Chelsea are set to make many more summer sales before the transfer deadline on September 1.
BlueCo have already raised around £220 million through transfer income this summer, after agreeing deals to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
This has allowed Chelsea to balance the books and free up space for potential new signings, specifically Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with Enzo Maresca’s side believed to be in talks for both (Sky Sports).
Not counting their possible fees for Garnacho and Simons, Chelsea have already spent £277 million (including their pre-agreed summer deals), so they’re likely to go well over the £300 million mark by deadline day.
This means that the west Londoners are actively looking to trim the squad further, with midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka expected to return to the Bundesliga on a permanent deal with Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka in action
As well as Chukwuemeka, both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson could be among Chelsea’s next high-profile departures.
The duo were left out of the squad for Chelsea’s 2-0 pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Friday, watching on as summer signing Joao Pedro and exciting new teenager Estevao Willian got on the scoresheet.
Now, an update has emerged on Jackson, with his own stance on leaving made crystal clear.
Nicolas Jackson tells Chelsea he's ready to leave
The Senegalese, barring his goal in the Conference League final against Real Betis, endured a torrid end to 2024/2025 – scoring just one Premier League goal since the turn of the year.
He was also sent off in the Club World Cup against Flamengo, and with both Pedro and Liam Delap arriving, he’s now fallen down Maresca’s pecking order.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Jackson has told Chelsea he’s ready to leave, with the forward’s agents informing Maresca’s side that a new challenge is desired on his end.
“I am told that Jackson’s camp have made it clear to Chelsea that he is looking at a move this month,” Bailey said.
“He was concerned when Liam Delap came in, and since the arrival of Joao Pedro the situation has only got worse. Jackson is looking at his options, but I am told that Newcastle do appeal to him, and likewise he has a huge amount of respect for Unai Emery at Villa.
“Given the cost involved, there is a good chance he moves within England.”
The former Villarreal sensation, according to Bailey, commands a lofty price tag of around £70 million, with Newcastle specifically ready to bid £60m.
While the Magpies are about £10m off, Chelsea are said to be open to negotiations, so a move from Eddie Howe’s side could be one to watch.
Speaking in his first press conference during pre-season a few days ago, there was perhaps a sense of frustration from Mikel Arteta that Arsenal hadn’t strengthened more in the transfer window.
“We are short”, he said, even despite the fact that the Gunners have signed four players and are on the verge of adding two more this week in the form of Cristian Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres.
Well, as their pre-season festivities kicked off with a 1-0 win over AC Milan in which they had 27 shots, it was perhaps evident why the Gunners have moved to land Gyokeres, a man with 54 goals in 52 matches last season.
Despite the fact that Gyokeres is yet to be officially confirmed, we did get to see a glimpse of the club’s new signings with Christian Norgaard starting, while Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arriazabalaga appeared for the second half as substitutes.
There was even a customary goal for Bukayo Saka who looked as though he’d never been away.
How Arsenal's new signings fared on debut against Milan
Noni Madueke, signed from Chelsea for £52m, is yet to join up with the squad following their Club World Cup exploits in America. As a result, the Gunners’ attack had a rather similar feel to it.
There was something different in midfield, however, with Norgaard handed his first Arsenal start on Wednesday evening in the Singapore heat.
While the Dane lost possession a few times, on six occasions in fact, there was a tidiness to his play that shone through in his pass completion of 88%. As far as £15m signings go, he will more than hold his own in central areas when acting as Zubimendi’s deputy.
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Speaking of the Spaniard, his debut was certainly a bit more eye-catching. Supporters have longingly waited for their first glimpse and while he didn’t have too much to do, the former Real Sociedad man was also tidy, completing 89% of his passes and providing two key passes.
There were standout moments for a number of young stars, too. Max Dowman was given his first senior outing and was outstanding in his brief cameo.
His ability to pick up the ball and evade the opposition is already first-class. It’s astonishing to think he’s only 15 years of age.
