Transfer news live: Bayern battle Chelsea for Gittens, Liverpool blow and Arsenal’s Rodrygo hurdle

Latest transfer news

• Florian Wirtz completes record move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen
• The Reds now turn attention to Milos Kerkez, who is expected on Merseyside to complete a deal early next week
• Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak are also on Liverpool's wanted list
• Conflicting reports over the future of Man Utd target Bryan Mbeumo
• Arsenal agree terms with Benjamin Sesko but price remains a stumbling block
• Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he will join the Gunners this summer

Liverpool-target Guehi considering options

Liverpool could miss out on defensive target Marc Guehi because the defender does not want to take a risk on his playing time next season.

That’s according to the Guardian, which reports that the Crystal Palace centre-back wants to make sure he features at next summer’s World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada.

Guehi is wanted by Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool and, with only one year left on his contract, Palace are keen to cash in now rather than lose him for free at the end of the season.

But Guehi is reluctant to make a move now that might jeopardise his England chances, and the competition at Liverpool – where Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the starting pair – is a serious consideration.

Marc Guehi is a target for several clubs (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Bayern join Chelsea in battle for Bynoe-Gittens

Bayern Munich are “serious” about buying Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, according to kicker.

Bynoe-Gittens has been heavily linked with a switch to Chelsea this summer, having impressed in three seasons at Borussia Dortmund after switching from Manchester City’s academy in 2022.

But now Bayern are said to be interested, with director Max Eberl in direct conversation with the winger.

Brighton want Elliott

Brighton are preparing a £40m bid for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, according to various reports.

Elliott has admitted his Liverpool future is uncertain as he eyes more playing time and is currently with England at the U21 Euros.

The 22-year-old is said to be the Seagulls’ main summer target and Elliott reportedly turned down a move to Nottingham Forest over concerns about their style of play. Brighton are said to pose no such problems.

He made 45 appearances for the Reds last season, but struggled for starts, and Arne Slot is reported to be happy to let him move on.

Harvey Elliott could be headed for Brighton (REUTERS)

Sancho heading to Juventus?

According to Sky Sports, Juventus are exploring a potential move for Jadon Sancho.

Sancho is expected to leave Man United this summer after spending last season out on loan at Chelsea, who opted to pay a fine to not make the move permanent, and both Juventus and Napoli are interested.

The report states that United are willing to sell the winger for around £25m.

Jadon Sancho could be Serie A bound (TT News Agency)

Newcastle chase Rashford

Newcastle are eager to sign Marcus Rashford as the England international seeks a route out of his Old Trafford nightmare.

According to The Sun, Newcastle's preference is for a season-long loan while Manchester United would prefer a permanent sale.

Rashford's current deal runs until 2028, and he is one of the highest earners in the Premier League. He impressed on loan at Aston Villa last season and while Barcelona were linked, they are said to have moved on.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Liverpool eager for Fofana

Malick Fofana was on Chelsea’s radar but now Liverpool have joined the race for the Lyon star.

The French club are demanding £43m for the 20-year-old, who is said to favour a move to Merseyside.

French outlet L’Equipe are reporting that Chelsea have opened talks over a move but now Liverpool have made contact with the player's new agents, after he joined Roc Nation. Man United are also said to be interested.

Earlier this year, Fofana’s former agent Bobo Fofana confirmed the youngster preferred Liverpool, saying: “The choice of heart would be Liverpool.”

Malick Fofana is wanted by Liverpool (Getty Images)

Partey set to leave Arsenal

Thomas Partey looks set to leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the month. The midfielder was in negotiations over extending his stay at the club but talks are now at a standstill, according to ESPN.

Partey been linked with a move to Barcelona and drawn interest from Turkey. The 32-year-old is a key cog int he Gunners midfield but their impending signing of MArtin Zubimendi softens the blow

Thomas Partey may be about to leave Arsenal (PA Wire)

Antony fee becomes clear

Manchester United reportedly want to receive around €35m if they are to sell forward Antony this summer. That is according to Diario de Sevilla, who suggest Real Betis want to bring the Brazilian back after an impressive loan spell.

However, Betis cannot afford United’s asking price and suggested a co-ownership deal which would involve them paying an initial €20m and buy more later down the line.

That idea was swiftly rejected by the Red Devils, who want the full amount.

Antony impressed on loan at Real Betis (AP)

Martinez eager to seal Man United move

Man United may well be in the market for a new goalkeeper with Andre Onana’s inconsistency and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is desperate to engineer a move to Old Trafford.

According to The Sun, it is his dream transfer and the Argentina No 1 would be a big upgrade on Onana.

There’s still a long way to go to make a deal happen however.

(Getty Images)

Nuno signs extended Nottingham Forest contract

This morning, Nottingham Forest announced that manager Nuno Espírito Santo has penned a new three-year deal with the club that will see him stay at the City ground until 2028.

