Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal open Sesko talks, Liverpool close in on £125m Wirtz deal and finalise medical

FootballSports
30 May 2025 • 3:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Premier League clubs are putting plans in place for the summer transfer window which initially opens for a short window between June 1 and June 10 in the hopes of getting deals done ahead of the Club World Cup.

Manchester United have an awful lot of work to do in the window after a disastrous season, and Matheus Cunha appears to be the first one through the door, with Wolves set to bank more than £60m for the Brazilian forward. There could also be exits from Old Trafford, though, with captain Bruno Fernandes among those being linked with moves away.

Liverpool are ready to go from strength to strength after winning the Premier League title, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz on the wish list for a rumoured £125m as while Jeremie Frimpong is close to a medical ahead of the switch to Anfield to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Arsenal, meanwhile, look to be close to their first addition with Martin Zubimendi set for a medical and Mikel Arteta has seemingly sanctioned talks with RB Leipzig over striker Benjamin Sesko.

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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Latest transfer news live

  • Arsenal open Sesko talks as Gyokeres decision revealed
  • Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal switch
  • Wirtz transfer set to cost Liverpool £125m
  • Jeremie Frimpong lands in Liverpool to finalise Anfield switch
  • Liam Delap opts for Chelsea over Man United as Blues activate release clause
  • Matheus Cunha closing in on Manchester United move

Arsenal finalising Martin Zubimendi deal

08:09

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Mike Jones

This one has been brewing for a few months now but it appears Arsenal will seal their move for Martin Zubimendi sooner rather than later.

It is being widely reported that Arsenal have met the conditions of the £51m release clause in Zubimendi's contract with Real Sociedad and that personal terms won’t be an issue for the defensive midfielder.

He’ll shortly undergo a medical in north London to complete the deal and after nearly joining Liverpool last summer, will be headed to the Gunners instead.

Omar Berrada says Man Utd have plan in place for ambitious transfer window

08:02

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Mike Jones

Chief executive Omar Berrada says Manchester United will balance “ambition” with the need to be “prudent” in the transfer market having been given permission to wrap up a deal for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.

The Red Devils are looking to rebuild the side after their worst top-flight season since they were relegated in 1973-74, which was compounded by last week’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham in Bilbao.

That damaging defeat meant United missed out on silverware and Champions League qualification, worth an estimated £100m, and the club have wasted little time trying to improve Ruben Amorim’s side.

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Man City considering Gibbs-White

07:48

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Mike Jones

Lyon’s Rayan Cherki isn’t the only No 10 that Man City are considering, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the club are also interested in Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 25-year-old has starred in Nottingham Forest’s remarkable season that culminated in a Conference League spot and an FA Cup semi-final.

He could end up being a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne.

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Man City lead race to sign Cherki

07:37

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Mike Jones

Telegraph Sport reports that Manchester City are eyeing Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who has confirmed he will leave the club this summer.

The 21-year-old is believed to have a release clause of around £20-25 million, and signing him would provide City with a cheaper but similar talent to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, whose hefty fee has reportedly dampened enthusiasm for him at the Etihad.

Wirtz will cost Liverpool £125m

07:34

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Mike Jones

The price to take Florian Wirtz away from Bayer Leverkusen is reported £125m according to German publication BILD.

A recent report claimed the 22-year-old is 'about to' move to the Premier League champions with talks ongoing.

Additionally, BILD say that Liverpool want the transfer dealt with before Wirtz joins up with the German national team for their Nations League semi-final against Portugal on June 4.

That’s just a few days away and Liverpool are not the type of club to rush through a deal with such a high fee. Chalk this rumour down to possible but more concrete details are needed for sure.

Arsenal open up Sesko talks

07:29

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Mike Jones

Arsenal’s search for a prominent new striker will be one of the ongoing transfer stories of the summer.

Viktor Gyokeres has been mentioned as a target but the latest mumurings are that the Gunners have opened talks with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko has long been linked with a move to the Emirates and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says that the two clubs have ‘started initial talks’ over a move.