There was also a debut for fellow 15-year-old Marli Salmon. The centre-back may have missed a penalty in the novelty penalty shoot-out that took place at full-time but he dazzled in possession during normal time, completing 94% of his passes.
That said, it wasn’t a positive runout for everyone in an Arsenal shirt.
The areas Arsenal must work on
While it’s still early in pre-season, the Gunners’ need for new recruits in their offensive line was blatant.
Saka was lively on the right-hand side and carved out a number of opportunities, but as usual, not too many in Arsenal blue were willing to get on the end of things.
You can excuse Kai Havertz who has returned from a lengthy injury lay-off but the need for a presence like Gyokeres is clear for all to see.
The need for a left winger was also rather obvious. Arsenal have been linked regularly with moves for Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo over the summer and the display for a certain Gabriel Martinelli will have left fans begging for their arrival.
We’ll excuse an early pre-season performance, but the Brazilian’s showing in Singapore was all too familiar. He was timid in possession on the left and lacked the explosiveness required to pose a constant threat to the Milan backline.
Minutes played
45
Touches
19
Accurate passes
6/8 (75%)
Key passes
0
Accurate crosses
0
Successful dribbles
2/4
Shots on target
0
Blocked shots
1
Ground duels won
3/6
Possession lost
x5
Fouled
x1
Playing the opening 45 minutes, Martinelli could only manage 19 touches and he completed just six passes. His only shot, one that was blocked, summed up that timid nature.
The winger got the ball on the left and looked to press into the area but his indecisiveness and lack of quick feet around the box meant that Milan found it easy to prevent a goalscoring opportunity from occurring.
His efforts on the night were well summed up by The Standard’s Simon Collings who handed Martinelli a 5/10 rating and wrote: ‘Had one mazy run, which included a cheeky nutmeg, but the final ball was lacking at times, especially with a chance late on in the first half.’
As a consequence, Arteta needs a more explosive figure to partner the likes of Gyokeres and Saka in his forward line this season.
If the board have any sense, they will look to replace Martinelli’s regular starting spot with someone like Eze or Rodrygo.
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It would be fair to say that, overall, last season did not go entirely to plan for Arsenal.
Partly due to injuries and partly due to a lack of form, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to secure the Premier League title.
However, there were still some positives to come from the campaign, notably in the shape of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
The two Hale End talents burst onto the scene around the winter period, and while the former ended up with more of a permanent role in the team, both look to be sensational prospects.
For example, Nwaneri was able to rack up 11 goal involvements in just 1,378 minutes, and so fans should be seriously excited about links to someone who could be Arteta’s next version of the 18-year-old.
Appearances
37
Starts
16
Minutes
1378′
Goals
9
Assists
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.29
Minutes per Goal Involvement
125.27′
Points per Game
1.95
Arsenal close in on the next Nwaneri
While most headlines and fan attention have focused on the new additions Arsenal have made to the team this summer, such as Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and now Viktor Gyokeres, the contract renewals have arguably been just as important.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
First, it was man-mountain and fan favourite Gabriel Magalhães who put pen to paper on a new four-year deal, then a few weeks later it was Lewis-Skelly’s turn to do the same with a five-year deal, and most recently, it was Nwaneri who committed the next five years of his career to the project.
The contract for the dynamic teenager came as something of a relief for many fans, as just a couple of weeks ago, there were murmurings that talks were not progressing as well as some at the club would have liked, and that game time was supposedly an issue.
Fortunately, none of those rumours appear to have been accurate, and now, in even more good news, the North Londoners look to have secured another highly-rated youngster who could be the next Nwaneri.
At least that’s according to a recent report from The Athletic, which has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Salford City youngster Will Wright.
In fact, the report goes even further, revealing that the Gunners have already agreed on a fee with the League Two side, although personal terms still need to be finalised.
