Arsenal have dramatically stolen Eberechi Eze from Tottenham’s grasp after acting decisively following a major injury blow to Kai Havertz.
The Gunners moved quickly after the news that Havertz damaged his knee in their win over Manchester United, and look set to complete a transfer worth £60m and £7.5m in add-ons – pretty much exactly Eze’s release clause, which expired for this window last Thursday. Spurs are now searching for a new attacker as the deadline looms with Manchester City winger Savinho remaining a target.
Alexander Isak’s explosive statement this week accused Newcastle United 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 the North East club issued a statement of their own saying conditions for a sale were unlikely to be met before the transfer window deadline. Newcastle have missed out on a raft of strikers and their latest bid, offering £40m to Brentford for Yoane Wissa, has also been rejected.
Elsewhere, Manchester United continue to endure frustration with their goalkeeper situation, and could yet rival Manchester City for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while striker Rasmus Hojlund could be on his way to Napoli. Chelsea are closing in on Brighton winger Julio Enciso and are still working on a deal for United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Leeds are set to announce AC Milan’s Noah Okafor, and Nottingham Forest are close to completing a deal for Douglas Luiz from Juventus.
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 have stolen Eberechi Eze from under Tottenham's noses with stunning late move and the medical is booked for Friday
- Brentford reject Newcastle's £40m offer for striker Yoane Wissa
- Newcastle issue response to Alexander Isak's 'broken promises' statement
- Napoli open talks to sign Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund
- Chelsea set to sign Paraguayan winger Enciso from Brighton
- Done deal! Bournemouth sign Adli from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m
- Tottenham pursue City's Savinho and Monaco's Akliouche after Eze deal collapses
- Nottingham Forest set to announce switch Douglas Luiz from Juventus
Hojlund prefers 'permanent' move away from Old Trafford
15:47
,
Chris Wilson
Rasmus Hojlund is the subject of interest from clubs including Napoli and RB Leipzig, but he has made it clear to potential suitors that he prefers a loan move with an obligation to buy in order to have some degree of certainty over his future.
Reports suggest United would want around £40m for Hojlund in any permanent deal or obligation, with Napoli in the driving seat for the striker after advancing a move in the wake of an injury to Romelu Lukaku.
Forest exploring deal for Cash
15:27
,
Chris Wilson
Nottingham Forest are exploring a deal to re-sign right-back Matty Cash, according to The Athletic.
Forest are yet to make a formal approach for the Poland international, and are said to harbour an interest in City’s Rico Lewis too.
However, the deal for Cash would be an altogether easier and cheaper option, with the 28-year-old under contract until 2027.
AC Milan close in on deal for striker
15:07
,
Chris Wilson
Potential news for Rasmus Hojlund as AC Milan look to have turned their attention to Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
Fabrizio Romano reports that there is a “club-to-club agreement done for initial loan move with €30m buy option”, with the player’s agent on his way to Milan to progress the deal.
Enciso signing for 'BlueCo' explained
14:49
,
Chris Wilson
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has offered a brief explanation into the deal for Julio Enciso, which has been labelled as a signing for BlueCo.
In short, Strasbourg will be signing the player and then selling him to Chelsea in a year or two, he says.
“Chelsea cannot sign Enciso and loan him to Strasbourg because they already have three loan players there which is the FIFA limit,” says Maguire.
“Chelsea also have to follow the UEFA business plan following their breach of cost control rules. This involves having a negative net spend this window. So if Chelsea did sign Enciso creates more pressure to sell players.
“By getting Strasbourg to sign Enciso and then sell him to Chelsea in 1-2 years solves all the problems,” he adds.
Chiesa could stay at Liverpool
14:35
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Federico Chiesa had been expected to move back to Serie A this summer but could now stay at Liverpool after his late cameo to win the match against Bournemouth.
“I’m very happy at Liverpool,” he said after the game. “I will speak to the club but I want to stay here and fight to win many trophies.”
Arne Slot said: “When we needed him, he delivered. And that is always positive for your future at a club”.