The Slovenian forward is expected to leave Leipzig this summer and Arsenal came close to signing him in May 2024 so they will want to get this deal over the line as soon as possible.

Al-Nassr hopeful of Ronaldo renewal

Thursday 29 May 2025 22:00

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Will Castle

Al-Nassr director Fernando Hierro has expressed his desire to keep Cristiano Ronaldo beyond the summer

“Cristiano Ronaldo's presence from the beginning is a national project,” he said.

“He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football, has helped the league grow. We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us.”

This comes after he indicated his time with Al-Nassr was coming to an end, saying that this “chapter is over”.

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Everton activate buy option for Alcaraz

Thursday 29 May 2025 21:40

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Will Castle

Everton have activated a £12.6m buy option to sign midfielder Charly Alcaraz from Flamengo, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The ex-Southampton prospect has starred for the Toffees since his January arrival, making this one a no brainer for Everton bosses.

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Ipswich's replacement for Delap?

Thursday 29 May 2025 21:20

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Will Castle

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ipswich are after Chelsea striker Marc Guiu as Liam Delap goes the other way.

It would be a separate transfer - not a swap deal - but the two clubs are on good terms given how Delap has favoured a move to Stamford Bridge.

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Brentford ward of Serie A interest to tie down Yarmoliuk to new contract

Thursday 29 May 2025 21:00

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Will Castle

Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmoliuk has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract until the summer of 2031, with the option to extend for another year.

The likes of Napoli were reportedly interested in the 21-year-old.

Steven Gerrard not in line to retake place on Rangers throne

Thursday 29 May 2025 20:45

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Will Castle

Steven Gerrard will return as Rangers manager, according to Sky Sports.

The former Ibrox boss, who led them to an invincible title in 2021, did hold talks over a return to the club, three-and-a-half years after leaving Glasgow.

However, it is believed he was not a front-runner for the job, with ex-Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin leading the race to permanently replace Philippe Clement.

Gerrard may also have an eye on the Liverpool assistant role, with ex-Everton defender Johnny Heitinga in talks over leaving his position to become the new boss of Ajax.

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Schalke close to agreement with Plymouth coach Muslic

Thursday 29 May 2025 20:30

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Will Castle

Schalke are on the verge of appointing Plymouth boss Miron Muslic after activating a clause to appoint the head coach.

Sky Germany are reporting that the 42-year-old has been offered a two-year deal with the 2. Bundesliga club, which includes an exit clause.

It comes after Muslic seemingly made it clear that he wanted to stay in Plymouth, with the club having since hit out at his change of heart.

In statement, Argyle said: “We have reluctantly allowed Miron Muslic to open talks with a 2. Bundesliga side, after he expressed his desire to speak with them.

“We are frustrated by this decision, having implemented clear structures, processes and personnel to aid Miron and his staff.”

Allegri set to be appointed as new Milan manager

Thursday 29 May 2025 20:15

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Will Castle

AC Milan appear to have found their new manager.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Max Allegri has signed to take over in the San Siro hot seat, with all contracts being sealed.

This comes after Sergio Conceicao departed the under-performing club at the end of the season.

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Arsenal involved in concrete talks over Sesko

Thursday 29 May 2025 20:00

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Will Castle

Arsenal may be about to lose out on Viktor Gyokeres to a rival, but they have a backup frontman lined up.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are working hard to get a deal over the line for their long-time target, having seen attempts to get a deal done in January rejected.

Now, however, Sesko will leave RB Leipzig - and Arsenal are lying in wait.

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Celtic striker Cummings completes West Ham medical

Thursday 29 May 2025 19:45

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Will Castle

Celtic frontman Daniel Cummings has completed his medical with West Ham, according to Sky Sports.

The 19-year-old will sign on a four-year deal after agreeing a pre-contract in February.

Chelsea open talks to keep Sancho

Thursday 29 May 2025 19:29

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Will Castle

Chelsea are reportedly keen to keep ahold of Jadon Sancho beyond this season.

