The Independent

Liveupdated

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Transfer news live: Arsenal plan Gyokeres medical, major Man Utd deal update, Madueke to be finalised

Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke are closing in on moves to Arsenal this window

The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal’s negotiations for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres had stalled due to a difference in valuation and terms, though the Gunners are now in the process of completing a move for the Sweden striker after a breakthrough in negotiations. It has been similar news regarding Noni Madueke too, with the Chelsea winger undergoing his medical over the weekend.

Tottenham’s window sprung into life last week with a deal for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, though Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against them over what they believe could be an illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Manchester United continue to focus on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo after securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves, though there remains plenty of focus on outgoings as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho near the exit door.

All the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

PSG ready to sell trio after Club World Cup final

Gonçalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in and Lucas Hernández could all be sold by Paris Saint-Germain after Sunday’s Club World Cup final.

According to L’Équipe, Luis Enrique has identified the three players as potential sales in moves to help further boost his squad with purchases to come later this summer.

PSG’s main target appears to be Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, with the Cherries ready to fight to keep their defender.

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 11:20

Man Utd optimistic of reaching Mbeumo deal

Manchester United remain optimistic of a deal to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, according to Sky Sports News.

United are expected to make an improved offer, possibly as soon as this week. Brentford are understood to want £65m and Mbeumo is eager to join United.

It is thought the deal will come down to the structure and conditions, as United’s last offer was not far away in terms of total fee.

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 11:01

Djordje Petrovic putting finishing touches on Bournemouth move

Djordje Petrovic is on the brink of becoming a Bournemouth player and will undergo a medical later today after the club finalised terms of a deal with Chelsea.

The two clubs agreed a £25m transfer fee for the goalkeeper and Petrovic is set to sign a five-year deal with the Cherries having also negotiated and agreed personal terms.

Bournemouth has booked him in for a medical on Monday 14 July with an announcement of his signing expected sometime on Tuesday 15.

Djordje Petrovic putting finishing touches on Bournemouth move

The 25-year-old will join on a five-year deal after the clubs agreed a £25m fee

Miguel Delaney14 July 2025 11:00

Petrovic finalising Bournemouth move

Djordje Petrovic will be a Bournemouth player next season having finalised the details on his move from Chelsea.

The deal is for £25m and has been agreed by both clubs with Petrovic set to sign a five-year deal with the Cherries.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper will undergo a medical today and his announcement is expected on Tuesday.

Miguel Delaney14 July 2025 10:45

Petrovic set for Bournemouth medical

Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is set to undergo a medical at Bournemouth this afternoon, according to Sky Sports.

The Cherries agreed a deal with Chelsea for Petrovic on Friday, with the fee understood to be around £25m.

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 10:40

Bukayo Saka’s back-up or Gabriel Martinelli’s replacement? How Noni Madueke will fit in at Arsenal

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is on the verge of joining Arsenal in a deal worth around £50m.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the green light to the deal for the 23-year-old, who has impressed in spells at Stamford Bridge.

Madueke regularly featured on the right wing for the Blues but, along with many other members of the squad, found continuity hard to come by, and he will leave with many fans thinking he never got the time to really show what he could do in west London.

And Gunners fans will have questions of their own, with the club currently employing one of the world’s best right wingers in Bukayo Saka and some fans feeling the money could have been used better elsewhere.

Here, The Independent looks at how Madueke might fit into the Arsenal team, and whether we can expect the youngster to be a starting player right away.

Saka back-up or Martinelli’s replacement? How Noni Madueke fits in at Arsenal

Cheslea’s 23-year-old England international is on the verge of joining the Gunners in a £50m transfer, but where will he play in Mikel Arteta’s side?

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 10:20

Premier League clubs want Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt are making a major push to keep Hugo Ekitike.

The Germans want to attack the Champions League and see the French forward as a vital part of that bid.

But Sky Sport Germany reports the Bundesliga club expects many offers to arrive soon for the former PSG star.

Liverpool is “a concrete option,’ while Newcastle and Manchester United remain keen.

Chelsea’s interest has cooled after signing João Pedro, with Ekitike likely to cost €100m.

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 10:00

Garnacho rejects Saudi move

Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho has rejected the opportunity to pursue a move to Al Nassr.

The Telegraph reports that the 21-year-old is prioritising European clubs after having initial discussions with the Saudi Pro League side, who Cristiano Ronaldo plays for.

Garnacho has been told he can leave United after becoming one of a quintet of ‘exiles’ aiming to exit, which also includes Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 09:41

Arsenal book Gyokeres medical

Viktor Gyokeres seems likely to become an Arsenal player before the end of the summer and his agents have landed in London.

The Gunners are preparing a medical for the forward after coming to an agreement with Sporting over a fee.

The deal is worth €63.5m plus €10m and the medical for Gyokeres is likely to be soon says Fabrizio Romano.

