Transfer news live: Arsenal strike Eze agreement, Liverpool want Isak after Diaz exit, Man United learn Watkins verdict

Transfer news, rumours and done deals

• Arsenal strike agreement for Eberechi Eze
• Liverpool accept €75m bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz
• Reds could now push to sign Newcastle's Alexander Isak
• Viktor Gyokeres completes move to Arsenal
• Man Utd told Ollie Watkins is 'not for sale' after initial approach
• Chelsea 'closing in' on deal for Jorrel Hato
• Darwin Nunez a target for AC Milan & Juventus

Joe Gomez leaves pre-season tour injured to leave Liverpool with centre-back dilemma

Gomez has an Achilles problem and while Liverpool do not believe it is serious, the Premier League champions sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month and are yet to replace the England Under-21 international.

For now, Liverpool, who have retained an interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, only have captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as specialist centre-backs.

Newcastle to move on from Wissa?

Yoane Wissa’s proposed move to Newcastle has hit a stumbling block as Brentford have decided they do not want to sell the player, with the Magpies set to move on to other targets according to Sky.

Wissa made it clear to Brentford that he wants to sign for Newcastle, who had a bid rejected and are reportedly willing to pay around £35m for the Congo international.

Wissa is reportedly irritated at Brentford’s refusal to sell, given that last summer he was given assurances that he could leave the club this year. He wants to play in the Champions League and at 28 believes this could be his last chance to do so.

Spurs held an interest in Wissa during the January window too (Getty Images)

Arsenal strike agreement with Eze?

Football365 and French media oulet, Sports Zone report that Arsenal have a reached an agreement with Eberechi Eze over personal terms for a possible transfer to the Emirates stadium.

The Gunners still need to negotiate terms and fees with Crystal Palace but should the clubs come to an understanding Eze will be poised to join Mikel Arteta’s side.

Eze holds a £68m release clause in his contract with the Gunners hoping to negotiate a price closer to £60m.

Arsenal are keen to secure a deal with the highly-rated winger (Getty Images)

Leeds sign Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri as Daniel Farke shores up newly-promoted squad

Leeds have made their seventh summer signing by bringing in Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon for an initial €16m (£13.9m).

The fee, which could rise by a further €2m in add-ons, takes Leeds’ summer spending to around £75m as they bolster their squad in a bid to stay in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old joins from Lyon, who he helped reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season in a campaign when he kept 13 clean sheets, after goalkeeper was a problem position for Leeds last season, even as they won the Championship.

Muller decides to continue career

Thomas Muller has decided to continue his playing career and move to the MLS, according to Sky Sports.

LAFC are one of two clubs in the race to sign the German, who left Bayern Munich last season after a 25-year association with the German club.

Napoli interested in Sterling

Napoli are said to be interested in a surprise move for Raheem Sterling.

The 30-year-old is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans at Chelsea and the Blues want to sell him this summer.

Calcio Mercato report that Napoli have placed Sterling on their shortlist as they look to strengthen in attack and they could secure him for around £20m.

Dortmund want Brighton midfielder?

Sky Sports reports that Borussia Dortmund want to sign Brighton midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.

The 20-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Leicester, joined Brighton in 2023 for a fee around £5m.

He has three years left on his contract at the Premier League club, and it is not known what sort of fee Brighton would want.

(REUTERS)

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.

Additional reports suggest that RB Leipzig are also interested in Chukwuemeka, which could help Chelsea as the Blues are interested in the Xavi Simons, who plays for the German club.

Wrexham make surprise move for Eriksen

Wrexham are trying to punch above their weight (slightly) and have approached Christian Eriksen over a potential move.

The Dane is a free agent having left Manchester United at the start of the summer and was impressed by their proposal.

However, Wrexham are in the Championship and are seeking a fourth successive promotion having swept through the lower leagues under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Eriksen hopes to remain at the top level of football whether that is in the Premier League or at one of the top leagues in Europe.

Trafford to undergo City medical

James Trafford is set to begin his medical at Man City today ahead of his £27m move from Burnley.

Trafford has agreed a five-year contract plus an optional extra year and will compete with Ederson for the number one shirt, with Steffan Ortega expected to leave this summer.

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)

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."

Marcus Rashford leaves Man United on loan to seal dream move to Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan for the season as he has left Manchester United for the second time in 2025.

The Spanish champions have an option to buy Rashford next summer for €30m with the forward unlikely to have a future at Old Trafford as long as Ruben Amorim remains United manager.

