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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Michael Jones

Transfer news live: Arsenal learn new Williams release clause, Mosquera boost, Newcastle up Elanga bid

The summer transfer window is ramping up as Premier League clubs look to add to their squads.

Arsenal are hoping to secure a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera after the La Liga outfit rebuffed their initial offer. They also have sights on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and face competition from Tottenham. The Gunners continue to be linked with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, and it appears the latter is now pushing for a move to London. In the meantime, Arsenal have planned a medical for incoming Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard and agreed to pay above the release fee for Martin Zubimendi.

Manchester United secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m early in this window and hope to bring in more reinforcements. 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 are set to sign Jamie Gittens after Borussia Dortmund accepted an offer of £55m for the former England Under-21s winger, who will have a medical, while the Blues have confirmed to signing of Brighton’s Brazil forward Joao Pedro.

Newcastle United 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:

Transfer news live

  • Newcastle submit improved bid for Anthony Elanga
  • Arsenal close in on new defender after striker struggles
  • Borussia Dortmund confirm Jamie Gittens on the verge of Chelsea move
  • Manchester United add Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins to list of possible additions
  • Nico Williams signs monster 10-year contract with Athletic Club

Newcastle still chasing James Trafford

10:50 , Mike Jones

We mentioned interest from other clubs in Djordje Petrovic earlier but Newcastle have a different goalkeeper in mind.

Reports suggest that they remain very keen on Burnley’s James Trafford, who could supplant Nick Pope just three years after his fellow Englishman made the same switch from Turf Moor to Tyneside.

Richarlison on the move?

10:32 , Mike Jones

Richarlison is among the players Thomas Frank will be assessing in pre-season before making a decision on their Tottenham futures.

The Brazil striker has been the subject of speculation in recent transfer windows, but it is understood that he’d prefer to stay at the club.

However, Galatasaray are thought to be among a number of teams who would be interested in signing him this summer if the opportunity presents itself.

(Getty Images)

Tammy Abraham joins Besiktas on loan

10:20 , Mike Jones

Ex-Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has joined Besiktas on loan from Roma.

It’s understood that the deal includes a €2m loan fee with an obligation to buy for €13m.

Roma are said to be in dire financial straits and therefore sanctioned the deal to try and comply with Uefa’s FFP rules.

Lawrence Shankland returns to Hearts

10:11 , Mike Jones

Hearts fans will be delighted to hear that prolific Scotland international has agreed a new contract with the club after spending a brief period as a free agent this summer.

He looked to be on his way out of Tynecastle after several rounds of negotiations over the past 18 months failed to lead to an agreement.

However, he has now been convinced to stay put and becomes the club’s highest paid player under new boss Derek McInnes.

Lawrence has bagged 68 goals in 137 appearances for the club and now the door is open for him to add to his incredible haul after pledging his future to Hearts.

Arsenal learn Williams release clause

10:02 , Mike Jones

Arsenal’s interest in Nico Williams is about to plummet.

The Gunners had put out feelers to potentially bring the in-demand Spanish winger to the Emirates but nothing concrete materialised with Barcelona always a more realistic option.

Should the Gunners want to pursue that interest though it will cost them double what they previously thought.

Williams has signed a crazy 10-year contract with Athletic Club and as part of that agreement his €58m release clause has jumped 50% higher.

(Getty Images)

Como set to sign star Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn

10:01 , Mike Jones

Nicolas Kuhn is set to leave Celtic and become the latest star to join Cesc Fabregas’ project at Como after Sky Sports reported a £16.5m agreement has been struck.

Kuhn, 25, has also verbally agreed terms on a long-term contract with the Serie A club.

Nicolas Kuhn is set to leave Celtic (PA Wire)

Nico Williams signs monster contract with Athletic Club

09:54 , Mike Jones

Wow!

This is big news. Nico Williams has signed an eight-year extension to his Athletic Club contract which will take him through to 2035.

Williams was being targeted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona but has committed to Athletic Club for the long haul.

There were two years remaining on his previous deal meaning his new contract is 10-years long.

His release clause has also increased by 50%.

The forward said: "When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart.

"I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!"

Brentford hold firm on Bryan Mbeumo price

09:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Brentford, meanwhile, are not budging on their expectations of an improved fee for Bryan Mbeumo. The London club have knocked back two bids from Manchester United for the forward and the London Standard believe they are holding out for a figure of £63m or more.

Bryan Mbeumo has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Manchester United (PA Wire)

Southampton reject bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis

09:37 , Mike Jones

Southampton have rejected a £19m bid from Porto for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Saints will listen to offers for the centre-back but value the defender at more than Porto’s opening bid.

But they are looking for a higher fee for the player who cost them £15m from Manchester City a year ago.

Arsenal given Rodrygo boost?

09:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Could there be good news for Arsenal? The Athletic suggest that Real Madrid are willing to part with Rodrygo if the right offer is made with the Brazilian not seen as part of the first-choice side by new boss Xabi Alonso. A high price will no doubt be commanded but expect their resolve to be tested...

Rodrygo is a potential target for Arsenal this summer (Getty)

Tomiyasu to leave Arsenal

09:17 , Mike Jones

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will leave Arsenal after mutually agreeing to end his contract.

The Japanese defender has been plagued with injuries and is still recovering from a knee issue which limited him to just six minutes of football last season.

