Transfer news live: Zubimendi throws Arsenal move into doubt, Liverpool get £18m boost for Wirtz signing

FootballSports
4 Jun 2025 • 2:56 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The summer transfer window is up and running with a shortened period between 1 June and 10 June enabling business to be done ahead of the Club World Cup.

Manchester City and Chelsea will represent the Premier League at the tournament, but it is champions Liverpool who look busy already having seen a club-record bid for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reportedly rebuffed, watching goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher leave for Brentford and wrapping up a deal to bring Jeremie Frimpong to Anfield by triggering his £29.5m release clause.

It comes as Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid before the Club World Cup, with a £10m fee agreed to get him out of his contract a month early. Manchester United have an awful lot of work to do in the window after a disastrous season, though Matheus Cunha will sign from Wolves for £62.5m, and Bryan Mbeumo now appears to be on their list of targets with the Brentford forward seemingly keen on a switch. Doubt is also easing over captain Bruno Fernandes’s potential departure with the Portuguese supposedly rejecting a mega offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Arsenal, meanwhile, may have hit a snag in their attempted addition of Martin Zubimendi but 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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Transfer News Live

  • Arsenal given a boost as Benjamin Sesko fee revealed but Martin Zubimendi throws move into doubt
  • Bruno Fernandes reveals reasons behind decision to remain at Manchester United
  • DONE DEAL! Caoimhin Kelleher completes his move from Liverpool to Brentford
  • Liverpool see club record bid for Florian Wirtz rejected after signing Jeremie Frimpong
  • Manchester United told the price for Bryan Mbeumo
  • Chelsea make decision on Jadon Sancho future
  • The five factors driving a frenzied start to transfer window

Bruno Fernandes reveals reasons behind decision to remain at Manchester United

19:56

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Richard Jolly

Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal to stay at Manchester United.

The United captain said he wants to carry on playing in the major competitions and said that manager Ruben Amorim kept asking him to remain at Old Trafford.

And Fernandes, who could reportedly could have quadrupled his wages, said his wife and Amorim persuaded him to stay as he preferred to carry on competing for trophies in Europe.

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Chelsea and Liverpool target suffers back injury

19:40

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Mike Jones

Some injury news concerning Chelsea and Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike.

The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has withdrawn from France's squad for the Under-21s Euros this summer, with the French Football Federation citing back pain that "will prevent him from being fit for the start of the competition".

The 22-year-old is one of the most sought-after forwards around this summer and showed his class when scoring a hat-trick for France's U21s in a 5-3 win over England in March.

Arsenal boost as Benjamin Sesko price revealed

19:21

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Mike Jones

It had been thought that Benjamin Sesko would cost Arsenal €100m (£84m) this summer but Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that he is likely available for less.

The RB Leipzig star is one of the Gunners’s top targets in the priority No 9 position and Romano says the club are already aware of the potential contract terms and Leipzig’s demands, which are believed to be lower than his previously reported €100m price tag.

The Slovenia international, who signed a new, four-year deal with Leipzig last summer, enjoyed a career-best season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists across all competitions.

Arsenal miss out on goalkeeper

19:00

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Mike Jones

At the other end of the pitch there’s less good news for Arsenal, as they’ve reportedly missed out on goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Garcia, 24, was hugely impressive in helping Espanyol avoid relegation from LaLiga and Arsenal were said to be interested in bringing him in.

But Spanish outlet Sport are reporting that Garcia will instead join Espanyol’s local rivals Barcelona on a five-year deal after Barca agreed to pay his £21m release clause. The deal is set to be completed next week.

Bruno Fernandes decision made!

18:40

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Mike Jones

Manchester United appear to be holding on to Bruno Fernandes, in good news for Ruben Amorim - for now.

The Portuguese midfielder had been mulling a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, but Fabrizio Romano reports that the club captain has rejected their proposal as he wishes to stay in Europe.

Could that mean a move elsewhere, though?