Rashford signed his contract in front of Barcelona president Joan Laporta but it remains to be seen when the Catalan club will be able to register him in their La Liga squad.

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)

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle admission opens door to Alexander Isak exit this summer

Eddie Howe has reiterated he is keen to keep Alexander Isak at Newcastle but has now admitted he cannot guarantee the striker will stay this summer.

Isak is missing Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with what the club described as a minor thigh injury but after he asked to be able to explore his options of a move.

Liverpool had made an inquiry for Isak, though they also went on to sign the Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike, while Arsenal are other admirers of his and Al-Hilal are reportedly willing to give him a lucrative contract.

Howe admitted that Isak, who has three years left on his current deal, is not in talks about a new deal with Newcastle but underlined that he hopes his top scorer remains at St James’ Park, with the club facing a difficult decision.

"He is now in Newcastle getting his injury assessed,” said Howe, who is in Singapore, preparing for a friendly against Arsenal on Sunday. “Hopefully, he will be back soon and playing in the black and white shirt, that's what we want to see.”

Chelsea 'closing in on deal' for Hato

Chelsea are now closing in on a deal to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

An agreement is “yet to be reached but getting nearer”, with a compromise expected to take the fee closer to the €40m mark.

“Personal terms in place” for the 19-year-old, adds Ornstein.

(Getty Images)

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.

(Getty Images)

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.

Chelsea target requested not to be in Ajax squad

Last night, Sky reported that Chelsea target Jorrel Hato requested not to be involved in Ajax’s friendly match.

The 19-year-old did not want to risk injury with a potential move to the Blues on the cards.

Chelsea value Hato at around £35m and are in talks with Ajax, but the Dutch club value their defender at closer to £50m.

Napoli considering Sterling and Grealish?

Sky reports that Napoli are looking at Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish as alternative wing targets, though Bologna's Dan Ndoye remains their priority.

Napoli have already seen a loan with an obligation to buy offer rejected for the Switzerland international, and face competition from Nottingham Forest.

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.

Nunez targeted by Milan and Juve

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly being monitored by AC Milan and Juventus.

Nunez had previously been a target for Napoli, though the Serie A champions chose to sign Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese instead.

Both Milan and Juve are looking for a striker and have shown interest in the 26-year-old, though there have been no contact offers or bids from either club.

Saudi Arabia is still a possible destination too, with Al Hilal among his admirers.

Nunez has three years left on his deal at Liverpool, and it is believed the Reds would want around £70m to secure his sale.

(Getty Images)

Villa & Newcastle to fight for Calvert-Lewin?

Reports in the UK suggest that Aston Villa, Newcastle and AC Milan are there clubs considering a move for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The 28-year-old is a free agent after his Everton contract expired, and it is suggested he could be a cost-effective option for both Villa and the Magpies, with both covering only his wages.

Mikel Arteta on signing Viktor Gyokeres

The Arsenal manager said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club.

“The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.

"Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.

"He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.

"We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal."

(REUTERS)

Donnarumma leaving PSG?

Reports in Italy suggest that Gianluigi Donnarumma wants to leave PSG this summer, with the Italian the object of interest from Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Galatasaray and some Saudi clubs.

PSG have recently bid €40m to sign Lille ‘keeper Lucas Chevalier, as talks with Donnarumma over a contract extension have supposedly stalled.

APTOPIX CWC Chelsea PSG Soccer (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Viktor Gyokeres on signing for Arsenal

“I just felt that it was the right club for me,” revealed Viktor Gyokeres after his announcement as a new Arsenal player.

“What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them, and just what I've seen in the past years, how they've been playing football.

"When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.

“That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase.

"It's been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That's what it's all about. It's going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”

Chelsea agree deal to sell Felix

Saudi side Al Nassr have agreed a deal worth £43.7m for Chelsea forward Joao Felix.

The 25-year-old is keen on the move and has been given permission to travel to Riyadh for his medical.

The deal means Chelsea will recoup the £45m they paid Atletico Madrid last summer.

Liverpool complete signing of Hugo Ekitike after seeing off late Man United interest

Liverpool have bought Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a deal worth £79m and believe they have brought in a player who could become one of the best forwards in the world.

The Frenchman, whose fee is an initial £69m with a further £10m depending on bonuses, has signed a six-year contract at Anfield after passing a medical.

Liverpool saw off late interest from Manchester United for the 23-year-old, while Newcastle had offered £70m for Ekitike, which Eintracht rejected.

