Tottenham are sounding out attacking alternatives to Eberechi Eze after rivals Arsenal dramatically swooped to beat Thomas Frank’s side to his signature.
Arsenal confirmed a transfer worth £60m and £7.5m in add-ons – pretty much exactly Eze’s release clause - and the boyhood Gunners fan was unveiled at the Emirates before the Premier League match against Leeds. It leaves Spurs in a late scramble for a new attacker as the deadline looms, with Man City’s Savinho topping their list. However, The Independent understands both clubs are still very far apart when it comes to agreeing a price for the Brazilian.
Alexander Isak’s explosive statement this week accused Newcastle 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 Eddie Howe described Isak’s statement as a “sad moment”, but the Magpies boss insists he won’t be left striker-short by the end of the window.
Elsewhere, Manchester United may be tasked with fending of more interest from Saudi Arabia for captain Bruno Fernandes, with Al-Ittihad targeting the midfielder. They continue to be hampered with goalkeeping struggles, but it is their city rivals that could strengthen in that department, with Manchester City agreeing personal terms with PSG stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
Read More
Transfer news live
- Eberechi Eze deal complete as Arsenal and announce new signing
- Tottenham push for Savinho but still far off Man City's valuation
- Man City agree personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Man United in talks over highly-rated goalkeeper as Andre Onana decision made
- Eddie Howe responds to Alexander Isak’s claim Newcastle broke promises over Liverpool transfer
- Everton close in on Tyler Dibling deal to take summer spending past £100m
Milan targeting striker after Boniface fails medical
10:23
,
Chris Wilson
AC Milan target Victor Boniface has “failed his medical tests” at the Italian club and will return to Bayer Leverkusen, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The Nigerian striker has returned to Germany “despite [a] verbal agreement for [a] €5m loan fee and €24m buy clause”.
Spurs see €70m bid rejected
10:09
,
Chris Wilson
Tottenham have seen a €70m bid for Como’s Nico Paz turned down by the Italian club, according to Fabrizio Romano.
“Real have €10m buy back clause in 2026 but will compensate Como in future,” adds the Italian, with Madrid wanting the youngster to stay in Italy for one more season.
Man United in talks over highly-rated goalkeeper as Andre Onana decision made
09:54
,
Chris Wilson
Manchester United are in talks with Antwerp about a £17.3m move for the Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Andre Onana is expected to remain at Old Trafford but Ruben Amorim is advancing in his attempts to add more competition for places.
And Lammens, a Belgium Under-21 international, could become United’s fifth summer signing after forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko and wing-back Diego Leon.
Leeds agree fee for Leicester defender James Justin
09:40
,
Chris Wilson
Leeds have agreed an £8m fee with Leicester for full-back James Justin as Daniel Farke is closing in on his 10th summer signing.
The deal could rise to £10m, depending on add-ons, and would take the promoted club’s spending in this transfer window past £100m.
And Justin’s arrival would enable Farke to strengthen his defence after Leeds conceded five goals in Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal.
Ten Premier League transfers that could still happen before deadline day
09:25
,
Chris Wilson
Transfer deadline day is just around the corner, with clubs across Europe having until 1 September to wrap up the final deals of a busy summer window.
The Premier League once again heads the spending across the continent, with multiple English clubs having spent over £100m this summer, from Sunderland’s £140m spree to Liverpool’s deal for Florian Wirtz, which alone could reach £116m.
Several big deals are still close too, with Arsenal on the verge of signing Eberechi Eze for £67.5m, while Chelsea are completing a deal for Julio Enciso and Nottingham Forest are close to wrapping up a move for Douglas Luiz.
And with just 11 days left until the window slams shut, there is plenty going on behind the scenes as clubs look to make their final additions ahead of the 2025/26 season starting in earnest.
Here are 10 Premier League deals that could still be done before the deadline.
Before the transfer window closes, Man Utd must strengthen in one area - and it isn’t where you think
09:10
,
Flo Clifford
Following a 1-0 loss to Arsenal and a dispiriting draw with Fulham, it’s clear that there is a glaring hole in this Man United side - and it isn’t in their new-look, £200m front line.
Chris Wilson argues the club must strengthen in one key area, with Ruben Amorim’s future at stake if they don’t:
Fulham need three new signings, Marco Silva says
08:52
,
Flo Clifford
Fulham boss Marco Silva has criticised the club for failing to make crucial signings during this window, pointing out three key positions that they need to strengthen in on BBC Match of the Day.
After a pair of draws to open their league campaign, he said, “We lost two wingers and a striker and the plan we said in May has not happened.
“We have eight or nine days to correct things. We have to sign at least three players before the end of the market.”
