Transfer news live: Arsenal get Sesko boost, Man United target new striker, Spurs in talks with ‘Swedish Messi’

Football
18 Jun 2025 • 12:10 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The transfer window is now open once more following a short closure after its initial mini-opening ahead of the summer’s Club World Cup. The window has officially re-opened today, Monday 16 June, with clubs able to accelerate deals ahead of the new season.

Liverpool are making plans for a Florian Wirtz medical later this week after agreeing a record £116.5m deal for the German superstar. The Premier League champions, who have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, will make Wirtz their club-record signing after agreeing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen. However, they may well lose left-back stalwart Andy Robertson, with Atletico Madrid circling.

Manchester United, who have secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, are negotiating with Brentford about Bryan Mbeumo, who would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Tottenham Hotspur even as Thomas Frank takes charges in north London – though Spurs want Mbeumo and teammate Yoane Wissa.

Arsenal hope to bring in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Arteta has made RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko, their No 1 target for a striker. However, the Gunners have reportedly submitted an initial offer for another forward option – Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

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

  • Transfer window reopens after brief hiatus ahead of Club World Cup
  • Bryan Mbeumo determined to join Man United despite Spurs interest
  • Juventus join race for Viktor Gyokeres with £11m salary proposal
  • Chelsea open talks for 20-year-old Lyon winger Malik Fofana
  • Liverpool join Chelsea, Man Utd and Newcastle in race for Tyler Dibling
  • Newcastle step up pursuit of Joao Pedro from Brighton
  • Spurs target Rennes goalscorer Arnaud Kalimuendo
  • Done deal! Brighton sign Italian defender Coppola
  • Leipzig chase new striker with Benjamin Sesko exit imminent
  • Man Utd keeping tabs on striker Hugo Ekitike amid competition for Gyokeres

16:07

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Lawrence Ostlere

Florian Wirtz set to arrive in UK for Liverpool medical

Liverpool expect Florian Wirtz to arrive in the UK this week to undergo a medical, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Wirtz will have a medical check on Friday before a bumper move from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield is completed.

The fee will reach a maximum of £116m and a five-year deal is set to be signed once formalities are completed.

Mbeumo responds to transfer speculation after Man United transfer bid

16:08

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Lawrence Ostlere

Bryan Mbeumo has spoken publicly for the first time since Manchester United and Tottenham launched their battle for his signature.

The 25-year-old appears to be on his way out of Brentford after an outstanding season in which he scored 20 goals for the west London club.

United have seen a first offer rejected, in the region of £45m with £10m in add-ons, and Spurs have stepped up their interest after hiring ex-Brentford boss Thomas Frank to replace the sacked Ange Postecoglou.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the Canadian Grand Prix, Mbeumo said: “It (transfer speculation) is a bit new for me I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.

“It’s been my best season so far in the Premier League. And even collectively, I think we did play very good games. I think we’ve been unlucky to chase the Europe spot, but I think it’s been a fantastic season.”

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Spurs target Rennes goalscorer Arnaud Kalimuendo

16:07

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Lawrence Ostlere

Spurs are getting busy this summer, with Mbeumo on the target list and Mathys Tel set to join.

Now they are set to open talks with Rennes for the transfer of striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine run of goalscoring in Ligue 1, with 17 scored last season from 33 games, and he’s caught the eye of teams across Europe.

Kalimuendo still has two more years on his Rennes contract, giving the French club a bit of leverage in any talks of a transfer fee. He is worth around £20m, according to Transfermarkt.

Chelsea transfer round-up

14:01

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Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea may be in the United States competing in the Fifa Club World Cup, but their transfer business has not slowed down.

Enzo Maresca’s side are preparing for a jaunt into the Champions League next season after finishing fourth in the English top-flight and winning the Conference League in a busy term.

They have work to do in the summer with Jadon Sancho returning to Old Trafford and a bulking of the squad needed in some areas to provide the quality demanded by Europe’s elite club competition.

There is no shortage of funds at Stamford Bridge, with big-money moves a constant fixture of recent transfer windows, and this summer is set to be no different.

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

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Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea handed ultimatum over Ekitike

12:48

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Lawrence Ostlere

Man United could be in for the £85m-rated Hugo Ekitke from Eintracht Frankfurt and they have now entered talks with the club about signing him.

There has been no formal bid yet, according to Sky Sports, but United are exploring the conditions of a deal and personal terms are not expected to be a problem.

Ruben Amorim’s side are in the market for a striker regardless of what happens with the Rasmus Hojlund situation - with Serie A sides in for him but the Dane keen to fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Chelsea and Liverpool also want Ekitke, but Frankfurt insist the asking price is €100m, if it’s not met, then the 22-year-old will stay in Germany, reports Sport Bild.