Douglas Luiz closing in on Forest move
14:14
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Douglas Luiz is on his way to Nottingham Forest.
The Brazilian made 27 appearances for Juventus last season, after switching from Aston Villa, but struggled to hold down a place in the starting XI.
And his time at Juve appears to be over, according to multiple reports, with a move to Forest set to be completed imminently.
Liverpool set deadline in pursuit of Isak
13:55
,
Lawrence Ostlere
The saga that has rolled on for most of the summer concerns Alexander Isak, Newcastle and Liverpool.
The Premier League champions submitted a £110m bid for Newcastle’s main forward but that was rejected out of hand and the Reds moved to sign Hugo Ekitike.
They have remained interested in Isak but the weekend’s results prove that Newcastle need his services more than Liverpool do.
The latest in this move is that Liverpool have made Isak their priority for the closing weeks of the window but want the deal done sooner than later.
They’ve set a deadline of next week to get an agreement done with Newcastle otherwise they will move on to other targets.
Echeverri to go out on loan
13:34
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester City have agreed to loan midfielder Claudio Echeverri to Bayer Leverkusen for the season.
The 19-year-old will join the 2024 Bundesliga champions to help replace Florian Wirtz, who has moved to Liverpool for £100m, and as part of Erik ten Hag’s new-look team.
Leverkusen will not have an option to buy Echeverri as part of the deal, with the Argentinian due to return to City next summer.
Will Man Utd make a move for Donnarumma?
13:13
,
Lawrence Ostlere
It is a transfer that probably needs to happen for Manchester United.
Altay Bayindir’s error against Arsenal on Sunday cost a revamped and renewed United side a point against Arsenal at Old Trafford and PSG’s exiled goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma would improve them immensely.
Donnarumma was again left out of PSG’s squad, this time against Nantes in Ligue 1, after also being omitted from the Super Cup victory over Tottenham.
The Italian has been linked with both Manchester clubs with City perhaps slightly ahead of United in the rumour mill.
Need is more pressing for the team in red though as City have excellent goalkeepers at their disposal in James Trafford, Stefan Ortega and Ederson.
The latter is said to be potentially moving to Galatasaray which will be a factor in their pursuit of Donnarumma.
Villa and Chelsea in Jackson talks
12:54
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Sky Sports Germany says that Villa have made a move for Chelsea Nicolas Jackson after completing the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle.
Florian Plettenberg wrote on X: "Aston Villa have added Nicolas Jackson to their shortlist and are closely monitoring his situation. Talks have already taken place.
“Several clubs are interested. FC Bayern have also gathered information, but a move to Munich is not happening.
“The 24-year-old versatile striker is still on the verge of leaving Chelsea. Aston Villa now there.”
Enzo Maresca clarifies Chelsea stance over signing new centre-back
12:44
,
Chris Wilson
Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea are now looking to solve their defensive issues internally despite previously revealing his desire for the club to sign another centre-back.
After Levi Colwill’s serious knee injury, Maresca had voiced concerns over the suitability of his other defenders to play the role of middle centre-back.
And while admitting he was assessing options internally, the Italian hinted at a request to dip into the transfer market once again.
Liverpool’s summer sales set to exceed £200m
12:34
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Liverpool are about to pass the £20mm mark in player sales this summer with teenage winger Ben Doak set to complete a move to Bournemouth.
It is understood that the 19-year-old is on the verge of finalising his transfer to the south coast in a £25m deal.
He follows Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah out of the club this summer, with the income from those sales going a long way to offset a transfer spend in excess of £300m.
Palace line up possible Eze replacement
12:12
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Crystal Palace appear to be considering Bilal El Khannouss as a possible target to replace Eberechi Eze.
The club have monitored the Leicester forward this summer and could now go in for him as Arsenal wrap up a deal for their star player.
Everton explore alternatives to Tyler Dibling
11:55
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Everton have had three bids knocked back by Southampton for Tyler Dibling, and it appears they may have taken the message.
The Liverpool Echo believe alternative targets are now being pursued.
