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Transfer Rumours: Darwin Nunez twist as Arsenal target 'shock' striker signing

Updated: 1 Jun 2026 18:26 BST | 7 min read

Darwin Nunez, Al-Hilal, Transfer Rumours, 2025/26

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 2 June, including the latest updates on Darwin Nunez, Ferran Torres and Marc Cucurella.

Barcelona consider Nunez signing

The name of Darwin Nunez has come up during discussions between Barcelona and Al-Hilal over Joao Cancelo, Mundo Deportivo reports.

The Blaugrana are negotiating a permanent move for Cancelo with their Saudi counterparts, and one party - it is not clear which - brought up wantaway striker Nunez, who was previously on the radar of Barcelona.

The Uruguay international was deregistered from Al-Hilal's Saudi Pro League squad in February to make room for Karim Benzema, and the Riyadh outfit are said to be considering terminating his contract to allow him to freely choose his next club.

Barcelona are aware of the situation and are now considering the former Liverpool striker as an option. The Catalans want to sign a striker this summer and have made a €100 million bid for Julian Alvarez. However, Atletico Madrid are playing hardball and insist that he is going nowhere.

Arsenal keeping tabs on Torres

Ferran Torres

Barcelona's public pursuit of attacking reinforcements could have a knock-on effect on Ferran Torres, whose future at the club is increasingly uncertain, TEAMtalk claims.

The Spanish forward has been proposed to Atleti as a potential makeweight for Alvarez, which is said to have left him "frustrated." Torres is considering his future, with Barcelona willing to cash in on him despite Hansi Flick's admiration.

This has alerted various clubs, including Arsenal. The Gunners are aware of Torres' potential availability and are mulling over what is being described as a "shock" move for the former Man City star.

Cucurella keen to leave Chelsea

Marc Cucurella is planning to leave Chelsea this summer, as per The Athletic.

Cucurella talked up a potential transfer during the March international break, but unlike Enzo Fernandez, he was not sanctioned by the club because it was believed that his comments stemmed from a genuine concern about the long-term success of Chelsea.

However, Cucurella is not willing to wait forever, and the Blues' failure to qualify for Europe has now seemingly convinced the Spaniard that a move is the best course of action for his career. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are already in contact with the left-back.

Real Madrid and Man City also reportedly hold an interest. Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has already held talks with Cucurella over his future, but it appears that he was not able to convince him to stay put.

Jaouen visits Cobham

Ewen Jaouen

Stade Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen has toured Chelsea's Cobham facilities, according to Canal Plus.

The France youth international is in demand after two impressive seasons in Ligue 2. Jaouen kept 15 clean sheets for Reims in the season just gone, but the club failed to achieve promotion back to Ligue 1.

As a result, the 20-year-old could take the next step in his career, with Chelsea among the clubs interested. Real Madrid and Newcastle are also keen, with the latter reportedly having already made major progress on personal terms. Reims want around €25m for the shot-stopper.

PSG serious about Kroupi

PSG have "positioned" themselves to sign Bournemouth forward Eli Kroupi, L'Equipe writes.

The Champions League winners are poised to continue their business strategy of snapping up France's most talented players, with Kroupi now a serious target after his breakout Premier League season. However, it is accepted that it won't be easy to convince Bournemouth to sell.

The Cherries are adamant that the teenager is going nowhere, which means that it will require a hefty fee to sign him. Some reports have claimed that Kroupi could cost north of €90m. Arsenal and Man Utd are also in the race to sign him.

More transfer rumours

Victor Osimhen

Contrary to claims from Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is currently not in transfer talks with any club. (Fabrizio Romano)

Enzo Maresca is keen to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto for Man City. (TEAMtalk)

Man Utd boss Michael Carrick is "championing" a move for his former Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. (The Northern Echo)

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels wants to leave the club and take the next step in his career. (Sacha Tavolieri)

Arsenal remain interested in Real Madrid youngster Victor Valdepenas. (Daily Mail)

Bayern midfielder Joao Palhinha is keen to stay at loan club Tottenham amid interest from his former side Sporting CP. (Fabrizio Romano)

Brighton are preparing a "monster bid" for AIK prospect Zadok Yohanna, who is also fielding Bundesliga interest. (Expressen)

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has held talks with Rodri, whose contract talks with Man City are proving difficult. (COPE)

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has greenlit a move to PSG, but he is also open to joining Liverpool. (Foot Mercato)