier League summit.

Eze did not complete a move – which could end up costing as much as £68million – in time to face the newly-promoted side.

But with both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sustaining injuries in Arsenal’s second win in as many matches, Eze is set to be handed his debut against Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday.

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Saka and Odegaard injuries not as bad as first feared

12:17

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Chris Wilson

Arsenal are optimistic that Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's injuries are not as bad as initially feared, despite the duo being taken off during the win over Leeds.

The full severity of both players’ injuries – and whether or not they will be sidelined for Arsenal’s match against Liverpool on Sunday – has not been confirmed, but Sky reports that “the early signs are understood to be encouraging”.

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Tottenham attack new transfer targets before deadline after Eberechi Eze blow

12:02

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Chris Wilson

Tottenham Hotspur are trying to get Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and one other attacker in, after the club was left scrambling to find a solution since being gazumped by Arsenal for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze.

The club are shocked at how the transfer played out, and there is considerable supporter unrest, especially since James Maddison succumbed to injury. Spurs have now lost out on two major transfers late into negotiations, after Morgan Gibbs-White decided to stay at Nottingham Forest.

There are still several targets available, albeit with Spurs having lost their leverage now that every club knows they need to do business.

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Napoli still want Hojlund

11:44

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Chris Wilson

Napoli remain in talks with Man Utd over a deal to sign striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to Sky.

Discussions are said to be positive, with the Italian side exploring a loan with an obligation to buy. It is thought Hojlund is very open to the move, preferring a permanent element attached to any deal while also being tempted by the chance to play Champions League football.

It is currently unknown exactly how much the buy option would be, though United were said to want around £40m earlier in the window.

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Arsenal hand Max Dowman, 15, Premier League debut against Leeds

11:28

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Chris Wilson

Arsenal have handed 15-year-old academy star Max Dowman his Premier League debut.

Dowman was included among the substitutes ahead of Arsenal’s home match against Leeds United after rising through the club’s academy and came on for Noni Madueke in the 64th minute at the Emirates Stadium.

At 15 years and 235 days, Dowman becomes just the third player to appear in a Premier League game before turning 16 years old after team-mate Ethan Nwaneri (15y, 181d) and Jeremy Monga (15y, 271d), who made his debut for Leicester last season.

The youngster looked incredibly lively in his debut and could have had a goal when he cut inside from the right wing and fired a shot just over the bar. He then won a penalty in injury time as he burst into the box, which Viktor Gyokeres converted to put the finishing touches on a 5-0 triumph.

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Porto in for Kiwior

11:14

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Chris Wilson

Porto are expected to bid once more for Jakub Kiwior, despite Arsenal rejecting an opening offer in July.

According to Fabrizio Romano, “if Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kiwior do leave before the deadline, Arsenal could add one more player”, likely to be a defender.

The Gunners are asking for around £26m for the Poland international.

Arsenal also in for Hincapie!

10:55

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Chris Wilson

We could be set for another battle between the north London rivals here!

David Ornstein now reports that Arsenal are also working on a deal for Hincapie, with the Ecuadorian apparently prioritising the Gunners over any other club.

There are “efforts ongoing to make [the] fee more realistic than [the] €60m clause”, adds Ornstein.

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Spurs make approach for Leverkusen defender

10:50

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Chris Wilson

Tottenham have made an approach for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The deal would be an initial loan with an obligation to buy for around €60m, which is the same value as the Ecuadorian’s release clause.

Man United transfer news: Lucien Agoume, Carlos Baleba, Senne Lammens and more

10:39

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Chris Wilson

Manchester United are in the midst of a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally re-shapes his squad and tries to transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that Amorim initially rebuffed United’s approachfollowing the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and perhaps he was wise to try and delay the move, because what followed was a disastrous campaign culminating in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

Now Amorim has had a full preseason to prepare his side and a summer transfer window to mould his squad before a season without European football, and he must take full advantage.

