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Transfer Rumours: Arsenal face fresh Chelsea rivalry in battle to sign Junior Eli Kroupi

22 May 2026 06:02 BST | 6 min read

Eli Kroupi, rumours

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 22 May, including the latest updates on Junior Kroupi, Sandro Tonali and Joao Pedro.

Chelsea join Arsenal in Kroupi race

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race to sign wonderkid striker Eli Kroupi after his breakout season for Bournemouth.

Kroupi has scored 13 times this season, which is more goals than any teenager in a debut campaign in Premier League, prompting interest from Arsenal after their title win.

However, the Daily Mail" href="https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15836907/Chelsea-join-race-Bournemouth.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail report that Chelsea have also asked Bournemouth to be kept informed of any changes in Kroupi’s situation this summer.

Bournemouth have insisted that Kroupi is not for sale at any price and they will not consider his departure this summer despite the exit of Andoni Iraola.

Tonali facing Newcastle stay after Man Utd cool interest

Manchester United have cooled their interest in Sandro Tonali, with the midfielder now looking more likely to stay at Newcastle this summer.

Sandro Tonali

Tonali has been hotly contested to leave The Magpies after seeing them miss out on European football for next season, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and United all being offered the Italian’s services by his agent.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Tonali’s recent drop-off in form has led to questions over whether any teams will match Newcastle’s asking price of more than €90m, as well as give the 26-year-old a desired pay rise.

It is claimed that Elliot Anderson could play a significant part in Tonali’s future, with the Nottingham Forest star deemed a top target by United and City and likely to command a similar fee, which would limit the options available to the Newcastle man.

Barcelona refuse to rule out Pedro transfer

Barcelona director Deco has refused to rule out a move for Joao Pedro this summer after the departure of Robert Lewandowski.

Joao Pedro

Lewandowski will draw time on his time at Barca when his contract expires at the end of the season and Deco was asked about interest in Pedro or Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

“It’s not about profile. We’re not ruling anyone out, nor are we signing anyone,” Deco told Mundo Deportivo" href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20260521/1004185967/deco-imposible-sustituir-lewandowski-momento-tomar-decisiones.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo. “Now it’s time to make decisions and start strengthening the team.”

“These are internal matters. What we have to guarantee is that we’ll work as we do every year. We’ve lost a very important player like Robert, and of course we’re going to try to strengthen the team.”

Charles deal becomes possibility after ‘spygate’

Man Utd could also take advantage of the ‘Spygate’ controversy in the Championship by pursuing a deal for Southampton star Shea Charles.

Shea Charles

Southampton are set for another season in the Championship after being expelled from the play-offs despite Charles scoring in the win over Middlesbrough in the semi-finals.

United have reportedly held a long-standing interest in Charles and have been watching the 22-year-old all season, with The Mirror" href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-transfer-southampton-spygate-37184094" target="_blank">The Mirror now claiming that the Red Devils could step up their chase for the midfielder.

Charles has netted six goals and two assists this season and is said to be valued at £20m (€23.1m), having come through the academy of United’s rivals Manchester City before joining the Saints in 2023 for €12m.

More rumours

Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo has featured heavily in Newcastle’s recruitment conversations as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon. (Daily Mail)" href="https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15837177/Newcastle-transfers-Gordon-Belgium-Tonali-PIF-stake.html" target="_blank">(Daily Mail)

Barcelona are preparing to open talks to sign Cristian Romero, although they are so far unwilling to pay Tottenham’s €60m asking price. (SPORT)" href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/barca-pendiente-descenso-tottenham-fichar-130435954" target="_blank">(SPORT)

Brighton are in talks to sign Olympiacos right-back Costinha for around €12m. (The Athletic)" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7297803/2026/05/21/costinha-brighton-olympiacos-transfer-news-talks/" target="_blank">(The Athletic)

Fulham are ready to make Marco Silva one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League with a €14m salary to prevent him from leaving to replace Jose Mourinho at Benfica. (CNN Portugal via Sport Witness)" href="https://sportwitness.co.uk/marco-silva-fulham-not-giving-up-colossal-salary-offer-revealed-one-of-pls-highest/" target="_blank">(CNN Portugal via Sport Witness)

Bayern Munich are considering moving for John Stones on a free transfer once his Manchester City contract expires in the summer. (Daily Mail)" href="https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15835101" target="_blank">(Daily Mail)