Sky Sports claim talks have opened with the Manchester United loanee to see if they can agree on terms in which his contract fits the wage structure at the club.

Sancho joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United last August and Chelsea now have a £25m obligation to buy. However, they can pay United a £5m penalty to get out of the obligation to buy.

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Could Chelsea be about to hijack Arsenal's move for Gyokeres?

Thursday 29 May 2025 17:30

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Will Castle

Arsenal fans won’t like this one.

Chelsea have enquired to Sporting CP over a possible move for Viktor Gyokeres, according to Record.

The Swede could follow Delap through the door as another attacking reinforcement at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea trigger Liam Delap release clause

Thursday 29 May 2025 17:20

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Will Castle

Chelsea have triggered Liam Delap’s £30m release clause and is now on the verge of completing the move, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester City will not utilise their buy-back clause, with Delap having already accepted the Chelsea project.

This one has been Here We Go’d!

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Matheus Cunha is the enigma that could finally solve Man United’s mess

Thursday 29 May 2025 16:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

A route back into the Manchester United first team looks unlikely for Antony given the impending arrival of Matheus Cunha to bolster the options in forward areas for Ruben Amorim. Richard Jolly explains why the Wolves man could be an ideal signing.

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Antony’s Real Betis form sparks bidding war as Spanish giants enter race

Thursday 29 May 2025 16:20

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Miguel Delaney, The Independent’s chief football writer, reported last week that Antony’s impressive performances for Betis are set to spark a summer bidding frenzy.

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Antony uncertain over future after Real Betis spell ends

Thursday 29 May 2025 16:10

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Antony’s time at Real Betis came to an end last night as the Spanish club were beaten by Chelsea in the Conference League final. The Brazilian has rebuilt his reputation since a January loan to Seville, but will now return to Manchester United facing something of an uncertain future.

“My work is playing and I'm doing that well,” Antony told CBS Sports after the final in Wroclaw. “I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone but I have a contract with Man United and I don't know what's going to happen.

“Now I will go to the national team and then on holiday then we will see what happens in the future. I'm very happy here, everyone knows that but I have a contract.”

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Real Madrid join chase for Florian Wirtz

Thursday 29 May 2025 15:58

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Harry Latham-Coyle

The battle for Florian Wirtz could be one that runs and runs all summer - though a pretty persuasive suitor appears to have joined the list of interested parties. AS in Spain suggest that Real Madrid are hoping that the Bayer Leverkusen creator will follow Xabi Alonso to the Spanish capital.

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Arsenal set high price for Viktor Gyokeres

Thursday 29 May 2025 15:47

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Harry Latham-Coyle

The Guardian report that interested clubs have been set a fee of €80m (£67m) for Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal among those expected to enter the market for the Sporting striker.

The club’s vice-president, Francisco Zenha, recently told the Portuguese media that he is yet to receive an offer for Gyokeres, who is heavily coveted.

The Athletic add that Gyokeres is preferred by Arsenal over Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, who is reportedly valued at £93m by the German club.

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The hard decisions Aston Villa now face after transfer gamble backfires

Thursday 29 May 2025 15:36

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Jack Rathborn

It appears Marcus Rashford will not be staying at Aston Villa, then - and Unai Emery’s side look to have a bit of a quandary after missing out on Champions League football, as Richard Jolly explores.

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Napoli close in on new forward despite Antonio Conte uncertainty

Thursday 29 May 2025 15:25

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Jack Rathborn

Napoli are close to finalising terms to sign Jonathan David, despite uncertainty surrounding the future of Antonio Conte, reports Sky Sports.

The Italian coach guided Napoli to the Serie A title, yet he remains uncommitted to the future at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

But Napoli are close to agreeing personal terms with the Lille forward, and move ahead of Juventus in the race to bring the 25-year-old to Italy.

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Al Nassr provide update on Cristiano Ronaldo future

Thursday 29 May 2025 15:12

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Jack Rathborn

Al Nassr are intent on keeping Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the Portuguese sparking speculation of a move away.