While the report makes no mention of how much the teenager is going to cost, stories from earlier this month claimed that the fee is around £200k, which is £100k more than Liverpool supposedly offered.
It might sound like a lot of money for a 17-year-old, but given the ability he has already shown and the potential he has, it could prove to be a bargain years from now, especially as he could be the next Nwaneri.
Why Wright could be the next Nwaneri
Now, comparing a youth product from a League Two side to one of the most exciting youngsters in the Premier League last season might sound like a lot, and that’s because it is.
However, with what Wright has already achieved in Salford’s youth sides and the way those in the know have been speaking about him, we see no reason why he too couldn’t develop into one of the most exciting prospects at Arsenal in the coming years.
Let’s take a look at their numbers for their club’s respective youth sides.
For example, in 52 appearances for the Gunners’ junior teams, Nwaneri managed to rack up a massively impressive tally of 27 goals and ten assists.
In contrast, the Salford gem scored over 40 goals in the academy last season, which is undeniably impressive, and strongly suggests he could be something seriously special.
On top of that, those with a good understanding of junior football are very excited about what the “technically gifted” gem, as dubbed by analyst Bence Bocsak, could develop into.
For example, Total Football Analysis, who take a look at some of the best wonderkids in world football every season, claim he has ‘many of the characteristics to be a top-level centre-forward’ and that, on top of being a prolific goalscorer, he’s also someone who ‘has the ability to connect play.’
Finally, despite being just 17 years old, the sought-after gem is already 6 foot 2, which means he can already physically dominate many of his opponents, and may grow to be even more imposing in the coming years.
Ultimately, it’s notoriously difficult to predict the future careers of young players, but as things stand, Wright appears to be on track to become a future star and potentially emulate Nwaneri’s breakthrough in the coming years.
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Manchester United have now swooped in and made a move to sign a “relentless” £25 million star to replace Casemiro, according to a recent report.
Alejandro Garnacho turns down Al-Nassr move
Not only are the Red Devils looking to bring in new players for Ruben Amorim this summer, but they are also looking to offload several first-team players they believe are not good enough and don’t fit into the plans of the United boss.
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Alejandro Garnacho is one player that the Red Devils want to see leave this summer, and the Argentine has been offered the chance to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. However, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Garnacho has turned down the move to Al-Nassr, as he wants to remain in Europe. The Saudi side held initial discussions with the attacker, as they look to be title contenders in their own league this season.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho
As well as looking to move Garnacho on, United are also looking to sell Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Tyrell Malacia and are said to be open to offers for Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana. While Garnacho turns down a possible transfer, it looks as though Sancho could be one step closer to leaving Old Trafford.
That is because, according to a recent report from Italy, United have accepted a £20m+ bid from Juventus for Sancho. Furthermore, the England international has accepted a contract offer from the Italian side which is worth more than £5 million a season.
Man Utd swoop in to sign "relentless" £25m+ star to replace Casemiro
Allowing players such as Garnacho and Sancho to leave means the Red Devils can enter the transfer market to strengthen their side in key positions, and they appear keen on signing a new midfielder. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by The People’s Person, Man United have made an approach to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras.
Richard Rios at the Club World Cup for Palmeiras against Porto.
The report states that AS Roma are very keen on signing the young midfielder and have reportedly held talks with Palmeiras and have made an offer worth €25 million, but the Brazilian side will not sell the player for anything less than €30 million, which is roughly £25 million. Their pursuit has now been affected, as United are said to have “swooped in on the player in the last few hours” with an approach of their own.
Those at Old Trafford see Rios as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is unlikely to play such a key role in Amorim’s team in the 2025/26 campaign after some ‘incosistent performances’. The Brazilian was a key performer in United’s run to the Europa League final, but he isn’t getting any younger, and Amorim is ready to find a younger replacement.
