Transfer news live: Arsenal close in on Gyokeres as Liverpool given boost in pursuit of Guehi

Transfer news live

• Arsenal lead Eberechi Eze race over rivals Tottenham
• Christian Norgaard to undergo Arsenal medical
• Liverpool turn attention to Marc Guehi
• Arsenal switch sights to Hugo Ekitike after Benjamin Sesko talks stall
• 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

Arsenal close in on Viktor Gyokeres

There is big news coming out of Paris, with L’Equipe suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has informed Sporting CP of a desire to leave Lisbon for London and a move to Arsenal. Gyokeres has widely been reported to have told his Portuguese employers that he wishes to leave this summer, and it appears Mikel Arteta’s side are his preference.

Viktor Gyokeres fancies a move to Arsenal (AFP/Getty)

Transfer news live

A very good morning and welcome back to the rumour mill, which as churned out yet more speculation as the transfer window rolls on. We’ll have all of the latest throughout the day.

Arsenal lead Eberechi Eze race over Tottenham

Fabrizio Romano has an update on the race for Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal are said to be right in the mix to sign the Crystal Palace and England star, and still keen on a deal which could cost £85m.

Eze is reportedly interested in accepting a move to Arsenal.

While the Athletic report the 27-year-old is among the options being considered, though no contact has been made yet with Crystal Palace.

The Gunners lead the race as no other club has the same level of interest currently, including Tottenham.

Goalkeeper Danny Ward returns to hometown club Wrexham

Former Liverpool and Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward has completed an emotional return to his hometown club Wrexham.

The 32-year-old, who was born in the Welsh city and came through the club's academy between 2007 and 2012, has joined on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal.

Ward was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Leicester and joins the club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following their promotion to the Championship.

He said: "It's an exciting time and an amazing feeling to be back at the club.

"I'm forever grateful for the opportunity that the club gave me at an early age and I hope I can repay that."

Gyokeres gives Sporting ultimatum

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told Sporting that he has no desire to play for the club again and will not be returning for pre-season training.

Gyokeres has had interest from Manchester United and Arsenal but the Portuguese club are holding out for the right price.

The forward is now trying to force a move having also informed president Frederico Varandas that he wants a new challenge, Lisbon outlet A Bola believe.

Arsenal switch sights to Hugo Ekitike after Benjamin Sesko talks stall

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.

Man United and Juve locked in Sancho talks

Juventus remain in negotiations with Manchester United over a deal to sign Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea opted against a permanent deal for the English winger, but Sky Sports claim Sancho could head to Turin.

United are after a fee of £25m, the same figure Chelsea opted against paying. While Sancho’s wages are thought to play a role in clubs’ willingness to pay the asking price.

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.

Arsenal plan Norgaard medical

Christian Norgaard will become an Arsenal player and a medical is being booked in for the Brentford captain next week.

The Gunners will pay up to £15m for the midfielder including a £10m fee and a further £5m in potential add ons.

Semenyo signs Bournemouth extension

Antoine Semenyo has signed a new five-year contract at Bournemouth after attracting interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham this summer.

The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and made seven assists in all competitions last season as Bournemouth achieved a club-record points tally in the Premier League.

Arsenal sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea

Arsenal had brought in Neto from the Cherries as back-up to David Raya, but the Brazilian has returned to the Cherries following the end of his own season-long loan.

Kepa, who spent the 2023/24 campaign at Real Madrid, has signed a three-year deal, the PA news agency understands. The fee is reported to be around £5million, with the transfer subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

“I’m really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming,” Kepa told Arsenal’s website.

“The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel (Arteta) and (goalkeeping coach) Inaki (Cana), how much they show me their desire to win, I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”

Arsenal lead Eberechi Eze race over Tottenham

Fabrizio Romano has an update on the race for Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal are said to be right in the mix to sign the Crystal Palace and England star, and still keen on a deal which could cost £85m.

Eze is reportedly interested in accepting a move to Arsenal.

While the Athletic report the 27-year-old is among the options being considered, though no contact has been made yet with Crystal Palace.

