Transfer news live: Liverpool eye Guehi after Wirtz, Gyokeres’ Arsenal claim, Mbeumo makes Man Utd U-turn

Latest transfer news

• Florian Wirtz is taking his Liverpool medical today ahead of his British transfer record move from Bayer Leverkusen
• The Reds are also readying a big bid for Marc Guehi, potentially as a replacement for Jarell Quansah
• Man Utd target Bryan Mbeumo said to have done shock U-turn and now prefers a move to Spurs
• Arsenal eye Chelsea star Noni Madueke as Enzo Maresca responds to rumours
• Benjamin Sesko agent clarifies rumours on Arsenal situation after stumbling block over £86m fee
• The Gunners also agree to pay more than release clause for Martin Zubimendi

Mbeumo deal still on?

Plenty of conflicting reports continue to emerge regarding the future of Bryan Mbeumo, who is a target for both Man Utd and Spurs.

It was United who were said to be in the driving seat to sign the Cameroon international, though recent developments – including Thomas Frank’s move to Spurs – seem to have thrown a spanner in the works.

It is said that Brentford want close to £70m for the 25-year-old, while United are the only club to have made an offer so far. That bid, allegedly around £45m plus £10 in add-ons, was swiftly rejected.

Man United transfer news: Bryan Mbeumo, Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike, Oumar Solet and more

Manchester United face a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally gets the chance to shape his squad and transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table.

It shouldn’t be forgotten that Amorim initially rebuffed United’s approachfollowing the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and perhaps he was wise to try and delay the move, because what followed was a disastrous campaign cuminating in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

Now Amorim has 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.

The release of the Premier League fixtures shows a difficult start for United, with an opening game agasint Arsenal and fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea within their first five matches of 2025/26, and the manager’s future could be called into question early should his side struggle.

United got some early business done with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal, and among interest in other targets including Bryan Mbeumo, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made clear that the money pot is not deep, so offloading high-wage players such as Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho could be key to funding the revolution.

Here’s everything you need to know about Manchester United’s summer transfer plans.

Ekitike rumours continue

Though Liverpool are being heavily linked to Alexander Isak, rumours around the future of Hugo Ekitike refuse to go away, with Manchester United and Chelsea also linked.

The 22-year-old was originally touted for a move at around €100m, though subsequent reports suggest he could be available for closer to £65m (€76m).

At this stage, both United and Liverpool are said to have made contact with the player’s camp.

Ekitike is the latest name to be linked to a move to Old Trafford (Getty)

Fulham hoping to bring Palhinha back?

Fulham are exploring a potential deal to re-sign midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to the Daily Mail.

The 29-year-old has struggled to make an impact following his move to Bayern last summer for £47.4m, having started just six Bundesliga games.

It is not yet clear what sort of fee Bayern may demand, or if they’re completely willing to sell.

Atleti interested in Robertson

Atletico Madrid remain interested in Andy Robertson, with the Spanish club reportedly hoping to do a deal for under £10m.

The 31-year-old has a year left on his current contract and is believed to be open to the move considering the impending arrival of Milos Kerkez.

(Getty Images)

Man Utd outgoings latest

Reports around Man Utd suggest that Ruben Amorim has told Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho that they will not be going on the club’s US tour if they are still at the club by then.

The quartet will train alone at Carrington if they are still at the club.

Reports linking all four with moves away have gone quiet in recent days, with Rashford linked to a move to Barcelona and Real Betis supposedly keen on keeping Antony in some form.

Garnacho was reportedly wanted by Napoli but seems keen to stay in the Premier League, while Sancho has also been touted for a move to the Italian champions.

Arsenal transfer news: Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and more

It was once again a case of close but not close enough for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2024/25. Finishing second fiddle to the Premier Leaguechampions for a third successive season, the Gunners endured another trophyless campaign after their Champions League push fell at the hands of eventual winners PSG.

A key reason for their failure to achieve was an attacking injury crisis that forced Mikel Merino, a defensive midfielder, to take up a role of makeshift number nine for the final months of the season.

What these fitness problems demonstrated is that despite their undeniable quality in the starting XI, Arsenal’s depth is far from good enough for a team hopeful of major titles, both domestically and on the continent.

