The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Liverpool are on the verge of signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. A £79m deal has been hashed out for the former Paris Saint-Germain striker, who is on Merseyside to complete a medical. The Reds have beaten off interest from Newcastle to secure his signature after the Magpies held firm over Alexander Isak
Manchester United have completed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, joining Matheus Cunha in Ruben Amorim’s new-look attack. The club will now focus on outgoings as Marcus Rashford looks set for a loan move to Barcelona while Jadon Sancho is drawing interest from Juventus.
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s negotiations for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres had stalled due to a difference in valuation and terms, though the Gunners are confident of completing a move they could face late competition from Man United who are considered a late push for the forward. Xavi Simons is also a target, but Chelsea are accelerating their pursuit for the Dutchman and are set to enter club-to-club talks with RB Leipzig.
All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:
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Transfer news live
- Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike set to join Liverpool for £79m
- Bryan Mbeumo finally signs for Manchester United in £71m deal
- Arsenal could face Viktor Gyokeres twist due to stalling negotiations
- Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona ahead of loan move
- What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?
- Why Man United could be in pole position for Benjamin Sesko
The problem with Chelsea's masterplan
09:57
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Richard Jolly
Senior football reporter Richard Jolly writes:
“It could be deemed the most successful transfer policy in the global game. Cole Palmer, the flagship coup of Chelsea’s recruitment in the new era, scored twice in the Club World Cup final and was named player of the tournament.
The other goal in the demolition of Paris Saint-Germain went to Joao Pedro: 11 days into his Chelsea career, the Brazilian had already scored twice in the semi-final. The Golden Glove was awarded to the much-maligned Robert Sanchez, the unlikely scourge of PSG’s feared forward line. Of 15 players used in the final, three were academy graduates and the other 12 all bought under the new regime.”
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Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona
09:43
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Marcus Rashford is seemingly on the move to La Liga both figuratively and literally.
Rashford posted a photo of himself on a private plane with the caption: ‘Downtime’ as rumours abound over an exit from Manchester United.
The forward has interest from Barcelona and looks set to complete a year-long loan move with the Spanish giants who will have an option to buy included in the contract.
Barcelona have allegedly agreed to cover all of Rashford’s £375,000 per week wages and, though United prefer a permanent move, they have agreed to this deal.
Liverpool reach £79m agreement to sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt
09:36
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Lawrence Ostlere
Liverpool have agreed a £69m deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign striker Hugo Ekitike.
The fee could rise to £79m if add-ons are triggered and the French forward is set to become their fourth summer signing.
Ekitike will travel to Merseyside for a medical and will sign a six-year deal, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.
Liverpool hope the 23-year-old will be able to fly to Asia to link up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour. Sporting director Richard Hughes has remained behind in England to complete the deal, along with some of Liverpool’s medical staff.
Liverpool entered into advanced talks with Frankfurt last week after making an inquiry with Newcastle for Alexander Isak, who United do not want to sell.
Aubameyang exits Al-Qadsiah
09:33
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the Saudi club on Thursday, having scored 21 goals in 36 matches in all competitions in his one season at Al-Qadsiah.
09:14
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Italian striker Mateo Retegui has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah from Atalanta, both clubs said on Monday, with Italian media reports saying last season's Serie A top scorer has signed a four-year contract.
No financial details were released, but Italian media said that the fee paid is in the region of 65 million euros ($76.01 million) which would make Retegui the most expensive Italian player.
Retegui spent just one season at Atalanta, signing from Genoa as a replacement for the injured Gianluca Scamacca, and went on to score 25 league goals to help the club to a third-place finish.
"The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family and the entire Nerazzurri club sincerely thank Mateo for the extraordinary contribution he made last season and wish him the best for the continuation of his sporting career and for his future," the club said in a statement.
The Argentine-born Retegui qualified to play for Italy through his grandparents, and was called up by Roberto Mancini in 2023, scoring on his debut in a 2-1 defeat by England. The 26-year-old has six international goals in 20 appearances.