Manchester United open talks over Bryan Mbeumo deal

18:19

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Mike Jones

Manchester United appear to be active players in the early market despite missing out on European football next season.

A deal for Matheus Cunha has already been agreed with Wolves and now it appears that another Premier League forward is being targeted following a standout campaign.

The Athletic report that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is keen on a move to Old Trafford with talks underway between the two clubs.

DONE DEAL! Enzo Le Fee joins Sunderland

18:04

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Luke Baker

Newly-promoted Sunderland have dipped into the transfer market with the permanent signing of Enzo Le Fee from Roma.

Le Fee had been on loan at the Stadium of Light since January and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The move from loan to permanent, on a four-year contract, was reliant on the Black Cats gaining promotion and the fee is understood to be in the region of £20m, which is a club record.

Le Fee said: “I said before the play-off final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay, and this made it the most important game of my life. Together, we did it.”

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Simone Inzaghi leaves Inter Milan following historic Champions League final demolition

17:42

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Luke Baker

Simone Inzaghi has left his role as Inter Milan head coach just three days after his side succumbed to a historic demolition in the Champions League final at the hands of PSG.

Inzaghi failed to guide the Nerazzurri to the fabled European crown in Munich, his second attempt having previously lost to Manchester City in the 2023 final.

The 5-0 defeat to PSG compounded Inter’s devastating season climax after missing out on the Serie A title to Napoli just eight days prior.

Inzaghi is now expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

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Newcastle could move for Joao Pedro

17:21

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Luke Baker

Newcastle have expressed an interest in signing Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

Pedro has a number of admirers in the Premier League and Europe, with Newcastle having him on their shortlist of striker possibilities.

According to Sky Sports News, Pedro would only consider a move to a club where he was first-choice striker, which could be a stumbling block given the presence of Alexander Isak. However, the prospect of Champions League football is a positive.

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Son Heung Min could leave Spurs for Saudi Arabia

17:01

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Luke Baker

Tottenham skipper Son Heung Min could be set to leave the club this summer as they seek to reshape their squad ahead of their Champions League return.

The Telegraph are reporting that there are Saudi Pro League clubs prepared to make big offers for the 32-year-old forward.

He has one year left on his contract, so would generate a fee for Spurs, and Saudi clubs are particularly interested in the South Korean given his profile in Europe and Asia.

A club legend, he finally won a trophy with Tottenham when lifting the Europa League last month, and the speculation comes with boss Ange Postecoglou also expected to depart this week despite brining cup success.

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Inzaghi to leave Inter for Saudi Arabia

16:39

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Luke Baker

Simone Inzaghi has decided to leave Inter Milan and accept an offer to become head coach of Al Hilal, report Sky Sports.

The news comes three days after Inter lost the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, with his future now lying in Saudi Arabia.

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Martin Zubimendi throws Arsenal move into doubt

16:18

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Luke Baker

A curveball that Arsenal could definitely have done without. Martin Zubimendi has thrown doubt on to his move to the Gunners.

The Real Sociedad midfielder was thought to be a sure thing, with a deal being agreed and only the formalities of a medical to be completed but he has no refused to rule out the possibility of staying at Sociedad.

The 26-year-old had a €60 million (£50.5m) release clause that has supposedly been met but in an interview with Radio Nacional de Espana, Zubimendi said his future is undecided.

“Of course there are options, but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end,” Zubimendi said.

“I don’t think thinking about it right now is my priority. I’m here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.”

After reports emerged claiming that Zubimendi was undergoing a medical with Arsenal, the midfielder uploaded a picture from a beach in San Sebastian on his Instagram account.

“It’s an example of what surrounds football,” Zubimendi added. “Many times I wake up in the morning and read things that I didn’t know I had done. That was a clear example.”

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DONE DEAL! Brentford complete £18m signing of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool

16:02

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Luke Baker

Caoimhin Kelleher has completed his move from Liverpool to Brentford for £18m.

The Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper joins Brentford as the replacement for Mark Flekken, who has completed his £11m transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.

Brentford were swift to identify Kelleher as their top target to take over from the Dutchman and he passed a medical and agreed personal terms with the London club.

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Rasmus Hojlund on his way out of Old Trafford?

15:43

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Luke Baker

While Bryan Mbeumo can operate centrally, it may be that Manchester United are still on the hunt for a focal point up front with neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee really seizing their chances under Ruben Amorim so far.

La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy report that Champions League finalists Inter Milan eyeing Hojlund on loan.

The Denmark international joined United from Serie A club Atalanta for £72m in August 2023.

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Barcelona enter Luis Diaz talks

15:26

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Luke Baker

Barcelona have started initial talks with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz amid interest from Saudi Arabia for the Colombian, according to Sky Sports Germany.

The report states that Diaz is one of the main targets for Barcelona this summer, despite the high overall cost and ongoing issues with registration.

Diaz scored 16 goals across all competitions for Liverpool this term but could be leaving Anfield

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Mateta on Man Utd's radar?

15:08

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Luke Baker

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is being linked with Manchester United.

After Liam Delap turned down United to move to Chelsea, the Red Devils are looking at Bryan Mbeumo and Mateta.

Teamtalk reports that Mateta is on United's striker shortlist and the club are "expected to make a concrete move in the coming days to explore the conditions of a potential deal.”

They also report interest in Mateta from Juventus and AC Milan.

Why Manchester United are confident of signing Bryan Mbeumo as attacking overhaul continues

14:50

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Luke Baker

Manchester United are interested in signing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo and are confident he wants to move to Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim wants to make the 25-year-old his second summer signing, with Matheus Cunha set to complete a £62.5m move from Wolves when he returns from international duty with Brazil.

United are yet to agree a fee with Brentford for Mbeumo, who has attracted attention from Newcastle and could be valued at around £60m.

But Amorim has targeted the Cameroon international as he looks to add goals to a United side who only scored 44 times in the Premier League last season.

Latest from Richard Jolly:

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Chelsea in talks to buy Jamie Gittens

14:31

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Luke Baker

Chelsea are in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

The Blues are targeting another wide player, with doubts over the future of Jadon Sancho, who could return to Manchester United with the Blues paying £5m in compensation to avoid the £25m obligation to buy.

And the Telegraph say Chelsea could make a £50m move for Englishman Gittens, with a release clause in and around that figure.

Gittens has shone for the Bundesliga giants since joining in 2020, with the Under-21 international the youngest English player to score in the Champions League – aged 20 and 75 days – after his goal against Real Madrid.

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Bruno Fernandes makes decision on Man Utd future

14:12

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Luke Baker

Manchester United appear to be holding on to Bruno Fernandes, in good news for Ruben Amorim - for now.

The Portuguese midfielder had been mulling a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, but Fabrizio Romano reports that the club captain has rejected their proposal as he wishes to stay in Europe. Could that mean a move elsewhere, though?

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Federico Chiesa 'to think about' leaving Liverpool

13:46

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Luke Baker

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has admitted he’s pondering a return to Italy this summer.

He played just 14 times for the Reds in his first season at Anfield, having signed for £10m last summer.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, when asked about a potential return to Serie A, Chiesa said: “That’s something to think about during the summer.

“My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We’ll find the best solution for everyone.

“While out of the squad (at Juventus), I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.

“I hope (next season) it’s my season. My dream is to participate in the World Cup.”

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Chelsea opt to pay £5m penalty to Man United to avoid signing Jadon Sancho permanently

13:19

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Luke Baker

Chelsea have chosen to pay a £5m penalty to Manchester United to get out of their obligation to buy Jadon Sancho permanently at the end of the season.

Sancho, 25, spent the last season on loan at the Blues, joining from United last August on an initial deal until the end of June.