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

Leeds ready to increase Paixao offer

Leeds are ready to pay £28m plus add-ons for Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao says Sky Sports News.

Leeds’ opening bid of £26m, plus add-ons was not sufficient for the Dutch side and negotiations are ongoing.

Marseille also remain in talks and Roma continue to monitor the situation.

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.

Chelsea’s efforts to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig could be complicated by interest in the player from Bayern Munich (PA) (PA Archive)

Fulham still interested in Nelson

Fulham have made just the one signing this summer having become the last Premier League team to strengthen their squad with the signing of a new goalkeeper.

But, they remain interested in re-signing attacking midfielder Reiss Nelson on loan.

“Talks between the clubs are over a loan deal with a permanent element attached,” reports Sky Sports.

Gibbs-White signs new Forest contract

Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new three-year contract with Nottingham Forest.

Forest accused Tottenham of making an illegal approach for the midfielder with a £60m bid earlier this month.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: "Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

"There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it. I promised our fans we would not only compete, but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey."

(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

When will Viktor Gyokeres make his Arsenal debut?

The Gunners have been trying to strengthen their forward line for most of the summer transfer window with attempts to bring RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates falling apart before a deal for Gyokeres was spread out over weeks of negotiations.

Arsenal finally secured their striker in a £55m deal, which could rise to £65m with related add-ons, and Gyokeres passed a medical on Saturday 26 July before flying out to Singapore to meet up with the squad for their pre-season tour.

Rodrygo to Liverpool?

Could this really happen? It’s quite possible now.

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.

L’Equipe also detailed how Rodrygo would “without a doubt” replace Luis Diaz, should the Colombian international leave this summer and now he has agreed a deal to make the switch to Bayern Munich.

Alexander Isak is seemingly next on Liverpool’s target list but should Newcastle remain firm in their £150m valuation, the Reds could target Rodrygo instead.

Newcastle’s handling of Alexander Isak transfer saga slammed by club legend Alan Shearer

The former Newcastle striker says the club made themselves look “ridiculous” on Thursday for claiming that Isak was injured amid reports he wants to explore a move away from the club.

Newcastle released a statement on Thursday morning to say the Swede would miss the club’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor thigh problem.

Gunners sign centre-back Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

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.

Manchester City set to re-sign James Trafford

City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

And Trafford, a long-term target for Eddie Howe, decided against going to St James’ Park in favour of a move to the former Premier League champions.

Trafford will sign a five-year deal, with City possessing the option to extend it for a further season, and personal terms have been agreed.

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.

Liverpool could submit bid for Isak this week

The Daily Mail report that Liverpool are readying to submit an official bid for Alexander Isak this week having boosted their financial power with a deal to sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.

Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe, has admitted there was ‘no chance’ Isak would be meeting up with the squad in Asia which gives rise to an expected move away from the club.

The club value Isak at £150m but it will be tough to extract that price out of Liverpool though a high bid - somewhere between £100-£130m - is expected.

The Magpies will need to decide whether it is worth cashing in on Isak or forcing him to stay as he has three years left on his current deal.

Alexander Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Arsenal ramp up bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze

Arsenal are aiming to swiftly move to secure Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze now that the deal for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is complete.

Mikel Arteta‘s side are Eze's top choice, as has previously been reported by The Independent, and those close to the player are confident a deal will be done in the next few weeks.

Arsenal are hoping to agree a fee that comes to £60m, rather than the reported £68m clause, although on terms that are also amenable to Palace.

Although there has not yet been any formal contact between the two clubs, the suggestions are that both will be flexible, amid good relations between the two boardrooms.

Arsenal complete Viktor Gyokeres signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, for a final fee of €63m (£55m) with a further €10m to potentially be paid in add-ons (totalling £64m).

The 27-year-old has signed a five-year contract.

The purchase marks the end of an 18-month hunt for a number-nine from Arsenal, who have been insistent on signing a goalscorer for the “here and now”.

Gyokeres’ arrival also marks the end of a hard period of negotiations with Sporting, who were insistent on more achievable add-ons. At one point, the deal dragged on and stalled over a potential add-on of €5m.

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.

Liverpool accept €75m Luis Diaz bid from Bayern Munich

Liverpool have accepted a €75m bid from Bayern Munich for Luis Diaz, who asked to leave Anfield and is now set to join the German champions.

The Colombian winger, who is currently in Tokyo with Liverpool on their pre-season tour, will leave on Sunday or Monday to complete the formalities of his move.

Liverpool had long insisted Diaz was not for sale but reluctantly agreed to his request to go.