The release of the Premier League fixtures showed a difficult start for United, with games against Manchester City and Chelsea to come after their opening loss to Arsenal, and while the performance was encouraging against the Gunners, the manager’s future could be called into question early should his side struggle in the coming weeks.

United got some early business done with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal before completing a move for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, and though co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had made clear that the money pot is not deep, the club also signed a £70m deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Offloading high-wage players such as Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho is key to funding the rest of the window, with a lack of movement potentially leading to the club missing out on the next step: midfield and goalkeeper signings.

Here’s everything you need to know about Manchester United’s summer transfer plans.

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Milan targeting striker after Boniface fails medical

10:23

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Chris Wilson

AC Milan target Victor Boniface has “failed his medical tests” at the Italian club and will return to Bayer Leverkusen, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian striker has returned to Germany “despite [a] verbal agreement for [a] €5m loan fee and €24m buy clause”.

Spurs see €70m bid rejected

10:09

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Chris Wilson

Tottenham have seen a €70m bid for Como’s Nico Paz turned down by the Italian club, according to Fabrizio Romano.

“Real have €10m buy back clause in 2026 but will compensate Como in future,” adds the Italian, with Madrid wanting the youngster to stay in Italy for one more season.

Man United in talks over highly-rated goalkeeper as Andre Onana decision made

09:54

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Chris Wilson

Manchester United are in talks with Antwerp about a £17.3m move for the Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Andre Onana is expected to remain at Old Trafford but Ruben Amorim is advancing in his attempts to add more competition for places.

And Lammens, a Belgium Under-21 international, could become United’s fifth summer signing after forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko and wing-back Diego Leon.

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Leeds agree fee for Leicester defender James Justin

09:40

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Chris Wilson

Leeds have agreed an £8m fee with Leicester for full-back James Justin as Daniel Farke is closing in on his 10th summer signing.

The deal could rise to £10m, depending on add-ons, and would take the promoted club’s spending in this transfer window past £100m.

And Justin’s arrival would enable Farke to strengthen his defence after Leeds conceded five goals in Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal.

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Before the transfer window closes, Man Utd must strengthen in one area - and it isn’t where you think

09:10

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Flo Clifford

Following a 1-0 loss to Arsenal and a dispiriting draw with Fulham, it’s clear that there is a glaring hole in this Man United side - and it isn’t in their new-look, £200m front line.

Chris Wilson argues the club must strengthen in one key area, with Ruben Amorim’s future at stake if they don’t:

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Fulham need three new signings, Marco Silva says

08:52

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Flo Clifford

Fulham boss Marco Silva has criticised the club for failing to make crucial signings during this window, pointing out three key positions that they need to strengthen in on BBC Match of the Day.

After a pair of draws to open their league campaign, he said, “We lost two wingers and a striker and the plan we said in May has not happened.

“We have eight or nine days to correct things. We have to sign at least three players before the end of the market.”

Man United goalkeeper target left out of squad

Sunday 24 August 2025 17:10

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Will Castle

Senne Lammens was left out of Royal Antwerp’s starting XI today as negotiations with Manchester United continue to advance.

The Belgian goalkeeper has agreed personal terms with Man United and the two clubs are close to agreeing fee, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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DONE DEAL! Jonathan Rowe joins Bologna after Marseille bust-up

Sunday 24 August 2025 12:50

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Will Castle

Jonathan Rowe has joined Bologna in a permanent move from Marseille.

This comes after he was transfer-listed by the French club following a dressing room bust-up with Adrien Rabiot, which was widely reported in French media to have become physical.

The ex-Norwich forward has now found a new club after sealing a £16.9m move to the Serie A side.

Marcus Rashford’s full debut lasts 45 minutes as Barcelona snatch comeback win

Sunday 24 August 2025 12:30

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Will Castle

Marcus Rashford’s full Barcelona debut lasted just 45 minutes with his side staring down the barrel of a humiliating defeat by newly-promoted Levante.

