Premier League Transfer News: TAA, Cunha, Chelsea and More
Arsenal Lead Race for Hugo Ekitike as Premier League Transfer Battle Heats Up
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s rising star Hugo Ekitike, as the north London club look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season. According to BILD (Germany), Arsenal’s interest in the French striker is described as “hot,” with the Gunners currently viewed as his most likely destination—outpacing interest from Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Ekitike, who has been in red-hot form for Frankfurt this season, is attracting attention as a more affordable alternative to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. While the towering forward lacks Premier League experience, his breakout performances have cemented his status as one of Europe’s most promising strikers. Frankfurt, having recently sold Omar Marmoush, are understood to be resigned to losing Ekitike in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold’s Lucrative Real Madrid Move Taking Shape
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to secure a major pay bump with his impending move to Real Madrid, although he will not be among the Spanish club’s top earners. Reports from Sky Sport Switzerland suggest a deal is already in place, with Alexander-Arnold expected to receive a sizeable signing bonus reflective of a standard transfer fee—thanks to his free-agent status.
Currently earning just under £9.2m per year at Liverpool, the England international will reportedly earn £12.5m per season before tax on a five-year contract with Real Madrid, including attractive performance-related bonuses. The news broke the same day Alexander-Arnold gave an awkward interview, seemingly denying aspirations of becoming Liverpool captain and instead emphasising his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or.
Chelsea Preparing for Major Summer Overhaul
Chelsea are planning a significant summer clear-out to make room for new signings in key areas of the squad. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a new striker remains a top priority as the club continues to search for a long-term replacement for Diego Costa—no player has scored 30 goals in a season since Didier Drogba’s 2009/10 campaign.
Alongside a new number nine, Chelsea are also expected to target a defender and winger. Romano believes the Blues could make “seven or eight” players available for transfer. Among the most likely departures are Kepa Arrizabalaga, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and Armando Broja, all of whom are currently on loan and expected to be shown the exit door.
Manchester United Eye Matheus Cunha in €80m Deal
Manchester United are reportedly ready to spend £67m to sign Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, with Arsenal also monitoring the Brazilian striker’s situation (Fichajes – Spain).
Liverpool Identify Oscar Mingueza as Alexander-Arnold Replacement
As Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares for a move to Real Madrid, Liverpool have lined up Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, formerly of Barcelona, as his replacement (Fichajes – Spain).
Arsenal Wary of Saudi Interest in Gabriel
Arsenal are working to secure a new contract for Brazilian centre-back Gabriel amid growing interest from Saudi Pro League clubs (Football Insider).
Chelsea Compete With Real Madrid for Cherries’ Defender
Chelsea are reportedly battling Real Madrid for the signature of Bournemouth’s young centre-back Dean Huijsen, who has been valued at £42m (SPORT – Spain).
Liverpool and Barcelona Battle for Jonathan Tah
Soon-to-be free agent Jonathan Tah has caught the attention of both Liverpool and Barcelona, with the Spanish giants having tracked the Bayer Leverkusen defender for months (Mundo Deportivo – Spain).
Kevin De Bruyne Linked with Shock Move to River Plate
While earlier talks with MLS side San Diego failed to materialise, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is now being linked with a surprise move to Argentine club River Plate (TyC Sports – Argentina).
Alexander Isak Chooses Arsenal Despite Widespread Interest
Alexander Isak, long targeted by Europe’s top clubs in need of a striker, has reportedly turned down interest from Barcelona, Chelsea, and Liverpool in favour of a move to Arsenal (Fichajes – Spain).
Chelsea Trigger Sancho Clause for Profit Strategy
Chelsea have activated the £25m buy-clause in Jadon Sancho’s Manchester United contract with plans to sell him on for a profit during the summer window (Football Insider).
Barcelona Emerge as Suitors for Darwin Nunez
Liverpool are increasingly open to selling Darwin Nunez, with Barcelona now joining the list of clubs interested in the enigmatic Uruguayan striker (El Nacional – Spain).
Tottenham Target Marco Silva as Potential Postecoglou Replacement
In some manager moves, Tottenham have earmarked Fulham boss Marco Silva as a possible replacement for Ange Postecoglou, should the club decide to part ways with the Australian manager (Football Insider).