Assessing the latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds and more.
There’s only two more sleeps until the summer transfer window swings open, though there’s not much rest for Premier League clubs as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign as this latest hit of transfer news and gossip shows, featuring six top-flight teams starting with Newcastle United.
The club is also still reeling from the shock departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell, who replaced Dan Ashworth in 2024 and had butted heads with Howe behind the scenes, while their CEO for almost all of the Magpies’ Saudi era is stepping down for medical reasons at the end of the season.
However, with England reportedly keen to appoint Eddie Howe as national team manager there must be a concerted effort to show the 47-year-old the potential still available to him on Tyneside after he captured Newcastle’s first trophy in 56 years. With that in mind, the Magpies are targeting an audacious double-swoop from their Premier League rivals with The Telegraph reporting Howe is interested in Marc Guehi and Bryan Mbeumo.
With a year remaining on his contract, Guehi isn’t short of admirers this summer as Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with the centre-back. Spurs saw a £70 million bid rejected by Crystal Palace in January but Guehi is now expected to be available for a discount, at around £50m.
Similarly, fellow Londoner Mbeumo has one year left on his contract and is set to cost £50-£60m from Brentford after the best season of his career. The Cameroon international hit 20 Premier League goals as the Bees finished 10th, and is also a Manchester United target especially if they miss out on Matheus Cunha.
The 3AM Verdict: Both players fit Howe’s target profile of pace at both ends of the pitch and the offer of Champions League football will be an attractive one. However, there is a question of realism. It’s hard to believe Newcastle could sign Mbuemo while keeping hold of their other star attackers and the monetary competition for Guehi’s services should be fierce.
Spurs attempt to hijack Reds’ pursuit of Simons
Xavi Simons has been part of Arne Slot’s raft of summer targets, but a new suitor has emerged in the form of Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham.
ESPN report Spurs are monitoring the situation between Simons and Liverpool, which was rumoured before news of the Reds’ blockbuster £100m+ pursuit of Florian Wirtz exploded onto the rumour mill. Wirtz would occupy the number 10 spot that Simons currently calls home, meanwhile the Dutchman would become the new star at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Postecoglou looks to make a rare splash in the transfer market.
Tottenham are desperate to bolster their attacking options while RB Leipzig could make a quick buck on Simons - after signing him permanently at the end of January for €50m they’ve now set an €80m (£67.3m) price tag for a player who’s made 44 goal contributions across the Bundesliga and Champions League in his last two seasons.
The 3AM Verdict: Tottenham could be the perfect landing spot for Simons. The creative wizard would instantly upgrade the attacking quartet of Brennan Johnson, Pape Matar Sarr, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke that started the Europa League final and seems at his best when he’s the biggest fish in his pond, which would be the case at Spurs.
Leeds United return to race for Kalimuendo
Sharpening Leeds’ attack is a top priority for Daniel Farke this summer, as he’s been handed £150 million to try and become the first promoted side to survive in the Premier League since 2023.
The Yorkshiremen have been linked with Callum Wilson on a free and young Ukrainian international Vladyslav Vanat already ahead of the transfer window opening, but a new name has emerged to potentially challenge Joel Piroe and lead the Leeds line - Arnaud Kalimuendo. Leeds got very close to signing the striker for £21m ahead of their Premier League relegation season, though their attack was still better than eight other top-flight teams that season and it was their division-worst 78 goals conceded that sunk the Whites.
Fast-forward 24 months and 40 goals in all competitions for Kalimuendo, and the deal is back on the table according to TBR Football. After initially beating Leeds to his signature, Rennes have got great return on investment from the 23-year-old and the Breton club look keen to cash in with two years remaining on his contract. After interest from Juventus last October, Rennes have set an asking price of over €30 million (£26m) this summer with Newcastle also interested - ironically as a replacement for Callum Wilson to back up Isak.
The 3AM Verdict: Kalimuendo willcost over £10m more than Vanat, but that could be money well spent on a striker with extensive experience at the top level. Piroe can blow hot and cold - he only scored in one Championship game since the end of February but hit four on that afternoon - so Leeds could be a good fit for Kalimuendo with plenty of opportunity to raise his profile even if the Whites can’t stay up.
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