Transfer News: Lukaku Willing to Take Wage Cut for Napoli Move, Alexander-Arnold Linked with Real Madrid, Chelsea Seeking Goalkeeper
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly open to taking a significant pay cut in order to secure a move from Chelsea to Napoli. The striker is keen on reuniting with former manager Antonio Conte in Naples. However, Napoli will only sign Lukaku if they are able to sell Victor Osimhen to PSG for at least £100 million. Until PSG can meet that price, Lukaku may have to be patient.
In other transfer news, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid. The Liverpool right-back is reportedly on the Spanish club’s radar and could be tempted by a move to the Spanish capital.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is said to be in search of a new goalkeeper to provide competition for Robert Sanchez. The Blues are looking to strengthen their squad and push for the number one spot.
Brighton’s new manager, Fabian Hurzeler, is targeting German wonderkid Brajan Gruda from Mainz. The 20-year-old midfielder, who trained with the German national team ahead of the Euros, is highly rated and personal terms are not expected to be an issue. However, Mainz is reluctant to sell as Gruda’s contract runs until 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly close to agreeing on a swap deal with Aston Villa for Jacob Ramsey. Spurs are willing to offer £19 million and Giovani Lo Celso to Villa in order to secure the midfielder’s services. The potential move would reunite Ramsey with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery.
Manchester United’s Antony could be set for a season-long loan move away from Old Trafford. However, the club will only allow him to leave if a team is willing to pay his full £70,000-a-week salary.
Arsenal has made progress in their pursuit of Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners were initially facing difficulties in completing the signing, but a breakthrough has now been made. Arsenal is confident that they will be able to finalize the deal soon.
Adrien Rabiot, who is available on a free transfer after his contract expired at Juventus, reportedly has dreams of playing in the Premier League. While he has been linked with Manchester United in the past, recent rumors of interest from Liverpool have been dismissed.
Joel Matip, who left Liverpool after the expiry of his contract, is attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen. Talks are underway between the Bundesliga club and the center-back, with Leverkusen’s interest described as “concrete.”
Manchester United is looking to secure a double transfer swoop, starting with Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, currently contracted to Paris Saint-Germain, impressed on loan at RB Leipzig last season. While Bayern Munich appeared to have won the race for his signature, United is hopeful that they can hijack the move.
Chelsea is reportedly in talks to sign Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira. The Blues are ready to meet Fulham’s £35 million asking price, and Pereira is said to be settled and keen to stay in London. He also has interest from Monaco, but Pereira’s preference is to remain in the capital.
Manchester United has reportedly agreed on personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, and United is not deterred by the lack of Champions League football for next season.
Wolves star Pedro Neto wants to join Arsenal this summer. The Portuguese winger has expressed his desire to move to the Emirates ahead of the new season. Arsenal has held preliminary talks with Neto’s agent and is said to be in pole position to sign him, although Chelsea is also interested.
Former Manchester United player Nani has bought a 95% stake in SU Sintrense, a fourth-division club near his hometown. The Portugal winger, who is close to retirement, plans to invest heavily in the club and help them achieve promotion to the Primeira Liga.
Arsenal has been linked with a move for Bournemouth’s Ilya Zabarnyi. The Gunners are monitoring the center-back following his impressive performances in the Premier League last season. Bournemouth may be tempted to sell for a fee in the region of £40-45 million.
Cesc Fabregas, former Arsenal legend, has landed his first managerial job at Italian outfit Como. Fabregas had previously served as the club’s caretaker manager and impressed during his punditry work at Euro 2024.
Morten Wieghorst has been appointed as Denmark’s national boss. The former Premier League coach, who had a spell as Swansea’s assistant manager, takes over from Kasper Hjulmand following Denmark’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
Manchester United attempted a last-minute “hijack” of Aston Villa’s deal for Everton’s Amadou Onana. However, Onana is expected to complete his move to Villa and undergo a medical this weekend. Villa had beaten off competition from Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Barcelona for the midfielder’s signature.
The collapse of Everton’s latest takeover will not affect their summer transfer plans. The club remains determined to hold on to young defender Jarrad Branthwaite unless they receive a bid meeting their £80 million valuation. Everton also agreed on a £50 million fee with Aston Villa for defensive midfielder Amadou Onana. The club’s summer transfer budget was agreed upon with the understanding that the takeover would not be completed in time for the window.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insists that his focus is on the club and not the England national team. Howe is committed to Newcastle and feels supported by the club’s owners. He has no plans to consider the England job at this time.
Eddie Howe has expressed his commitment to Newcastle and his desire to be supported by the club’s owners and chiefs. Despite being a top candidate for the England job, Howe’s priority is on managing Newcastle and he believes there is no better place for him to be.
A British investment firm is ready to rescue Everton from the threat of administration following the collapse of the Friedkin Group’s proposed takeover. Vici Private Finance, based in London, is confident of completing a takeover in the coming weeks. Local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing may also rejoin negotiations. Crystal Palace part-owner John Textor is unlikely to make another bid as he has yet to sell his stake in the club.
Burnley has completed the signing of Vaclav Hladky from Ipswich Town. The goalkeeper has signed a two-year deal with the Clarets, who will be playing in the Championship next season. Hladky brings experience and promotion-winning credentials to Burnley’s squad.
Brentford is expected to lower their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50 million due to a lack of interest from potential suitors. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all indicated that they are not willing to meet Toney’s initial asking price. Tottenham and West Ham are now seen as the most likely destinations for the striker.
Newcastle is reportedly planning a big-money move for Barcelona’s Raphinha. The Magpies have long been admirers of the winger and are willing to pay a significant fee for a player who is reportedly considered dispensable by Barcelona.
Chelsea is eyeing Andreas Pereira as a replacement for Conor Gallagher. The Blues are looking to cash in on Gallagher and are considering a move for Fulham’s Pereira, who is keen on leaving Craven Cottage this summer.
Manchester United is willing to let Antony leave the club this summer. The Brazilian winger, who has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag since joining from Ajax, could be allowed to leave on loan. However, any potential suitor would need to cover his full £70,000-a-week salary.