The Gunners lead the race as no other club has the same level of interest currently, including Tottenham.

Eberechi Eze could be on the move (PA Wire)

Arsenal plan Norgaard medical

Christian Norgaard, meanwhile, will become an Arsenal player and a medical is being booked in for the Brentford captain.

The Gunners will pay up to £15m for the midfielder including a £10m fee and a further £5m in potential add ons.

Brentford’s Christian Norgaard looks to be heading to Arsenal (PA Wire)

Brentford chief provides update on Bryan Mbeumo future

Brentford director of football Phil Giles has said that it is “not impossible” that Bryan Mbeumo yet remains at the club this summer despite strong interest from Manchester United. Two bids have been rejected for the forward, and Giles has told the BBC that little progress had been made on a deal.

"He had a fantastic season," Giles said. "We expected big interest in him, we have had big interest in him.

"He has his ideas about where he wants to take his career. He is well within his rights to do that.

"It is not impossible he is still a Brentford player next season if we agree he is going to stay."

Coud Bryan Mbeumo (right) follow Thomas Frank away from Brentford? (PA Wire)

Tottenham target Mohammed Kudus

It is 14 years now since Scott Parker left West Ham for Tottenham in the last direct dealing between the two rival London clubs - but if The Telegraph are to be believed, there could yet be another player skirting northward around the city. Mohammed Kudus is said to be a top target for Thomas Frank as he seeks to add attacking talent to his squad after a blow in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo.

Mohammed Kudus is a Tottenham target (Action Images via Reuters)

Ollie Watkins emerges as Manchester United transfer target

With the future of Rasmus Hojlund far from certain, and Viktor Gyokeres potentially pricey, Manchester United have made Ollie Watkins a transfer target, according to The Athletic. The Aston Villa striker showcased his goalscoring prowess last season even while bouncing in and out of Unai Emery’s starting side - and the club will surely not part with the England international for a small sum.

Ollie Watkins is a reported Manchester United target (PA Wire)

DONE DEAL: Aston Villa snap up Dutch youngster

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of striker Zepiqueno Redmond following the expiry of his contract at Feyenoord.

The Dutchman, 19, was part of the Netherlands side that recently triumphed at the European Under-19 Championship and will hope to press for places in Unai Emery’s frontline.

Kenny Tete set to stay at Fulham?

Fulham had been hoping to keep Kenny Tete until Everton nipped in with an offer that the Dutch seemed prime to accept - but reports now suggest that Tete could yet remain in London, with Fulham fighting hard to keep the full-back.

Kenny Tete (left) has been an Everton target (Getty)

List of Premier League free agents

Today is 1 July, which marks the start of the new Premier League year as far as most contracts are concerned. As such, yesterday saw clubs list their out-of-contract players now available for a free transfer. Below is a comprehensive list of those now in theory available, though West Ham have left the door open to Michail Antonio staying owing to his “unique situation” as he continues to recover from last December’s car crash, and Arsenal did not list Thomas Partey among their leavers yesterday.

Arsenal: Thomas Partey

Aston Villa: Kortney Hause

Brentford: Josh Dasilva, Ben Mee

Brighton: N/A

Bournemouth: N/A

Burnley: Ashley Barnes, Josh Brownhill, Michael Obafemi, Nathan Redmond, Jonjo Shelvey

Chelsea: Lucas Bergstrom

Crystal Palace: Joel Ward

Everton: Asmir Begovic, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane, Joao Virginia, Ashley Young

Fulham: Tom Cairney, Kenny Tete, Carlos Vinicius

Leeds United: Sam Byram, Junior Firpo, Josuha Guilavogui

Liverpool: N/A

Manchester City: Scott Carson

Manchester United: Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof

Newcastle United: Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis, John Ruddy, Callum Wilson

Nottingham Forest: Wayne Hennessey, Harry Toffolo

Sunderland: N/A

Tottenham Hotspur: Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman

West Ham: Michail Antonio*, Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings

Wolves: Craig Dawson, Nelson Semedo

West Ham chasing El Hadji Malick Diouf

West Ham’s pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf has suffered a blow after Slavia Prague turned down an offer of around £15m for the Senegal international, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 20-year-old plays on the left of a back four and five and would bolster Graham Potter’s options after the departure of stalwart Aaron Cresswell - but a new offer will have to be made.

