Transfer news live: Ekitike to undergo Liverpool medical, Arsenal face Gyokeres twist, Mbeumo to join Man United

Transfer news live

• Hugo Ekitike set to join Liverpool for £79m
• Arsenal could face Viktor Gyokeres twist due to stalling negotiations
• Bryan Mbeumo to complete medical with Manchester United
• Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona ahead of loan move
• What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?

Liverpool reach £79m agreement to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt

The fee could rise to £79m if add-ons are triggered and the French forward is set to become their fourth summer signing.

Ekitike will travel to Merseyside for a medical and will sign a six-year deal, with personal terms not expected to be a problem.

Arteta on transfer window

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on whether it has been a stressful summer: "Exciting.

“You see the club ownership and ambition we have, the alignment we have everybody, in the board and with everybody connected with Andrea [Berta - Sporting Director].

"There is an excitement about the new season. Super positive about it."

(AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s biggest weakness is clear – here’s how Viktor Gyokeres can solve it

Arsenal’s history could have been very different without Harry Woods. Without him, there may have been no Herbert Chapman, no trio of league titles in the 1930s, no status as London’s biggest club.

Arsenal narrowly avoided relegation in 1923-24. They only won 12 league games that season. Woods scored in six of them. He was Arsenal’s top scorer.

He also got a mere nine league goals. Which had a renewed pertinence more than a century later when Kai Havertz emulated him: for the first time in 101 years, Arsenal had no player in double figures for league goals.

Chelsea refusing Chukwuemeka loan?

Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Carney Chukwuemeka.

The German side prefer a loan move for the midfielder but Chelsea want to sell.

The Blues are reportedly sticking to their stance or a permanent transfer or no move at all.

One to keep an eye on.

Bamford not in Farke's plans for Leeds

Patrick Bamford looks like he’ll need to find a new club after Leeds boss Daniel Farke told the striker he is not in his plans for the new season.

"In the second day of pre-season, I got him into my office and told him he is not in my plans for the upcoming season," said Farke.

"I had a really open and honest conversation with Patrick, which was important," he added.

"He knows how much I rate him as a player and I would have preferred a fit Patrick Bamford for the last two seasons."

Chiesa left out of Liverpool's preseason squad

Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool's pre-season squad for their tour of Asia.

The Italian moved to Merseyside in August 2024 from Juventus, but only featured 14 times last season and isn’t one of Arne Slot’s key players.

Liverpool have named a 29-man squad for their tour of Hong Kong and Japan, with summer signings Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong included.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, who signed for Liverpool last season but remained at Valencia, is also included.

City to replace Ederson with Trafford?

Manchester City are exploring bringing James Trafford back to the club after he’s excelled with Burnley.

The Times say that Trafford is ‘ready to return’ to City if a deal can be agreed.

There is a £40m buy back clause in the contract signed by both parties when Trafford joined the Clarets though City have not triggered it yet.

At the same time Sky Sports are saying that there is interest in Ederson from Galatasaray.

The Brazilian is open to the move and this could be a situation that moves quickly if one of the deals progresses.

Ekitike deal breakdown

More details are emerging about Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt’s deal for Hugo Ekitike.

Sky Sports News say that Liverpool have reached a total agreement in principle with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth £79m (€91m).

That is made up of a guaranteed initial fee of £69m (€80m) plus £10m (€12.5m) in add-ons.

It is understood the add-ons require success from both the player and the club in order to be met in full.

Ekitike is expected to fly to England for a medical later this week.

Ekitike set to join Liverpool

Hugo Ekitike is set to join Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt and has been given the ‘here we go’ from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool had submitted a bid for £69m plus add-ons for Ekitike over the weekend but Romano reports the actual number could be closer to €90m (£78m) for the French striker.

Ekitike has reportedly signed a six year valid until June 2031.

His signing will also massively reduce the likelihood that Liverpool attempt to prize Alexander Isak out of Newcastle as well.

Will Arsenal face Viktor Gyokeres twist?

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners were expected to pay a fixed fee of £55m (€63.5m), while add-ons were still being finalised and could reach up to £8.6m (€10m).

However, reports in Portugal say Manchester United have now made a bid for the striker roughly in the same ball park as Arsenals.

Gyokeres is adamant he wants a move to the Emirates Stadium and has been pushing for it this summer but a late twist could see him joining up with his former boss Ruben Amorim instead.

Lauriente move falls through

Armand Lauriente’s move to Sunderland has fallen through.