Mike Jones14 July 2025 09:24

Joao Palhinha wanted by Man Utd and Spurs

Manchester United and Tottenham are both targeting Bayern Munich’s former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

According to reports in Germany, the 29-year-old is keen on a return to the Premier League after falling out of favour at Bayern.

Palhinha only moved to the Bundesliga a year ago for a £43.4m fee from Fulham and still has three years left on his deal, meaning he probably won’t come cheap.

Chris Wilson14 July 2025 09:22

The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads.

Arsenal's negotiations for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres have stalled over a difference in overall value and terms. However, Gyokeres appears to be taking action over the impasse, with the Sweden striker having refused to show up to Sporting training, while Arsenal have also been busy in agreeing a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Tottenham have been busy and have aggressively backed new manager Thomas Frank with a deal for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, but despite triggering the release clause for Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest are now considering legal action over what they believe to be an illegal approach.

Manchester United secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m early in this window but a subsequent deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been slow to develop, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho remain at the club despite pushing for a fresh start this summer.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

What Tottenham’s spending spree tells us about new-look Spurs under Thomas Frank

As Thomas Frank gave his first thoughts on the Tottenham team he has taken over, the temptation was to assume his initial recruitment drive would be focused on the defensive half of his new side.

"They've clearly shown over the last two seasons that the ability to score goals is fantastic,” he said; the numbers showed Tottenham scored as many times in finishing 17th in the Premier League as Chelsea did in coming fourth. “I know the ethos and the history of the club is massive on attacking football, and I think there's so much attacking talent in the squad.”

A month on, there seems to be rather more attacking talent. Frank’s first major signing, albeit after a loan that meant he was part of the squad the Dane inherited, was Mathys Tel. His second – albeit after the £5m acquisition of the young Japanese defender Kota Takei – was Mohammed Kudus. His third, despite Nottingham Forest’s complaints about Spurs’ approach and suggestions of legal action, could be Morgan Gibbs-White. It would amount to a £150m overhaul to Tottenham’s creative contingent; a £150m upgrade, perhaps. At 20, 24 and 25, they look the shape of Spurs’ future.

What Tottenham’s spending spree tells us about new-look Spurs under Thomas Frank

Spurs have splashed around £200m on forwards in the past 12 months, including a trio signed permanently this summer to give new manager Frank the firepower to uphold the club’s proud attacking tradition

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 13:16

Former Villa star nears Fenerbahce move

Fenerbahce could sign former Aston Villa loanee Marco Asensio, reports Football Italia.

The Turkish outfit are advancing talks with PSG for the 29-year-old.

The Spaniard shone in moments for Villa under Unai Emery, but without Champions League football, Villa’s interest in a permanent move cooled.

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 13:02

Matheus Cunha ‘privileged’ to take on Manchester United number 10 shirt

“I can mention many players that use this shirt. It’s so easy for me,” Cunha said after being confirmed as the new No 10 for Man United.

“Of course, I think the one that I always think about when I see this number in this shirt for me was Wayne Rooney.

“He was someone that I grew up to watch play and I have (watched) many games now.

“Then I swapped shirts with Marcus (Rashford, after a game) also. I have his shirt in my home. But, of course, we know many players used this shirt – Van Nistelrooy, Ibrahimovic.

“It’s the dream not only to use the shirt, but with all the history they have around the number, it’s something beautiful that I have the privilege to do.”

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 12:50

Bukayo Saka’s back-up or Gabriel Martinelli’s replacement? How Noni Madueke will fit in at Arsenal

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is on the verge of joining Arsenal in a deal worth around £50m.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the green light to the deal for the 23-year-old, who has impressed in spells at Stamford Bridge.

Madueke regularly featured on the right wing for the Blues but, along with many other members of the squad, found continuity hard to come by, and he will leave with many fans thinking he never got the time to really show what he could do in west London.

Here, The Independent looks at how Madueke might fit into the Arsenal team, and whether we can expect the youngster to be a starting player right away.

Saka back-up or Martinelli’s replacement? How Noni Madueke fits in at Arsenal

Cheslea’s 23-year-old England international is on the verge of joining the Gunners in a £50m transfer, but where will he play in Mikel Arteta’s side?

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 12:36

Christian Norgaard to fulfil Champions League ‘childhood dream’ as he completes Arsenal move

Christian Norgaard has admitted he thought his dream of playing for Arsenal had passed him by after completing his £10million switch from Brentford.

The 31-year-old midfielder is understood to have signed a two-year deal at the Emirates with the option of a third season. The transfer, Arsenal’s third of the summer so far, could rise to as much as £15million with performance-related add-ons.

“You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,” said Norgaard.

“I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, there’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.

“Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about.”

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 12:26

Aston Villa close in on new goalkeeper

Aston Villa are close to completing a deal for Dutch goalkeeper Marco Bizot.