Rios
Casemiro
Apps
24
24
Starts
20
18
Goals
3
1
Assists
4
0
Progressive carries
27
4
Progressive passes
103
84
Progressive runs
51
28
Passes completed
701
780
Passes attempted
857
990
Tackles (won)
65 (36)
83 (50)
Rios, who has been dubbed “relentless” for his work rate, joined Palmeries in 2023 and has made over 130 appearances for the club. The midfielder was part of the Palmeries side that participated in the Club World Cup this summer, playing in all five games, as they were knocked out by Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Chelsea secured passage to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday evening, as Pedro Neto produced a sensational performance in honour of his friend and Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.
Football world honours Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Portugal stars Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were left in tears during the moment of silence before Al-Hilal’s quarter-final defeat to Fluminense this week, and some may rightfully question why they were chosen to play so soon after the tragic passing of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond after the Liverpool star and his younger brother were killed in a car crash in the Zamora province in Spain this week, and his colleagues have opted to honour him the only way they know how – by doing what he and they loved.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed before their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras that the decision to play would be left solely up to Neto: “It’s very sad. We are all close to Pedro. It’s his decision. I had a chat this morning. Any decision he makes is the correct one.”
The Portugal winger, who not only shared an international dressing room with Jota but also played together at Wolves during the 2019/20 season, started the fixture in Philadelphia, entering the pitch with a shirt in honour of Jota and Silva.
His decision was certainly the right one, as the Blues ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of a late own goal from Agustín Giay, with Neto one of the star performers.
The 25 year-old completed six of his nine dribbles, won eight of 11 duels and also created two chances in the type of industrious and creative performance his friend would be proud of.
Minutes
87
Touches
41
Passes
17/21
Crosses
2/4
Dribbles
6/9
Duels
8/11
Maresca has since revealed a touching message he delivered in front of the Chelsea squad after what can only be described as incredible individual display given the circumstances.
The Italian is not the first manager to speak on the tragic event, and perhaps the most touching comments came from legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who told Sky Sports: “When people leave this world, normally we all say ‘such a nice guy’. Diogo was really a nice guy.”
He added: “It happened with me many, many years ago when I was working at Porto with Mr Robson. One of our boys, a loved boy, died in a car crash.
“Instead of the boys suffering alone it was like the group suffered together and trying to fight for his memory. It was a boy Rui Filipe and we were champions, I think for him. In Liverpool they’re going to suffer together.”
A funeral for both brothers is taking place on Saturday July 5.
Sunderland are making some exciting moves in their hunt to consolidate in the top-flight and are reportedly now circling for a talented Real Madrid youngster, according to a report.
Sunderland close in on Marcin Bulka and Habib Diarra
The Black Cats are wasting no time in building a side capable of staying in the Premier League, and it is fair to say that Regis Le Bris is making some serious progress on the transfer front.
Yesterday, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Sunderland are set to sign Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra for a package of £30 million plus add-ons, adding a layer of steel to their engine room ahead of the new campaign.
Senegal'sHabibDiarracelebrates scoring their second goal with with teammates
On the same token, the Black Cats are on the brink of adding OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka after an agreement was found between both clubs regarding the Poland international.
Plenty of due diligence has been carried out on Wearside ahead of what promises to be a special campaign for everyone connected to the club. Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji is another reported target amid claims he could be available for £2.5 million.
Off the field, Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith has confirmed Florent Ghisolfi will become Sunderland’s director of football, even if there is a wait due to administrative procedures needing to be fulfilled before he can enter the building.
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He explained: “It’s thought that Sunderland and Ghisolfi are finalising the deal and as when recruiting a player from abroad, there are administrative processes to go through.
All being well, it will be in place in time for Ghisolfi to begin work as the players return to the Academy of Light in early July and the preparations for the new season begin in earnest.”
Back to on-field matters, Sunderland are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of a talented star who plies his trade at Real Madrid.
Sunderland willing to make offer for Gonzalo Garcia
According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are willing to offer a loan proposal for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia with a mandatory purchase option that could top £17 million.