After failing to reach a full agreement with all parties, the Black Cats have made the decision to end discussions over the France U21 international.

Lauriente had travelled to Portugal to join up with the squad yesterday, but now returns to his current club Sassuolo.

Mbeumo announcement soon?

Manchester United and Bryan Mbeumo are very close to becoming partners.

The club has agreed a transfer fee with Brentford and hope to have the deal signed off before they travel to the USA for a pre-season tour on Tuesday.

It is understood Mbeumo has completed his medical and formalised the details on a long-term contract.

United will pay an initial £65m in four instalments with a further £6m in performance related add-ons.

Will there be an announcement of his signing at some point today?

‘Keeping Isak is the biggest signing Newcastle can make’ says Given

“That’s as big of a signing you can make,” Given told The Independent in an exclusive interview, speaking ahead of his punditry work at the inaugural Club World Cup.

“If I was in charge of Newcastle, I would be tying him to a new contract, building the team around him and saying that we’re getting players to make you a better player. Whatever it takes to show this is the place to be.”

Manchester United and Newcastle eye Randal Kolo Muani

Manchester United and Newcastle also fancy a French striker, it seems.

Frank makes no assurances over Son or Romero futures

Thomas Frank made no guarantees over the future of Son Heung-min during his Tottenham unveiling on Friday.

Frank faced a series of questions about Son and vice-captain Cristian Romero, who have both been linked with a move away this summer.

"Two top players, Sonny, been here 10 years, finally got his his well-deserved trophy in the summer, so important for the team and the club. Cristian Romero, World Cup winner, Europa League winner, Copa America winner, very, very important for us as well," Frank explained.

"Both have trained well, setting the standards out there on the training pitch and both will play tomorrow so I'm very happy.

"My expectation is all the players are here and they are training well. That is what I am focusing on and again very impressed by them.”

Brazilian star joins Botafogo to boost Forest's PSR concerns

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo has signed for Botafogo.

Danilo, who joined Forest in January 2023, leaves the City Ground after making 62 appearances to return to his native Brazil.

The energetic midfielder missed most of last season with an ankle fracture suffered on the opening day of the campaign.

Marseille to re-sign Aubameyang?

French side Marseille are close to re-signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It is believed that Aubameyang has agreed a two-year deal in principle and will take a pay cut from what he earned at Saudi Pro-League club Al Qadsiah.

Aubameyang is expected to travel to Marseille this week for a medical.

PSV in talks for Stoke midfielder

PSV Eindhoven are in advanced talks to sign Stoke City midfielder Sol Sidibe says Sky Sports News.

The 18-year-old has entered the final two years of his contract at the bet365 Stadium and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

A back injury ruled him out for the second half of the 2024/25 season after he made 13 appearances in all competitions.

Stoke rejected two bids for Sidibe last summer.

Arsenal 'short' on numbers says Arteta

Arsenal have had a busy transfer window already having brought in The Gunners have completed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.

They are in talks over deals for defender Cristhian Mosquera and striker Viktor Gyokeres as well with those two transfers expected to get over the line.

"There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers," said Mikel Arteta whilst on Arsenal's pre-season tour of Singapore.

"We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market.

"Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."

Alexander Isak’s agent addresses transfer speculation after Celtic omission

Alexander Isak’s agent has addressed the rumours over his client’s future amid transfer interest in the Newcastle United forward from Premier League rivals Liverpool fc.

Isak was left out of the squad for the Magpies pre-season friendly against Celtic with manager Eddie Howe admitting he wanted to remove him from ‘scrutiny’ due to the speculation he may leave the club.

Reports have previously said that Liverpool are willing to spend big money - in advance of £125m though perhaps closer to £150m - for Isak this summer as they look to strengthen under manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool Women sign Rafaela Borggrafe

Liverpool have announced the signing of goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe on a free transfer from Freiburg.

Borggrafe told the Women's Super League club's official website: "This means a lot.

"This is a big club with a big history and I want to be part of that - we never walk alone. I want to have fun playing football and [I] am so happy to now be a part of the Liverpool family.

"I spent 12 years with Freiburg but I think this is the best step for me, to come to Liverpool."

They later added the permanent signing of Scotland midfielder Sam Kerr, who spent the second half of last season on loan from Bayern Munich.

Wrexham break club transfer record to sign New Zealand international

Wrexham have signed New Zealand international defender Liberato Cacace from Empoli, understood to be for a club-record £2.1m.

The 24-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Sky Bet Championship side as they prepare for their first season in the second tier since 1982.