The Athletic reports that Villa will bring in the 34-year-old from French side Brest to provide competition for Emi Martinez next term.

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 12:15

Brighton’s shrewd recruitment has set up Chelsea’s success — but they risk making the same mistake

One of the more famous headlines after Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit combined for the third goal in Brazil’s defeat at the Stade de France in 1998 was “Arsenal win the World Cup”. Perhaps some in Sussex will be tempted to script a sequel on Sunday. “Brighton win the Club World Cup”? It would have sounded especially unlikely in the 1990s, when they were battling relegation from the Football League or exiled to play their home games in Gillingham.

It wouldn’t be strictly true now but Chelsea’s two goals in the semi-final came from Joao Pedro, who started July as a Brighton and Hove Albion player. He has made an increasingly familiar journey. The joke, if not a particularly new one, is that it would have been cheaper for Chelsea simply to buy Brighton than to carry on paying them for personnel. At £115m, Moises Caicedo cost a British record fee. At £62.5m, Marc Cucurella is another of Albion’s three biggest ever sales: all were to Chelsea.

Brighton’s recruitment set up Chelsea’s success — but risk making the same mistake

Joao Pedro has fired Chelsea into the Club World Cup final just days after joining from Brighton - but

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 12:03

Italy centre-back will cost £50m amid Newcastle and Man Utd interest

Atalanta will not sell Giorgio Scalvini to Premier League clubs for less than £50m.

The i reports that the 21-year-old Italy centre-back is a key target for both Newcastle United and Manchester United.

But both clubs must dig deep into their pockets to even open up discussions with the Serie A club.

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 11:49

Forest identify Gibbs-White replacement?

Nottingham Forest could splash some of the Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White cash expected from those probable deals on a Man City starlet.

Forest could bid £25m plus add-ons for England Under-21 attacking midfielder James McAtee.

But City will hold firm, reports the Mail, as they value the 22-year-old at closer to £40m.

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 11:36

Rio Ferdinand warns Man United left with one choice over Bryan Mbeumo transfer pursuit

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United need to find a way to meet Brentford’s valuation of Bryan Mbeumo and bring him to Old Trafford.

United have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Cameroon international but are yet to meet the Bees’ requirements over a fee and risk missing out on their man during the transfer window.

“Man United need to find a way of meeting Brentford's valuation,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 11:22

As Thomas Frank gave his first thoughts on the Tottenham team he has taken over, the temptation was to assume his initial recruitment drive would be focused on the defensive half of his new side.

"They've clearly shown over the last two seasons that the ability to score goals is fantastic,” he said; the numbers showed Tottenham scored as many times in finishing 17th in the Premier League as Chelsea did in coming fourth. “I know the ethos and the history of the club is massive on attacking football, and I think there's so much attacking talent in the squad.”

A month on, there seems to be rather more attacking talent. Frank’s first major signing, albeit after a loan that meant he was part of the squad the Dane inherited, was Mathys Tel. His second – albeit after the £5m acquisition of the young Japanese defender Kota Takei – was Mohammed Kudus. His third, despite Nottingham Forest’s complaints about Spurs’ approach and suggestions of legal action, could be Morgan Gibbs-White. It would amount to a £150m overhaul to Tottenham’s creative contingent; a £150m upgrade, perhaps. At 20, 24 and 25, they look the shape of Spurs’ future.

They also connect with the past in a way that Frank referenced. It can be too easy to brand every flair player a footballer in Tottenham’s truest traditions. There are nevertheless reasons to feel that Gibbs-White and Kudus are; they seem to bring a promise of excitement. Tottenham teams are – famously – not all winners, but they have a duty to be watchable. Without a game being played, the early evidence is that Frank’s side will be.

The newcomers have grounds to believe Frank is a manager to bring the best of them. If he knows Tottenham’s scoring statistics, it may be from studying his own. In 2023-24, when Brentford finished 16th, they only scored one goal fewer than Manchester United, who were eighth. Last season’s tally of 66 was the fifth highest in the league and notable for having three players in double figures, in Kevin Schade, Yoane Wissa and 20-goal Bryan Mbeumo.

Gibbs-White, a terrific footballer whose influence sometimes is not reflected in his goal return, may see particular scope for improvement, even if the more relevant comparison may be with Mikkel Damsgaard, Brentford’s creator in chief. Kudus was more mercurial than magnificent last season – some may see a tradition of inconsistency that could make him fit in at Spurs – but he has a capacity to be devastating.

And yet, and while the much-admired Mbeumo preferred a move to Manchester United as his former manager instead signed another left-footed right winger, perhaps there is something refreshing about Frank’s recruitment drive. A question about every manager who trades a smaller club for a bigger one is if they can raise their horizons. Roy Hodgson did not when, after leaving Fulham, he signed Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen for Liverpool. Frank is demonstrating that give him a bigger budget and the carrot of Champions League football and he will target a type of signing he could not make at Brentford.