Chelsea need sales to sanction moves before deadline day
07:00
,
Will Castle
Chelsea will press ahead with moves to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons this week if Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Tyrique George all leave, according to Sky Sports.
Multiple clubs are trying to buy Jackson and Nkunku, and take George on loan.
Seventeen players have left Chelsea this summer, bringing in around £270m - but more need to go for Chelsea to carry on securing their top targets.
Eberechi Eze will create ‘magic moments’ and take Arsenal to next level – Arteta
06:00
,
Will Castle
New Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze will create “magic moments” and take the club to a different level, manager Mikel Arteta claimed.
Arteta said of his latest recruit: “He (Eze) has the capacity to create these magic moments. He can do it from different positions, different situations. He’s got that flair and he’s got that charisma about him that is very contagious.
“It shows how much we want to take this club to a different level. His talent is unquestionable. He’s experienced in this league. The personality is unbelievable.
“He can play different positions. We know he can play as an attacking midfielder, right or left. He doesn’t care. And you can tell that what happened on that pitch (before the game) meant the world to him so I am delighted to have him.”
Philip Billing close to return to Denmark
04:00
,
Will Castle
FC Midtjylland are in advanced talks to sign midfielder Philip Billing from Bournemouth, according to Sky Sports.
The package being discussed is a permanent move worth around £5m in total.
The 29-year-old joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2019 for around £14m from Huddersfield.
The deep-seated issue that explains West Ham’s worrying decline
02:00
,
Miguel Delaney
“You can write what you want, at any time,” Graham Potter said, when asked if this is already a relegation battle. He admitted he “knows his responsibilities” when asked about his future.
From that, you could of course write at least some of the good from this 5-1 – like Joao Pedro’s supreme impact and how Chelsea might have now started a proper challenge.
Except, it’s impossible not to get away from the bad. And this was very bad from West Ham United, to the point that Potter looks in immediate danger. Might he even be gone before Nuno Espirito Santo? Could the Nottingham Forest manager replace him, given issues there?
Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo expected to remain in charge for match at Palace
Monday 25 August 2025 00:00
,
Will Castle
Nuno EspirNuno Espirito Santo looks set to be in charge of Nottingham Forest for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.
Nuno poured fuel on speculation his job was under threat on Friday saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”.
The Portuguese, who signed a new contract in June after guiding Forest to European football for the first time since 1995, admitted that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated, due in part to the arrival of global head of football Edu Gaspar.ito Santo looks set to be in charge of Nottingham Forest for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace.
Nuno poured fuel on speculation his job was under threat on Friday saying “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”.
The Portuguese, who signed a new contract in June after guiding Forest to European football for the first time since 1995, admitted that his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated, due in part to the arrival of global head of football Edu Gaspar.
DONE DEAL! Renato Sanches leaves PSG for Panathinaikos on loan
Sunday 24 August 2025 23:00
,
Will Castle
Renato Sanches has left PSG for Greek side Panathinaikos on loan.
Once the breakout star of Euro 2016, Sanches has endured a stop-start career, with high-profile moves to the Parisian giants and Bayern Munich proving ill-fated.
The Portuguese midfielder looked to have revived his career at Lille, where he spent three years and helped deliver a Ligue 1 title.
But after finding game time hard to come by at the Parc des Princes, he now makes his third loan move since moving to the French capital in 2022.
➡️☘️
— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) August 24, 2025
From game mode to go mode.#PAOFC #Panathinaikos pic.twitter.com/WPA1aGdj0e
Celtic target also left out of Royal Antwerp squad today alongside Senne Lammens
Sunday 24 August 2025 22:00
,
Will Castle
Man United target Senne Lammens wasn’t the only one left out of Royal Antwerp’s squad today.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha, wanted by Celtic, was also left out.
The Hoops remain in talks with the Belgian club over a £5m deal for the winger, according to Sky Sports.
Sunday 24 August 2025 21:30
,
Will Castle
AC Milan could pounce for Rasmus Hojlund if their move for Victor Boniface collapses, according to Nicolo Schira.
Hojlund’s intermediary was at the San Siro yesterday to watch the game between Milan and Cremonese.
After the match he had talks with the club - keeping them warm should their deal for Boniface fall apart. Boniface's move to Milan has stalled due to issues with medical.
Newcastle United transfer news: Yoane Wissa, Marc Guehi, Jorgen Strand Larsen and more
Sunday 24 August 2025 21:00
,
Will Castle
Having ended their trophy drought with Carabao Cup success last season, Newcastle United now have work to do in the final days of a torrid transfer window.