Mbeumo a 'perfect fit' for United's plans
08:58
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Director football Jason Wilcox said: "Bryan's goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons.
"Bryan's belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture that we are developing.
"We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour. The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead."
Mbeumo: 'I'm joining my dream club'
08:40
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Lawrence Ostlere
"As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up," the Cameroon international said.
"My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
"Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies."
Man United sign Mbeumo from Brentford
08:27
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Lawrence Ostlere
Manchester United have completed the long-awaited signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo for a fee rising to £71million.
Nearly seven weeks after seeing their first offer rebuffed, the Red Devils finally have their man and the 25-year-old has signed a deal until 2030 with the option of a further year.
Mbeumo leaves Brentford for an initial £65m fee that could rise by a further £6m should certain add-on clauses related to team and player be achieved.
Keylor Navas leaves Messi's former club
08:16
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Lawrence Ostlere
Ex-Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas is set to transfer to the UNAM Pumas of the Mexican league after a six-month stint in Argentina with Newell's Old Boys.
The 38-year-old Navas signed a two-year deal last January with Newell's Old Boys, the boyhood club of Lionel Messi, but he received an offer from Pumas two weeks ago.
The Argentinian club on Monday said it will receive $2 million as part of the transfer deal. Pumas is yet to make an official announcement.
Navas missed the first two league matches in Argentina, the first due to sickness sickness and the second because he asked to be left on the bench.
"Commitment, professionalism, and respect for the club's values are non-negotiable," Newell's Old Boys said. "To achieve our goals, it is essential that each member pulls in the same direction, always prioritizing the team over the individual."
Why Man United could be in pole position for Sesko
07:52
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Fabrizio Romano has pointed to a key reason why Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Benjamin Sekso, and it is down to their head of scouting, Christopher Vivell.
Vivell is a former part of the Red Bull Group and knows Sesko, who plays for RB Leipzig.
United have made no official contact with Leipzig yet, but there is interest.
Man United looking to 'hijack' Gyokeres transfer?
07:45
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Are Manchester United looking to hijack Arsenal’s move for Viktor Gyokeres? So says Portuguese outlet Record.
Arsenal are known to be close to completing a transfer for the Swedish striker, but they are still ironing out the details of add-ons with Sporting CP.
And while Arsenal delay, United have supposedly been eyeing the door left ajar, proposing a bid with around £70m. But that may all be for nothing because Gyokeres prefers Arsenal, and has already verbally agreed personal terms at the Emirates.
Inside the Isak transfer saga
07:39
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Lawrence Ostlere
Newcastle United may be insistent that Alexander Isak is not for sale, and Eddie Howe may be cautiously asserting his confidence that the Swede will “be here at the start of the season”, but there is a lot more uncertainty within the club. Many are worried. A feeling is growing that Isak’s head has been turned, with that accentuated by the club’s frustrations in the transfer market. The 25-year-old is coming into his prime, and just qualifying for the Champions League is no longer enough.
What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?
What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?
Monday 21 July 2025 16:00
,
Miguel Delaney
Newcastle United may be insistent that Alexander Isak is not for sale, and Eddie Howe may be cautiously asserting his confidence that the Swede will “be here at the start of the season”, but there is a lot more uncertainty within the club. Many are worried. A feeling is growing that Isak’s head has been turned, with that accentuated by the club’s frustrations in the transfer market. The 25-year-old is coming into his prime, and just qualifying for the Champions League is no longer enough.
Arteta on transfer window
Monday 21 July 2025 15:52
,
Mike Jones
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on whether it has been a stressful summer: "Exciting.
“You see the club ownership and ambition we have, the alignment we have everybody, in the board and with everybody connected with Andrea [Berta - Sporting Director].
"There is an excitement about the new season. Super positive about it."
Chelsea and Arsenal battle for Simons
Monday 21 July 2025 15:46
,
Mike Jones
Xavi Simons has made his thoughts clear that he wants to leave RB Leipzig this summer.
Sky Sports say that there is some interest in the midfielder from Premier League clubs and that the player would be open to the move.
