Transfer news live: Arsenal switch to Ekitike as Sesko talks stall, Liverpool target Guehi, Chelsea agree double deal

Transfer news live

• Arsenal switch sights to Hugo Ekitike after Benjamin Sesko talks stall
• Liverpool turn attention to Marc Guehi
• Chelsea reach agreement for Brighton's Joao Pedro
• Bryan Mbeumo expresses desire to join Manchester United as new bid rejected
• Jamie Gittens to have Chelsea medical after £55m offer accepted

Jamie Gittens to have Chelsea medical after £55m offer accepted

Jamie Gittens is set to have a medical at Chelsea after Borussia Dortmund accepted a £55m bid for the English winger.

The 20-year-old has agreed a seven-year contract and the clubs have no agreed terms after negotiations began before the Club World Cup.

Gittens, an England Under-21s international, moved to Dortmund in 2020 after coming through Manchester City’s academy.

(Reuters)

Bryan Mbeumo intent on Manchester United move

Brentford are widely reported to have last night rejected a bid of £62.5m for Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United. It’s the second offer that the London club have knocked back for their forward as they hold out for a bigger fee.

A blow, then, for Manchester United - though The Athletic report that Bryan Mbeumo has told both Brentford and Tottenham, another suitor, that he only desires a move to Manchester United if he is to be sold this summer.

Bryan Mbeumo’s Brentford deal expires next summer (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Crystal Palace given important update in fight to save European place

Palace thought they had secured a place in Europe's second-tier club competition thanks to their FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May but uncertainty arose as to whether they would be allowed to enter due to Uefa's multi-club ownership rules.

Hinds joins Arsenal

Taylor Hinds has agreed to join Arsenal after turning down a deal to stay at Liverpool.

Liverpool women confirmed Hinds will leave the club upon the expiry of her contract.

Hinds joined Liverpool in 2020 and making 131 appearances for the Reds.

She began her professional career at Arsenal before leaving joining Everton in 2018 and making the switch to Liverpool.

Southampton reject bid for Harwood-Bellis

Southampton have rejected a £19m bid from Porto for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Saints will listen to offers for the centre-back but value the defender at more than Porto’s opening bid.

But they are looking for a higher fee for the player who cost them £15m from Manchester City a year ago.

Porto is an attractive move for Harwood-Bellis, though he has not asked to leave Southampton, as the higher level and opportunity to play is Europa is inticing.

Ibrahima Konate rejects Liverpool contract offer

In less encouraging news for Arne Slot, Ibrahima Konate is reported by The Guardian to have turned down an initial offer of a new contract, with the central defender said to be disappointed by the terms tabled.

Konate has one year left on his current deal and could yet become the subject of bids if other clubs wish to test Liverpool’s resolve if no contract breakthrough is made.

Muniz to stay at Fulham?

Fulham say they have no intention of selling key striker Rodrigo Muniz this summer.

Leeds are among the interested parties in the forward but the Cottagers are reluctant to sell as he remains an important part of Marco Silva’s plans.

Muniz, 24, has a year left on his deal plus an option to extend for another year.

Everton plan to derail Kenny Tete’s new contract with Fulham

The respected Dutch right-back’s current deal runs out at the end of June, meaning he could move on a free transfer, but the Craven Cottage hierarchy have been confident of a new agreement.

Lewis-Skelly on Arsenal extension

After signing his new five-year deal with Arsenal, Myles Lewis-Skelly told Arsenal.com: "I'm so proud and happy. I know those words are simple, but I think they sum up how I feel signing for this club. I'm a fan and it's like a dream come true.

"I've embodied the values of Hale End and come through. I've still got a lot of years ahead of me, so if I can keep staying humble and being a good person, that's the most important thing to me.

"I know I've taken a lot of experience from the games about the positive moments, the mistakes that I've made. I'm definitely more ready now for the next season. I just want to keep learning and keep improving.