Goalkeeper Danny Ward returns to hometown club Wrexham

Former Liverpool and Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward has completed an emotional return to his hometown club Wrexham.

The 32-year-old, who was born in the Welsh city and came through the club's academy between 2007 and 2012, has joined on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal.

Ward was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Leicester and joins the club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney following their promotion to the Championship.

He said: "It's an exciting time and an amazing feeling to be back at the club.

"I'm forever grateful for the opportunity that the club gave me at an early age and I hope I can repay that."

Danny Ward has re-signed for Wrexham (Nick Potts/PA Wire)

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.

(Getty Images)

The key attribute that explains why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz – and why he’ll succeed

There was a time when Liverpool looked to a German prodigy at Bayer Leverkusen as they sought to add another dimension to their attack but didn’t get him.

That time was 2017, the Bundesliga wunderkind was Julian Brandt and the reason was that Jurgen Klopp, initially an advocate of his compatriot, was persuaded to switch his attentions to Mohamed Salah by Michael Edwards and the recruitment team assembled by Fenway Sports Group.

Gyokeres gives Sporting ultimatum

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told Sporting that he has no desire to play for the club again and will not be returning for pre-season training.

Gyokeres has had interest from Manchester United and Arsenal but the Portuguese club are holding out for the right price.

The forward is now trying to force a move having also informed president Frederico Varandas that he wants a new challenge, Lisbon outlet A Bola believe.

Viktor Gyokeres appears to want a move to pastures new (REUTERS)

Done deal! Arsenal complete Kepa signing from Chelsea

Arsenal have completed a move for Kepa Arrizabalaga signing from Chelsea.

The Gunners have signed the Spaniard to provide competition for David Raya for the No. 1 jersey.

Kepa, who has cost £5m, said: “I'm really, really happy to be here, really excited and looking forward to what is coming.

“The ambition that is shown in this club, when I talk with Mikel [Arteta] and Inaki [Cana], how much they show me their desire to win… I think we are so close to winning and, hopefully, altogether, we can achieve it.”

Arsenal switch sights to Hugo Ekitike after Benjamin Sesko talks stall

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.

Hugo Ekitike is an Arsenal target (Getty Images)

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.

(Getty Images)

Man United and Juve locked in Sancho talks

Juventus remain in negotiations with Manchester United over a deal to sign Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea opted against a permanent deal for the English winger, but Sky Sports claim Sancho could head to Turin.

United are after a fee of £25m, the same figure Chelsea opted against paying. While Sancho’s wages are thought to play a role in clubs’ willingness to pay the asking price.

Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United after Aston Villa decline permanent deal

Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United after Aston Villa opted not to make his move permanent.

The 27-year-old scored four goals in 17 appearances during his time at Villa Park but the club have decided not to activate the £40million option to buy him, meaning he will now go back to Old Trafford.

Rashford will depart the club alongside Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi, who also joined Unai Emery's side on loan in February and helped them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League as well as an FA Cup semi-final while qualifying for the Europa League next season.

Rashford fell out of favour in Manchester under Ruben Amorim but it remains to be seen where his future lies, with the forward reportedly keen on a move to Barcelona.

Asensio scored vital goals both domestically and in Europe, including three in the two legs of the Champions League win over Club Brugge, but Villa also confirmed he will go back to Paris St Germain. Disasi made 10 appearances after his temporary move from Chelsea.

Goalkeeper Robin Olsen and Kortney Hause will also leave the club following the expiry of their respective contracts.

Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United following his loan at Villa (PA Wire)

Aston Villa sell young striker to Hull City with sell-on clause included

The permanent deal is worth just £3.5m, but Villa do hold a substantial sell-on clause.

The 22-year-old, who spent time at Barcelona's La Masia academy, has experienced seven loan spells as a Villa player, and failed to score for the Tigers in the league on loan last term.

