EPL Transfer News: Branthwaite’s New Contract, Guehi to Liverpool and Much More
Branthwaite to Sign New Long-Term Everton Deal Amid United and Chelsea Interest
Hopes of Manchester United or Chelsea securing a move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite have effectively been dashed. The highly rated England international is on the verge of signing a fresh contract with the Toffees, putting speculation about a potential summer transfer to bed.
United made several attempts to land Branthwaite last summer, with their highest offer reaching £50 million, only to be rejected. Despite continued links to the Red Devils, as well as reported interest from Chelsea—who are actively exploring defensive reinforcements due to uncertainties around Wesley Fofana—Branthwaite looks set to commit his future to Everton.
According to The Times, Branthwaite will ink a new five-year deal that includes a pay rise and ties him to the club until 2030, in recognition of his development. Although his current contract runs until 2027, negotiations had previously stalled under Everton’s former ownership. However, the situation shifted following the successful acquisition of the club by the Friedkin Group, who have reportedly made it clear that the 22-year-old defender is not for sale.
Sancho’s Salary Proving Major Obstacle in Manchester United Exit
Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United continues to hang in the balance, primarily due to his hefty wage demands. Although several clubs across Europe have expressed interest in the 25-year-old winger, his substantial weekly salary is proving to be the main stumbling block in finalising a move.
Sancho’s exit from Old Trafford seems inevitable following a turbulent stint with the club. Chelsea, who had Sancho on loan last season, decided against a permanent move and even paid a £5 million penalty to back out of the deal. Interest from Juventus, Napoli, and Fenerbahçe has surfaced in recent weeks, yet a transfer remains far from imminent.
Fabrizio Romano has highlighted Sancho’s wages as the crux of the issue. “At the moment, no one wants to cover the full salary of Jadon Sancho,” Romano stated. “The salary is the topic and it was also the topic for Chelsea. It was also the reason Chelsea decided not to proceed with the Jadon Sancho story because they didn’t want to break their structure with salaries.”
Romano added: “Let’s see what’s going to happen but I can still confirm interest from Italy, the calls from Juventus, the calls from Napoli two weeks ago. But now what’s important to say on Sancho is that Fenerbahçe doesn’t look like a concrete destination for the player.”
Sancho currently earns £250,000 per week, a figure that few clubs are willing or able to match, especially for a player whose performances have fluctuated significantly in recent years. A potential move could hinge on the winger agreeing to lower his wage demands. A transfer fee in the region of £25 million is expected—only a third of what Manchester United originally paid for him four years ago.
Rashford Open to Barcelona Move but Will Wait
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is reportedly open to a move to Barcelona, though any deal will likely come late in the summer transfer window. According to SPORT, the England international has already turned down overtures from Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool Eyeing Palace Star Marc Guéhi
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi. According to The Mirror, Palace are demanding over £40 million for the England centre-back, who has emerged as a key target for the Merseyside club.
Arsenal Pursuing Ademola Lookman and Eberechi Eze
Arsenal have entered into discussions with Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman regarding a summer switch, reports AFTV. Lookman is entering the final two years of his current deal, and the Gunners are keen to secure his services.
In addition, Arsenal are competing with Tottenham Hotspur to land Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze. According to FootballTransfers, Bukayo Saka has been instrumental in trying to convince his fellow England international to make the move to the Emirates.
Newcastle Targeting Leipzig Duo in £100 Million Swoop
Newcastle United are plotting a major summer raid on RB Leipzig, with Xavi Simons and Antonio Nusa both identified as key transfer targets. As reported by Fichajes, the Magpies are preparing to spend approximately £100 million to land the talented pair.
Chelsea Offered Emiliano Martínez, United Monitoring
With Manchester United yet to table a formal offer, Chelsea have been presented with the opportunity to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The Mirror notes that any potential move by United would be dependent on offloading current number one André Onana.
Manchester United Prioritise Rafael Leão Signing
One potential incoming transfer for Manchester United is that of AC Milan winger Rafael Leão. CaughtOffside describes the Portugal international as a top target, with a potential deal costing in the region of £70 million.
Brentford Hold Out for £70 Million Mbeumo Fee
Brentford are reportedly holding out for a fee of £70 million for their forward Bryan Mbeumo. According to FootballTransfers, Manchester United’s latest bid was worth just £62.5 million, falling short of the London club’s valuation.
Manchester City Set Sights on Newcastle’s Tino Livramento
Manchester City are preparing a bid for Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento, reports GIVEMESPORT. Despite the interest, Newcastle officials remain confident that the defender will reject any offer and remain at St James’s Park.
European Clubs Battle for Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi
Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi is attracting widespread interest across Europe. According to Mirko Di Natale, Real Sociedad and Villarreal are both vying with Juventus for the Argentine’s signature. A transfer could be sealed for around £12 million.