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Gyokeres receives huge offer as new team enters fray for Arsenal and Man Utd target

11:54

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Lawrence Ostlere

A twist in the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga? All our focus has been on Arsenal and Man Utd vying for the Sporting striker’s signature but now a third party have thrown their hat into the ring.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Serie A giants Juventus want to muscle in on Gyokeres and have already indicated to the striker's representatives that they are willing to meet his £11m-a-year wage demands.

That would be a blow for the English clubs.

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Arsenal handed potential Sesko boost

11:51

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Lawrence Ostlere

Arsenal may be moving closer to signing Benjamin Sesko after RB Leipzig stepped up their efforts to sign Brazilian striker Romulo, who scored 17 goals and made 10 assists this season for Turkish side Goztepe.

Sesko is Arsenal’s top priority as a new No 9, having scored 39 goals in 87 games for RB Leipzig. But the German club want around £60m and the Gunners are still considering their next move, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres another option.

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Spurs open talks for 'Swedish Messi'

11:18

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Lawrence Ostlere

Tottenham have opened talks over a deal to sign the ‘Swedish Messi’ (every country has one), Roony Bardghji.

The ‘Swedish Rooney’ might have flowed better, but it fairness Bardghji has got that low dribbling style and lethal left foot that immediately conjures thoughts of the Argentine. And if the comparison might seem lofty, his career so far is certainly impressive.

Bardghji crossed the Oresund Bridge as a youth player, leaving Malmo to sign for Copenhagen who promised a fasttrack to the first team. He has made regular appearances in the Danish Superliga, scoring 15 goals in 74 games so far at only 19 years old.

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Chelsea want new winger after no Sancho deal

11:02

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Lawrence Ostlere

We already knew that Jadon Sancho had returned to Man United after the conclusion of his loan with Chelsea and Enzo Maresca has confirmed the Blues won’t be signing him as they instead focus on other wing targets.

“Jadon is not with us, so for sure that is a position that probably we need to do something,” said Maresca ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup opener against LAFC on Monday.

“Also, because as you already know, Misha (Mykhailo Mudryk) is not with us. So in this moment we have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [Tyrique George] as proper wingers.

“So, for sure, something is going to happen. We said many times, when the transfer window is open, anything can happen - to bring players or to sell players. We will see.”

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free

Done deal! Brighton sign Italian defender Coppola

10:38

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Lawrence Ostlere

Brighton have captured Italian centre-back Diego Coppola for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old defender is already an Italy international, and is currently competing at the European U21 Championship.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said: “Diego is an exciting addition for the club. Although he is still young, he is tall, strong and mobile and he will give us a real physical presence.

“He has made impressive progress in Serie A and deserved his call-up to the Italian national team. We look forward to helping him develop even more.”

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Chelsea-target Maignan to have contract talks

10:14

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Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea have been consistently linked with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, although only at the right price with the club insisting they’re happy with their current goalkeeping options.

Maignan is now set to hold talks with Milan over a new contract, with the Frenchman said to be still considering a future at the club and potentially extending his deal, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

The Blues had real interest in the 29-year-old during the last transfer window but the deal collapsed.

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Why Florian Wirtz is worth the money for Liverpool

09:53

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Lawrence Ostlere

Florian Wirtz looks set to join Liverpool for a record fee from Bayer Leverkusen.

He has played brilliantly for the German side under Xabi Alonso and Adam Clery believes he’s worth the significant outlay for the Reds:

Calafiori to stay at Arsenal but Zinchenko to leave?

09:41

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Lawrence Ostlere

It could be a tale of two full-backs at Arsenal this summer with Riccardo Calafiori set to stay at the club but Oleksandr Zinchenko potentially leaving.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Gunners don’t want to cash in on Calafiori but will sanction a move for Zinchenko with AC Milan courting the Ukrainian. The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly last season limited the playing time of both men at the Emirates.

Milan were also said to be interested in Calafiori but he has only been at Arsenal a short time since joining from Bologna and the player himself told told Gianluca di Marzio he has no desire to leave.

"At Arsenal, I'm very happy,” said the Italian. “I always feel good in any position I play in order to help the team. What was missing last season was consistency and I'll look to find that consistency next season.

"When I felt good, I always played and made a difference in the team. So the goal next season is to be in form for the whole season."

Bournemouth sign left-back to pave way for Liverpool’s Kerkez bid

09:25

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Lawrence Ostlere

Bournemouth have signed left back Adrien Truffert from French side Rennes on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old was Rennes’ captain and played 33 Ligue 1 games last season before swapping northwest France for south England.

The move could pave the way for Liverpool to sign Milos Kerkez, with Bournemouth already adding a replacement to their ranks.

Kerkez is expected to depart the club for Premier League champions Liverpool, with a deal reportedly worth £45m agreed.

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Serie A clubs fighting over Liverpool's £51m-valued Nunez

09:05

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Lawrence Ostlere

Darwin Nunez is the target of two Italian clubs as Liverpool have set a reported price tag for the Uruguay international striker.