With the transfer window having re-opened on 16 June, a striker remains top of the club’s shopping list, though the club have been linked with midfield and winger signings in recent weeks.

Here’s everything you need to know about Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.

Barca eyeing two wingers?

While reports yesterday suggested that Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Nico Williams, Fabrizio Romano claims that the club have asked to be kept informed over conditions for the transfer of young winger prospect Roony Bardghji.

The Copenhagen winger, aged 19, has represented Sweden at youth level as is regarded as a top prospect.

Forest swoop for South American trio

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Nottingham Forest are closing in on deals for three Botafogo players, including striker Igor Jesus, who scored the winner against PSG last night.

Forest are said to be edging closer to deals for Jesus, left-back Cuiabano and centre-back Jair Cunha, though the total fees are unknown at this point.

Jesus scored the winner against PSG in the Club World Cup (Getty Images)

Palace hold talks over Diomande

A big story from yesterday, as it was revealed that Crystal Palace have held initial talks with Sporting CP over centre-back Ousmane Diomande.

The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international has been identified as a target for the position amid Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi.

And it would represent a real coup for Palace, with Diomande highly regarded throughout the continent.

Benjamin Sesko’s agent clarifies price tag haggling rumours over Arsenal switch

Benjamin Sesko’s agent, Elivis Basanovic, says rumours that RB Leipzigare being pressured lower their asking price for the forward are ‘rubbish’.

Basanovic made clear that the German club and Sesko have a respectable relationship and are both aware of the other’s priorities. Those, of course, being: Sesko’s desire to move to Arsenal and Leipzig wanting to negotiate the best price for him.

Leipzig are open to letting Sesko leave and the forward has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners but Basanovic sought to ‘clarify’ matters and stressed he will honour Leipzig's price tag of a reported €80-100m (£68-86m).

Partey set to leave Arsenal?

The Guardian are reporting that Thomas Partey’s contract talks are at an “impasse”, with the Ghanaian out of contract at the end of the month.

The paper suggests that Partey “is thought to prefer to stay”, though Arsenal are only offering reduced terms.

Chelsea to swoop for Pedro

Joao Pedro has been heavily linked with Newcastle this summer but Chelsea may well swoop in to hijack the move.

The Brighton forward is said to be available for around £60m, with Newcastle in talks with the Seagulls but The Sun are now saying that Chelsea have real interest in the Brazilian.

Both clubs can offer Champions League football so it would come down to the players’ preference.

Joao Pedro is wanted by Newcastle and Chelsea (EPA)

Quansah set for Leverkusen

We mentioned the Liverpool-Marc Guehi link a short while ago and that makes even more sense given Jarell Quansah is on the brink of sealing his move to Bayer Leverkusen.

According to Fabrizio Romano, it will be agreed in the next 48 hours or so with the clubs at the final stages of negotiation with a fee set to be around £30m plus £5m add-ons. Quansah himself is happy to move.

Gyokeres makes transfer decision in good news for Arsenal

According to reports, Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he will join Arsenal this summer.

The Sporting striker is one of most sought-after names on the market and has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.

But Talksport claim that Gyokeres expects to make the move to the Gunners, even though a fee has not yet been agreed, with Arsenal hoping to pay around £60m, while Sporting want closer to £80m for the 27-year-old.

Viktor Gyokeres wants to move to Arsenal (AFP/Getty)

Liverpool to make big bid for Guehi

With Jarell Quansah potentially heading to Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool are set to launch a bid for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

That’s according to The Telegraph , who say the Reds are in pole position to sign the England man, despite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle.

Spurs bid £70m for Guehi in January (£55m guaranteed) but couldn’t convince Palace to sell. However, the defender is now entering the final year of his contract, which may force the Eagles’s hand.

Marc Guehi is wanted by Liverpool (The FA via Getty Images)

Arsenal hold initial talks with Rodrygo

Another forward that Arsenal are being linked with, they club are said to have held “exploratory talks” with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo as Mikel Arteta seeks to upgrade his forward options.