Yet flair is married with realism and pragmatism. A release clause made Gibbs-White attainable; the deal for Kudus was concluded quickly. There is a hard-headed logic to weakening rivals and Spurs are set to become a second of the big eight to raid Forest for a star player, following Newcastle’s move for Anthony Elanga. After some of Spurs’ recent arrivals were acquired when very young, Kudus and Gibbs-White are nearer their peak.

The start of a reign feels like an end for others. Last season brought signs of decline from Heung-Min Son, that the 33-year-old’s pace may be going. Tel is far from the only other option to operate off the left. James Maddison is younger and, as vice-captain, could look a potential heir of the armband. But a flagship signing of Ange Postecoglou’s first summer looks supplanted by Gibbs-White, as though there are few ways of accommodating both. It was already hard to fit Maddison in with Dejan Kulusevski. Then there is the question of Brennan Johnson, the top scorer last season, the man whose goal won the Europa League and a player Frank wanted to take to Brentford. Perhaps he is destined to spend more time on the bench now.

Because – and while it will be intriguing how and where Frank uses the excellent Kulusevski – one possible scenario is that the trio of newcomers form the three in a 4-2-3-1 formation; with Dominic Solanke up front, that would be an attacking quartet who cost over £200m in a year.

If it comes when some would have committed more of Spurs’ resources to a high-class defensive midfielder or felt that, after the worst excesses of Angeball, Frank’s priority ought to be addressing the goals-against column, rather than the goals-for, and dragging it back from a total in the sixties to one in the forties, that overhaul has been funded in part by Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League final win and the prospect of Champions League millions.

Tottenham’s wage bill can be relatively low – the statistic that it was 42 per cent of turnover became so well known it became lazily parroted – but chairman Daniel Levy spent more on transfers than his critics acknowledge. That Frank’s first forays into the market have been for attack-minded players says something about his instincts and his idea of football. He may already be in tune with the historic Tottenham ethos.

Nottingham Forest are considering legal action against Tottenham over an alleged illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White.

The England international was set for a medical in north London on Friday after Spurs were understood to have triggered Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause.

However, Forest have accused the Europa League winners of contacting Gibbs-White directly rather than making an official approach.

The PA news agency understands Forest are furious and, in response, are drawing up legal papers with a view to reporting Spurs to the Premier League.

As result, the deal appears to be on hold for now, although Forest are powerless to stop it happening if Spurs go through the proper channels.

Tottenham have been approached for comment by the PA news agency.

Gibbs-White joined Forest for £25m in the summer of 2022 following their promotion to the Premier League and was instrumental in delivering European football to Forest for the first time since 1996, with seven goals and eight assists in 34 Premier League games.

He was on Manchester City’s radar earlier this summer but north London looked set to be his next destination.

Forest’s late collapse in their pursuit of Champions League football looks like it will prove costly as Gibbs-White would swap the Conference League for Europe’s premier competition if he eventually does join Spurs.

Losing Gibbs-White, who has won four caps for England, would be another blow to Forest, who are also set to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle.

If and when the pair do leave, Forest, who are clear of any PSR worries, will have a sizeable transfer kitty as they look to build on last season’s seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo could have over £100million to spend.

They did make a move in the transfer market on Friday, bringing in Brazilian defender Jair Cunha.

The centre-half has signed a five-year deal, having joined from Botafogo following the Brazilian club’s run to the last 16 of the Club World Cup.

The 20-year-old Brazilian defender has signed a five-year contract which keeps him at the City Ground until at least the summer of 2030.

PA

The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads.

Arsenal's negotiations for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres have stalled over a difference in overall value and terms. The Premier League club's stance is to offer €65m, with potential performance-related add-ons of €5m and €10m, but that has not proven to be enough to add to the signing of Martin Zubimendi and Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, while Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is another target.

Tottenham have been busy and have aggressively backed new manager Thomas Frank with a deal for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and they have now triggered the release clause for Morgan Gibbs-White to further bolster their attacking options.

Manchester United secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m early in this window but a subsequent deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been slow to develop, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho remain at the club despite pushing for a fresh start this summer.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

Forest back in for Wissa?

Another Brentford-related development as the Bees could be set to lose Yoane Wissa too.

Nottingham Forest have re-ignited their interest in the player, who is said to be valued at around £50m. Forest reportedly made a bid in January, though they valued Wissa at around £22m.

Forest have made another bid for the Congo international, though it is not known the value of this current offer.

Chris Wilson11 July 2025 11:18

Rio Ferdinand warns Man United left with one choice over Bryan Mbeumo transfer pursuit

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United need to find a way to meet Brentford’s valuation of Bryan Mbeumo and bring him to Old Trafford.

United have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Cameroon international but are yet to meet the Bees’ requirements over a fee and risk missing out on their man during the transfer window.