Speaking about his new deal, Nuno said: "I am delighted to be able to continue our journey at this fantastic football club.

"Since we arrived at Forest, we have worked extremely hard to create a special bond between the players, the fans and everyone at the club, which helped us achieve great things last season.

"Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together."

Nuno led Forest into Europe (PA Wire)

Norgaard on Arsenal's radar

Arsenal are keeping their options open this transfer window and a new name has emerged as a target - Christian Norgaard.

With a midfield reshuffle on the cards, the 31-year-old Brentford man is on their wanted list according to the Daily Mirror with two years left on his contract.

The Gunners are yet to make an official approach however.

Christian Norgaard could be an Arsenal target (PA Wire)

Gundogan targeted by Galatasaray

Galatasaray are considering a move for Ilkay Gundogan, with Manchester City open to a transfer for the 34-year-old midfielder.

That’s according to The Guardian as Pep Guardiola refreshes his squad following a difficult campaign.

Spurs put off by Semenyo price

Antoine Semenyo is yet another Bournemouth player being linked with a move away. Man United are one club said to be interested, while Tottenham have made an inquiry about the winger.

According to The Athletic, the idea of moving to Spurs appeals to the 25-year-old but Bournemouth’s valuation is deemed too high. So Tottenham are not proceeding at present.

Antoine Semenyo is a wanted man (Steven Paston/PA Wire)

Chiesa eyeing Liverpool exit door

Amid all the Liverpool incomings, it appears midfielder Federico Chiesa is keen to leave Anfield.

It was a disappointing first season at the club for the Italian as he struggled to get match fit and only made a few appearances.

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that he’s keen on a move back to Serie A

PSG have £55m bid for Zabarnyi rejected

PSG have reportedly had a £55m bid rejected for Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.

The Champions League winners are keen to bolster their backline and have supposedly agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Ukrainian but the Cherries don’t want to sell.

The English side have already lost one of their key defensive options after Dean Huijsen departed for Real Madrid in a deal worth £50m, while left-back Milos Kerkez is on the verge of joining Liverpool for £40m.

Illya Zabarnyi is wanted by PSG (AP)

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.

(PA)

Beating City, PSR and the No 10 role: Inside Liverpool’s record transfer for Florian Wirtz

German superstar Florian Wirtz has joined Liverpool in a record deal.

The 22-year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in world football during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, was a target for Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, though Arne Slot’s side quickly moved to the front of the race for his signature.

Leverkusen had wanted €150m, or £126m, and previously rejected two bids from the Premier League champions. But Liverpool signed Wirtz for an initial £100m, potentially rising to £116m, making him their club-record signing.

But why has the German picked Liverpool as his next club?

Onana on the move?

Reports continue to link Andre Onana with a move away from Man Utd, with AS Monaco the latest team to be linked today.

Other reports claim that United want to replace Onana with Villa ‘keeper Emi Martinez (in a deal worth £40m), though Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio says that Utd are targeting Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.

DONE DEAL! Fer Lopez joins Wolves

Wolves have announced that they have completed the signing of Celta Vigo attacker Fer Lopez.

He joins for just under £20m, with the deal potentially rising to £21.3m (€25m) with add-ons.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the club.

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)

Arsenal agree to pay more than release clause for Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and have agreed to pay the Spanish club more than the player’s €60m release clause.

Fabrizio Romano says that is because Sociedad have allowed the Gunners to fund the transfer in installments rather than an upright payment.

Both clubs are happy with the deal and the necessary next steps, such as a medical for the midfielder, will take place soon.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Zubimendi is in London to “complete formalities of transfer” from today.

(EPA)

Mbeumo to Man United 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, with some suggesting he now prefers a move to north London

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.

Bryan Mbeumo’s future is still up in the air (PA Wire)

Sesko and Gyokeres to Arsenal latest

Arsenal have reportedly “agreed personal terms” with their prime No 9 target Benjamin Sesko, according to Sport Bild 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.

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

And 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.

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

Quansah set for Leverkusen

We mentioned the Liverpool-Marc Guehi link earlier 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 24 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.

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.

(EPA)

Liverpool to make big bid for Guehi

With Jarell Quansah 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 lifted Crystal Palace's first ever major trophy (The FA via Getty Images)

Liverpool in for 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).

(AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool agree deal for Milos Kerkez

Liverpool have agreed a deal worth around £40m to sign Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old will sign a five-year deal at Anfield, and joins after two seasons with the Cherries.

According to Fabrizio Romano, he’ll be in Merseyside on Tuesday to complete the deal.

Bournemouth have signed French left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes as a replacement for Kerkez, with the 23-year-old joining on a five-year contract in a deal worth around £14m.

Liverpool have agreed a fee for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez (PA Wire)

Liverpool break club record spend to sign Florian Wirtz

The German has signed a five-year contract after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Wirtz's fee could rise to a British record of £116m if Liverpool enjoy sustained success during his first five years at Anfield.