Transfer news live: Arsenal fight Man United for £34m Sevilla star after Sesko blow plus new Mbeumo offer

FootballSports
25 Jun 2025 • 5:33 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The transfer window is now open again following the start of this summer’s Club World Cup with clubs able to accelerate deals ahead of the new season.

Florian Wirtz is now officially a Liverpool player after agreeing a record £116.5m deal for the German superstar and completing the medical on Friday, while Reds defender Jarell Quansah is set to go the other way in a £35m deal to join Bayern Leverkusen. Liverpool, who have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, now turn attention to Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who looks set to complete his deal next week, while they retain interest in Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi.

Arsenal have agreed to pay above the release fee for Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, while Mikel Arteta has made RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko a priority - though talks have stalled somewhat. Also, the Gunners have submitted an initial offer for another forward option – Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres – while Chelsea’s Noni Madueke is also a surprise alternative target.

Manchester United, who have secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, are negotiating with Brentford about Bryan Mbeumo but rumours are flying that Mbeumo has done a shock U-turn and would now prefer a move to Tottenham Hotspur with Thomas Frank taking charges in north London – while Spurs also want Mbeumo’s Bees teammate Yoane Wissa.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals from what promises to be a chaotic transfer window will be covered in the blog below:

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Transfer news

  • Viktor Gyokeres 'tells Sporting he wants to leave' for Arsenal
  • Man United make fresh bid for Bryan Mbeumo
  • Milos Kerkez arrives for Liverpool medical
  • Chelsea's Noni Madueke emerges as surprise Arsenal target
  • Arsenal chase Benjamin Sesko but doubts linger over demands

Why Florian Wirtz is worth every penny for Liverpool

22:27

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Adam Clery

Arsenal set to finalise deal for Chelsea flop

21:00

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Jack Rathborn

Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to complete a move to Chelsea this week, reports Sky Sports.

The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to be in London this week to finalise terms with the Gunners to become their No 2 behind David Raya.

It will be a £5m fee to Chelsea, following his loan deal to Bournemouth.

Newcastle see mega Elanga offer knocked back

20:20

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Jack Rathborn

Newcastle have tabled a £45m offer for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

Forest immediately rejected and have no intention of selling, reports David Ornstein of the Athletic.

Eddie Howe is keen to boost his wide options, with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke also linked.

Liverpool defender 'disappointed' with latest contract offer

19:51

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Jack Rathborn

Ibrahima Konate has rejected Liverpool’s latest contract offer, reports the Guardian.

Out of contract next summer, Konate has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, under similar circumstances to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a key part of Arne Slot’s side when fit, with the Guardian detailing the issue currently with the latest offer is “the structure of Liverpool’s offer”, leaving the player “disappointed”.

Former Crystal Palace owner considers Sheffield Wednesday investment?

19:24

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Jack Rathborn

After billionaire businessman John Textor sold his 43 per cent stake in Crystal Palace for a reported £190m, he is keen on remaining in English football.

The Star reports that Textor would like to invest in Championship club Sheffield Wednesday.

Textor has an ownership stake in Lyon, but the Owls would not complicate that role unless they qualify for European football in the near future.

Rangers and Sunderland eye Ghana midfielder

19:00

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Jack Rathborn

Peterborough United Kwame Poku is a target for Rangers, reports the Sunderland Echo.

Russell Martin's side are keen on the Ghana midfielder, but newly-promoted Sunderland could also compete for the 23-year-old.

The midfielder scored 12 goals in 27 League One appearances last term.

Sheffield United eye Hull midfielder but face competition from Valencia

18:41

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Jack Rathborn

Hull City’s Steven Alzate could be on the move, reports Hull Live.

The Colombia midfielder, previously at Brighton, is a target for La Liga side Valencia and Sheffield United.

The 26-year-old played 28 times in the Championship last term, without scoring, and the Blades could now make a move to boost their promotion hopes.

Man United offered Juventus pair in exchange for Jadon Sancho

18:24

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Jack Rathborn

Manchester United could be sent Dusan Vlahovic and Douglas Luiz as makeweights for a deal to send Jadon Sancho to Turin, reports Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Serbian striker could boost Ruben Amorim’s forward options, while Luiz, previously at Aston Villa, has failed to settle in Italy.

Sancho was sent back to Old Trafford after a loan at Chelsea, with the Blues opting to pay a penalty to avoid paying a substantial fee to make the deal permanent.

Arsenal target PSG star as alternative to Nico Williams

18:05

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Jack Rathborn

Arsenal could also look at PSG forward Bradley Barcola, reports L'Equipe.