He made 76 Serie A appearances after moving from Belgian side Sint-Truiden in 2022, though he was unable to prevent the team from being relegated last season.

Roma agree basic loan terms over Ferguson

Roma and Brighton have come to an agreement over a move for striker Evan Ferguson.

The two clubs have agreed the basic terms of a loan move for Ferguson who will land in Italy tonight to sign for the Serie A side.

(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

Baggies sign George Campbell from Montreal

West Brom have confirmed the signing of defender George Campbell from Montreal for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.

The 24-year-old earned his maiden United States cap in January in a friendly against Venezuela and becomes head coach Ryan Mason's third signing since joining the club last month.

Campbell told the official club website: "I'm really excited to be here. I honestly can't wait to put on the boots and start training.

"When the chance to sign came, I wanted to take it and experience football in Europe. I'm ready to go."

Man City sign record-breaking £1bn kit deal extension with Puma

The 2023 Champions League winners will earn around £100m a year from the sportswear company in a long-term agreement that will last at least a decade.

It marks a big increase on City’s previous deal with Puma, which was signed in 2019 and was worth £65m a year to the former Premier League champions. And it provides a boost to Pep Guardiola’s transfer funds after the City manager has spent around £300m already in 2025 in acquiring eight new signings.

The deal is the first £1bn kit deal in English football and the biggest in Premier League history, with the potential £100m in annual earnings well above the deals offered to rival clubs.

What is really going on inside the confusing Alexander Isak transfer saga?

Newcastle United may be insistent that Alexander Isak is not for sale, and Eddie Howe may be cautiously asserting his confidence that the Swede will “be here at the start of the season”, but there is a lot more uncertainty within the club. Many are worried. A feeling is growing that Isak’s head has been turned, with that accentuated by the club’s frustrations in the transfer market. The 25-year-old is coming into his prime, and just qualifying for the Champions League is no longer enough.

No matter what else Howe says, it is hardly encouraging that the manager admits he has “to send him home” from a pre-season friendly “due to the speculation around him”. That is a strange and conspicuous decision in such circumstances.

United linked with Sesko

The need for clubs to bring in prolific centre forwards mean that most of them are linked with the same players.

Despite Arsenal being in negotiations with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko for most of the summer, Sky Sports are now saying Manchester United hold an interest in him.

Sky in Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg said:

"There are now many movements in the background for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but I can also imagine him staying this summer if there is not the right offer.

"There are talks with interested clubs and it is our understanding that Man Utd are targeting him, he is one of two candidates to be their new No 9 and the other one is Nicolas Jackson.

"I cannot close the door to possible Chelsea interest, so let's see what happens in the next two or three weeks with Sesko."

Man United finally agree Bryan Mbeumo deal after Brentford’s Cunha wish

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Bryan Mbeumo after agreeing a £71m deal with Brentford for the forward.

United have committed to pay £65m, with the possibility of a further £6m in add-ons, as Mbeumo is set to become Ruben Amorim’s biggest buy at Old Trafford.

The forward, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, was also a target for Newcastle and Tottenham but made it clear his preference was to go to Old Trafford. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue and he may be able to join United in time for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Manchester City sell midfielder as Pep Guardiola’s clearout continues

Manchester City have sold midfielder Maximo Perrone to Como in a deal that could make them up to €15m (£13m) as Pep Guardiola continues to trim his squad.

City also have a buyback clause for the 22-year-old midfielder and a 30 percent sell-on clause for when he leaves the Italian club.

The fee they will receive for Perrone in effect offsets the transfer fee they paid for Sverre Nypan, the 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder who completed his £12.5m move to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

Perrone impressed Como manager Cesc Fabregas while on loan there last season, helping the promoted club finish 10th in Serie A.

The Argentinian, who was bought from Velez Sarsfield in January 2023, only made two senior appearances for City, both as a substitute, amounting to 25 minutes on the pitch.

Howe on Sean Longstaff's transfer

Sean Longstaff completed a move to Leeds United at the end of last week and the former Newcastle midfielder will be missed by manager Eddie Howe.

“Sean was someone I never wanted to lose from the squad,” Howe said. “But as we know and I’ve said many times, finances, PSR etc, long-term planning meant that sometimes these decisions have to be taken.

“So he’s a big miss from our squad. Sean was very, very popular in the dressing room, very popular on the pitch. He did a great job. He tactically understood everything that we needed him to do.

“He’s been an incredible servant to Newcastle. But we have to move on now without him.”

Eddie Howe left Alexander Isak out of Newcastle's pre-season friendly against Celtic 'due to speculation over his future' (Getty Images)

Eddie Howe confident Alexander Isak will stay at Newcastle

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe excused Alexander Isak from travelling to their friendly with Celtic to shield him from transfer speculation but is confident the striker will remain at St James’s Park.

“Alex has trained this week and is fine but we didn’t want to take the risk with him. Alex was with us all the way through Austria but, with all the speculation and things that are going on, I decided to send him home.

“It’s purely the last thing Alex wants, if he’s not playing, to be sat in the stand. Being under that scrutiny, I don’t think that’s fair to the player.

“It’s difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player. I’d never sit here and do that because it’s football and you never know what could happen.

“All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players that he plays with, the staff, the team.”

West Ham sign Kyle Walker-Peters

West Ham have signed Kyle Walker-Peters on a three-year deal after his departure from Southampton.

The 28-year-old, a Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, made more than 200 appearances for the Saints.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “It feels like it has been a long-time coming - I’ve been linked with a move to the Club in the past - and I’m just happy to be here now.

“I spoke to Graham Potter and he was a big, big part of me making the decision. I’ve always liked his style as a coach, and I think it will suit me well.

“He spoke about the family feel at the Club, and that’s what I’m all about. I’d like to think I’m going to be a good fit for West Ham United.”

Tottenham in talks for Joao Palhinha?

Joao Palhinha didn’t have the season he had hoped for after leaving Fulham for Bayern Munich - could a move back to London be on the cards for the Portuguese midfielder?

Reports in Germany suggest Thomas Frank is keen, though a mooted fee of £26m may be steep.

The problem with Chelsea’s transfer masterplan

It could be deemed the most successful transfer policy in the global game. Cole Palmer, the flagship coup of Chelsea’s recruitment in the new era, scored twice in the Club World Cup final and was named player of the tournament.

The other goal in the demolition of Paris Saint-Germain went to Joao Pedro: 11 days into his Chelsea career, the Brazilian had already scored twice in the semi-final. The Golden Glove was awarded to the much-maligned Robert Sanchez, the unlikely scourge of PSG’s feared forward line. Of 15 players used in the final, three were academy graduates and the other 12 all bought under the new regime.

Man City star tops Everton’s ambitious £150m summer transfer plans

Manchester City’s James McAtee heads a list of ambitious summer plans for Everton, who can spend up to £150m under the new Friedkin ownership.

David Moyes wants a right-back, a number-six, a number-eight and a right-winger, having already secured Mark Travers as goalkeeper on a £4m deal from Bournemouth.

Other options for Everton are Juventus' Douglas Luiz, Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and Freiburg's Merlin Rohl in midfield, Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo on the right, and Panathinaikos' Georgios Vagiannidis for right-back.

(Getty Images)

Liverpool submit Hugo Ekitike offer

Liverpool are hot in pursuit of a new striker - and may just be closing in on their man.

Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt (Getty Images)

Will Arsenal face Viktor Gyokeres twist?

Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners were expected to pay a fixed fee of £55m (€63.5m), while add-ons were still being finalised and could reach up to £8.6m (€10m).

However, reports in Portugal say Manchester United have now made a bid for the striker roughly in the same ball park as Arsenals.

Gyokeres is adamant he wants a move to the Emirates Stadium and has been pushing for it this summer but a late twist could see him joining up with his former boss Ruben Amorim instead.

Bryan Mbeumo to complete Manchester United medical

Manchester United have almost got their deal for Bryan Mbeumo over the line.

A £65m plus add ons bid for Mbeumo was accepted by Brentford and the forward will now undergo a medical before Ruben Amorim takes his squad to the USA for their pre-season tour.

The 25-year-old winger is set to become United's third signing of the summer after the arrivals of forward Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon.

Mbeumo, who joined the Bees in 2019 from Troyes, will become Brentford's biggest ever sale.

Bryan Mbeumo looks set to join Manchester United (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona

Marcus Rashford is seemingly on the move to La Liga both figuratively and literally.

Rashford posted a photo of himself on a private plane with the caption: ‘Downtime’ as rumours abound over an exit from Manchester United.

The forward has interest from Barcelona and looks set to complete a year-long loan move with the Spanish giants who will have an option to buy included in the contract.

Barcelona have allegedly agreed to cover all of Rashford’s £375,000 per week wages and, though United prefer a permanent move, they have agreed to this deal.