His current deal was due to expire next season but an agreement between player and club means it has been terminated early says the BBC.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 and made 79 appearances for the Gunners.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Kenny Tete ends speculation over future by signing new Fulham deal

09:12 , Mike Jones

Kenny Tete is officially remaining a Fulham player, the right-back ending speculation over his future by re-committing to the London club.

Everton had made an approach for the Dutch defender at the end of his contract at Craven Cottage, but Tete has now signed three-year contract with the club he joined in 2020.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Hurzeler on keeping Mitoma

09:02 , Mike Jones

Brighton boss, Fabian Hurzeler, told Sky Sports News:

"We try to keep our best players. Mitoma played a great last season but it's only because we as a club worked together. Then you can shine as individuals.

“It's the most important that all the players try to understand that. Mitoma understood it the last season.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing him back [on Thursday for pre-season]. That's the plan. We look forward to continue working with him, to try to improve him because I still think his limit is not reached yet.

"That's our job, his job the job of the whole club to get the best potential out of the players and that's what we're looking for in the pre-season. I'm sure he will be an important part of us."

Mitoma wants to stay at Brighton

08:54 , Mike Jones

Kaoru Mitoma has been linked with moves away from Brighton this summer but the winger is happy where he is.

The Seagulls plan to reward Mitoma with a new contract.

Arsenal lead Eberechi Eze race over Tottenham

08:47 , Mike Jones

Arsenal are also still chasing Eberechi Eze. Fabrizio Romano reports that they are right in the mix to sign the Crystal Palace and England star, and still keen on a deal which could cost £85m.

Eze is reportedly interested in accepting a move to Arsenal, though the Athletic report the 27-year-old is among the options being considered, though no contact has been made yet with Crystal Palace.

The Gunners lead the race as no other club has the same level of interest currently, including Tottenham.

Viktor Gyokeres agrees deal with Arsenal?

08:40 , Mike Jones

There is big news coming out of Paris, with L’Equipe suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has informed Sporting CP of a desire to leave Lisbon for London and a move to Arsenal.

Gyokeres has widely been reported to have told his Portuguese employers that he wishes to leave this summer, and it appears Mikel Arteta’s side are his preference.

According to transfer specialist Nicolo Schira, via the Standard, the striker now has an agreement in principle on a five-year contract with Arsenal until 2030.

Antoine Semenyo signs new Bournemouth contract

08:33 , Mike Jones

Staying where he is, it seems, is Antoine Semenyo - the forward has been connected with a host of clubs early in this summer window but Bournemouth have tied him down to a new deal until 2030.

Could bids yet still come for the Ghanaian? Of course, but the club’s position is now far stronger.

United to get deal for Dumfries?

08:25 , Mike Jones

Manchester United can get a bargain deal for Denzel Dumfries.

Fabrizio Romano says that Dumfries has a £21.5m release clause that could tempt clubs in need of defensive reinforcements.

Romano claims the clause is only active until mid-July which puts a bit of pressure on clubs wanting to sign Dumfries.

United have priorities elsewhere in their squad but the hierarchy will no doubt be looking at the right back position which is currently Diogo Dalot’s.

Tottenham target Mohammed Kudus

08:15 , Mike Jones

It is 14 years now since Scott Parker left West Ham for Tottenham in the last direct dealing between the two rival London clubs - but if The Telegraph are to be believed, there could yet be another player skirting northward around the city.

Mohammed Kudus is said to be a top target for Thomas Frank as he seeks to add attacking talent to his squad after a blow in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo. Reports suggest an initial bid has been knocked back, though.

Man City begin Ruben Dias contract extension talks

08:07 , Mike Jones

Manchester City have started talks with Ruben Dias over a new contract.

City hope to secure the Portuguese defender’s future for the coming years, with his current deal expiring in 2027.

And now the Mail reports the two parties will negotiate an extension ahead of his sixth season at the Etihad Stadium.

(REUTERS)

Bayern want Rashford?

08:00 , Mike Jones

Bayern Munich are reportedly considering a move for Marcus Rashford.

Rashford’s future remains slightly unclear, the forward now back at Manchester United after Aston Villa elected not to sign him permanently.

Could Bayern Munich be a possible destination?

The Mirror believe so, with Bayern keen to add to their forward options particularly on the left side of the frontline.

That would mean a link up with England captain Harry Kane and could potentially be a fantastic move for the out of favour United forward.

Marcus Rashford is currently injured with a hamstring problem (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

Mosquera wants to leave Valencia amid Arsenal interest

07:54 , Mike Jones

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

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 (€30m).

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?

Ollie Watkins emerges as Manchester United transfer target

07:53 , Mike Jones

With the future of Rasmus Hojlund far from certain, and Viktor Gyokeres potentially pricey, Manchester United have made Ollie Watkins a transfer target, according to The Athletic.

The Aston Villa striker showcased his goalscoring prowess last season even while bouncing in and out of Unai Emery’s starting side - and the club will surely not part with the England international for a small sum.

(Action Images/Reuters)

Dortmund confirm Jamie Gittens agreement

07:46 , Mike Jones

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Jamie Gittens is on the verge of joining Chelsea, with a deal agreed in principle.

They say the contractual details are still yet to be finalised.

Newcastle submit improved bid for Anthony Elanga

07:39 , Mike Jones

Newcastle have submitted a £55m bid to Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Negotiations are underway with Newcastle reportedly now actively pushing to get a deal done.

The offer comes after Forest rejected a previous bid of £45m for the winger out of hand and Newcastle hope the increased fee will get the ball rolling on negotiations at the very least.

(Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
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