The 22-year-old is a target for Bayern Munich and Liverpool, too, reports the French outlet.

The Gunners had tracked Nico Williams, but Barcelona look to have won out there in the race to sign the Athletic Club winger.

And now Barcola, who is behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue in the pecking order under Luis Enrique, could become a key target for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal told to pay €90m for Real Madrid star Rodrygo

17:47

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Jack Rathborn

Arsenal must pay £76.8m (€90m) to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports in Spain.

With Nico Williams looking unlikely, after links to Barcelona, Arsenal could target another La Liga wide man.

Marca and Cadena SER report that Rodrygo is considering Arsenal’s interest, with the price tag set at £76.8m.

The latter also adds that Manchester City could compete for the Brazilian.

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Ansu Fati set for Barcelona contract extension before Monaco move

17:31

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Jack Rathborn

Barcelona will hand Ansu Fati a contract extension, according to Cadena SER.

A move to Monaco for the former Brighton loanee has been discussed, but the Catalan giants will look to salvage some of the winger’s value.

With his current deal expiring in 2027, Barcelona would push for an extension to 2028.

That would ensure a stronger negotiating position in 2026 should Fati develop in Ligue 1.

Forest eye Juventus pair after opening talks

17:13

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Jack Rathborn

Nottingham Forest are in talks to sign Juventus duo Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula.

The Premier League outfit has offered €25m for the pair, though the Old Lady has not officially responded to the bid.

Football Italia reports that negotiations will continue with the duo eager to secure a move with increased playing time at the City Ground.

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Sunderland in negotiations with Sassuolo for Armand Lauriente

16:57

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Jack Rathborn

Sunderland are in talks with Italian side Sassuolo to sign Armand Lauriente.

The former Rennes forward, 26, has scored 18 goals and chipped in with six assists in 33 Serie B appearances.

And TMW reports that the Black Cats could make a move for the striker to boost their chances of Premier League survival.

Arsenal eye Sevilla midfielder to continue shopping in La Liga?

16:45

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Jack Rathborn

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes a deal for Martin Zubimendi all but complete.

And the Gunners could continue to shop in La Liga, with The Athletic reporting that Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume is on their radar.

Previously at Inter, Agoume has thrived in Andalusia on loan before the deal was made permanent.

Estadio Deportivo reports Sevilla have an option to add 40 per cent to their current 50 per cent ownership rights of the player.

That option would cost them £3.85m (€4.5m), after the initial deal of £4.27m (€5m) for half the players’ rights.

While the player has a £34m (€40m) release clause, the Gunners could face competition from Man United and Borussia Dortmund for the midfielder.

Man United submit fresh offer for Mbeumo

15:45

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Richard Jolly

Manchester United have submitted a fresh bid to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo.

United had an initial bid of £55m rejected two weeks ago, and have returned with an improved package worth more than £60m including add-ons.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Mbeumo set to triple his salary from his current £45,000-per-week contract at Brentford.

Full story:

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Jarell Quansah nears move to Bayer Leverkusen as Liverpool agree fee for defender

15:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Liverpool have agreed to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee rising to €41m (£35m).

The defender is expected to join the 2024 Bundesliga champions as the summer trading between the two clubs continues.

Liverpool could have a buy-back clause in the deal, which is likely to go through after the end of England Under-21s’ European Championship campaign, with Quansah helping Lee Carsley’s team reach the semi-finals.

Leverkusen, who have brought in an initial £129m this summer by selling players to Liverpool, are set to spend £30m, plus a potential £5m in add-ons, to sign Quansah from the Premier League champions.

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Crystal Palace snare new goalkeeper

13:45

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Crystal Palace have signed goalkeeper Walter Benitez from PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who played every game of PSV's title-winning Eredivisie campaign last season, will link up with the Eagles at the start of next month.

Benitez is expected to serve as understudy to current Palace number one Dean Henderson, alongside current back-up Remi Matthews.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "Walter is an excellent addition to our squad, bringing further quality, experience and competition to our goalkeeping department alongside Dean and Remi.

"We look forward to welcoming Walter to South London next month as we continue our preparations towards what promises to be a busy season, competing on multiple fronts, in 2025-26."

Leeds complete signing of Jaka Bijol

13:09

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Lawrence Ostlere

Leeds United have completed the signing of Slovenia’s Jaka Bijol to their defence ahead of the second-tier champion’s return to the top level.

Leeds said the 26-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year deal. The transfer fee paid to Udinese is reportedly around £15m.