With a return to the Champions League, the Magpies needed to strengthen their squad to compete at the highest level, but despite boss Eddie Howe making it known that he is looking to work fast this summer, Newcastle have missed out on several of their top targets so far.
Benjamin Sesko was one high-profile target to opt against a move to St James Park, while key striker Alexander Isak has blown his relationship with the club as he chases a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
A full rundown of Newcastle’s transfer activity:
Spurs interested in Lucas Paqueta
Sunday 24 August 2025 20:30
,
Will Castle
Tottenham are showing an interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, according to CaughtOffside.
Thomas Frank is said to be desperate to add some vision and creativity to his squad.
Chelsea transfer news: Xavi Simons, Alejandro Garnacho, Morgan Rogers and more
Sunday 24 August 2025 20:00
,
Will Castle
Though a successful Club World Cup campaign saw Chelsea return from the USA as world champions, the Blues have still been very busy this summer in the transfer market.
The club began the transfer window with their usual vigour and had already completed the signings of Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap before adding Joao Pedro in time for the Brazilian to score in the Club World Cup final against PSG.
And now 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.
A full rundown of Chelsea’s transfer activity:
Tottenham preparing for a hijack of their own?
Sunday 24 August 2025 19:30
,
Will Castle
Tottenham fell victim to a transfer hijack from rivals Arsenal as they missed out on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
But according to Africa Foot, Spurs are now looking to swoop in for Palace’s planned replacement as they try and snatch Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.
Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak, Marc Guehi, Rodrygo and more
Sunday 24 August 2025 19:00
,
Will Castle
Liverpool have enjoyed a busy summer as they attempt to build on last season’s Premier League title success, with the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremy Frimpong giving the squad a positive outlook ahead of 2025/26.
Arne Slot orchestrated a stunning debut campaign at Anfield, inheriting a stacked squad from Jurgen Klopp before taking English football by storm to seal a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown for the club.
Mohamed Salah was the posterboy of Slot’s title winners, with an eye-watering 46 goal contributions in 37 games taking the Reds out of reach at the top of the table, but the Egyptian could need some help carrying the goalscoring burden, hence the signings of Ekitike and Wirtz.
A full rundown of Liverpool’s transfer activity:
Jacob Ramsey set to make Newcastle debut in much-anticipated Liverpool clash
Sunday 24 August 2025 18:30
,
Will Castle
New signing Jacob Ramsey could be thrust into the heat of Newcastle’s much-anticipated clash with Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 24-year-old midfielder joined the Magpies from Aston Villa last week in a deal which could eventually amount to £43million, and has been training with Eddie Howe’s squad as they prepare for Monday night’s showdown at St James’ Park.
Howe has already been impressed by what he has seen and while he is generally reluctant to throw new acquisitions in at the deep end, he has hinted that Ramsey could be involved.
Man United transfer news: Lucien Agoume, Carlos Baleba, Senne Lammens and more
Sunday 24 August 2025 18:00
,
Will Castle
Manchester United are in the midst of a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally re-shapes his squad and tries to transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that Amorim initially rebuffed United’s approach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and perhaps he was wise to try and delay the move, because what followed was a disastrous campaign culminating in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Now Amorim has had a full preseason to prepare his side and a summer transfer window to mould his squad before a season without European football, and he must take full advantage.
A full rundown of Man United’s transfer activity:
The key Thomas Frank difference to Tottenham’s statement win at Man City
Sunday 24 August 2025 17:30
,
Richard Jolly
Lads, it’s Thomas Frank’s Tottenham. A statement result for a new regime came at the ground that staged the most glorious triumph of Angeball. If Frank’s 2-0 win is statistically less impressive than Ange Postecoglou’s 4-0 evisceration of Manchester City last season, it came in a manner to suggest that this Tottenham Hotspur are built on sturdier foundations.
Yet if this season looks like a reaction to last term for Tottenham, the danger for City is that it is simply a continuation. Four summer signings started and six 2025 buys but, for Pep Guardiola, there may be a depressing familiarity to this. City conceded a goal to a counterattack and another because of a goalkeeping error. They were recurring themes last year. Guardiola tried six players in the three attacking midfield positions but without suggesting he knows his strongest side. Erling Haaland got too little service. City were emphatically beaten by the side who finished 17th last season.
If that was an indictment of Postecoglou, there was a fragility to his football and there is a solidity to Frank’s. The Dane could be an advertisement for pragmatism and, particularly after last year, pragmatism might have a beauty for Spurs. They were expertly organised, brimming with a powerful physicality. Frank had deployed a back five against Paris Saint-Germain, implying that tactic would be reserved for elite opponents. Perhaps City are less scary but he only fielded two central defenders.