"I want a legacy. I want to win everything there is to win in the game. I want to win trophies on the biggest stages whilst being a person that's always learning and stays grounded, which is so important."

Brentford prepare Mbeumo replacement

Brentford are expecting to lose Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United this summer in a deal worth almost £65m.

They’ve already stepped up their task of replacing him and have agreed a deal to sign Feyenoord’s 20-year-old Dutch attacker Antoni Milambo, according to the Daily Mirror.

The transfer is believed to be worth £17m plus £4.25m in add-ons.

The deal is also said to have been approved by former manager Thomas Frank before his departure to Tottenham.

Branthwaite close to new Everton deal

Jarrad Branthwaite is close to signing a new deal with Everton.

There are still details to be worked out over the new contract but signs are optimistic that this one will get over the line as early as next week.

Branthwaite received serious interest from other clubs, and has done for the last few transfer windows, but the Toffees were sure they did not want to sell him.

He has been on the lists at Chelsea and Tottenham among others but looks to have committed his future to the club on Merseyside.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin announces Everton exit after nine years with the club

The striker arrived at Goodison Park in August 2016 and confirmed in a post on Instagram that he has made the “incredibly difficult decision” to leave the club.

Last season saw Calvert-Lewin endure a difficult campaign, scoring three goals in 26 league appearances and missing over three months between January and May due to injury.

Nico Williams tells Athletic Bilbao which club he intends to leave for

Spanish sensation Nico Williams has told Athletic Bilbao that he fully intends to leave the club to sign for Barcelona.

That’s according to The Athletic, who cite a £50m release clause in his contract.

Barca are also in advanced stages for the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Ze Lucas, who plays in defensive midfield.

Crystal Palace to sign Argentine goalkeeper on free transfer from PSV

FA Cup winners Crystal Palace will welcome Argentina goalkeeper Walter Benitez next week.

When his contract with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven expires, the 32-year-old will compete with Dean Henderson to be the Eagles’ No 1.

Benitez has given up a Champions League campaign with PSV to play in the Premier League.

Wilfred Ndidi on the radar of Premier League clubs

Wilfred Ndidi feels a tricky player to figure out, now up to eight years with Leicester and having already played a season in the Championship but surely a useful option for one of the bottom-half Premier League clubs.

The midfielder is a target for two such sides, Talksport say that Manchester United and Everton could both make a move for the Nigerian with a £9m relegation clause in his contract mentioned.

Bradley Barcola on Arsenal's radar?

We reported earlier how Arsenal are seeking alternatives to Benjamin Sesko, and whispers from Paris suggest Bradley Barcola may be among them.

L’Equipe believe that the Paris Saint-Germain forward is a target for the London club.

Newcastle ready to up Alexander Isak's wages to ward off interest

Newcastle may have had their bid ofr Anthony Elanga rejected but they have more pressing concerns.

Those being to make sure Alexander Isak remains at the club.

Interest is flourishing for the Premier League striker with Liverpool in pole position to wrestle him away from St. James’ Park.

The Times believe that Newcastle are ready to up Isak’s wages to make him the best-paid player ever at the club to ensure their rivals don’t manage to persuade him to move away.

(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Chelsea close in on Jamie Gittens

Bayern Munich had made a late attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Jamie Gittens but it seems as if the Borussia Dortmund winger is nearing a return to a club where he spent a short stint as a youngster.

The Athletic say a seven-year deal is in place and could be done “imminently” for the Englishman, who will turn 21 shortly before the start of the Premier League season.

Tottenham near deal for Japan defender

Tottenham are set to bolster their defensive options with the signature of Japan international Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

The 20-year-old is highly rated and could yet develop into a first-teamer for Thomas Frank.

Quartet of clubs in the mix for Omari Hutchinson

Omari Hutchinson flashed at times in a tough campaign for Ipswich last season, and may yet be staying in the top flight.

Hutchinson will also have caught the eye in England U21s run to the European Championship final this summer.

Fenerbahce emerge as Jadon Sancho suitors

What’s going on with Jadon Sancho?