Bijol has played 63 times for Slovenia, including all four games at the 2024 European Championship. He helped shut out the England attack led by Harry Kane and Portugal's attack led by Cristiano Ronaldo in 0-0 draws.

Leeds, whose United States ownership group is led by 49ers Enterprises, starts their Premier League season hosting Everton on 18 August.

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Sander Westerveld convinced 'little magician' Florian Wirtz is well worth his £100m fee

12:25

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld believes club-record signing Florian Wirtz is well worth the £100million fee.

The club shattered their previous best – an £85m deal for Darwin Nunez – to secure the services of the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker and Westerveld said the “little magician” could prove to be transformative.

“He’s definitely worth the money, he’s a little magician,” Westerveld told the PA news agency.

“I don’t want to compare him with other players but he is definitely going to be one of the most exciting players next season.”

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Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds pays tribute to departing Paul Mullin

11:35

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Sports Staff

Ryan Reynolds says he cannot picture Paul Mullin playing in anything other than a Wrexham strip after the striker joined Wigan on loan.

Mullin has been a talismanic figure for Wrexham since Hollywood A-lister Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh club in 2021.

The 30-year-old has scored 110 goals in 172 games since arriving from Cambridge nearly four years ago as Wrexham won three successive promotions to reach the Championship.

Mullin has been a central figure in the award-winning 'Welcome to Wrexham' TV docuseries and even had a non-speaking cameo role in Reynolds' Deadpool & Wolverine as Welshpool, a Welsh version of Deadpool.

"I can't imagine seeing Mulls on loan and in another kit," Reynolds posted on X.

"We wouldn't be where we are without his heart, skill and work ethic. We love you, PMullin7. SPM (Super Paul Mullin)."

Mullin wished Wrexham good luck on his departure for the 2025-26 campaign, posting on X: "All the best this season! Keep the train rolling", adding a heart emoji.

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Man United submit fresh offer for Mbeumo

11:18

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Lawrence Ostlere

Manchester United have submitted a fresh bid to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo.

United had an initial bid of £55m rejected two weeks ago, and have returned with an improved package worth more than £60m including add-ons.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Mbeumo set to triple his salary from his current £45,000-per-week contract at Brentford.

Full story:

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Manchester United make initial enqiury for Moise Kean

11:00

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Lawrence Ostlere

Man United have made initial enquiries for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Kean scored 25 goals last season in 44 games, a sharp upturn in fortunes after failing to score in 20 appearances for Juventus a season prior.

United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres appears to have failed since Arsenal raised their interest in the Swede, and the club have moved on to other targets.

The Italian paper reports that the former Everton forward, 25, has a £45m release clause in his contract which expires on 15 July.

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Liverpool to make big bid for Guehi

10:45

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Mike Jones

With Jarell Quansah heading to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are set to launch a bid for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who say the Reds are in pole position to sign the England man, despite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle.

Spurs bid £70m for Guehi in January (£55m guaranteed) but couldn’t convince Palace to sell. However, the defender is now entering the final year of his contract, which may force the Eagles’s hand.

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Viktor Gyokeres 'tells Sporting he wants to leave' in boost for Arsenal

10:37

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Harry Latham-Coyle

News from Portugal, where Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told Sporting that he has no desire to play for the club again. The striker has informed president Frederico Varandas that he wants a new challenge, Lisbon outlet A Bola believe - a boost for Arsenal and the rest of the Swede’s gaggle of suitors.

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Spurs put off by Semenyo price

10:30

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Mike Jones

Antoine Semenyo is yet another Bournemouth player being linked with a move away. Man United are one club said to be interested, while Tottenham have made an inquiry about the winger.

According to The Athletic, the idea of moving to Spurs appeals to the 25-year-old but Bournemouth’s valuation is deemed too high. So Tottenham are not proceeding at present.

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Sancho heading to Juventus?

10:15

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Harry Latham-Coyle

According to Sky Sports, Juventus are exploring a potential move for Jadon Sancho.

Sancho is expected to leave Man United this summer after spending last season out on loan at Chelsea, who opted to pay a fine to not make the move permanent, and both Juventus and Napoli are interested.

The report states that United are willing to sell the winger for around £25m.

Corriere dello Sport claims the move will only happen if Juve fail in their bid to capture primary target Francisco Conceicao from Porto.

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John Stones speaks out on his Man City future with clear statement

10:00

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Richard Jolly

John Stones has insisted he wants to stay at Manchester City and hopes to “shut down” any suggestions he will leave this summer.

