Premier League Transfer News: Silva Stays, Gakpo Targeted and More

The 2025 summer football landscape is already proving to be an eventful one. Key developments span club captaincy announcements, high-profile transfer targets, and contract negotiations for emerging talents. Here is the latest roundup across the Premier League.

Bernardo Silva Stays to Become City’s Captain

Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will remain at Manchester City for the 2025–26 season following his appointment as club captain. The decision breaks from recent tradition, where players voted on the captaincy. Instead, Pep Guardiola took control of the process this year, citing frustration over the previous season’s outcome. “I’m the manager this season, for the first time in my career, I decided it would be my captain,” Guardiola said. “I didn’t like what happened last season.”

Silva, now in the final year of his contract, acknowledged speculation about his long-term future but was clear about his short-term commitment: “This season for sure will be at City, I’m going to stay. I’ve had options in the past and this year, like last year, my option is to stay at Man City.”

Erling Haaland is among the four captains selected by Guardiola, with the hope that the young forward will benefit from mentorship under experienced teammates.

Arsenal Move to Lock Down Myles Lewis-Skelly

After a breakout campaign under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are looking to secure the future of academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly. According to The Athletic, a new contract is close, which would place the teenage left back among the best-paid young players in world football. Charles Watts adds that a formal announcement is expected soon.

Aston Villa and Bournemouth Tracking Bologna’s Jhon Lucumí

Both Aston Villa and Bournemouth have shown interest in Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí. However, Corriere dello Sport reports that neither club is willing to meet his £23.9 million release clause at this stage.

Bayern Munich’s Expanding Wishlist: Gakpo, Mitoma, and More

After discovering Nico Williams prefers a move to Barcelona, Bayern Munich are broadening their search. The Bundesliga giants have added Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma to their list of transfer targets. They are also maintaining contact with PSG’s Bradley Barcola and AC Milan’s Rafael Leão.

Despite Williams staying at Athletic Club following a standout Euro 2024, his expected move to Barcelona has deterred Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern. Yet Bayern’s contingency planning shows no signs of slowing down, according to Sports Illustrated.

Rashford for Araujo? Manchester United’s Bold Proposal

Manchester United have proposed an audacious swap deal to Barcelona: Marcus Rashford in exchange for centre-back Ronald Araujo, as per El Nacional. Rashford is reportedly prepared to take a substantial pay cut to facilitate the move. Meanwhile, TEAMtalk highlights Serie A clubs AC Milan, Como, and Napoli as alternative suitors for the England international.

Arsenal and Juventus Leading the Race for Viktor Gyökeres

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres could be on the move this summer. A BOLA reports that Arsenal and Juventus are currently the front-runners to secure his signature. While Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, and Al Ahli have all expressed interest, none have advanced negotiations as far as the Gunners and the Bianconeri.

AC Milan Eye Udogie as Potential Theo Hernández Replacement

Should AC Milan part ways with Theo Hernández, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims they are prepared to pursue Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie. However, Spurs’ valuation—reportedly over £25.6 million—is considered steep by the Italian side.

Newcastle and Chelsea Compete for João Pedro

Newcastle United are aggressively chasing Brighton striker João Pedro. However, talkSPORT suggests Chelsea’s interest has become a significant concern for the Magpies. The Brazilian is valued at £70 million, reflecting his growing status in the market.

Jamie Gittens: Arsenal’s Target Waiting for Chelsea

Arsenal have identified Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as a top target, reports CaughtOffside. Yet Fabrizio Romano reveals the English youngster is rejecting all offers as he patiently awaits a potential transfer to Chelsea.

Liverpool Prepare for Isak Bid Despite Wirtz Pursuit

Liverpool may be lining up a sensational move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, even as their deal for Florian Wirtz inches closer. Evening Standard reports that a potential transfer for the Swedish forward could break the Premier League’s transfer record, with a fee possibly reaching £150 million.

Flamengo Set Price for Manchester City Target Wesley

Manchester City are considering a move for Flamengo right back Wesley. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian club are open to selling him for £17.1 million. However, Juventus are also circling, adding pressure to City’s pursuit.

Zinchenko Draws Interest from Spain

Arsenal left back Oleksandr Zinchenko could be set for a La Liga switch. Fichajes reports that Atlético Madrid have joined AC Milan in the race for the Ukrainian, who is said to be interested in a move to Spain.

Arsenal Pursue Rodrygo Despite £76.9 Million Price Tag

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has caught the eye of Arsenal, Ben Jacobs reports. However, the Gunners will need to dig deep, as Los Blancos have placed a £76.9 million price tag on the Brazilian international.

Christensen on the Market as Barcelona Look to Raise Funds

Barcelona are ready to sell Danish defender Andreas Christensen for around £17 million, according to Sempre Barca. While Saudi clubs are reportedly ready to meet those demands, Christensen prefers to stay in Europe. He has drawn interest from several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Brentford, Newcastle, Tottenham, and West Ham United.