Like Marcus Rashford he’s on his way out of Manchester United this summer and Talksport say that Fenerbahce have registered their interest in the England international.

Linking up with Jose Mourinho could give him the fresh start he needs to get his career back on track.

(Reuters)

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 joined Liverpool for £40m.

Viktor Gyokeres 'tells Sporting he wants to leave'

News from Portugal claims that Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told Sporting that he has no desire to play for the club again.

The striker has informed president Frederico Varandas that he wants a new challenge, Lisbon outlet A Bola believe.

That could be a boost for Arsenal, who have submitted a bid for the forward, as well as Liverpool and Manchester United who have both been rumoured to be interested in the Sporting star.

Benjamin Sesko stalemate sends Arsenal looking at striker options

There is still a €10m gap between Arsenal and Leipzig on Benjamin Sesko, as the London club's staff have also discussed a potential move for Chelsea's Noni Madueke.

Mikel Arteta wants a striker as his priority this summer and Sesko is the main target, with all parties currently keen on a deal.

Tottenham eye Eberechi Eze after Bryan Mbeumo setback

Tottenham had been keen to reunite new manager Thomas Frank with Bryan Mbeumo, making Manchester United’s improved offer something of a setback.

It seem Mbeumo will be heading to Old Trafford after all and Spurs have switched direction.

Talksport believe that Spurs will now focus their attentions to Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace as they consider parting with club captain Son Heung Min.

This morning reports have appeared that Arsenal are also interested in Eze meaning Tottenham would have to move quickly should they actively want to pursue a deal for the Palace winger.

United to accept lower price for Garnacho?

Manchester United are ready to accept a lower price for Alejandro Garnacho in order to move him on and raise funds for transfer this summer.

The Daily Star are reporting that United, who initially valued Garnacho at £70m, would accept offers as low at £45m for the winger.

The Argentine is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford after a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim.

He recently posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford’s name on the back.

(Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Maresca talks up Liam Delap

Enzo Maresca believes that Liam Delap will be very successful at Chelsea based on his performances at the Club World Cup so far.

Maresca told reporters: “We know Liam is going to score goals for us, we don’t have any doubts about that.

“Against Flamengo he had three clear chances to score goals, so that is a good feeling because it means he is there, he is in the right position and doing well.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t score against Flamengo, but he scored here.

“We expect the process to be quite quick with Liam because we know him and he knows us in the way we want to play.”

Borussia Dortmund exploring deal for Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong

Borussia Dortmund are exploring a deal for Chelsea's Joshua Acheampong, among a number of clubs monitoring his situation.

The 19-year-old has been seen by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy as a prospect for the future, but the defender is known to want more first-team opportunities in order to progress.

There is now a belief among suitor clubs that Chelsea may be willing to do business for £35m, having previously rejected approaches - including loans.

Bournemouth set high price for Antoine Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo is another player linked with Newcastle in recent days, though Bournemouth have set a high price for the Ghanaian.

The I Paper believe the club are commanding £70m for Semenyo, who also has admirers at Manchester United and Tottenham.

Thomas Partey future at Arsenal all but confirmed

Thomas Partey’s contract at Arsenal has entered its final days, and according to Fabrizio Romano, there will be no last-gasp extension.

A deal for Brentford’s Norgaard, which is progressing, appears to be Arsenal’s solution to replace the midfielder.

Arsenal have confirmed they remain in discussions with Thomas Partey (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)

Arsenal agree fee for Christian Norgaard

Arsenal have agreed a fee of £10m plus add-ons to sign Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.

Sky Sports News have revealed that the add-ons amount to around £5m if they are all met, taking the total value of the deal to a possible £15m.

Negotiations are ongoing for the 31-year-old but this transfer is expected to get over the line in the next couple of days.

The logic behind Man United’s recruitment that could solve their goalscoring crisis

They were outscored – as a team, and amassing the combined efforts of the 31 players who took the field in the division for them, plus the two opponents who donated own goals – by a trio who could have formed their new front three.