Manager Pep Guardiola said he wants to trim his squad, which he described as “too long”, and now has seven centre-backs after the January signings of Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov. And Stones, 31, is about to enter the last year of his contract, having only started six Premier League games in an injury-hit campaign.

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Marcus Rashford hints at Barcelona transfer after comments about Lamine Yamal

09:45

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Richard Jolly

Marcus Rashford has revealed that he wants to play alongside Lamine Yamal for Barcelona and that he hopes he will be able to.

Barcelona sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick have both gone public in their admiration for Rashford, who Manchester United are willing to sell. And the England international praised the 17-year-old winger Yamal during an interview with influencer Javi Ruiz.

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Beating City, PSR and the No 10 role: Inside Liverpool’s record transfer for Florian Wirtz

09:30

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Richard Jolly

German superstar Florian Wirtz has joined Liverpool in a deal that could see him become the most expensive player ever signed by a Premier League club.

The 22-year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in world football during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, was a target for Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, though Arne Slot’s side quickly moved to the front of the race for his signature.

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Jarell Quansah nears move to Bayer Leverkusen as Liverpool agree fee for defender

09:15

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Mike Jones

Liverpool have agreed to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee rising to €41m (£35m).

The defender is expected to join the 2024 Bundesliga champions as the summer trading between the two clubs continues.

Liverpool could have a buy-back clause in the deal, which is likely to go through after the end of England Under-21s’ European Championship campaign, with Quansah helping Lee Carsley’s team reach the semi-finals.

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Chelsea close in on Jamie Gittens

09:00

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Bayern Munich had made a late attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Jamie Gittens but it seems as if the Borussia Dortmund winger is nearing a return to a club where he spent a short stint as a youngster. The Athletic say a seven-year deal is in place and could be done “imminently” for the Englishman, who will turn 21 shortly before the start of the Premier League season.

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Bradley Barcola on Arsenal's radar?

08:50

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Harry Latham-Coyle

We reported earlier how Arsenal are seeking alternatives to Benjamin Sesko, and whispers from Paris suggest Bradley Barcola may be among them. L’Equipe believe that the Paris Saint-Germain forward is a target for the London club.

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Real Madrid set hefty price for Rodrygo

08:40

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Rodrygo has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer, with Arsenal among those interested in the Brazilian - yet any interested parties will have to pay a hefty price. Spanish radio station Cadena SER suggest the club will demand somewhere near £80m for him.

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Newcastle in talks for James Trafford

08:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Newcastle, meanwhile, are still hot in pursuit of a new goalkeeper - talks continue with Burnley over James Trafford with 21-year-old Karlsruher SC shot-stopper Max Weiss seemingly close to a deal, too.

Ibrahima Konate rejects Liverpool contract offer

08:20

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Harry Latham-Coyle

In less encouraging news for Arne Slot, Ibrahima Konate is reported by The Guardian to have turned down an initial offer of a new contract, with the central defender said to be disappointed by the terms tabled. Konate has one year left on his current deal and could yet become the subject of bids if other clubs wish to test Liverpool’s resolve if no contract breakthrough is made.

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Milos Kerkez set to seal Liverpool move

08:10

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Harry Latham-Coyle

One player definitely on the move, it would seem, is Milos Kerkez. The Bournemouth left-back has flown back to the United Kingdom to undergo a medical at Liverpool.

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Tottenham eye Eberechi Eze after Bryan Mbeumo setback

08:00

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Tottenham had been keen to reunite new manager Thomas Frank with Mbeumo, making Manchester United’s improved offer something of a setback. Talksport believe that Spurs will now switch their attentions to Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace as they consider parting with club captain Son Heung Min.

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Manchester United table new bid for Bryan Mbeumo

07:50

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Manchester United are widely reported to have submitted a new offer to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo having had a first proposal worth an initial £45m knocked back earlier in the summer. Any possible deal could now rise to be more than £60m - though Brentford will perhaps see the £62.5m paid to Wolves for Matheus Cunha as a benchmark for their forward.

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Noni Madueke emerges as surprise Arsenal target

07:43

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Miguel Delaney

Among those under consideration by Arsenal is Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, a forward of a different ilk to Sesko but clearly talented. The arrival of Brazilian revelation Estevao from Palmeiras is set to create further competition for places in Enzo Maresca's frontline, perhaps leaving the England international available.

Chelsea nevertheless want £50m for Madueke, which is not a price Arsenal want to go to right now. There is a possibility a deal may be revived later in the summer.