The terms of the loan meant Chelsea would have had to pay a fee of around £25m to complete the transfer outright if they finished higher than 14th in the Premier League - or pay a penalty to opt out.

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Gyokeres pulls out of Sweden squad

13:04

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Luke Baker

A fly in the ointment for the teams chasing Viktor Gyokeres or an abundance of caution?

Gyokeres has withdrawn from the Sweden squad for friendlies against Hungary and Algeria, with the Swedish FA citing a "minor injury".

The Sporting striker has interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea after his prolific goalscoring form (54 goals in 52 appearances this season), with his release clause around £84m but expected to leave for less.

Crystal Palace in for Djalo?

12:50

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Luke Baker

Crystal Palace are showing interest in Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Palace are planning to bring in a new centre-back this summer, with Marc Guehi potentially leaving the club.

Djalo was on loan at Porto this season and is expected to leave Juve.

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Danilo to leave Nottingham Forest?

12:33

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Luke Baker

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo looks set to leave the club, with Lyon closing in on a deal for around £20m

Forest need to give the move a final green light still but the Brazilian appears to be close to the exit door.

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Man City close in on AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders

12:20

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Luke Baker

Man City’s summer spending could be about to get started as they edge closer to securing a deal for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan.

Milan have indicated they want more than £50m (€60m) - closer to £59m (€70m) - and are expecting an offer soon, according to Sky Sports.

Ideally, City wants players in before the Club World Cup but won’t rush deals for the sake of it. Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri are other names on their wishlist.

Chelsea approach Milan over move for Maignan

12:05

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Jack Rathborn

Chelsea have approached AC Milan about a potential move for Mike Maignan, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The French goalkeeper would likely come in to displace Robert Sanchez, who had a tough season for the Blues.

Maignan is yet to extend his contract at the San Siro and could become a free agent in 2026.

Chelsea also have Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who shone on loan for Strasbourg, on their books, while 19-year-old Belgian shot-stopper Mike Penders will join this summer from Genk and is seen as one for the future.

Roma interested in Norwich striker

11:50

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Luke Baker

Serie A side Roma are interested in signing Norwich City striker Josh Sargent.

Sky Sports are reporting that Sargent is among the names at the top of Roma’s attacking target list and while Norwich are aware of the interest, they are yet to receive a concrete offer.

The 25-year-old USA international is contracted to Norwich until the summer of 2028 and was named in the Championship Team of the Season after 15 goals and five assists in all competitions.

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Jadon Sancho future revealed as Chelsea make decision

11:30

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Luke Baker

The saga over whether Jadon Sancho would stay at Chelsea or not appears to be over.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that Sancho will leave Chelsea when his loan contract ends on 30 June after an agreement could not be reached over personal terms for loan to turn permanent.

That means Chelsea will pay the £5m penalty for him to return to Manchester United, where the forward will now explore options in England and abroad for his next move.

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Keir Starmer urges Mikel Arteta to sign a striker

11:17

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Luke Baker

When even the prime minister is urging you to do something in the transfer market, you probably have to oblige...

It’s no secret that British prime minister Keir Starmer is a huge Arsenal fan, in fact he’s still a season ticket holder at the Emirates, and in an interview with Sky Sports, he has given his thoughts on the Gunners’s season, their transfer plans and the need to buy a striker.

"There's no hiding that being second again [in the Premier League] is frustrating. Been there, done that,” said Starmer.

“But the team this year have been fantastic. We were good last year, we’ve built on that and the Real Madrid game was incredible. There’s the makings of a really, really good team there but it just needs a little extra.

“It’s a good core team, Arteta has done a good job but we’ve got to kick on from here. Next season has got to be the year we do it.

“We need one or two extra players. Striker... That's the one that leaps out and it's been there for a little while now.”

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Viktor Gyokeres heading to the Premier League?

11:01

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Luke Baker

Good news for Premier League clubs hoping to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with the Sporting striker apparently keen to return to England.