Man United goalkeeper target left out of squad
Sunday 24 August 2025 17:10
,
Will Castle
Senne Lammens was left out of Royal Antwerp’s starting XI today as negotiations with Manchester United continue to advance.
The Belgian goalkeeper has agreed personal terms with Man United and the two clubs are close to agreeing fee, according to Fabrizio Romano.
How Eberechi Eze will fit into Arsenal’s new-look team
Sunday 24 August 2025 16:50
,
Lawrence Ostlere
Eberechi Eze and Arsenal, a marriage made in N7. He is exactly the player they need, a dribbler with creative spark who can break down the most stubborn defences; they are the club he most desires, able to fulfil his ambition to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League, and the one club who can soothe the scars of his youth.
“I was 13 [when Arsenal released me],” Eze told The Independent in 2020, then a young breakout star at QPR. “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it. Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again. We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.”
Eze came close to signing for Tottenham this week but if he was ever to leave Selhurst Park, Arsenal always felt like the rightful home for his peak years. Yet there remains a question about his place under Mikel Arteta and exactly where he fits in to the team. Tottenham would have built the side around Eze’s creativity in the No 10 role, but he will have to carve out his own space in an Arsenal squad brimming with talent.
Fabian Hurzeler expects Carlos Baleba to stay at Brighton
Sunday 24 August 2025 16:49
,
Richard Jolly
Fabian Hurzeler just answered "yes" when asked if he expects Carlos Baleba to still be at the Amex come the end of the window.
Baleba had been subject to strong interest from Manchester United, but this has since cooled.
Sheffield United agree fee for Japhet Tanganga
Sunday 24 August 2025 16:30
,
Will Castle
Sheffield United have agreed a fee with Millwall for defender Japhet Tanganga, according to Sky Sports.
The clubs are now working to finalise the last details of the deal.
Tanganga was left out of Millwall's squad for yesterday's 1-0 win at the Blades.
Derby set to sign Max Johnston
Sunday 24 August 2025 16:10
,
Will Castle
Derby have reached an agreement with Sturm Graz to sign 21-year-old right-back Max Johnston, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The deal consists of a €2.5m guaranteed fee with €1.5m in add-ons.
With only the final details to sort, a medical is being booked in.
Como reject Tottenham's advances for Nico Paz
Sunday 24 August 2025 15:50
,
Will Castle
Como have turned down Tottenham's improved bid of £39m for Argentinian midfielder Nico Paz, according to Nicolo Schira.
Spurs are said to be preparing a new offer for the 20-year-old, even if Cesc Fabregas considers him untouchable.
Brentford eyeing Nathan Collins replacement
Sunday 24 August 2025 15:30
,
Will Castle
Brentford are considering a move for Coventry defender Bobby Thomas in case they lose Nathan Collins before the close of the transfer window, according to Football Insider.
The Bees’ centre-back has been linked with a move away in recent weeks, and they could be set to look to the Championship for a replacement in standout Coventry man Thomas.
Crystal Palace to cover all bases with Eberechi Eze replacement?
Sunday 24 August 2025 15:10
,
Will Castle
Crystal Palace could sign both Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis and Villarreal forward Yeremy Pino to replace Eberechi Eze, according to The Sun.
Palace have been quiet so far this transfer window, only signing left-back Borna Sosa and backup goalkeeper Walter Benitez, but following the £60m sale of Eze, they could go all out to replace the Englishman.
West Ham and Nottingham Forest face competition for Soungoutou Magassa
Sunday 24 August 2025 14:50
,
Will Castle
Atalanta are set to rival West Ham and Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Monaco's France Under-21 midfielder Soungoutou Magassa.
Foot Mercato claim both Premier League sides have made respective offers for the midfielder, but could be thwarted by the new suitor.
Real Betis still working on Antony move
Sunday 24 August 2025 14:30
,
Will Castle
Real Betis are still working on deal to sign Antony from Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Talks are ongoing to agree terms and try get a green light on the deal structure.
Antony starred on loan for Betis last season, scoring nine goals and notching five assists.
Victor Boniface's move to AC Milan under threat
Sunday 24 August 2025 14:10
,
Will Castle
Victor Boniface looked on the verge of joining AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen, but after undergoing his medical, a move remains up in the air.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Boniface has returned to Germany as he awaits an imminent decision on his medical.
Boniface saw a move to Saudi Arabia also fall through in January.
Kostas Tsimikas off to Italy?
Sunday 24 August 2025 13:50
,
Will Castle
Roma are reportedly keen on signing Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas on loan, according to Di Marzio.