“Man United need to find a way of meeting Brentford's valuation,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

Rio Ferdinand warns Man United left with one choice over Bryan Mbeumo transfer

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United should find a way to get a deal over the line with Brentford in their quest to sign Bryan Mbeumo

Chris Wilson11 July 2025 11:02

Arsenal agree fee with Chelsea for Madueke

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal have have agreed a deal with Chelsea to buy Noni Madueke, with talks taking place yesterday.

Madueke is thought to be open to the move, which will cost around £50m according to reports.

Chris Wilson11 July 2025 10:47

Arsenal confirm move for Norgaard from Brentford

Arsenal have confirmed a move for Christian Norgaard, who will join Martin Zubimendi to complete the replacements for Thomas Partey and Jorginho in the Gunners’ midfield.

Jack Rathborn10 July 2025 20:19

Manchester United sign 'exciting' young forward

Manchester United have signed 18-year-old Enzo Kana-Biyik, who plays in the French youth setup and scored nine goals in 18 games for Le Havre's Under-19s team.

He will immediately go on loan to Swiss top-flight side Lausanne-Sport.

Jack Rathborn10 July 2025 20:19

Napoli return for £45m-rated Garnacho as Man United begin clearout

Napoli have renewed their interest in Manchester United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The Mirror claims that the Italian side would hope to sign the player for £45m, which would appear a respectable fee for a player than is keen to leave Old Trafford.

And with Bryan Mbeumo poised to join the Red Devils, Garnacho’s exit could facilitate that move and more to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Jack Rathborn10 July 2025 20:18

How Kyle Walker and Burnley can make unlikely marriage a success

It was, Kyle Walker said, “an opportunity I jumped at”. Two years ago, the scramble for his services was between Manchester City and Bayern Munich, a contest that meant a 33-year-old got a three-year deal. And so, had everything gone to either of his plans, he would now be planning for a final season at either the Etihad Stadium or the Allianz Arena.

Instead, the opportunity he grasped was to go to Burnley. One interpretation is to say that it is a sign of how far and how fast the mighty have fallen: a year ago, Walker played in the final of Euro 2024 and was (somehow) named in the team of the tournament. This season, he may have thought, would have ended with him captaining City to the Premier League or Champions League titles; perhaps even the Club World Cup.

Rather than the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, however, Walker is at the homelier confines of Turf Moor. He was not even named in the City squad that Pep Guardiola took to the United States.

How Kyle Walker and Burnley can make unlikely marriage a success

Perhaps the Premier League’s greatest ever right-back, Walker would not have expected to end up at Turf Moor a year ago but may prove a shrewd signing by Scott Parker

Jack Rathborn11 July 2025 09:47

Tottenham trigger Morgan Gibbs-White release clause

This is a deal that has accelerated at a great pace, with a deal now close after Tottenham triggered Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause.

Various sources report the England international is due to link up with Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which should boost his hopes of playing at next summer’s World Cup with England, given the chance to thrive in the Champions League next term.

Gibbs-White will join Mohammed Kudus as high-profile reinforcements for Spurs.

Jack Rathborn11 July 2025 09:34

Arsenal setback in Viktor Gyokeres bid despite offering €10m above Sporting’s asking price

Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney reported yesterday that Arsenal have reached an impasse with Sporting Lisbon over Viktor Gyokeres, offering €65m, with potential performance-related add-ons, while Sporting want €70m guaranteed.

“The situation mirrors Arsenal's earlier pursuit of Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko in how neither club are budging,” Miguel writes. “Those talks have temporarily paused over a difference of €10m.

“There is a significant difference with the pursuit of Sesko, however. The desire of the Gyokeres camp to leave has created tension and made it much more difficult for Sporting to keep him.

“Club president Frederico Varandas has been irritated by how the situation has been conducted - if not necessarily by the player himself - especially since Sporting have let it be known they won't stand in his way.”

Jack Rathborn11 July 2025 09:19

Henderson set to join Brentford

Sky Sports reports that Jordan Henderson is set to join Brentford as a free agent.

The former Liverpool midfielder left Ajax earlier this month, with Brentford having recently lost Christian Norgaard to Arsenal.

Brentford reportedly believe that Henderson will bring vital experience and quality to their squad.

Chris Wilson11 July 2025 09:05

There are times when West Ham fans may catch the sight of one of their finest former players in action for capital rivals and hear a chant about getting him half price. It involves an element of exaggeration: Declan Rice commanded a British record fee of £105m and even a brace of superlative free kicks against Real Madrid do not make him worth £210m.

And yet there could be a sequel of sorts, Hammers supporters casting more envious glances at another favourite found elsewhere in London. And if, as seems likely, Mohammed Kudus joins Tottenham for £55m, there may be greater reasons to think West Ham have sold him on the cheap. Certainly in the context of the Ghanaian’s talent and his outstanding, 14-goal debut campaign in England, if not the underwhelming, five-goal sophomore season.

