The first summer transfer window is drawing near
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The first of two summer transfer windows is edging ever closer and it appears there has already been a change of heart at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new forward, with Viktor Gyokeres thought to be his top target, but it is now Real Madrid's Rodrygo who the Gunners are being linked with amid claims the Sporting star his decided to stay up this summer.
Manchester United's Europa League final loss is set to hit their finances hard, but a £62.5million deal for Matheus Cunha is still on and interest in £30m-rated Liam Delap remains. But Victor Osimhen is now considered unlikely, even if Bruno Fernandes is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia for big money. Tottenham, meanwhile, want to use their new windfall on a big signing, and could return for Marc Guehi.
Chelsea also want Delap, while former Gunners target Jorrel Hato is of interest and expected to leave Ajax this summer. Jadon Sancho will be sent back to United. Liverpool are now in pole position to sign Florian Wirtz as Bayern push for an answer, and Rayan Cherki is also of interest as Darwin Nunez looks set to leave. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Latest transfer news and updates
Arsenal in talks over Rodrygo deal
Bayern set Wirtz deadline amid Liverpool fears
Gyokeres decides to stay at Sporting
Man Utd to listen to Bruno Fernandes bids
Chelsea now favourites to sign Delap
Live updates
10 minutes ago
Gyokeres decides to stay at Sporting
There has been yet another twist in the meandering saga of Viktor Gyokeres’ future. Just when Arsenal seemed to be closing in on a deal for the prolific Sporting striker, a new spanner has been thrown in the works.
In a new interview, the player’s uncle has said he is now planning to stay in Lisbon following a family meeting.
Asked whether Viktor would be happy to stay at Sporting, his Uncle said: “Yes, we think so.
“Yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.”
Gyokeres himself has given far less away in his own interviews. Asked for an update on his future this week, he simply said: “Hopefully you can expect I keep improving and score goals."
Manchester United are also interested in the player and may look to intercept Arsenal’s move for his signature.
Viktor Gyokeres
London Standard
31 minutes ago
Bayern set Wirtz deadline amid Liverpool fears
Bayern Munich are growing concerned over Liverpool’s chances of signing top transfer target Florian Wirtz, and have set a deadline to get the deal done.
Wirtz is expected to be the subject of the summer’s most expensive deal, with a transfer close of around £126million, and then the same outlay again on wages and other fees over the course of a long-term contract.
Bayern were long considered the favourites to land the Bayer Leverkusen star, but now Liverpool may find themselves in pole position.
According to Kicker, Bayern want an answer and soon, as they want Wirtz in their squad for the Club World Cup, which begins on June 15.
Getty Images
8 hours ago
Done deal
Raphinha has signed a contract extension that will keep him with Barcelona until 2028.
The club announced the news on Thursday.
Raphinha joined Barcelona in 2022 and his contract had been due to expire in June 2027.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a fine season, playing a key role in the club's domestic treble with 34 goals and 25 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions.
He said: "This is very rewarding for me and is something very special. It makes me very happy and a personal objective since I arrived is to give the fans a lot of joy.
"I have spoken to my family and my dream is to be here until the end of my career. And I hope to do it at my best."
9 hours ago
Arteta makes transfer vow amid Rodrygo to Arsenal links
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal should be in for the “best players”, amid reports they are interested in a deal for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer and manager Arteta has stressed they need to add “goals” and “creativity” to their squad.
The Gunners have been linked with a string of forwards and most recently Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has been mentioned as a target.
Arteta refused to be drawn on specific targets during his press conference on Thursday morning, but he believes Arsenal should be in the conversation for the game’s top players if the club are to achieve their aim of lifting silverware.
Read the Arsenal manager’s quotes in full here!
Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Champions League - Round of 16 - First Leg - Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
REUTERS
9 hours ago
Gravenberch answers Frimpong question
Ryan Gravenberch says Jeremie Frimpong will bring “really good qualities” if he joins Liverpool this summer.
The Reds are widely expected to sign the Netherlands international, amid reports they have activated the £29.5million release clause in his contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
There were even suggestions on earlier in the week prior to Liverpool’s Premier League clash away at Brighton that Frimpong had completed his medical, having agreed to sign a five-year contract with the new champions of England.
Arne Slot refused to provide an update when quizzed about the speculation after his side were beaten 3-2 at the Amex Stadium.
Gravenberch has taken a similar approach to the Liverpool head coach, stressing it is a matter of if his Dutch compatriot will join him at Anfield ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Read more here!
Sky Sports and Getty Images
10 hours ago
Fabregas eyes move for Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target
Cesc Fabregas is set to throw a spanner in the works of Arsenal and Chelsea’s summer transfer plans.
The Spaniard’s former clubs have been credited with an interest in Deportivo La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez.
At only 22 years of age, the wideman has caught the eye this season with his dribbling ability. So much so that Arsenal and Chelsea are said to have sent scouts to watch him in action.
However, Fabregas - in charge of Serie A side Como - has revealed his plans to swoop in for the youngster.
He said: “We are following Yeremay, yes… he’s an excellent player”.
Getty Images
10 hours ago
Cunha to Man Utd update
Manchester United are reportedly still on course to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha this summer.
Cunha has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of Ruben Amorim’s attempts to rebuild a squad that has struggled in the Premier League this season.
It was reported at the beginning of the week that the Brazilian was set to join the Red Devils as soon as the campaign ends with the club expected to trigger the £62.5m release clause in his contract with Wolves.
That said, doubts did emerge over this deal following Man United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the all-English Europa League final on Wednesday night.
Not only have United failed to qualify for the Champions League, they will not be playing in any European competition at all next season due to their poor Premier League performance.
However, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has stated the Cunha to Man Utd deal is still on.
Read more here!
Action Images via Reuters
10 hours ago
Barcelona 'like' Rashford and Diaz
Barcelona sporting director Deco has publicly stated the LaLiga champions "like" Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz.
The Catalan giants have been linked with moves for the Manchester United forward - currently on loan at Aston Villa - and the Liverpool winger ahead of the summer transfer window.
Speaking about the pair to Catalan radio station RAC1, Deco said: "We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players.
"When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."
Getty Images
11 hours ago
Arteta wants Partey stay
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he would like Thomas Partey to sign a new contract at the club.
Partey’s current deal is due to expire at the end of next month and he is yet to agree fresh terms.
The midfielder is attracting interest from former club Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, as well as teams in Saudi Arabia.
Partey’s preference, however, is to stay at Arsenal and it is thought he would accept a one-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months.
Full story here!
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
11 hours ago
Al Hilal target Fernandes
Saudi club Al Hilal are interested in signing Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
This is according to Sky Sports.
Ruben Amorim has already stated that Fernandes is not for sale, but the attacking midfielder admitted after the Europa League final loss to Tottenham that his future could be uncertain.
He said: "I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go. I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to great days.
“In the day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it.
"But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way.
"If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cash in or whatever, it's what it is, and football sometimes is like this."
Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg
Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg
Manchester United via Getty Imag
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