Real Oviedo, AS Roma and Leeds United are also keen on the 21-year-old forward, who has emerged as a breakout star at the Club World Cup, being likened to Raul by Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso.
Goncalo Garcia’s breakthrough at Real Madrid
Appearances
9
Goals
3
Assists
2
However, Real Madrid could look to negotiate a buyback clause of £25.6 million for the former Spain Under-19 international.
Enjoying a brilliant campaign combining his exploits at first-team level and with the La Liga giants’ second string, Garcia registered 28 goals and six assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Sunderland may need to push their negotiation powers to the max to force this one over the line, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get, which will be a mantra they will hope can prove decisive should negotiations ramp up.
When Liverpool renewed Virgil van Dijk’s contract, they did more than just tie their star defender down to a new two-year deal.
Van Dijk is more than a world-class centre-back; he’s more, even, than a peerless skipper. The Netherlands icon has transcended his post as one of Liverpool’s star players, immortalising his name in Liverpool lore, right up there alongside Alan Hansen.
Liverpool legends Alan Hansen and Virgil van Dijk
Yes, yes, he turns 34 next month. And, well, yes, Liverpool will need to be more careful in managing their captain’s minutes as he reaches the autumn days of his illustrious Premier League career.
But Van Dijk leads by example, and that’s on and off the field. He’s more than a defender; he’s a leader and rousing force. Tune in to Liverpool on the television, and you’ll hear the 6 foot 4 star baying at his teammates before heading out of the tunnel, switching them into gear.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
Let’s enjoy him while we can, because FSG’s transfer chief, Richard Hughes, is already hard at work trying to secure a long-term heir.
Liverpool's efforts to sign the next Van Dijk
Dean Huijsen was written in the stars to succeed Van Dijk at Anfield. After a stunning breakout campaign at Bournemouth last year, the 20-year-old became one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, hailed for his incredible potential.
Van Dijk left Southampton to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and Huijsen could have followed a similar path, each proving a cut above. Moreover, Huijsen, while a Spanish international, was born and reared in Amsterdam to Dutch parents before relocating to Spain when he was five.
It felt like the perfect move for the player, moving to Liverpool, emulating one of the greatest defenders of his generation – and technically a countryman at that.
Well, Real Madrid clearly turned a blind eye to such a poetic story, for they brushed Premier League competition aside to activate the prodigy’s £50m release clause and bring him home.
Arne Slot still needs a new central defender, and while Huijsen is a one-of-a-kind talent, there might just be an alternative option waiting across the continent, having been of a vested interest to Liverpool in the past.
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According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, 23, once again, having been routinely linked with the dynamic defender across the past couple of years.
The left-footed defender has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract, but suitors are optimistic that they can engineer a more agreeable figure.
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio
However, with Manchester United and Newcastle United thought to be interested too, FSG will need to up the ante if they wish to find a fitting long-term Van Dijk heir.
What Goncalo Inacio would bring to Liverpool
Inacio has yet to compete away from his Portuguese homeland, but he hasn’t exactly done that badly in Portugal, appearing 213 times for Sporting after graduating from their academy.
Goncalo Inacio in action for Sporting Lisbon
Journalist Antonio Mango has drawn attention to Inacio’s “insane” range of passing, and that’s corroborated by the data, for Inacio has completed an average of 89% of his passes across his senior career, as recorded by WhoScored.
Moreover, Inacio’s aerial ability suggests he could offer a similar level of ability in that regard as Huijsen, whose rangy frame and composure, leading to expert timing, is something that would have seen him exceed expectations when stepping into Van Dijk’s boots at Liverpool.
His modern-tailored style is exactly what Liverpool are looking for, and he’s a left-sided centre-back besides. To add further substance to the argument, this is a player who has been tracked by Liverpool for a number of years, and he’s only got better and better.