Arsenal and Chelsea were the two clubs named but both have been busy scouting out other targets this summer.
Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Simons but won’t make any moves until later in the transfer window.
Simons’ fee could cost anywhere between €50-65m.
Chelsea refusing Chukwuemeka loan?
Monday 21 July 2025 15:45
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Mike Jones
Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka.
The German side prefer a loan move for the midfielder but Chelsea want to sell.
The Blues are reportedly sticking to their stance or a permanent transfer or no move at all.
One to keep an eye on.
Bamford not in Farke's plans for Leeds
Monday 21 July 2025 15:38
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Mike Jones
Patrick Bamford looks like he’ll need to find a new club after Leeds boss Daniel Farke told the striker he is not in his plans for the new season.
"In the second day of pre-season, I got him into my office and told him he is not in my plans for the upcoming season," said Farke.
"I had a really open and honest conversation with Patrick, which was important," he added.
"He knows how much I rate him as a player and I would have preferred a fit Patrick Bamford for the last two seasons."
Manchester City sell midfielder as Pep Guardiola’s clearout continues
Monday 21 July 2025 15:30
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Mike Jones
Manchester City have sold midfielder Maximo Perrone to Como in a deal that could make them up to €15m (£13m) as Pep Guardiola continues to trim his squad.
City also have a buyback clause for the 22-year-old midfielder and a 30 percent sell-on clause for when he leaves the Italian club.
The fee they will receive for Perrone in effect offsets the transfer fee they paid for Sverre Nypan, the 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder who completed his £12.5m move to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
Perrone impressed Como manager Cesc Fabregas while on loan there last season, helping the promoted club finish 10th in Serie A.
The Argentinian, who was bought from Velez Sarsfield in January 2023, only made two senior appearances for City, both as a substitute, amounting to 25 minutes on the pitch.
Howe on Sean Longstaff's transfer
Monday 21 July 2025 15:23
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Mike Jones
Sean Longstaff completed a move to Leeds United at the end of last week and the former Newcastle midfielder will be missed by manager Eddie Howe.
“Sean was someone I never wanted to lose from the squad,” Howe said. “But as we know and I’ve said many times, finances, PSR etc, long-term planning meant that sometimes these decisions have to be taken.
“So he’s a big miss from our squad. Sean was very, very popular in the dressing room, very popular on the pitch. He did a great job. He tactically understood everything that we needed him to do.
“He’s been an incredible servant to Newcastle. But we have to move on now without him.”
West Ham sign Kyle Walker-Peters
Monday 21 July 2025 15:15
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Mike Jones
West Ham have signed Kyle Walker-Peters on a three-year deal after his departure from Southampton.
The 28-year-old, a Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, made more than 200 appearances for the Saints.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “It feels like it has been a long-time coming - I’ve been linked with a move to the Club in the past - and I’m just happy to be here now.
“I spoke to Graham Potter and he was a big, big part of me making the decision. I’ve always liked his style as a coach, and I think it will suit me well.
“He spoke about the family feel at the Club, and that’s what I’m all about. I’d like to think I’m going to be a good fit for West Ham United.”
Bryan Mbeumo completes Manchester United medical
Monday 21 July 2025 15:08
,
Mike Jones
Manchester United have almost got their deal for Bryan Mbeumo over the line.
A £65m plus add ons bid for Mbeumo was accepted by Brentford and the forward has undergone a medical before Ruben Amorim takes his squad to the USA for their pre-season tour.
The 25-year-old winger is set to become United's third signing of the summer after the arrivals of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon.
Mbeumo, who joined the Bees in 2019 from Troyes, will become Brentford's biggest ever sale.
Mikel Arteta offers cryptic update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres
Monday 21 July 2025 15:00
,
Mike Jones
Mikel Arteta has offered a cryptic update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres as the club get into the swing of pre-season.
The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for the Sporting Lisbon striker who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season.
Arteta's side suffered last season from a lack of options in attack with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz meaning midfielder Mikel Merino was pressed into service as emergency for part of the campaign.