Rodrygo’s role in the Madrid faded towards the end of last season, and The Independent reported this month that the 24-year-old Brazilian would not be a natural fit for new manager Xabi Alonso’s preferred system.

But Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal hold a “genuine interest” in Rodrygo, with ongoing talks dating back to May. Madrid value their player at around €90m.

Rodrygo is interesting Arsenal (AP)

Chelsea lead race for Dortmund's Gittens

Chelsea lead the race for Borussia Dortmund’s talented young winger Jamie Gittens.

The 20-year-old Gittens has impressed at Dortmund, scoring 12 goals in 49 games this season and playing an integral role in the campaign.

He has already agreed personal terms on a long contract at Stamford Bridge, reports Fabrizio Romano, and is refusing to speak with other clubs. Now it is up to Chelsea to meet Dortmund’s price tag.

Jamie Gittens is only interested in Chelsea (Reuters)

Sancho will need to take pay cut to join Napoli

Sky Sports reports that Jadon Sancho is under consideration at Napoli, though the winger would need to take a significant pay cut if he were to join the Italian champions.

Napoli “will formally approach Man Utd if they believe a move is realistic”, and they have reportedly been in touch with Sancho’s representatives over personal terms.

United are said to prefer a permanent sale to any other type of deal, and it is thought their valuation is around £25m.

Jadon Sancho lookss set to be on the move this summer (TT News Agency)

Arsenal eye Chelsea star Noni Madueke as Enzo Maresca responds

Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke is being linked with Arsenal as the Gunners look to improve their forward options this summer.

Madueke is seen as the ideal wing complement to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka but Blues boss Enzo Maresca has poured cold water on the speculation, insisting Chelsea have no plans on selling him.

Speaking at the Club World Cup, Maresca told reporters: "Noni is our player, you can read a lot of speculation at the moment but we consider Noni our player for the coming season."

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke is wanted by Arsenal (PA Wire)

Mbeumo does Man Utd U-turn

Manchester United remain confident of sealing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo but a new update could have thrown a spanner in the works, with the Brentford star said to have done a U-turn on an Old Trafford move.

The word all along has been that the player himself prefers a move to United but journalist Duncan Castles has said on The Transfers Podcast, that Tottenham could now be viewed as a more attractive option for the 25-year-old.

Should both teams submit offers worth £70m, Brentford's reported asking price, it's suggested that Spurs could win the battle thanks to the prospect on Champions League football and reuniting with Thomas Frank.

Bryan Mbeumo may now prefer a move to Tottenham (Getty)

Are Liverpool targeting Isak?

With much of the rest of the squad seemingly in top shape ahead of 2025/26, Liverpool continue to be linked with a range of strikers.

Alexander Isak has been touted as the club’s “dream” target, though with Newcastle having qualified for the Champions League it is seen as unlikely that they let their star player leave.

Nevertheless, Reds fans can hope – Isak has transformed into one of the best strikers in world football in recent months, and his signature would certainly make Liverpool favourites for back-to-back league titles (and probably a European Cup to add to it).

Alexander Isak would be a dream target for Liverpool (AFP via Getty Images)

Florian Wirtz in England for Liverpool medical ahead of £116m move

Florian Wirtz has landed in England for his Liverpool medical ahead of a British record £116m move to the club.

Liverpool came to a verbal agreement with Bayer Levekusen on Wednesday evening after seeing three bids turned down, with a fourth and final offer worth an initial £100m plus add-ons being accepted.

He landed at Manchester Airport on Thursday afternoon, from where he will travel to Merseyside to finalise a deal, with a medical penned in for today

Arsenal make Sesko progress but stumbling block remains

Arsenal have reportedly “agreed personal terms” with their prime No 9 target Benjamin Sesko, according to Sport Bild via sportwitness, but there remains a major stumbling block in the shape of his huge price tag.

Sky Sports Germany reports that Leipzig are holding out for €80-100m (£68-86m), and Arsenal are reluctant to go that high. Even so, several reports have said the Gunners are preparing a first solid bid for the striker.

It is clearly a delicate operation, with Viktor Gyokeres waiting on hold to see how the situation progresses.

Benjamin Sesko is close to a move to Arsenal but RB Leipzig are holding out for a big fee (AP)