Having been an influential member of a two-time Liga Portugal-winning backline in recent years, Inacio has fostered the perfect mentality for a place in Liverpool’s first team, and he’s also blessed with a technical level that most other central defenders across Europe can only dream of.
Most, but not all. Huijsen can certainly throw down with the Portuguese ace on that front, and when racking up the respective players’ skills against each other, you can see that both offer similar qualities.
Goals + assists
0.20
0.19
Touches
91.48
74.94
Pass completion
89.7%
83.4%
Passes attempted
83.61
60.26
Progressive passes
7.34
4.89
Progressive carries
1.28
1.52
Shot-creating actions
1.72
1.59
Ball recoveries
4.67
3.89
Tackles + interceptions
2.75
3.23
Clearances
2.91
7.34
Blocks
1.08
1.48
Aeriel duels won
2.04
2.52
Huijsen is a strong defender, but his range of passing and creativity, his ability to play through the lines, are the facets which define him as a future superstar.
Inacio perhaps outperforms him in that regard, and if placed in Slot’s high-flying Liverpool system, you can only imagine the progress he could make, following the likes of Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in making remarkable progress under the Dutchman’s wing.
Further to the point, Inacio made only one defensive error across his 28 top-flight appearances last term, whereas Huijsen made four playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, albeit playing at what is considered a higher level, in more intense and rigorous conditions.
Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio
He’s not perfect, but the Portugal international has the making of an elite-level defender, and he could prove the dream Huijsen alternative if signed this summer, learning from Van Dijk over the next couple of years before breaking away from the Reds legend’s shadow and becoming a sensation in his own right down the line.
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Arsenal supporters are desperate to see new faces come through the door this summer and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on their latest pursuit.
Arsenal look to find title-winning formula in transfer window
The Gunners have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the new season as they finally look to claim the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years.
However, Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas has hit out at Arsenal and Manchester United regarding the bidding process for star striker Viktor Gyokeres, making his feelings clear on the way negotiations will be handled.
Geny Catamo celebrating with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.
He stated: “I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.
“Now, blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”
Of course, Gyokeres isn’t the only target Mikel Arteta has identified to bring to North London; the Gunners’ pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is still very much on the agenda.
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Real Madrid star Rodrygo is also being pursued by the Gunners, albeit bringing the Brazilian to the club would be a tall order in light of the financial details needed to make that happen.
The La Liga giants have been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in the past. Nevertheless, Arteta may need to concede defeat for another target following recent reports.
Romano: Arsenal target Brahim Diaz set to pen new Real Madrid terms
Recently, reports in Spain suggested that Arsenal were willing to offer roughly £42.6 million to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid having made an approach to tempt the Morocco international to the English capital.
However, despite being seen as a cheaper alternative to Rodrygo, Romano has now confirmed that he is set to sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabéu, quashing any rumours of a switch to North London.
Diaz has already said ‘yes’ to new terms in Madrid, and finding an agreement is set to be nothing more than a formality, which may leave one or two Gunners fans feeling frustrated.
The man himself registered six goals and seven assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last term and is now involved with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, so it may have taken Arsenal a while to get their hands on him anyway.
Chelsea want to wrap up even more summer deals in time for their Club World Cup campaign, but BlueCo have just five more days to do so.
Chelsea sign Liam Delap for £30 million with more signings anticipated
On Wednesday, the Blues officially announced their signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, who joins in a £30 million deal after Chelsea triggered his release clause.
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Delap will wear the number 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge and is also eligible to take part in the CWC later this month, giving Enzo Maresca a boost as Chelsea take FIFA’s competition pretty seriously.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
£97 million worth of prize money is up for grabs if Chelsea go on to win the tournament, so it is believed that the west Londoners want to add one or two more signings to the squad after Delap as they look to take advantage of this mini-window, which is open until June 10.
