Updated: 25 May 2026 08:31 BST | 5 min read
Joao Pedro, Chelsea, Transfer Rumours
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Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner | Chief Editor
Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006
All the latest transfer gossip and rumours from 25 May, including Chelsea’s stance on Joao Pedro, Manchester United’s hopes of landing a winger and the latest on Yan Diomande.
Chelsea will reject Barcelona bids for Joao Pedro
Chelsea are taking a firm stance over the future of Brazil international striker Joao Pedro amid interest from Barcelona.
The Catalan side have reportedly made the former Brighton star their top priority in the No.9 role ahead of the summer market, yet Chelsea have resolved not to sell him – even if they are offered a world-record fee.
Transfer insider Ben Jacobs has reported: “Although Barcelona’s interest in Joao Pedro is genuine, and some exploratory talks have taken place, Chelsea are not prepared to sell. There is no price that will change the club’s stance this summer, even a world-record bid.”
Man Utd ‘best placed’ to sign Rafael Leao
Manchester United could pounce on AC Milan attack Rafael Leao, who is set to be available for a cut-price fee this summer, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
The Portuguese winger has long been a target for the Premier League’s leading clubs, yet his star has fallen in recent times amid a loss of form at San Siro.
Once considered a €120 million player at his peak, the Rossoneri now expect half that fee to prise away the 26-year-old, who still has two years to run on his contract with Milan.
Fenebahce are also interested.
Liverpool sent Diomande message
Liverpool have been warned off a move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who has been earmarked as a dream candidate to replace Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
The Bundesliga club still intend to tie the Ivory Coast star down to a new contract after he was a breakout performer this season.
In any case, it’s likely to take a giant bid to prise the winger away from his club, with Leipzig having put a valuation of €100 million on Diomande, who is also being tracked by PSG.
Ederson, Fernandes or Anderson – Man Utd’s midfield targets
Manchester United’s hunt for a midfielder has seen them closely linked for a move for Ederson, but according to BBC Sport, talks are not as advanced as Italian media have reported.
The Atalanta midfielder is, however, a clear target for the Red Devils but there are other names on their shortlist. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is one, but United are not prepared to match the Irons’ asking price.
The report also reiterates that Elliot Anderson is the “prime target”, though the widespread belief if that he is destined to sign for Manchester City.
Elliot Anderson: Man Utd's dream target likely to sign for City
© IMAGO/FootballTransfers - Elliot Anderson: Man Utd's dream target likely to sign for City
Transfer rumour roundup
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez has decided that he will wait for Barcelona and is prepared to turn down Arsenal and PSG. (El Chiringuito)
Aston Villa are tracking Arijon Ibrahimovic but face potential competition from Brighton, Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace. (TeamTalk)
Real Madrid are targeting Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni for the heart of their defence. (Mundo Deportivo)
Barcelona are scouting Jakub Kiwior, whose move to Porto from Arsenal has just been made permanent. (Sport)
Tottenham captain Cristiano Romero is interested in joining Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. (TeamTalk)
Axel Disasi will return to Chelsea following his loan to relegated West Ham. (FootMercato)