Guardiola says City must reduce their squad
11:34
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City's squad size is "not healthy" as they near the transfer deadline.
Guardiola said: "(It's) too much - too many people. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions but I don't want to leave players at home. It's not healthy. You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete.
"Everyone has to feel they can play and help. The club has known it since last season, it's not news, but the situation is what it is.
"In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution."
Luiz on his way for Forest medical
11:24
,
Chris Wilson
Douglas Luiz is now travelling for his medical ahead of a move to Nottingham Forest.
✈️ Douglas Luiz, on his way to England to sign in as new Nottingham Forest player. pic.twitter.com/UvKXEPuiAD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2025
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insights
11:11
,
Lawrence Ostlere
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.
Garnacho's move to Chelsea stalls
10:49
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Alejandro Garnacho wants out of Manchester United and seemed set to move to Chelsea this summer having allegedly agreed personal terms with the club.
Chelsea however will not move for Garnacho until they have got some of their own fringe players off the books with Christopher Nkunku the big selling point.
Bayern Munich are interested in the forward but want a loan deal while Chelsea prefer to sell him permanently for around £50m.
That is the same price United want for Garnacho who is stubbornly holding out for a move to the Blues.
Sancho turns down Roma move
10:40
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Jadon Sancho is another player that Manchester United want off their books and they are desperately hoping to secure a move for him this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Sancho has rejected a proposal from the Serie A side and won’t be moving to Italy.
Romano posted on X: “Jadon Sancho’s agent also informed AS Roma of their decision not to accept the proposal.
“Sancho wants to consider other clubs’ proposals and AS Roma will now look at different options.”
Enciso signing for 'BlueCo' explained
10:33
,
Chris Wilson
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has offered a brief explanation into the deal for Julio Enciso, which has been labelled as a signing for BlueCo.
In short, Strasbourg will be signing the player and then selling him to Chelsea in a year or two, he says.
“Chelsea cannot sign Enciso and loan him to Strasbourg because they already have three loan players there which is the FIFA limit,” says Maguire.
“Chelsea also have to follow the UEFA business plan following their breach of cost control rules. This involves having a negative net spend this window. So if Chelsea did sign Enciso creates more pressure to sell players.
“By getting Strasbourg to sign Enciso and then sell him to Chelsea in 1-2 years solves all the problems,” he adds.
Tottenham identify Monaco star as Savinho alternative
10:12
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Tottenham Hotspur have identified Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche as a new target due to the lofty asking price for Manchester City’s Savinho.
In addition to the pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Spurs have looked at the Brazilian winger, who was omitted from the City squad for the Premier League opener at Wolves last weekend due to an injury sustained in a friendly with Palermo, though the 21-year-old faces stiff competition this season to play every week under Pep Guardiola.
More:
Lionesses star Agyemang leaves Arsenal on loan to join another WSL club
09:49
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang has rejoined Brighton on loan for the 2025/26 Women’s Super League season following her breakout summer with England at Euro 2025.
Agyemang, 19. scored twice at the tournament and was named best young player as the Lionesses defeated Spain to retain their European title in Switzerland.
Done deal! Bournemouth sign Adli
09:38
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Bournemouth have signed Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m.
The Moroccan attacker, who is predominantly a No 10 but can play anywhere across the front line, has signed a five-year contract.
The fee spent is only a fraction of the £150m received for selling defenders Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi to Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG respectively, and Bournemouth still hope to bring in more new recruits, with Chelsea’s Axel Disasi on their target list.
Amine Adli.#afcb’s first-ever Moroccan international ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XYjxb3p0hK
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) August 21, 2025
Why Alexander Isak may have closed his own window on dream move to Liverpool
09:25
,
Miguel Delaney
It was only minutes after the PFA team of the year departed the stage at Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, with just 10 players rather than 11, that Alexander Isak decided to make his presence felt in a different way.
You could sense the ripple around the room as people began to animatedly tell each other of the Swede’s social statement, the first time that he has publicly spoken on this summer’s dominant saga.
More than a few players raised their eyebrows. Everyone was taking it in.