Jhon Duran could move again just six months after Saudi deal

Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran could be set for another move, just six months after joining Al-Nassr for £65m.

The 21-year-old striker is rumoured to be close to signing for Fenerbahce.

(EPA)

Leeds open talks to bring Douglas Luiz back to Premier League

This would be a good bit of business from newly-promoted Leeds, you feel - the Yorkshire club are reportedly in the mix to bring former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz back to the Premier League from Juventus, according to the Italian press.

Luiz was linked heavily with Manchester City in January but a move did not materialise.

Arsenal boost in Benjamin Sesko chase?

RB Leipzig are willing to accept less than their original asking price for wantaway Benjamin Sesko, who has his eye on a move to Arsenal.

According to BILD, Leipzig have lowered their valuation to £59.8m, which would make the Slovenian international a cheaper option than Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Is Sesko a viable option again for the Gunners who seemed willing to walk away from a deal?

Chelsea on verge of signing Brighton star Joao Pedro in time for Club World Cup run-in

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Brighton forward Joao Pedro for a fee in excess of £50m and could have his services available for next week’s crucial Club World Cup quarter-final.

It’s been reported by various reputable sources in English media that Pedro, 23, is set to sign a seven-year contract with the club after agreeing personal terms.

Nottingham Forest end interest in Timothy Weah

Nottingham Forest had agreed a double deal to sign both Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula from Juventus for about £19m, but ESPN now report that they have ended their interest in the former having been unable to agree contract terms.

Nottingham Forest are, however, now chasing Yunus Musah, who is also connected with West Ham by Italian outlet Tuttomercato. The 22-year-old AC Milan midfielder represented England at age-group level before switching allegiance to the country of his birth, the United States.

Real Madrid set hefty price for Rodrygo

Rodrygo has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid this summer, with Arsenal among those interested in the Brazilian.

Yet any interested parties will have to pay a hefty price. Spanish radio station Cadena SER suggest the club will demand somewhere near £80m for him.

Liverpool could be frustrated in bid to offload Nunez

Napoli have made their choice on the striker they want to partner Romelu Lukaku, and it’s not Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

Sky Italia report that Napoli want Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca. Nunez is willing to join Napoli but would take £70m to sign him from the Premier League champions.

(EPA)

Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani responds to Chelsea transfer speculation

Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani is determined to stay in Turin once his loan spell ends after the Club World Cup.

The French striker has scored eight times in 16 Serie A games since temporarily leaving PSG in January and has now been linked with a move to Chelsea.

“I don’t know anything about Chelsea, I’m trying to focus on the Club World Cup. We’ll see what happens on the market at the end of the competition,” Kolo Muani said.

“If it were only up to me, I’d stay here as I’m really happy at Juventus.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

PSV decide against Tyrell Malacia transfer

PSV have confirmed that they have not taken up €10m option to sign left back Tyrell Malacia from Manchester United on a permanent deal.

Malacia spent the second half of last season at PSV but has returned to United, who signed Patrick Dorgu in January.

Paul Pogba joins Monaco

Paul Pogba has completed his medical at Monaco and will join the French side soon as he returns to football after his ban.

Monaco’s first pre-season game is on July 11 against Cercle Bruges before the squad head to a training camp in Birmingham on July 13.

Arsenal in talks with Eze's representatives

Arsenal are reportedly in talks with the representatives of Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze.

It is claimed that Gunners chief Andrea Beta met with Eze’s people to discuss the details of a potential transfer.

Eze is on the market for around £68m and Arsenal would need to battle Tottenham to do a deal.

Their main priority is still an out-and-out striker with an attacking winger seen as a bonus.

If any move for Eze materialises that would reduce the funds available to purchase a centre forward with Arsenal still negotiating a price for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Viktor Gyokeres latest as Arsenal and Man Utd eye striker

Viktor Gyokeres has been given more time off by Sporting as Arsenal and Manchester United compete for his signature.