Though he did enjoy a fruitful 15-goal spell at Stockport County in League One the season before.

Southampton reject bid for Taylor 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.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored on England debut (The FA via Getty Images)

Arsenal not looking to sell Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal are under no pressure to sell the Brazilian, despite interest from Bayern Munich, while Al-Nassr are also keen.

The Saudi side has held internal talks about a move for the Gunners winger, though he is not thought to be ready to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League yet.

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.

PSV reject deal for Tyrell Malacia

Manchester United’s hopes of moving on defender Tyrell Malacia have hit a snag after PSV Eindhoven rejected the chance to sign the Dutchman on a permanent deal. The left-back made eight Eredivisie appearances on loan during the second half of last season but will not, as thing stand, be making a full return to the Netherlands. After such injury strife over the last few years, Malacia will surely want a fresh start somewhere next season.

Tyrell Malacia could be let go by Manchester United (Getty Images)

Jonny Evans confirms retirement after taking up new Manchester United role

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has been handed the task of helping to progress the careers of the club's young players after confirming his retirement as a player.

The 37-year-old, who won the Champions League, three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups during his two stints at Old Trafford, has been appointed head of loans and pathways.

Evans' role will see him work closely with director of football Jason Wilcox and the director of academy to ease developing talent into the first team.

He told the club's official website: "I want to officially announce my retirement from my playing career, not with sadness, but with pride, gratitude and excitement for the next chapter ahead.

"I'll be forever indebted to the managers, coaches, staff and, of course, my team-mates, that I have had the privilege of working alongside throughout my 20 years in professional football.

"My biggest and most heartfelt thanks must go to the fans who have supported me during every step of the journey. It's been an honour to be on the pitch and feel your passion home and away; I will be eternally grateful for every ounce of support.

"I am looking forward to working with the next generation of talented players to support them to reach their potential. Having had experience of loans myself, I know the crucial role that they can play within a player's development.

"I am excited to help further develop the pathway to our first team and continue the legacy of young players thriving at Manchester United."

Jonny Evans has been appointed head of loans and pathways at Manchester United (PA Archive)

Tammy Abraham set to seal Besiktas move

From one 11-cap England striker to another - Tammy Abraham is on his way to Istanbul to join Besiktas, it seems, linking up with former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the club. The 27-year-old had an up and down season on loan at AC Milan from Roma, though did help knock his parent club out of the Coppa Italia with two goals in a 3-1 win.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaves Everton after nine years on Merseyside

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.

The forward made 239 Premier League appearances for the Toffees since his debut in December 2016 and he enjoyed a breakout year in the 2019-20 season with 15 goals in all competitions.

Joao Pedro set to complete Chelsea move

Pedro can link up with his new team in the United States at the Club World Cup, with the contract set to be signed today through to 2032.

Chelsea will pay Brighton £55m plus a further £5m in add-ons.

Liverpool set Harvey Elliott price tag

The European Under-21 Championships player of the tournament could leave Liverpool in search of regular first team football.

And now the Reds are looking for in excess of £40m with a buy-back clause.

Alternatively, clubs could pay £50m and not include the buy-back clause for the 22-year-old.

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

Manchester United were not merely outscored by 15 other clubs in the Premier League last season. 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.

United got 44 goals. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Liam Delap got 47 between them. Cunha has already joined United. Delap definitely won’t; they always thought Chelsea was a likelier destination and so it proved. But if the much-coveted Delap’s preference was for Stamford Bridge, Mbeumo, who has a similarly large group of admirers, has his heart set on Old Trafford. A second bid of around £60m has been rejected. He may yet join Cunha in a forward line Ruben Amorim has acquired more than inherited.

Brentford chief provides update on Bryan Mbeumo future

Brentford director of football Phil Giles has said that it is “not impossible” that Bryan Mbeumo yet remains at the club this summer despite strong interest from Manchester United. Two bids have been rejected for the forward, and Giles has told the BBC that little progress had been made on a deal.

