Transfer news LIVE: Chelsea look to hijack Arsenal’s Gyokeres bid after dealing Man Utd blow in Delap race

FootballSports
29 May 2025 • 9:59 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The transfer window is almost open with the Club World Cup creating an emergency, short-term window — though clubs not involved in the new Fifa tournament are still pushing ahead with plans to strengthen this summer.

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 a new striker perhaps on the wish list as right-back Jeremie Frimpong nears a switch to help fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. A forward to monitor could be Hugo Ekitike, who is also a Chelsea target, with the Eintracht Frankfurt striker one of the hottest properties in European football.

Arsenal, meanwhile, look to be close to their first addition with Martin Zubimendi set for a medical.

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

  • Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal switch
  • Matheus Cunha closing in on Manchester United move
  • Arsenal make Viktor Gyokeres decision in striker chase
  • Jeremie Frimpong lands in Liverpool to finalise Anfield switch
  • Liam Delap opts for Chelsea over Man United

Al Nassr provide update on Cristiano Ronaldo future

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?

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

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

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?

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’

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

12:51

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Adam Clery

Antonio Conte to commit future to Napoli?

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

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

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 already been linked with Tottenham and The Times now report that Arsenal are also showing interest.

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Newcastle eye Premier League pair to bolster squad

11:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Could Newcastle raid a couple of Premier League rivals to bolster their squad? The Telegraph mention interest in both Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

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Atletico Madrid target big-money deal for Spurs defender?

10:30

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Jack Rathborn

Atletico Madrid are poised to open talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a move for Cristian Romero.

Sky Sports report that the Spanish capital club would like the Argentine defender, but Spurs, now with Champions League football next season after winning the Europa League, will quote €70m (£58.7m) for the World Cup winner.

Villarreal's Alex Baena is another target for Atleti, who are only willing to part with €45m (£37.7m) for Romero.

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Marcus Rashford to Barcelona?

09:45

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Jack Rathborn

Marcus Rashford could move to Barcelona this summer with Aston Villa failing to meet the clause to make his loan from Manchester United permanent.

Rashford’s agent has begun talks with Barcelona director Deco in Spain, reports the Mail.

Rashford has three years remaining on his contract and is unlikely to play for United again after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. Rashford, 27, has wages worth £315,000 per week and United are likely to accept a fee of around £40m.

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Manchester City targeting Cherki or Gibbs-White for No 10 role

09:30

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Luke Baker

Telegraph Sport report 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.

But 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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DONE DEAL! Bayern Munich tie up Tah

09:21

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Harry Latham-Coyle

News from Bavaria of a signing, with Bayern Munich moving for free agent Jonathan Tah. The experienced defender will provide another option at the back for Vincent Kompany next season.

Chelsea identify top striker target after Champions League boost

09:15

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Harry Latham-Coyle

There was success in the Conference League final for Chelsea last night, and it appears the club may have identified their top target up front in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike - though there could well be competition for the Frenchman. Miguel Delaney has more.

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Liverpool transfer guide: Florian Wirtz and top targets for Arne Slot’s title defence

09:00

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Want a full run down of the potential ins and outs at Anfield this summer? Will Castle’s guide to Liverpool’s transfer window has you covered...

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Liverpool set Caoimhin Kelleher price tag as Brentford register interest in Irish goalkeeper

08:45

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Richard Jolly

Brentford are among the clubs interested in signing Caoimhin Kelleher, with Liverpool wanting at least £20m for the goalkeeper.

Kelleher will soon enter the last year of his contract at Anfield and is expected to leave in search of regular first-team football.

Brentford have made contact with Liverpool as they look for a potential successor to Mark Flekken, who is of interest to Bayer Leverkusen.

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Kevin De Bruyne transfer saga takes fresh twist with multiple offers

08:30

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Miguel Delaney

Kevin De Bruyne is still deciding on his future, principally between Napoli and Chicago Fire, although has still not ruled out a move to another Premier League club.

The 33-year-old had a 25-minute meeting with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, but it is understood negotiations are not yet as advanced as have been made out in Italy, with De Laurentiis saying De Bruyne had already bought a villa in the country.

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

08:15

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Harry Latham-Coyle

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 £100million, and the club have wasted little time trying to improve Ruben Amorim’s side.