Ronaldo stated earlier this month: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”

And sporting director Fernando Hierro provided an update on his future: “Cristiano Ronaldo's presence from the beginning is a national project”.

“He is a huge phenomenon in the history of football, has helped the league grow. We are in contact to renew his contract and hope he continues with us”.

Real Madrid tempted by Nico Williams?

Thursday 29 May 2025 14:59

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Jack Rathborn

Chelsea could reshuffle their wide options this summer with Jadon Sancho not certain to join in a permanent move.

While the Blues are tracking Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, reports the Guardian.

Arsenal are also keen on the Spanish winger, though Real Madrid may make a move should Rodrygo, a target for Man City, depart the Bernabeu this summer.

Ipswich eye Marc Guiu on loan as part of Liam Delap deal to Chelsea

Thursday 29 May 2025 14:47

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Jack Rathborn

Ipswich Town are keen to take Marc Guiu on loan next season as part of a deal to send Liam Delap to Chelsea.

The Guardian reports that Town would like the Spanish youngster on loan, though he is yet to be convinced it is the right fit.

Delap appears poised to join the Blues, having informed other clubs of his preference to link up with Enzo Maresca, including Manchester United.

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Tijjani Reijnders a top Manchester City target

Thursday 29 May 2025 14:35

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Manchester City appear to be nearing a deal for Tijjani Reijnders, the Dutch international who has impressed over the last two seasons for AC Milan. The Times suggest that the 26-year-old could be the first signing of what could be a busy summer, judging by the comments of the club chairman.

Liam Delap opts for Chelsea over Man United?

Thursday 29 May 2025 14:21

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Jack Rathborn

Liam Delap has reportedly informed Manchester United that his desire is to join Chelsea this summer, reports the Athletic.

The report details how teams such as Manchester United, Newcastle United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, AC Milan and Juventus have been told that Delap intends to move to Stamford Bridge.

With the Blues, fresh from winning the Conference League, able to offer Champions League football, United look set to be handed a blow in their rebuilding phase under Ruben Amorim.

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Man City chairman sets out summer transfer plans: ‘We will be back’

Thursday 29 May 2025 14:11

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Will Castle

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has conceded the club were not “aggressive” enough in the transfer market last summer, insisting that amends will be made over the coming months.

“We have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear number one option, our clear number two option,” he said.

“And we’ll go about our business and it will be very clear, very swift. And our objective is to try to be ready with the new squad for the Club World Cup.

“We will be back. This season is a season that’s now behind us. Today is a new day. We start working and preparing for next season.”

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Real Madrid to rival Liverpool for German star?

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:58

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Jack Rathborn

Real Madrid could join the chase to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Florian Wirtz.

With former boss Xabi Alonso now at the Bernabeu, Wirtz could be tempted to follow the Spanish tactician to Madrid.

The 22-year-old has been strongly tipped to join Liverpool, reports AS, with Man City dropping their interest in recent days.

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Joe Cole makes bold statement over Chelsea's hopes to sign Liam Delap

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:47

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Jack Rathborn

Joe Cole admits he would be “stunned” if Chelsea do not end up signing Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

The former Chelsea winger spoke glowingly about Delap alongside fellow TNT pundits Michail Antonio and Steve Sidwell after the Blues’ Conference League victory over Real Betis.

“He’s strong, he knows where the goal is. He’s an old-school number nine,” said Antonio.

“The amount of goals he got at Ipswich… if he was at a bigger club, he would probably be getting double that.”

Sidwell added: “He fits the bill. He’s young and hungry, he’s someone that the coach here can develop. He kind of reminds me of a young Alan Shearer when he was at Southampton then went to Blackburn. He’s robust, he’s an out-and-out number nine, he knows where the goal is, he can score a goal. I think that’s a good shout.”

And Cole concluded: “I’d actually be stunned if he isn’t at Chelsea.”

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Everton to rival Man City for Lyon sensation?