Gyokeres wants to leave the club this summer but Sporting are holding out for at least £84m for the 27-year-old striker.

Sporting are due to return for pre-season training on Tuesday, but the Mail report that the striker will be allowed extended leave.

The Sweden international has reportedly made clear that he wishes to join Arsenal at all costs but the Gunners are also interested in Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.

(Reuters)

Jarell Quansah set for Bayer Leverkusen medical

Jarell Quansah will have his medical at Bayer Leverkusen on Monday ahead of a £35m deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Quansah heads to Leverkusen after Liverpool signed two of their players in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.

The England Under-21 centre-back, who won the Euros title on Saturday night, reportedly has a buy-back clause of around £60m.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah believes hard work will pay off in long bid to find new club

Timothy Fosu-Mensah is convinced his hard work “won’t go unnoticed” as the former Manchester United defender looks for a new home two years on from playing his last competitive match, reports Simon Peach of PA.

The Ajax youth product made his breakthrough at Old Trafford, where he graduated from the academy and made 30 first-team appearances – a figure that would have been higher were it not for loans and injury.

Southampton in talks for new striker

Sky Sports News report that Southampton are in advanced talks with FC Koln to sign striker Damion Downs.

The 20-year-old is in the USA international squad and is allegedly the subject of a £6.8m (€8m) bid from Saints.

Martinez in and Onana out at Old Trafford?

Manchester United are willing to let Andre Onana leave if they can sign Emi Martinez from Aston Villa this summer.

The Argentina international is reportedly available for £45m and Ruben Amorim is believed to have made the World Cup winner his first choice, although it would be dependent on another club taking Onana on loan.

(REUTERS)

Liverpool turn attention to Marc Guehi

With Jarell Quansah set to join Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool have turned their attention to signing England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, according to the Mirror.

Guehi, 24, is Liverpool’s first choice to add to their centre-back options but it would mean Liverpool continue their summer spending spree, after an £170m outlay so far.

Newcastle staged an unsuccessful bid to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi last summer (Zac Goodwin/PA) (PA Wire)

Arsenal switch sights to Hugo Ekitike

Mikel Arteta has made bringing a striker to the Emirates Stadium his main priority for this summer transfer window but Arsenal have faced issues over the fee of Benjamin Sesko.

Arteta is found of the RB Leipzig forward but the club does not sees his value the same way as the German side and talks have stalled.

German outlet BILD are now reporting that Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is firmly back on Arsenal’s radar.

Arsenal had previously held talks with the 23-year-old but Frankfurts’s €100m (£85m) asking price is higher than that of Sesko’s.

As talks with Benjamin Sesko stall, Arsenal are looking into a move for Huge Ekitike (REUTERS)

Chelsea agree deal for Brighton's Joao Pedro

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Brighton to sign Joao Pedro.

It is reportedly worth up to £60m and there are agreements all round for the Brazilian to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Brazil international is set to sign a seven-year contract and Brighton have a sell on clause included in the deal.

The 23-year-old is flying to the USA to have a medical and join Chelsea's Club World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, Watford will be due 20 per cent of the profit from the deal after they sold him to Brighton for £35m.

Jamie Gittens to have Chelsea medical after £55m offer accepted

Jamie Gittens is set to have a medical at Chelsea after Borussia Dortmund accepted a £55m bid for the English winger.

The 20-year-old has agreed a seven-year contract and the clubs have no agreed terms after negotiations began before the Club World Cup.

Gittens, an England Under-21s international, moved to Dortmund in 2020 after coming through Manchester City’s academy.

Bryan Mbeumo intent on Manchester United move

Brentford are widely reported to have last night rejected a bid of £62.5m for Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United. It’s the second offer that the London club have knocked back for their forward as they hold out for a bigger fee.

A blow, then, for Manchester United - though The Athletic report that Bryan Mbeumo has told both Brentford and Tottenham, another suitor, that he only desires a move to Manchester United if he is to be sold this summer.