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

08:00

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Richard Jolly

There are reasons why a club with a diminishing income and limited leeway within Profitability and Sustainability Rules would submit a £62.5m offer around 48 hours after their season ended.

Manchester United, left with more questions after a torrid campaign, could look at the numbers and see that Matheus Cunha scored 15 Premier League goals last season. It is more than double the combined haul of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. They could add in the efforts of Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Antony in United shirts and still have fewer than Cunha had mustered by the end of February.

Or they might just be rationalising that it was a hefty price to pay to spare them some embarrassment. Because, in different ways and in the last two seasons, Cunha has contrived to show up his future employers.

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Matheus Cunha set for Manchester United medical after £62.5m release clause met

07:45

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Richard Jolly

Matheus Cunha will have a medical with Manchester United after they triggered his £62.5m release clause at Wolves.

The Brazilian is set to become the third and biggest buy of Ruben Amorim’s time at Old Trafford as the Portuguese has targeted him to bring firepower to a goal-shy United team.

Wolves agreed a payment structure with United, which is believed to involve paying the transfer fee over two years, and have given Cunha permission to have a medical at Old Trafford.

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Why do Arsenal want to sign Martin Zubimendi

07:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal close in on Martin Zubimendi

07:16

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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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Atletico Madrid target big-money deal for Spurs defender?

Wednesday 28 May 2025 22:00

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Jack Rathborn

Atletico Madrid are poised to open talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a move for Cristian Romero.

Sky Sports reports that the Spaniards would like the Argentine defender, but Spurs, now with Champions League football next season after winning the Europa League, will quote €70m (£58.7m) for the World Cup winner.

Villarreal's Alex Baena is another target for Atleti, who are only willing to part with €45m (£37.7m) for Romero.

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Inter Milan line up Marseille star to bolster wide options

Wednesday 28 May 2025 21:30

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Jack Rathborn

Champions League finalists Inter Milan look poised for a busy summer once again with the Italians ready to sign Luis Henrique from Marseille, reports Sky Sport Italia.

The fee will be €23m (£19.3m) plus up to €2m (£1.7m) in bonuses depending on the team’s success in the Champions League over the next few seasons.

Personal terms are not thought to be a problem, with a five-year deal ready for the Brazilian winger, who has seven goals in 33 Ligue 1 games this season.

Barcelona begin talks over Marcus Rashford move?

Wednesday 28 May 2025 21:00

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Jack Rathborn

Marcus Rashford could move to Barcelona this summer with Aston Villa failing to meet the clause to make his loan from Manchester United permanent.

Rashford’s agent has begun talks with Barcelona director Deco in Spain, reports the Mail.

Rashford has three years remaining on his contract and is unlikely to play for United again after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. Rashford, 27, has wages worth £315,000 per week and United are likely to accept a fee of around £40m.

Liverpool considered Matheus Cunha move before shifting focus

Wednesday 28 May 2025 20:30

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Jack Rathborn

Liverpool opted against joining the race to sign Matheus Cunha, with Man United in the clear to complete a £62.5m deal.

The Reds believed their depth in that position, from out wide or just behind the No. 9, was adequate, reports the Mail.

The depth and the pursuit, or priority, of Florian Wirtz that is.

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How will Martin Zubimendi fit into Arsenal's line-up?a

Wednesday 28 May 2025 20:00

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Jack Rathborn

Martin Zubimendi is will boost Arsenal and their pursuit of the final step next term to win one of the two biggest trophies.

For £51m, it’s a statement signing for the Gunners, but how will he contribute for Mikel Arteta?

The Independent’s Adam Clery took a look at the Spaniard and just what he brings.

Chelsea settle on four striker shortlist to solve striker problem?

Wednesday 28 May 2025 19:29

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Jack Rathborn

Chelsea have a Conference League final to focus on, but after that the Blues are expected to hit the transfer market with intent.

It’s no secret that Chelsea will prioritise a striker, with the Independent’s Miguel Delaney reporting last week that Hugo Ekitike is top of that list.

Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol adds the list is up to four, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres among those being analysed.

Nicolas Jackson can expect competition from next season, it would seem.

Arsenal finalising Martin Zubimendi deal

Wednesday 28 May 2025 19:01

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Luke Baker

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