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:36

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Jack Rathborn

Everton could rival Man City for Lyon star Ryan Cherki, according to Caught Offside, with the report detailing how Jack Grealish could also emerge as a target.

David Moyes will be keen to bolster his squad ahead of the move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees could offer the 21-year-old Lyon star more gametime with Cherki potentially holding reservations over a move to the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola’s squad fiercely competitive.

Cherki scored 12 goals and made 19 more across 42 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Europa League last term.

Man City switch targets after calling off Florian Wirtz pursuit?

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:25

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Jack Rathborn

Manchester City have begun talks to sign Rayan Cherki as Pep Guardiola targets a new No. 10, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The 21-year-old Lyon star is top of the list of targets as Guardiola looks to reshape his squad.

Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is another target, while a deal for Florian Wirtz is now off.

Bayern Munich land Tah from Leverkusen?

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:13

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Jack Rathborn

Jonathan Tah has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen after his contract expired.

The club's statement read: “ FC Bayern has completed the signing of Jonathan Tah . The 29-year-old German international moves to Munich on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and has been granted a contract until June 30, 2029. The central defender will wear the number 4 shirt for the German champions.”

Tah added: “I am very happy to be at Bayern. I want to take on responsibility and work hard every day to be successful as a team and win many trophies together.”

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Bayern Munich land Tah from Leverkusen?

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:13

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Jack Rathborn

Jonathan Tah has joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen after his contract expired.

The club's statement read: “ FC Bayern has completed the signing of Jonathan Tah . The 29-year-old German international moves to Munich on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and has been granted a contract until June 30, 2029. The central defender will wear the number 4 shirt for the German champions.”

Tah added: “I am very happy to be at Bayern. I want to take on responsibility and work hard every day to be successful as a team and win many trophies together.”

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Caoimhin Kelleher: Where does he go next?

Thursday 29 May 2025 13:02

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Will Castle

Liverpool want at least £20m for Caoimhin Kelleher, with the Irishman expected to leave Merseyside in search of regular first-team football.

Brentford are keen bring him in as a potential successor to Mark Flekken, who is nearing a move to Bayer Leverkusen.

However, the likes of Leeds United and West Ham have also been touted with a move for the Reds stopper, who is very much Premier League-proven after starring as Alisson’s deputy.

Could this prove one of the sagas of the summer?

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Why Arsenal are desperate to sign Martin Zubimendi

Thursday 29 May 2025 12:51

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Adam Clery

Antonio Conte to commit future to Napoli?

Thursday 29 May 2025 12:40

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Jack Rathborn

In a predictable situation, Antonio Conte appears eager to leave Napoli, despite guiding them to Serie A glory.

The Italian has made a habit of walking out on his clubs at the top, but Napoli are now increasingly bullish about tempting the fiery tactician to stay in Naples.

Matteo Moretto reports that Napoli have offered Conte an improved contract, with President Aurelio De Laurentiis eager to retain his services for next season’s Champions League.

The move will see an “improved contract” for the former Chelsea and Tottenham coach, with Corriere dello Sport adding a “transfer promise” could also make the difference, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jonathan David key targets in midfield and attack.

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Arsenal close in on Martin Zubimendi

Thursday 29 May 2025 12:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have made the 26-year-old their primary target in the summer transfer window and are reported to have met the Spain international's £51m release clause.

A medical is said to be booked for the coming days.

Boss Mikel Arteta will hope Zubimendi's reported arrival will kickstart a strong summer of recruitment in a bid to make the next step with his Arsenal side.

Arteta is facing questions after three successive seasons of finishing second in the Premier League, with the most recent campaign seen as a regression after failing to capitalise on Manchester City's drop-off.

The Gunners are also thought to be in the market for a striker, having seen Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz suffer serious injuries in the second half of last season.

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Arsenal linked with Leroy Sane

Thursday 29 May 2025 12:00

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane is out of contract at Bayern Munich, and could well be on his way back to the Premier League. The German has