Transfer information reside: Real Madrid goal second Liverpool star, Arsenal’s Gyokeres bid and Man United proceed Mbeumo chase
The transfer window is about to re-open after shutting following its mini-opening ahead of the summer’s Club World Cup. The window has officially re-opened today, Monday 16 June, with clubs able to accelerate deals ahead of the new season.
Liverpool are making plans for a Florian Wirtz medical after agreeing a record £116.5m deal for the German superstar. The Premier League champions, who have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong, will make Wirtz their club-record signing after agreeing a deal with Bayer Leverkusen. However, they may well lose left-back stalwart Andy Robertson, with Atletico Madrid circling.
Manchester United, who have secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, are negotiating with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo, who would prefer a move to Old Trafford over Tottenham Hotspur even as Thomas Frank takes charges in north London – though Spurs want Mbeumo and teammate Yoane Wissa.
Arsenal hope to bring in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Arteta has made RB Leipzig striker, Benjamin Sesko, their No 1 target for a striker. However, the Gunners have reportedly submitted an offer for another dorward option – Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres. Chelsea, meanwhile, have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
You can sign up to DAZN to watch every Club World Cup game for free, while all the latest updates, rumours and done deals from what promises to be a chaotic transfer window will be covered in the blog below:
Liverpool goalkeeper set for Ajax loan
Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros looks set to move to Ajax with a loan move close to being agreed for the 23-year-old.
Czech goalkeeper Jaros served as third-choice stopper for the Reds last season, making two appearances for the first team, and would link up with ex-Liverpool coach John Heitinga at the Dutch giants.
DONE DEAL! Leeds seal Nmecha signature
We reported yesterday morning that Lukas Nmecha was close to joining newly-promoted Leeds as their first signing of the summer and it’s now official.
The 26-year-old attacker is out of contract at Wolfsburg, so will join on a free on 1 July.
Nmecha began his career at Man City and played for England up to U21 level when he switched to represent Germany and has won seven caps for Die Mannschaft, although none since 2022.
He’s never exactly been a prolific striker and scored just three goals in 20 games for Wolfsburg last term but in announcing the move, Leeds claimed they had fought off interest from other PRemier League clubs to seal the deal.
How Liverpool won the race to sign Florian Wirtz
The 22-year-old, who has become one of the most coveted players in world football during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, was a target for Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, though Arne Slot’s side quickly moved to the front of the race for his signature.
Arsenal pursue three strikers as Viktor Gyokeres stance emerges
Arsenal are keen on signing TWO strikers this summer with deals for Viktor Gyokeres AND Benjamin Sesko in the works, reports the Mirror.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is desperate to upgrade the Gunners’ attack with talks for both players progressing.
An alternative target is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins after a January deal fell through.
Arsenal have previously considered Alexander Isak and Julian Alvarez but neither striker looks realistic now with Newcastle and Atletico in strong positions to retain their star forwards.
Real Madrid eye Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate
Real Madrid could make a move for a second Liverpool defender this summer with Ibrahima Konate now on their radar.
The 26-year-old is a key target, per Marca, but the plan is to bring the France international to the Bernabeu on a free transfer next summer,, just like Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.
Konate’s contract is due to expire in 2026, with the Reds ready to negotiate a new deal.
Tottenham snap up Mathys Tel on permanent deal at less than agreed price
The loan included an option for Spurs to make the deal permanent for £45.8m, however it is understood the club successfully negotiated the fee down to £29.8m.
Wissa and Mbeumo on Spurs list
Some Tottenham news this morning, with the Guardian reporting they are keen to sign not just Bryan Mbeumo but also his partner in crime Yoane Wissa.
The duo were excellent this season for Brentford under manager Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou at Spurs this week.
Frank wants to bring the duo, but Brentford will be reluctant to sell both of their star attackers in the same summer.
Man United set limit on Bryan Mbeumo despite Tottenham interest
Manchester United still want to sign Bryan Mbeumo but the club have a limit they are not willing to pass, according to ESPN.
The club’s first offer of £45m + £10m in add-ons was rejected by Brentford, who are thought to be holding out for a fee of around £60-70m, and United haven’t yet returned with an improved bid.
The Red Devils believe they still lead the race for Mbeumo, with private confidence that he prefers Old Trafford to Tottenham.
While the Cameroon international was intrigued by interest from Spurs now that Thomas Frank has moved to north London, The Independent can report that United are still in the driving seat for the 25-year-old.
Arsenal submit first offer for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres but then ‘freeze’ pursuit of him
There have been conflicting statements from Viktor Gyokeres’ camp and his club regarding potential fees for a move away and Arsenal have officially joined the race with a first bid.
The Gunners have reportedly submitted a first concrete offer of £46.8m with up to £8.5m in add-ons for the 27-year-old Swede.
He has also been linked with a move to Man United but Arsenal may prove the more attractive destination – that is, if they don’t end up signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Atletico Madrid target Liverpool’s Andy Robertson
In one of the more interesting transfer-related stories, Andy Robertson could move to LaLiga with Atletico Madrid.
With Liverpool linked with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, Robertson may look for a new start.
Reports state Robertson is a priority for Diego Simeone this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
Speaking about his future last week Robertson said: “We have had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I’m not sure.
“I can’t look too far ahead. I’ve never done that, so I’m not going to start doing that now. I know the position I’m in. I’ve only got a year left and a lot is getting spoken about.”