Gyokeres formerly played for Coventry City in the Championship before moving to Portugal and has Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all chasing him this summer after his prolific goalscoring.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, the 26-year-old has seemingly rejected Barcelona and Juventus because he has his eye on a Premier League move. Along with Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike, Gyokeres is a key domino to fall in the No 9 market.

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Arsenal miss out on goalkeeper

10:47

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Luke Baker

At the other end of the pitch there’s less good news for Arsenal, as they’ve reportedly missed out on goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Garcia, 24, was hugely impressive in helping Espanyol avoid relegation from LaLiga and Arsenal were said to be interested in bringing him in.

But Spanish outlet Sport are reporting that Garcia will instead join Espanyol’s local rivals Barcelona on a five-year deal after Barca agreed to pay his £21m release clause. The deal is set to be completed next week.

Arsenal boost as Benjamin Sesko price revealed

10:28

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Luke Baker

It had been thought that Benjamin Sesko would cost Arsenal €100m (£84m) this summer but Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that he is likely available for less.

The RB Leipzig star is one of the Gunners’s top targets in the priority No 9 position and Romano says the club are already aware of the potential contract terms and Leipzig’s demands, which are believed to be lower than his previously reported €100m price tag.

The Slovenia international, who signed a new, four-year deal with Leipzig last summer, enjoyed a career-best season, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists across all competitions.

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Chelsea and Liverpool target suffers back injury

10:16

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Luke Baker

Some injury news concerning Chelsea and Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike.

The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has withdrawn from France's squad for the Under-21s Euros this summer, with the French Football Federation citing back pain that "will prevent him from being fit for the start of the competition".

The 22-year-old is one of the most sought-after forwards around this summer and showed his class when scoring a hat-trick for France's U21s in a 5-3 win over England in March.

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Brentford set Bryan Mbeumo asking price for Man Utd

10:09

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Luke Baker

As reported earlier, Bryan Mbeumo is keen on a move to Manchester United and talks are underway between the two clubs. Now, Brentford have set their price.

The Bees want at least £60m for the 25-year-old forward, who has one year left on his contract although Brentford have an option for a further season.

Mbeumo has scored 29 goals and produced 14 assists in the Premier League over the past two seasons, while his versatility in terms of playing on the right or through the middle is seen as a bonus.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has made it clear the club won’t sell the Cameroon international on the cheap.

Frank said: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot. How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”

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Arsenal transfer guide: Benjamin Sesko and top targets in ‘big’ summer for Mikel Arteta

09:45

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Will Castle

Arsenal will be hoping for a productive summer as they look to buck their trend of second-place finishes next term. Here’s our guide to the players they need to sign and shift to go one better.

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Arsenal hope to tie down Myles Lewis-Skelly to new deal amid Real Madrid interest

09:30

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid have already pinched one homegrown full-back from a Premier League club in recent weeks, and have been connected with another in Arsenal’s breakout start of the season, Myles Lewis-Skelly. In what one would suggest is not entirely a coincidence, this link comes just as the 18-year-old begins discussions over a new contract with the north London club - and the Mail believe that he will put pen to paper on a new deal. Funny that...

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Aleksandar Mitrovic linked with Premier League return

09:15

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Could Aleksandar Mitrovic yet add to his 38 Premier League goals? The former Fulham and Newcastle striker has seemingly been made available by Al-Hilal having enjoyed two free-scoring seasons in Saudi Arabia, with all of Everton (yes), West Ham (makes sense) and Manchester United (hmm...) monitoring a possible move.

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A Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund?

09:00

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Harry Latham-Coyle

Could Bellingham be on the move? It’s Jobe rather than Jude in the papers with the teenage midfielder fresh from helping Sunderland back into the Premier League and now perhaps eyeing pastures new. Reports in Germany indicate that Jobe could follow in his elder brother’s footsteps with a switch to Borussia Dortmund, though other clubs in the Bundesliga are also interested.