EPL Transfer News: McAtee, Man United, Gibbs-White and More
James McAtee’s Manchester City Exit on the Cards
Manchester City appear poised to part ways with homegrown midfielder James McAtee, and remarkably, at a price far below the £42.5 million Chelsea paid for Cole Palmer in 2023. That deal, despite Palmer having only 41 senior appearances at the time, proved to be a masterstroke for the Blues.
McAtee, in contrast, has already played 34 times for City—including 27 games in the last campaign alone. Additionally, the 22-year-old featured 75 times for Sheffield United, 30 of those in the Premier League, during his loan spells.
With his contract set to expire next summer, an offer between £20 million and £25 million could be enough to trigger a sale, according to Fabrizio Romano. Several top-flight clubs from the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga are believed to be circling. Notably, Atalanta are reportedly “well informed” about the midfielder’s situation. McAtee also captained England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning squad earlier this summer.
Manchester United Push to Conclude Bryan Mbeumo Deal
Manchester United are eager to finalise a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. Having swiftly wrapped up the signing of Matheus Cunha thanks to a release clause, the Red Devils are finding progress with Mbeumo less straightforward, given the need for protracted fee negotiations.
Reports suggest Mbeumo is becoming frustrated with the lack of momentum, as he hopes to avoid beginning pre-season training with Brentford. While personal terms are believed to be settled, Brentford are demanding a fee in the region of £65 million.
United, not far off from matching that amount, are now focused on the structure of the deal. The sticking point is Brentford’s insistence on receiving most, if not all, of the fee as an upfront payment. United remain cautiously optimistic that a compromise will be reached soon.
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres Pursuit Hits Roadblock
Arsenal’s prolonged efforts to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres are facing a critical impasse. Though personal terms with the Swedish international have reportedly been agreed upon—with Gyökeres even willing to accept reduced wages to facilitate the move—the clubs have hit a stalemate over the payment structure.
Arsenal’s latest proposal was a £56.2 million guaranteed fee, plus £13 million in add-ons. Sporting, however, are holding out for £60.5 million up front and £8.6 million in bonuses.
That £4.3 million gap has led to intense discussions, though no agreement was reached over the weekend. Arsenal’s representatives reportedly returned to London without sealing the deal, and the entire transfer is now considered “in jeopardy.” Portuguese outlet Record even labelled the situation as “all out war.”
July 11—when Gyökeres is scheduled to return to Sporting for pre-season—is seen as a key date. The striker has threatened to go on strike if his move is not finalised. Sporting are said to be open to closing the deal and are waiting on a revised offer from the Gunners.
Gonçalo Inácio on Manchester United’s Radar
Manchester United could be set to reunite manager Ruben Amorim with his former Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio. Football Transfers report that Amorim is the primary force behind United’s interest in the talented Portuguese centre-back.
Liverpool Eye Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as Díaz’s Potential Replacement
Liverpool are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to Anfield Watch. The Reds’ interest may intensify if Luis Díaz secures a summer exit from Anfield. The Colombian’s most likely destinations are Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Eberechi Eze Tipped for Arsenal Over Spurs
CaughtOffside suggest that Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is more likely to move to Arsenal rather than Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester City and Chelsea have also expressed interest in the England international playmaker.
Juventus Ready to Release Dušan Vlahović
Juventus are reportedly willing to terminate Dušan Vlahović’s contract in a swift move to relieve their wage bill. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, this could pave the way for clubs like Manchester United to sign the Serbian striker on a free transfer.
Galatasaray Set to Bid £64.7 Million for Victor Osimhen
CalcioMercato claim that Turkish giants Galatasaray are preparing an eye-watering £64.7 million bid for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker has long been linked with Premier League heavyweights including Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Bournemouth Submit Official Offer for Chelsea’s Petrović
Chelsea have received an official opening offer from Bournemouth for their backup goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović, reports Fabrizio Romano. Championship side Sunderland are also believed to be keeping tabs on the talented young shot-stopper.
City Agree Terms with Gibbs-White
Manchester City have sensationally reached personal terms with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to Football Insider. The former Wolves academy star could be set for a high-profile move to the Etihad.
Tottenham Target Jhon Arias and Yoane Wissa
Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have opened negotiations with Brazilian side Fluminense for Colombian forward Jhon Arias, following his impressive performances at the Club World Cup. Fichajes claim Spurs are also exploring a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, which would see manager Thomas Frank reunited with a familiar face.
Barcelona Offered Marcus Rashford with Demands for Central Role
According to El Nacional, Marcus Rashford has expressed to Barcelona that he would only be willing to join the La Liga giants if he is guaranteed a central attacking role. The Catalan club are reportedly reviewing whether such a move is feasible within their current financial constraints.