But the fee is £30m below Kudus’ release clause and there have been moments, with an ability to spin or glide away from defenders, to finish clinically or spectacularly, when that £85m has looked a realistic valuation.

A transfer may prove a coup for Tottenham. It already looks a failure from West Ham. From Graham Potter, who got just two goals and two assists from such a gifted player in 18 appearances and who did not seem to have a gameplan to get the best from him, just as Julen Lopetegui did not either.

But, in a wider sense, from the club as a whole. Kudus was bought with some of the funds from Rice’s sale: it was supposed to shape their future, protect them from seeing their prized assets picked off, provide a springboard. And, given Rice’s status as a player who cost them nothing, put them in a wonderful position in terms of PSR.

Instead, West Ham contrived to spend around £250m in two years. Yet, somehow, they only had a squad with three players who could have been auctioned to underwrite their latest recruitment drive. One of those, Lucas Paqueta, is unsellable because of the betting charges levelled against him. Another, Jarrod Bowen, is the captain and constant. That left Kudus, and he is leaving.

West Ham should wonder how they burned their way through a quarter of a billion and what they got in return. Niclas Fullkrug is the German cult hero but an injury-prone thirty-something who made just six league starts. That was five more than Luis Guilherme, the attempt to unearth a Brazilian prodigy. Crysensio Summerville, the best player in the Championship, was a forgettable one in the Premier League. Max Kilman was overpriced at £40m. Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler did not cost fees but were undistinguished.

Of the 2023 buys, Edson Alvarez has a dreadful disciplinary record. James Ward-Prowse is a solid citizen but in his thirties. Konstantinos Mavropanos appears on his way out. Kalvin Phillips’ loan worked out terribly for all concerned. Kudus apart, only Aaron Wan-Bissaka ranks as a success.

It points to a lack of joined-up thinking, a case study in bad decision-making; Tim Steidten, the director of football who seemed to specialise in falling out with his managers, was not the driving force in every signing but leaves an awful legacy.

Lopetegui, supposedly the more attacking antidote to David Moyes, somehow instead managed to be a less charismatic Manuel Pellegrini; he was still more miscast as a West Ham manager. Then there is Potter, who deserves a chance to implement his own ideas but whose reign has produced just 20 points from 18 games; despite away wins over Arsenal and Manchester United, there was precious little cause for optimism.

David Moyes left them in ninth and, a year ago, West Ham may have thought that, as they spent heavily, a repeat would be underwhelming. Instead, they came 14th, their dismal form camouflaged by Manchester United and Tottenham’s. Now there may be few tipping them for ninth.

Their failure is all the more egregious as West Ham seemed to have gambled on short-term success; at times exacerbated by their choice of arrivals, they have had the second oldest team in the division in each of the last two seasons. Kudus, at 24, was one of the younger players.

Now the passing of time was a reason West Ham probably needed to sell someone. The ageing quartet of Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell and Danny Ings have been released while West Ham have delayed a decision on the 35-year-old Michail Antonio.

Some, at least, may require replacing. So far, however, the only buy has been the pre-arranged deal to convert Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan into a permanent deal.

A club who had bought too many players have now acquired too few. There are gaps in the squad. There will be one fewer match-winner and West Ham only won two league matches last season without any of Kudus, Paqueta or Bowen scoring.

Perhaps there was never a sense of permanence to Kudus’ time at West Ham, but his sale underlines how badly their expensive plans have gone awry and how the risk is that it could go still worse.

The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads.

Arsenal's negotiations for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres have stalled over a difference in overall value and terms. The Premier League club's stance is to offer €65m, with potential performance-related add-ons of €5m and €10m. Arsenal and Gyokeres had reached agreement on personal terms and director Andrea Berta has flown to Lisbon to try and get things over the line. They finally completed the Martin Zubimendi deal, a medical is planned for incoming Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard and they have their sights on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, although face competition from Tottenham – who have had a bid for Mohammed Kudus rejected by West Ham.

Manchester United secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m early in this window and have now nabbed teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon. They have re-opened negotiations with Brentford about Bryan Mbeumo, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho face exits from the club.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in a £55m deal for the former England Under-21 winger. The Blues have confirmed to signing of Brighton’s Brazil forward Joao Pedro. Newcastle are also making moves and have stepped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga with a deal near.

The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads.

Arsenal appear to finally be making progress on the protracted Viktor Gyokeres deal, with reports stating that they have reached a complete agreement on personal terms with the striker and are on the verge of an agreement with Sporting over the fee. They finally completed the Martin Zubimendi deal on Sunday and a medical is planned for incoming Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.

The Gunners are also hoping to secure a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera after the La Liga outfit rebuffed their initial offer. They have sights on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, although face competition from Tottenham – who have had a bid for Mohammed Kudus rejected by West Ham.