Newcastle hint at Alexander Isak decision in response to striker’s bombshell statement
09:10
,
Richard Jolly
Newcastle United have rejected Alexander Isak’s claim that he was told he could leave this summer and hinted at no future deal for an exit materialising in the closing stages of the transfer window.
The saga turned ugly earlier this week with the Swedish striker accusing the club of “broken promises” and maintaining that “trust is lost” between the parties.
Now the Magpies have hit back.
How Arsenal silently hijacked Spurs’ Eberechi Eze transfer well before anyone knew
08:58
,
Luke Baker
Just hours before Arsenal clinched a deal for Eberechi Eze, somewhat cruelly, Tottenham Hotspur finally put in the offer they felt would be acceptable to Crystal Palace. There had been a verbal agreement. Spurs just never got a proper answer.
After days of difficult and painstaking negotiations between Daniel Levy and Steve Parish, Arsenal had appeared to steal in within a matter of mere hours. That has already seen this move cast as the mother of all transfer hijackings, especially with how it is another North London derby victory.
Except, The Independent can now reveal it wasn’t really a hijacking at all.
Read Miguel Delaney’s exclusive on how the late-night Eze drama really went down:
Eze medical booked for Friday
08:43
,
Luke Baker
So, to the next stage of the Eze transfer to Arsenal – his medical. That’s reportedly been booked for Friday, after Crystal Palace’s Conference League match this evening.
Eze was set to play in that clash against Fredrikstad when rumours were swirling about his future but we’ll have to wait and see if that’s still the case.
The initial sense is that he will still pay but can Arsenal stop that happening ahead of this evening?
❤️ Eberechi Eze’s medical at Arsenal has been booked from Friday, after tonight’s game with Crystal Palace. pic.twitter.com/9tOjiA0yD0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2025
Man City still interested in Rodrygo
08:36
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Savinho to Spurs, Rodrygo to City? This would be an interesting exchange, should it happen...
If #Savinho leaves, #ManchesterCity will try to sign #Rodrygo from #RealMadrid. Rodrygo is #Guardiola’s main target as winger. #transfers #MCFC https://t.co/EoWP0Zm0Ar
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) August 21, 2025
Chelsea set to sign Enciso from Brighton
08:22
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Chelsea are closing in on signing Brighton’s Julio Enciso.
The Athletic reports that Enciso is about to join Chelsea but will initially go on loan to sister club Strasbourg.
Agreements have been made with both club and player for his transfer.
Napoli open talks to sign Hojlund
08:02
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Napoli have begun talks with Manchester United to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
The striker would prefer to stay at United, Fabrizio Romano reports, but has accepted that he may have to leave after Benjamin Sesko joined the club.
Hojluns is pushing for any loan move to include an obligation to buy, so he can be assured of a long-term switch.
Brentford reject Newcastle's £40m Wissa bid
07:48
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Brentford have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle for striker Yoane Wissa.
Wissa is determined to make the switch to St James’ Park, according to the Athletic. but Brentford would prefer to keep the goalscorer after selling his partner in crime last season, Bryan Mbeumo, to Manchester United.
Newcastle will have to come back with more than their £35m + £5m add-ons offer to prise him away.
Arsenal swoop to sign Eze from under Spurs' noses
07:40
,
Lawrence Ostlere
We start with the stunning news that Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s move to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.
Eze had seemed increasingly likely to join Spurs over recent days, as chair Daniel Levy negotiated with his counterpart Steve Parish over the finer details of the deal. Eze had indicated that he was keen to join Tottenham and Palace had been searching for a replacement.
But that picture changed yesterday after Arsenal discovered the extent of Kai Havertz’s injury, pushing the Gunners into action. They are not only prepared to match Tottenham’s offer of around £60m, but are also prepared to make faster payments that appeal to Palace as they try to find their search for a new attacker.
Here’s Miguel Delaney with all the latest:
Good morning!
07:30
,
Mike Jones
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of transfer news, rumours and gossip.
Throughout the day we’ll have all the latest updates, and completed deals.
Let’s get into it...