Chelsea recently opened talks with AC Milan over a deal for goalkeeper Mike Maignan as well, but as things stand, there is a massive gap in valuation between the two clubs, even if the Frenchman has reportedly approved a switch to the Premier League, as per Football Italia.
After missing out on defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Chelsea remain in the market for alternatives, with versatile Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato said to be high on their agenda.
Jorrel Hato keen to join Chelsea with talks ongoing
The Netherlands international was predominantly a left-back under Francesco Farioli, impressing in that position, but the natural centre-half could also fill in at the heart of Maresca’s backline.
Ajax Amsterdam'sJorrelHatoin action with Real Sociedad's Aihen Munoz
Signing an alternative to Marc Cucurella and an extra body in the middle, all in one go, will undoubtedly appeal to the west Londoners, amid reports that Hato could leave Ajax for just £40 million.
Journalist Simon Phillips, sharing an update on their links to the Dutchman, says that Chelsea are pushing in talks to sign Hato, ideally before the Club World Cup, and the 19-year-old is equally keen on joining.
“Chelsea are in talks to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax and are working on the fee at the moment,” said Phillips.
“Personal terms not an issue and Hato is interested in the move. New talks were held early this week.
“I don’t have any further details yet on this one but it’s going on behind the scenes and Chelsea are pushing to get him to the Club World Cup if they can.”
No Ajax player featured over more Eredivisie minutes than Hato last season, with ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson previously suggesting the sky is the limit for his career.
“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” said Henderson about Hato in 2024.
“He’s a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player, and yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure. I think he just needs to continue to do what he’s he’s been doing.”
Looking to get their summer business underway, Everton are now reportedly battling to sign a Premier League winner who would instantly become their highest earner.
Everton set to miss out on Liam Delap to Chelsea
Although the summer transfer window is yet to officially get underway, Everton have already reportedly been handed their first rejection courtesy of Liam Delap. The Toffees presented their project to the Ipswich Town star in an attempt to convince him that a step towards David Moyes’ side would suit this stage of his career rather than an instant jump into the Premier League’s top six. As right as that argument could prove to be, however, it was not enough to convince the talented striker.
Set to turn Everton and Manchester United down as well as others in favour of a move to Chelsea this summer, Delap’s decision will disappoint those in Merseyside who would have seen their frontline transformed.
Moyes even confirmed Everton’s interest in Delap earlier this month, telling reporters when asked about Delap: “He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”
Now, however, the Toffees must turn to alternative options in pursuit of improving Moyes’ frontline this summer. And whilst names such as Gustavo Hamers have already been mentioned, Everton could first push to sign a Premier League-winning attacking addition when the transfer window swings open.
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It would be some statement from the Friedkin Group and one that could instantly ease Everton’s Delap woes.
Everton now looking to sign Jack Grealish from Man City
According to The Boot Room, Everton are now battling AC Milan and a host of other clubs to sign Jack Grealish this summer, with Manchester City willing to allow the attacking midfielder to leave on loan in the coming months. Alongside the Toffees and Milan, Aston Villa, Napoli, Newcastle and West Ham are also keen, as are clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The former Aston Villa star has won all there is to win at the Etihad, including three Premier League titles, but may look back on his spell at Manchester City with slight frustration, having never truly hit the heights that his £100m price tag suggested he could. Now, after being left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad on the final day of the Premier League season, an exit seems increasingly likely.
That said, even on loan, a deal to sign Grealish may not come cheap. If he completed a summer switch to Everton, for example, then he would instantly become their highest earner by some distance at £300,000-a-week.
Jack Grealish
£300,000
Jordan Pickford
£125,000
Idrissa Gueye
£120,000
James Tarkowski
£100,000
Michael Keane
£80,000
Earning over double what Pickford earns at Everton, the pressure would certainly be on Grealish to perform. In regards to how difficult a deal could be to complete, meanwhile, things are likely to be made that much easier by the fact that the Manchester City man is represented by the same CAA Stellar agency as Jordan Pickford.