AC Milan and Antonio Conte-managed Napoli are both interested in the 25-year-old forward, with the desired fee some £51m according to Corriere dello Sport.

Since his more than £75m move from Benfica in 2022, Nunez has played 143 times, scored 40 goals, and won the Premier League title.

There was an approach from a Saudi Arabia side in January, but that was soundly rejected.

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Spurs 'weighing up' approach for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite

08:53

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Lawrence Ostlere

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up an approach for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Toffees have stressed that the 22-year-old is not for sale, but the Daily Mail are reporting that Spurs could make their interest formal this week.

David Moyes wants to keep the centre-back, who played 32 times last season, at Everton ahead of their first season away from Goodison Park.

Spurs are yet to make their first signing since ex-Brentford boss Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou.

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Leeds United agree deal for Serie A centre-back Bijol

08:41

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Lawrence Ostlere

Leeds United have agreed a €22m deal for Udinese defender Jaka Bijol.

Personal terms are set and a medical is soon to take place, Fabrizio Romano has reported.

The 26-year-old Slovenia international played 34 Serie A games last season, scoring twice, and is now set to join the returning Premier League side.

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Why Tijjani Reijnders is perfect for Man City

08:33

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Lawrence Ostlere

Man City have been busy in the transfer market already this summer with Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Tijjani Reijnders all joining Pep Guardiola’s side.

Dutchman Reijnders impressed at the heart of AC Milan’s engine room to be named in the Serie A team of the season and as the league’s best midfielder. Adam Clery explains why he’s exactly what City need:

Spurs target Rennes goalscorer Arnaud Kalimuendo

08:26

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Lawrence Ostlere

Spurs are getting busy this summer, with Mbeumo on the target list and Mathys Tel set to join.

Now they are set to open talks with Rennes for the transfer of striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine run of goalscoring in Ligue 1, with 17 scored last season from 33 games, and he’s caught the eye of teams across Europe.

Kalimuendo still has two more years on his Rennes contract, giving the French club a bit of leverage in any talks of a transfer fee. He is worth around £20m, according to Transfermarkt.

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Newcastle step up pursuit of Joao Pedro from Brighton

08:19

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Lawrence Ostlere

Newcastle meanwhile are edging closer to a deal for Joao Pedro from Brighton, with the Seagulls valuing their star forward at around £60m.

The 22-year-old is understood to be keen on a switch to St James’ Park, even if the immovable presence of Alexander Isak means he would is shunted wide or deep in support of the Swede, rather than playing the role of main man.

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Liverpool join Chelsea, Man Utd and Newcastle in race for Dibling

08:15

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Lawrence Ostlere

But Fofana is not the only winger on Chelsea’s radar. CaughtOffside reports that the Blues are in a multi-club race with Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and more for Southampton’s highly rated winger Tyler Dibling.

The 19-year-old made 33 appearances for Saints last season, and not many teenagers can claim to have already played a full Premier League season, albeit one that ended in relegation.

Dibling’s future remains unclear but it seems unlikely he will be in the Championship next season.

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Chelsea open talks for Lyon winger Fofana

08:10

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Lawrence Ostlere

Chelsea have opened talks with Lyon for winger Malik Fofana, reports L’Equipe.

The 20-year-old is already a Belgian international and has established himself in Lyon’s first team.

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08:05

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Lawrence Ostlere

To Merseyside now, where Everton appear to have sewn up the signature of Kyle Walker. It is being reported in a variety of places that the England full-back has signed a one-year contract to play at Everton’s new catchily named Hill-Dickinson Stadium under David Moyes next season.

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Juventus join race for Gyokeres

08:01

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Lawrence Ostlere

Viktor Gyokeres’s future remains up in the air and now there is a new candidate to sign the Swede – Juventus.

The Mirror reports that Juve have already proposed an £11m-per-year contract for Gyokeres to sign up the striker, as they try to edge out Arsenal and Man United for the 27-year-old, who has been prolific in Portugal.

Arsenal are the only club known to have put forward a solid offer so far, but their proposal for a deal thought to be worth around £58m was rejected.

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Mbeumo's mind is made up on summer move

07:55

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Lawrence Ostlere

We start with Bryan Mbeumo and the news that he has made a decision to join Manchester United over Tottenham Hotspur.

That’s according to Sky Sports, who reports that Mbeumo would prefer a move to Old Trafford despite Spurs signing his former manager Thomas Frank, and despite Frank’s side having Champions League football next season.

But Mbeumo will still need United to meet Brentford’s valuation. Their first offer, of £45m + £10m add-ons, was swiftly rejected as the west London club seek a package worth more than £60m.

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Transfer news live

07:51

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Lawrence Ostlere

Good morning and welcome as we track all the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals.