Transfer news live: Arsenal finalise Gyokeres add-ons, Liverpool ready Isak bid, Man United target Watkins

Transfer news LIVE

• Alexander Isak eyes Newcastle exit with Liverpool and Chelsea considering situation
• Viktor Gyokeres finalises £63.8m Arsenal move and will undergo medical on Saturday
• Gunners sign centre-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia
• Man Utd told Ollie Watkins is 'not for sale' after initial approach
• Manchester City set to re-sign James Trafford

Fulham to sign Lecomte

Fulham are set to complete the signing of Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.

The 34-year-old comes in to provide competition for Bernd Leno as Steven Benda, Fulham’s current No.2, is undergoing a medical ahead of a loan move to Millwall.

Lecomte played 30 games for the Ligue 1 side last season and will become Fulham's first signing of the summer.

Benda, meanwhile, moves to Millwall in search of regular minutes after providing cover for Leno over the last two years.

Gyokeres deal done, medical this weekend

Viktor Gyokeres, who is believed to have flown to London today, has finalised his deal to become an Arsenal player.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Sporting CP for his transfer.

The Premier League side will pay an initial €63.5m (£54.8m) plus €10m in add-ons.

Gyokeres has been given permission to travel and is expected to undergo his Arsenal medical on Saturday.

The 27-year-old will take the No 14 shirt at Arsenal, the number made iconic by Gunners legend Thierry Henry.

(Getty Images)

Van Dijk on Ekitike

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken to new signing Hugo Ekitike.

The Frenchman has joined up with the Reds in Hong Kong following his summer transfer from Eintracht Frankurt.

Speaking to the Anfield Wrap of their meeting, Van Dijk said: “It’s good to have him here. I said to him, ‘The hard work starts now.’

“He has to work his socks off and be important for us whenever he can. That’s the main thing.”

More details on Trafford deal

Manchester City are set to re-sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley.

Newcastle United put in an offer for the goalkeeper of £27m which was match by City who, under contract, had three days to match the bid and retain their priority to re-sign the England Under-21 star.

Trafford has signed a five-year deal plus the options of another 12-months and returns to the club he left two years ago.

City’s current No. 1 Ederson has been linked with a move away from the club and it is thought either he or Stefan Ortega may move on in this window.

Trafford impressed last season under Scott Parker, conceding only 16 goals in 45 games to help the club secure automatic promotion.

Burnley missed out on the Championship title by goal difference to Leeds United.

Chelsea's Hato bid rejected

Chelsea have had a bid for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato rejected.

The Blues are pushing to sign the 19-year-old as part of a £104m double deal for him and RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

However, ESPN report that Ajax have turned down an offer from Chelsea for Hato.

It is claimed that a counter-offer has been sent back to the Blues.

(Getty Images)

Villa bid for Canvot

Aston Villa have made an offer for centre-back Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse, reports The Athletic.

The Ligue 1 side are continuing talks over the 18-year-old's future with Villa and a number of other clubs.

Canvot broke into the Toulouse side midway through last season, making his first start in January before going onto make 18 appearances in his debut season.

Man Utd to sell Hojlund?

Manchester United are open to letting Rasmus Hojlund leave this summer.

Corriere dello Sport report that United would even be willing to let Hojlund leave on loan but only if an obligation to buy is included in the deal.

The forward has struggled to impress since joining from Atalanta and offloading him may open up room for a new striker.

Rasmus Hojlund endured a frustrating second season at Man Utd (PA Wire)

Manchester City set to re-sign James Trafford

Manchester City have reportedly agreed a deal to sign James Trafford according to Fabrizio Romano.

The goalkeeper had previously been a City player before making the move to Burnley and excelling with regular first team football.

City held a buy back clause in that previously sale and have activated the £40m option.

Newcastle had been keeping tabs on Trafford’s availability but the goalkeeper said yes to a return to Manchester as Pep Guardiola wanted him.

Sancho to Juventus on hold

Juventus’ proposed £15m move for Jadon Sancho is on hold for now after the Italian giants signed Francisco Conceicao on a permanent deal for around €30m.

Juve will have to wait until sales are made before pursuing Sancho again, with one of Timothy Weah or Nico Gonzalez needing to leave. Marseille are supposedly pursuing a move for Weah, who is valued at around £17m.

United value Sancho at £25m, with reports in Italy suggesting Juve could offer an initial £15m with another £10m of easily achievable add-ons.

(Getty)

Chelsea make contact for Ajax defender

Chelsea have now made official club-to-club contact with Ajax over a deal for defender Jorrel Hato, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Hato is “understood to be keen on the move and already prepared to accept personal terms “, reports the Italian.

It has previously been reported that Ajax value the defender at around £40m.

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.

Italy striker joins Qatari side for £56.5m

Italian striker Mateo Retegui has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah from Atalanta, both clubs said on Monday, with Italian media reports saying last season's Serie A top scorer has signed a four-year contract.

No financial details were released, but Italian media said that the fee paid is in the region of €65m ($76.01m) which would make Retegui the most expensive Italian player.

Liverpool 'retain interest' in Isak

The Times say that Liverpool remain interested in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak despite spending an initial £69m to sign Hugo Ekitike.

The Reds’ initial inquiry over Isak was firmly rebuffed by Newcastle who are ‘desperate’ to keep hold of the striker according to manager Eddie Howe.

Liverpool were reportedly willing to offer £120m as Arne Slot admires his positional versatility.

However, having spent almost £300m this summer on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, Liverpool’s budget may not be able to accommodate another huge outgoing.

That said, the club are superbly run and only spent £12-15m last summer bringing in Federico Chiesa. They have plenty of reserves and one report claims they can spend up to £500m this summer and still be comfortably within the parameters of PSR.

City to spend big in Palmer buy-back?

There’s no chance this rumour happens.

Spanish publication Fichajes are spreading the possibility that Man City could offer around €170m (£148m) to Chelsea to re-sign Cole Palmer.

There’s no way Pep Guardiola goes in for that move especially having allowed Palmer to leave in the first place.

Palmer left City for around £42.5m to join the Blues in 2023 and has become a Premier League standout.

According to the report Guardiola is intent on re-signing the England international “at any cost” which seems quite ludicrous.

But, if it happens it would be a huge and ridiculous story.

Cole Palmer at the Club World Cup with Chelsea (AP)

Sesko on Newcastle's radar

Benjamin Sesko is a popular man. The RB Leipzig striker has been linked with a move away from the club this summer with Arsenal having spent months in negotiations only to baulk at the asking price.

Since then the striker has been linked, though not thoroughly with Manchester United and now Newcastle.

The iPaper claim that the Magpies have been long term admirers of Sesko and that he could be being lined up as a replacement for Alexander Isak should he leave the club.

Journalist Ben Jacobs posted on Twitter/X that the Magpies are also looking at a move for Leipzig’s Lois Openda.

Dan Burn responds to Alexander Isak speculation after Newcastle forward eyes transfer

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn gave his thoughts on the transfer speculation concerning teammate Alexander Isak as the 25-year-old striker faces a potential exit during the summer transfer window.

Isak has been the subject of ongoing rumours with his future at the Premier League club in doubt following reports that he wants to ‘explore his options’ during the summer.

Antony targeted by Atletico?

Man Utd winger Antony is another player set for the exit door at Old Trafford, but Real Betis – who signed the Brazilian on loan for the second half of last season – are struggling to muster the funds for a permanent purchase, according to i News.

United are said to want £30m for Antony, and though Betis are said to be trying to raise the funds, sources in Spain suggest that Atletico Madrid could be the frontrunners for the Brazilian’s signature.

(AP)

Real Madrid preparing big bid for Man City's Rodri

The Sun says that Real Madrid are ready to make a £100m bid for Manchester City’s Rodri this summer.

Xabi Alonso has picked out the midfielder as a possible solution to strengthen Madrid’s defensive midfield play and wants to roll the dice on tempt Rodri back to Spain.

Rodri, who sat out most of the 2024/25 season through injury, is a key player for City and has two years remaining on his contract.

City will be reluctant to let him leave but if the offer is big enough it may persuade them to consider departing with the 29-year-old who’s fitness is still doubtful.

“Everyone knows how important Rodri is,” Pep Guardiola said during the Club World Cup.

“He is one of the best players in the world. When they're not in a team, they're missed.”

Nkunku exit 'almost guaranteed'

Christopher Nkunku is set to leave Chelsea this summer, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The exit “remains almost guaranteed” according to the Italian, with “several top clubs keen”.

Bayern Munich were known to be interested in the Frenchman in January, while Man Utd have also been linked in recent weeks.

The player is though to be valued at around £70m by the Blues.

Guerra rejects contract offer amid Man Utd interest

Reports in Spain claim that Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra has rejected the club’s latest transfer offer, with Man Utd ready to swoop in if the midfielder leaves the Mestalla.

Marca reports that Guerra is hoping for a better offer from the club, but that Utd would be willing to pay €25m for the 22-year-old, who featured for Spain’s U21 side in this summer’s European Championship.

Newcastle keen on Wissa

Newcastle are set to make another approach for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Bees previously rejected Newcastle’s £25m bid, though the Magpies are keen on the Congo international and will return with another offer.

Wissa is said to be “keen on [the] project and Champions League chance” that Newcastle offer.

Chelsea set Veiga asking price with trio of clubs battling for Portugal international

Atletico Madrid want to sign Renato Veiga but no an agreement with Chelsea will be tough to find.

The Portuguese international will struggle to find regular gametime at Stamford Bridge, with the 21-year-old spending last season on loan at Juventus.

Atletico also face competition from Bayern Munich and an unnamed Premier League with Marca reporting that the Spaniards are willing to go to €35m to sign him, but the Blues remain unmoved on a €40m price tag.

Rashford on situation at Manchester United

Speaking at his unveiling at Barcelona, Marcus Rashford touched on the situation at Manchester United and said the club are in a period of change.

“The situation with United is the club is in a period of change and they have been for a while,” Rashford explained.

“I don’t have anything bad to say about Manchester United as it has been an important part not only in my career but my life.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to play for them. But football is like life – not everything goes as simply as you thought and this is my next chapter. I’m fully focused on this and trying to improve myself and helping the team win trophies.

“I don’t have anything bad to say about United. I wish them all the best and hope they are successful in the future.”

Rashford has joined Barcelona on a season-long loan with an option to buy (Getty Images)

Ten Hag chats Xhaka's qualities

"The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players," Ten Hag told German media on Tuesday.

"We won't let any more players go, that's not possible. That would neglect the structure and also the culture of the squad.

"It's clear Granit is a leader, he has signed here for five years and has three years left on his contract. He's too important for us to let him go."

Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag hits back at Granit Xhaka’s agent over Sunderland transfer claims

Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that midfielder Granit Xhaka will not be able to join Sunderland this summer, with the Switzerland midfielder heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.

The Black Cats had appeared to be closing in on a deal for the former Arsenal captain as they continue a spending spree that has exceeded £100m this summer, with the club keen to add top-flight experience to their squad as they look to beat the drop next season.

Ten Hag wants to keep Xhaka

Bayer Leverkusen cannot afford to let Granit Xhaka leave said manager Erik ten Hag.

Leverkusen have already lost playmaker Florian Wirtz and defender Jeremie Frimpong to Premier League champions Liverpool, while centre back Jonathan Tah has moved to Bayern Munich.

Former Arsenal man Xhaka has been linked with a move to Sunderland, with his agent telling German media the 32-year-old Switzerland skipper has an agreement in principle with the newly-promoted Premier League club.

Xhaka helped Leverkusen secure the double in the 2023-24 season as they lifted their first Bundesliga title without losing a game, won the German Cup and reached the Europa League final.

(REUTERS)

Chelsea prepare Simons bid

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Xavi Simons and are preparing to lodge a formal bid, according to The Times.

He has two years left on his current contract, worth £100,000 per week.

Sky Sports News says that negotiations are ongoing and are constructive with Simons’ team.

Leipzig have been clear that they want a package of €70m (£61m) including add-ons.

Rashford says Barcelona ‘feels like home’

Marcus Rashford said Barcelona “feels like home” after joining the LaLiga champions on loan as he refused to criticise Manchester United.

“I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,” Rashford said at a press conference unveiling him as a new La Liga player.

“You see with the team last season, they have a young ambitious team and I want to add my qualities, my personality, improve the team and help them win.

“(It was) not difficult. I was clear on my preference from the beginning. Actually from maybe in January. It didn’t work out in January so I went to Aston Villa and enjoyed a good period there. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play there.

“The summer came around very quickly, it was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. It’s a family club, something I’m used to from my past.

“It feels like home. I feel I made the right decision. I’m excited to get going and eager to play the first game in front of the fans.”

Marcus Rashford departs Man Utd as the club legend who was let down

As Marcus Rashford is unveiled as a new Barcelona player, one can’t help but feel that it could have all been so different.

The Manchester-born United fan who netted twice on his debut seemed like a fairytale story, and for a while it was, with the then-18-year-old even playing a part in a major trophy win as Manchester United won a first FA Cup in 13 years that May.

However, fast forward to 2025 and fans and pundits seem to be in unanimous agreement that a loan exit for a once-adored academy product is best for all parties.

Rodrygo to Liverpool?

Could this really happen?

Foot Mercato in France are reporting that Liverpool have opened talks with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old winger is out of favour under Xabi Alonso and could seek a move this summer.

Quite whether the Reds would want to spend big again, following Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz’s arrivals to bolster the front line, is unclear.

L’Equipe also detailed how Rodrygo would “without a doubt” replace Luis Diaz, should the Colombian international leave this summer.

Man Utd sign Mbeumo from Brentford

Manchester United have completed the long-awaited signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo for a fee rising to £71m.

Nearly seven weeks after seeing their first offer rebuffed, the Red Devils finally have their man and the 25-year-old has signed a deal until 2030 with the option of a further year.

Mbeumo leaves Brentford for an initial £65m fee that could rise by a further £6m should certain add-on clauses related to team and player be achieved.

Bryan Mbeumo has completed his move to Man United (Manchester United)

Liverpool reach agreement to sign Hugo Ekitike

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.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is joining Liverpool (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Chelsea and Arsenal battle for Simons

Xavi Simons has made his thoughts clear that he wants to leave RB Leipzig this summer.

Sky Sports say that there is some interest in the midfielder from Premier League clubs and that the player would be open to the move.

Arsenal and Chelsea were the two clubs named but both have been busy scouting out other targets this summer.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Simons but won’t make any moves until later in the transfer window.

Simons’ fee could cost anywhere between €50-65m.

Why Man United could be in pole position for Sesko

Fabrizio Romano has pointed to a key reason why Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Benjamin Sekso, and it is down to their head of scouting, Christopher Vivell.

Vivell is a former part of the Red Bull Group and knows Sesko, who plays for RB Leipzig.

United have made no official contact with Leipzig yet, but there is interest.

Man Utd told Ollie Watkins is 'not for sale' after initial approach

Manchester United have been firmly rebuffed by Aston Villa after an informal inquiry over a possible move for Ollie Watkins.

United made the inquiry on Thursday evening but were told that Watkins ‘is not for sale’.

Watkins is just one of a few strikers United have looked at along with others including Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

With a valuation of around £60m, Watkins is one of the cheaper options United are exploring and has proven Premier League quality.

If they do pursue a deal then it will be difficult to convince Villa to part ways with their man.

(Action Images/Reuters)

Arteta addresses Mosquera acquisition

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga.

“He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides. He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season.

“Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us. From all of us, we welcome Cristhian and his family to the club.”

Sporting director Andrea Berta added: “We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera. We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future.

"Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal."

Liverpool to consider Isak bid?

The Daily Mail report that Liverpool are preparing a British-record bid for Alexander Isak after he told Newcastle he wants to ‘explore his options’ this summer.

Newcastle have no need no urgency to sell the striker though Isak’s own feelings may sway them slightly.

He wants a new challenge and the Mail say that Liverpool are preparing to submit a huge offer to try and tempt Newcastle to part ways.

The Reds have already spent plenty of money in this window but have a lot of leeway in terms of PSR meaning they could still splash out on an expensive signing.

Having also brought in Hugo Ekitike as a No.9 option they aren’t in desperate need of Isak’s signature either so have a decent starting position in negotiations should things develop between the two clubs.

Son to leave Spurs?

Tottenham’s Europa League winning captain could potentially depart ahead of the new season in what would be both a blow and a well-earned farewell.

The Athletic report that Son Heung-min is drawing interest from the MLS.

Apparently, Los Angeles FC are said to be ‘pushing hard’ to sign the South Korean and talks with Spurs are ongoing.

Son is not expected to play a prominent role under Thomas Frank next season and could emulate former manager Ange Postecoglou is leaving the club in a blaze of glory after ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy win.

Speculation has been rife surrounding captain Son Heung-min’s future (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Arsenal announce signing of Cristhian Mosquera

Arsenal have signed centre-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia!

The Spanish defender, 21, turned pro with the La Liga club in 2021 after coming through their academy.

Mosquera then made 90 first-team appearances for Valencia.

He is also able to represent Colombia, having only played for Spain at under-21 level – though he won Olympic gold with the Spanish side last summer.

Gyokeres expected in London

Sky Sports News says that Viktor Gyokeres is expected in London tomorrow to sort final details on his move to Arsenal.

Gyokeres is then expected to join up with the squad in Singapore, have a medical and complete his transfer from Sporting.

The clubs have agreed a deal worth up to £63.8m. £55.1m is guaranteed plus £8.7m in add-ons.

Alexander Isak eyes Newcastle exit with Liverpool and Chelsea considering situation

Alexander Isak wants to explore options at other clubs and a transfer away from Newcastle United, potentially throwing Eddie Howe’s summer plans into chaos.

The 25-year-old was not included in last week's friendly defeat to Celtic due to "speculation", and has now not travelled to Singapore for pre-season due to a thigh injury.

And Newcastle have been made aware that Isak is keen to consider his future elsewhere.

Good morning!

Let’s start off with the big news and rumours that surround Newcastle forward Alexander Isak.

It has been reported that Isak wants to leave the club and explore his options during this window amid interest from Liverpool who, at one point, were being rumoured to break the British transfer record to bring him in.

Since then they’ve signed striker Hugo Ekitike, one of Newcastle’s own targets, and the door to bringing Isak in as well is closing.

Isak has been left out of Newcastle’s pre-season Asia tour squad, with the club citing a thigh injury as the reason why, but he also did not play in the defeat to Celtic last weekend.

Behind the scenes rumblings are that he isn’t happy with the situation but with years remaining on his contract and a high asking price from Newcastle, in the region of £150m, there are few clubs who can afford to take him.