"He had a fantastic season," Giles said. "We expected big interest in him, we have had big interest in him.

"He has his ideas about where he wants to take his career. He is well within his rights to do that.

"It is not impossible he is still a Brentford player next season if we agree he is going to stay."

Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of much speculation this summer (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)

Ollie Watkins emerges as Manchester United transfer target

With the future of Rasmus Hojlund far from certain, and Viktor Gyokeres potentially pricey, Manchester United have made Ollie Watkins a transfer target, according to The Athletic. The Aston Villa striker showcased his goalscoring prowess last season even while bouncing in and out of Unai Emery’s starting side - and the club will surely not part with the England international for a small sum.

Ollie Watkins was praised by Unai Emery after scoring the winner at Bournemouth (Steven Paston/PA) (PA Wire)

Liverpool insist Luis Diaz is not for sale after Barcelona approach rebuffed

Earlier in this window, Liverpool were emphatic that Luis Diaz was not for sale after knocking back an approach from Barcelona.

Bayern Munich add Luis Diaz to shortlist

Bayern Munich are also on the hunt for a new forward, with a left winger high on their wishlist. Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz is now a target, report Sky Germany.

(PA Wire)

Tottenham target Mohammed Kudus

It is 14 years now since Scott Parker left West Ham for Tottenham in the last direct dealing between the two rival London clubs - but if The Telegraph are to be believed, there could yet be another player skirting northward around the city. Mohammed Kudus is said to be a top target for Thomas Frank as he seeks to add attacking talent to his squad after a blow in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo.

(Getty Images)

Crystal Palace eye double swoop for Middlesborough pair

Crystal Palace are reported to be eyeing a double move for Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg, with a combined fee just short of £30m mentioned for the Middlesbrough pair.

Gyokeres gives Sporting ultimatum

Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly told Sporting that he has no desire to play for the club again and will not be returning for pre-season training.

Gyokeres has had interest from Manchester United and Arsenal but the Portuguese club are holding out for the right price.

The forward is now trying to force a move having also informed president Frederico Varandas that he wants a new challenge, Lisbon outlet A Bola believe.

The key attribute that explains why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz – and why he’ll succeed

There was a time when Liverpool looked to a German prodigy at Bayer Leverkusen as they sought to add another dimension to their attack but didn’t get him.

That time was 2017, the Bundesliga wunderkind was Julian Brandt and the reason was that Jurgen Klopp, initially an advocate of his compatriot, was persuaded to switch his attentions to Mohamed Salah by Michael Edwards and the recruitment team assembled by Fenway Sports Group.

Inamura on his way to Celtic

Japanese club Albirex Niigata have confirmed Hayato Inamura has left the club.

Sky Sports News reports that Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign the 23-year-old centre-back.

It is understood that Inamura is set to undergo a medical and finalise the paperwork this week.

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.

Seamus Coleman extends Everton stay into 17th season after signing new deal

The 36-year-old, who skippered Everton in their last ever game at Goodison Park, could captain them in their first at their new home of the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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.

Bradley Barcola on Arsenal's radar?

Arsenal appear to be stepping up their interest in a number of targets.

Another target could emerge in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

L’Equipe reports the PSG forward is a target for the London club.

One to monitor in the coming days as Mikel Arteta gets serious about another title push for the Gunners

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.

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.

Arsenal switch sights to Hugo Ekitike after Benjamin Sesko talks stall

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.

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.

Arsenal plan Norgaard medical

Christian Norgaard will become an Arsenal player and a medical is being booked in for the Brentford captain next week.

The Gunners will pay up to £15m for the midfielder including a £10m fee and a further £5m in potential add ons.

Arsenal lead Eberechi Eze race over Tottenham

Fabrizio Romano has an update on the race for Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal are said to be right in the mix to sign the Crystal Palace and England star, and still keen on a deal which could cost £85m.

Eze is reportedly interested in accepting a move to Arsenal.

While the Athletic reports the 27-year-old is among the options being considered, though no contact has been made yet with Crystal Palace.

The Gunners lead the race as no other club has the same level of interest currently, including Tottenham.