Barca were trailing 2-0 when Rashford was taken off at half-time at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.

But within eight minutes of the Manchester United loanee being replaced, Barcelona were back on level terms through goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres before a late own goal earned them a 3-2 victory.

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Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne score as Napoli begin title defence with win

Sunday 24 August 2025 12:10

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Will Castle

Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne both got on the scoresheet as Napoli earned a 2-0 win over Sassuolo to kick off their Serie A title defence.

The league’s player of the season McTominay picked up where he left off following his incredible 2024-25 campaign with a header to put them in front.

Former Manchester City star De Bruyne then scored on his debut after the interval with a free-kick and a difficult afternoon for the hosts continued when Ismael Kone was sent off for a second yellow card.

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Richarlison 'never' wanted to leave Tottenham

Sunday 24 August 2025 11:50

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Will Castle

Reinvigorated Tottenham forward Richarlison is loving working under meticulous new boss Thomas Frank at a club he never wanted to leave.

The Brazil international made his intention to stay clear to Frank on his first day in the job and the new manager's supportive response was music to his ears.

"It was very important," Richarlison said of that chat. "Since I got here, every time the transfer window opens, my name is circled as one who could leave - going back to Brazil or wherever.

"But I've always been focused on Tottenham and I've never had a conversation about leaving. I'm in a good moment.

"I hope to continue working hard and getting the opportunity to give my best."

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West Ham interested in Lorenzo Pellegrini

Sunday 24 August 2025 11:30

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Will Castle

West Ham are interested in Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, according to Sky Italy.

This comes after the 29-year-old was stripped of the Roma captaincy.

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Saudi back in for Bruno Fernandes

Sunday 24 August 2025 09:50

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Will Castle

Manchester United may be tasked with warding off even more interest from Saudi Arabia for Bruno Fernandes with Al-Ittihad interested, according to The Sun.

Fernandes was subject to interest from interest from Al-Hilal earlier in the window but turned down the move down.

According to this new report, Al-Ittihad are willing to pay the midfielder £33m a year, and the club will once again leave it to their captain to make his own decision.

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Man City reach personal terms agreement with Gianluigi Donnarumma

Sunday 24 August 2025 09:30

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Will Castle

Manchester City have reached an agreement on personal terms with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The exiled stopper wants to join as club-to-club negotiations begin, with a fee of £43.3m (€50m) initially requested.

However, for Donnarumma to make the move, Ederson will need to leave the club, with Galatasaray still interested.

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Could Man City still move for Rodrygo?

Sunday 24 August 2025 06:33

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Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City have not ruled out a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

The Brazilian is set to leave Madrid this summer but the Spanish club are demanding €80m for him.

ESPN report that a move for Rodrygo could depend on Savinho leaving, with Tottenham previously linked.

Eberechi Eze presented as Arsenal player

Saturday 23 August 2025 17:30

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Jamie Braidwood

Ice-cold from Eberechi Eze as he is presented to the Emirates.

That little look after coming out of the tunnel. Chill.

A raucous ovation for their new No 10.

Eberechi Eze completes dream Arsenal move

Saturday 23 August 2025 17:14

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Jamie Braidwood

Eberechi Eze has completed his dream move to boyhood club Arsenal in a transfer which could be worth as much as £68m

Eze becomes Arsenal's seventh signing of the summer and catapults their spending spree to £250m. The England international has agreed a four-year deal and will wear the number 10 shirt.

Tottenham had been set to capture Eze after they reached an agreement with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, until Mikel Arteta's side swooped in to hijack the transfer.

Arsenal's ruthless move - for an initial fee of £60m prior to performance related add-ons - to stump their rivals has drawn parallels with ex-Spurs captain Sol Campbell's controversial switch on a free transfer to the Gunners in 2001.

The deal for the 27-year-old was announced 30 minutes prior to Arsenal's first P