Manchester United secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m early in this window and have now nabbed teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon. They are negotiating with Brentford about Bryan Mbeumo and have Sporting’s Gyokeres and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins on their list of potential additions while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho face exits from the club.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have signed Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in a £55m deal for the former England Under-21 winger. The Blues have confirmed to signing of Brighton’s Brazil forward Joao Pedro. Newcastle are also making moves and have stepped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga by submitting a second offer close to £55m.

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals will be covered in the blog below:

Tottenham look to Koni de Winter

Tottenham could also bolster their centre-back options by attempting to sign Genoa centre-back Koni de Winter, according to TalkSport.

The Belgium defender is valued at around £22m but other clubs are also interested in the 23-year-old.

Luke Baker6 July 2025 13:31

Zubimendi was a 'key target' for Arsenal

The pursuit of Zubimendi has been going on for more than a year, so Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta was understandably relieved to get the deal over the line.

Berta said: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.

“We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt.”

Luke Baker6 July 2025 13:17

Arsenal in advanced talks over Gyokeres.

More good news for Arsenal as there is finally movement on the Viktor Gyokeres saga. The Gunners appear to have been stuck in limbo for a while in their striker search but have made a breakthrough.

They have now reached an agreement with the player himself over personal terms and Gyokeres has informed Sporting he won’t return for pre-season training and doesn’t intend to discuss other options - his full focus is on the Arsenal move.

They still need to agree a fee with Sporting, which has been a stumbling block all summer, but they are said to be on the verge of an agreement with the club with a breakthrough made over the weekend

Luke Baker6 July 2025 13:02

Arteta highlights Zubimendi's football intelligence

Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big fan of Zubimendi and was pushing hard for the transfer.

The Arsenal boss has had his first say on the signing.

Arteta said: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”

Luke Baker6 July 2025 12:52

Zubimendi: 'A huge moment in my career'

Zubimendi has spoken to the official Arsenal website, giving his initial thoughts on the move to the Emirates Stadium.

Martin said: “This is a huge moment in my career. It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

Luke Baker6 July 2025 12:40

More details on Zubimendi deal

Some more details are emerging about Arsenal’s signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The deal is worth almost £60m and the 26-year-old is on a long-term contract, while he will take shirt No 36.

The Spain midfielder is the Gunners' second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m. They are also about to sign Brentford’s Christian Norgaard for £10m

Luke Baker6 July 2025 12:31

DONE DEAL! Arsenal confirm Zubimendi signing

And after one of the most protracted transfer sagas of the last 12 months, we finally have a deal.

Arsenal have confirmed they’ve signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

Luke Baker6 July 2025 12:15

ICYMI: Mosquera wants to leave Valencia amid Arsenal interest

Defender Cristhian Mosquera has reportedly told Valencia that he has his heart set on joining Arsenal this summer, according to reports.

The La Liga outfit have previously rejected an offer for the defender and are understood to value the centre-back in the region of £25m.

Sky Sports News reported last week that the Gunners had opened talks over the 21-year-old and these talks are ongoing.

Will the player’s personal stance convince the Spanish side to settle for a lower than valued offer?

Luke Baker6 July 2025 12:08

West Ham reject £50m Kudus bid from Tottenham

West Ham have rejected a £50m offer from Tottenham for Mohammed Kudus.

According to multiple outlets, including the BBC, the Ghana international is open to a move away from the London Stadium and is prioritising a switch to a Champions League side.

Kudus joined West Ham in a £38m deal from Ajax in 2023 and has an £85m release clause but Tottenham are looking to secure a deal under that figure.

The Hammers are open to letting him leave, with talks ongoing, and other clubs including Chelsea are also said to have an interest.

Luke Baker6 July 2025 11:53

Arsenal agree personal terms with Noni Madueke

Big news in London as Arsenal agree personal terms with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

The Athletic reports that the clubs have a good relationship, having done several deals in recent years, although you’d think Chelsea may not be delighted that this has gone on without club-to-club talks.

Luke Baker6 July 2025 11:33

Thomas Frank has a seismic job on his hands to rebuild Tottenham and lead the freshly-crowned European champions into a new era.

Spurs come into the summer off the back of success in the Europa League final - a first trophy in 17 years, delivered by Ange Postecoglou.

However, silverware was not enough to save the Aussie’s job after what was otherwise a catastrophic campaign, with Tottenham finishing 17th in the Premier League on just 38 points.

Frank was sounded out as Daniel Levy’s first choice to replace Postecoglou in the dugout, with the Dane winning his fair share of admirers over a seven-year spell at the Brentford helm.

He oversaw a remarkable rise in the Bees’ fortunes, guiding them to promotion to the top flight in 2021, and he holds the record for most wins in his first 200 games at the club, with 90.

He has since established Brentford as a top-flight side - no mean feat in an era of inevitable yo-yoing - but has now moved to one of the Premier League’s “big six” in a bid to restore Spurs’ status as a contender at the upper end of the table.

First on the docket for Frank is to bolster Spurs’ problem-laden squad over the coming weeks, building a team capable of surging back up the table.

Here’s everything you need to know about Tottenham’s summer transfer plans.

Areas to improve

Well, where to start.

Tottenham might be boasting European champion status, but their team is hardly reflective of such an achievement. At the heart of their issues is depth, something that was brutally exposed last term in the midst of their unrelenting injury crisis.

Future injuries in defence cannot lead to Archie Gray being plonked at centre-back. As such, Spurs will be desperate for cover in those defensive positions, especially given the amount of time Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero spent in the treatment table last season.

They’ll also be targeting a top quality defensive midfielder to elevate the team, given the issues experienced in that position. Spurs have a few top-drawer midfielders, with the likes of James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall impressing, but with Yves Bissouma’s future up in the air, a new No 6 is a priority.

Meanwhile, going forward, Spurs need reinforcements. Mathys Tel’s loan move has already been made permanent, which acts to partly address issues in depth on the wing and up top. However, Spurs could really do with another striker option and ideally an extra body on the wing, especially if captain Heung-min Son leaves.

Done deals

Ins: Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich, £30m), Kevin Danso (Lens, £21m), Luka Vuskovic (Hadjuk Split, £9.4m)

Outs: Pierre-Emile Hojberg (Marseille, £17m), Fraser Forster, (released) Sergio Reguilon (released), Alfie Whiteman (released)

Potential targets

Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford

With the help of the Frank connection, Tottenham are looking to get one over Manchester United once again and hijack their move for Mbeumo. The Cameroon winger hit 20 goals for the Bees last term and looks set to finally get a big move away, potentially reuniting with his former boss in North London.

Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth

A second option on the wing for Spurs, Semenyo enjoyed a super season for Andoni Iraola’s spirited Bournemouth side last season and is being touted as a potential target for Frank’s new-look side. Should an Mbeumo move not materialise, Semenyo could prove the next best thing.

Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace’s FA Cup hero Eze could be in line for a switch to a big six side this summer, with Tottenham seemingly sounding him out as a top target. The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign last season but Oliver Glasner will no doubt do all he can to keep hold of the England international ahead of their European tour next term.

Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace

Another Palace standout, Eagles skipper Guehi has been near the top of Tottenham’s wish list for a while now. They had a late move for the defender rejected in the winter window but could go back in for him in the coming weeks, with his contract at Selhurst Park expiring in 2026.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton

Tottenham are said to be weighing up an approach for Everton defender Jarrad Brathwaite despite David Moyes being keen to keep the £70m-rated starlet. The Toffees defender will be one of the first names on the team-sheet at the newly-built Hill Dickinson but could be tempted by the Frank project.

Thomas Frank has branded Ange Postecoglou as a Tottenham “legend” in his first interview since being appointed as the Aussie’s successor.

Postecoglou was sacked despite ending Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a trophy after a dismal Premier League season which saw Spurs finish 17th.

Frank was sounded out as Tottenham’s top target after taking Brentford from the Championship and turning them into an established Premier League side in seven years.

The Dane has been sure to pay tribute to Postecoglou when speaking for the first time since his arrival, hailing his predecessor as someone whose legacy will live on forever.

"I think Ange has done something special. He'll forever be a legend in Tottenham," Frank said.

"It's important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I'm going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I'm very humble about that. I'll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

"The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans' faces, the pictures were 'wow'. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that."

Frank joined Brentford in 2016 as assistant head coach and replaced Dean Smith as head coach two years later. He oversaw a remarkable rise in the Bees’ fortunes, guiding them to promotion to the top flight in 2021, and he holds the record for most wins in his first 200 games at the club, with 90.

They reached the Championship play-off final at the end of the 2019-20 season, losing to Fulham, but beat Swansea City in the final the following year, and have solidly established themselves as a Premier League side with 13th, ninth, 16th and 10th-place finishes since promotion.

After earning a reputation as one of the most highly-rated managers in the league, Frank has revealed what attracted him to the Spurs job.

"It's a good squad,” he added. “It's an exciting, massive club with massive potential. So, it's just super, super exciting.

"I had very good conversations and meetings with [Daniel Levy, Vinai Venkatesham, and Johan Lange] where we discussed everything in depth - details about the club structure, processes - and of course I came with my views on things, how I saw it, my ideas, and the way I want to do things and how I try to build a team and a club.

"There'll be ups and downs - right now, it's a fairytale. Everyone's happy, the sun is shining, it's fantastic.

"We haven't played one game yet. Hopefully, we'll win a lot. We'll work very hard every single day to make sure we create as many magic moments for the fans and put them together and at the end of the season, we'll have had a very good season."

Frank’s first competitive game in charge for Spurs comes against Burnley on August 16, just three days after the club’s Uefa Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain.