Newcastle United have intensified their efforts to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Alexander Isak, who has expressed his desire to explore a move away from St. James’ Park, The Magpies, who have tracked Sesko since 2022, are prepared to meet Leipzig’s €80 million (£69.7m) valuation, though negotiations have yet to reach an official bid stage. The Slovenian forward, who scored 13 Bundesliga goals last season, is seen as a long-term project under Eddie Howe, with his physicality and potential fitting Newcastle’s evolving attack. However, financial constraints and Leipzig’s reluctance to sell unless their asking price is met complicate the deal, leaving Newcastle to consider alternatives like Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Despite Newcastle’s interest, Leipzig are under no pressure to sell Sesko and could retain him unless a club meets their steep demands, the 22-year-old, who signed a contract extension last summer, has not pushed for an exit but remains open to a Premier League move, meanwhile, Manchester United lurk as a potential suitor, leveraging their scouting connections, though their focus on other targets like Ollie Watkins leaves Newcastle as the most likely destination. With Isak’s future still unresolved—Newcastle value him at £150m—the Magpies face a critical decision: break the bank for Sesko or pivot to a more cost-effective alternative. An update is expected next week as pre-season preparations intensify.Sources: The Athletic, Sky Sports, OneFootball.

Chelsea are nearing a deal to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after agreeing personal terms with the 19-year-old, who has formally requested to leave the Dutch club, The Blues are negotiating a fee in the €40-60 million range, with Ajax initially demanding €60 million (£52m) but Chelsea hoping to settle closer to €40 million (£34m)—a benchmark based on Jurrien Timber’s transfer to Arsenal. Hato, a versatile left-footed defender capable of playing center-back or left-back, has already captained Ajax and earned six caps for the Netherlands, making him a priority for Enzo Maresca’s defensive rebuild. While Chelsea lead the race, Arsenal and Liverpool had previously shown interest, though the Gunners’ recent signing of Cristhian Mosquera reduces their urgency, Hato’s technical prowess and ball-carrying ability align with Chelsea’s style, and his arrival could displace Benoît Badiashile or provide competition for Marc Cucurella. Ajax, aware of Hato’s expiring contract in 2026, may compromise on fee structure to avoid losing him for free later, an agreement could be finalized within days, with Hato potentially joining Chelsea’s pre-season tour if completed this week.Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, Goal.

Arsenal have reached a €73.8 million (£64m) agreement with Sporting CP to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, ending one of the summer’s most protracted transfer sagas, the 27-year-old, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, had been pushing for the move since July, even skipping pre-season training to force Sporting’s hand. Personal terms were agreed weeks ago, but negotiations stalled over add-ons and payment structure, with Arsenal ultimately compromising on a £55m base fee plus £8.7m in achievable bonuses. Gyökeres, who only wanted Arsenal despite late interest from Manchester United, is set to fly to Singapore for his medical during the Gunners’ pre-season tour. Gyökeres’ arrival marks a major coup for Arsenal, addressing their long-standing need for a prolific No. 9 after relying on Kai Havertz and an injury-prone Gabriel Jesus last season, His physicality, relentless pressing, and clinical finishing—including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League—make him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s system. Meanwhile, Sporting are already moving on, submitting a £20m bid for Almería’s Luis Suárez as his replacement. With Gyökeres set to sign a five-year deal, Arsenal’s attack now looks formidable ahead of their Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Sources: The Athletic, Sky Sports, Football London, Fox Sports 

Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has left the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal amid growing uncertainty over his future, with Newcastle, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest all vying for his signature. he 28-year-old DR Congo international, who scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season, has refused contract extension talks with Brentford and is determined to leave following teammate Bryan Mbeumo’s departure to Manchester United. With just one year remaining on his current deal (plus an optional extension), Brentford could cash in now rather than risk losing him for free, with a fee of around £40 million likely. Nottingham Forest have emerged as frontrunners, having tracked Wissa since January and now armed with funds from Anthony Elanga’s £52 million sale to Newcastle. His ability to play as a central striker or winger, combined with his work rate and finishing (31 Premier League goals over two seasons), makes him an ideal replacement for the potentially departing Morgan Gibbs-White. Tottenham and Newcastle, however, remain serious contenders, with both clubs able to offer European football—a key factor in Wissa’s decision. Brentford, meanwhile, face a pivotal meeting with Wissa’s representatives this week to determine whether to sell or reintegrate him into the squad.Sources: BBC Sport, The Athletic 

AC Milan have finalized the signing of Brighton left-back Pervis Estupiñán in a deal worth €17 million plus €2 million in add-ons, with the Ecuadorian international set to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a long-term contract. The 27-year-old, who recorded 14 assists in 104 appearances for Brighton, emerged as Milan’s top target after Theo Hernández’s departure to Al-Hilal, with negotiations accelerating after Brighton chairman Tony Bloom gave the green light. Estupiñán’s arrival bolsters Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive options, providing pace and attacking width on the left flank as the Rossoneri prepare for their Champions League return. Brighton, who signed Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge earlier this summer, were open to selling Estupiñán after his role diminished under new manager Fabian Hurzeler. The Ecuadorian, who missed much of the 2023-24 season due to injury, regained form last campaign but sought a fresh start amid competition from De Cuyper and Ferdi Kadioglu. Milan moved swiftly after failed pursuits of Archie Brown and other targets, with agent Jorge Mendes helping mediate the deal. Estupiñán could join Milan’s pre-season tour in Asia if paperwork is completed this week, marking another key addition in their summer rebuild. Sources: Fabrizio Romano, Gianluca Di Marzio, SempreMilan.  

Chelsea have taken a significant step toward signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons after the Dutch midfielder agreed to personal terms and expressed his desire to join the Blues. The 22-year-old, who scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists last season, is seen as a perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s system, with Leipzig now willing to negotiate a deal in the range of €60-70 million. Simons’ dissatisfaction with Leipzig’s failure to qualify for European football has accelerated the move, and Chelsea’s Champions League status gives them an edge over Arsenal, who remain interested but are prioritizing other targets. The Blues are expected to finalize the transfer once they offload fringe attackers, including Christopher Nkunku and João Félix, to comply with financial regulations. While Chelsea lead the race, Arsenal are monitoring Simons’ situation closely and could pounce if negotiations stall. The Gunners, however, are focused on signing Viktor Gyökeres, leaving Chelsea as the frontrunners for the versatile Dutchman. Leipzig, keen to recoup most of their €50 million investment, are open to structured payments, with talks between the clubs set to intensify this week. Should the deal go through, Simons would add creativity and goal threat to Chelsea’s attack, joining recent arrivals João Pedro and Liam Delap in a revamped frontline. An official announcement could come before August if Chelsea clear squad space, marking another statement signing in their ambitious summer rebuild.Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, Sky Sports.  

Inter Miami have secured a landmark loan deal for Atlético Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, with the Argentine World Cup winner set to reunite with close friend Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer. The 31-year-old will join initially on a short-term contract with a $17 million purchase option, allowing Miami to bypass Designated Player roster constraints until Sergio Busquets’ potential departure in December. De Paul, who recorded 10 assists for Atlético last season, accepted reduced terms for the move—a decision influenced by Messi’s presence and the 2026 North American World Cup horizon. The deal marks a strategic shift for David Beckham’s franchise, adding elite midfield grit to complement their star-studded attack ahead of the Leagues Cup later this month. Despite Diego Simeone’s public resistance to losing his “unofficial Messi bodyguard,” Atlético sanctioned the transfer as De Paul entered the final year of his contract. The Spanish club will receive €15 million if Miami triggers the permanent clause, a significant discount from his €35 million 2021 transfer fee, while freeing up wages for Valencia’s Javi Guerra as a replacement. For Inter Miami, the acquisition serves dual purposes: bolstering midfield stability and strengthening their pitch to extend Messi’s contract beyond 2025. De Paul could debut as early as July 30 against Atlas, adding another chapter to Miami’s ambitious project that now features five South American veterans. Sources: ESPN, The Athletic, Fabrizio Romano, Marca. 

Elche CF have officially completed the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe from Atlético Madrid. The 21-year-old has signed a contract with the club that will run until June 2029. The deal includes a 50% sell-on clause retained by Atlético Madrid, giving the La Liga side a share of any future transfer fee. Iturbe, a standout performer with Atlético’s B team and a 2024 Olympic gold medalist with Spain, is seen as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Spanish football. He made 34 appearances last season under the guidance of Fernando Torres and was a regular for Spain’s U21 squad. Elche have brought in Iturbe to compete with veteran Matías Dituro for the starting spot, reinforcing their goalkeeping options ahead of the new season. The transfer marks a strategic move for both clubs—Elche secure a highly rated young talent, while Atlético retain potential future profit. Source: AS.com

AS Roma have informed Brazilian club Palmeiras of their intention to improve their offer for Colombian midfielder Richard Rios. The Serie A side is now prepared to present a proposal worth close to €30 million, including add-ons. Negotiations between the two clubs are progressing, with Roma keen to secure the services of the 24-year-old this summer. The Giallorossi view Rios as a key target to bolster their midfield and are working to beat competition from other interested European clubs. Palmeiras are yet to accept the improved bid but are said to be considering the proposal as discussions continue. Source: Yahoo Sport

Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reached the final decision concerning his future. The 40-year-old Portugal international is set to sign a new deal that will keep him at the club beyond the summer of 2025. Ronaldo’s current deal with the club expires in the summer, and there were speculations about the player leaving the club in order to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reached the final decision concerning his future. The 40-year-old Portugal international is set to sign a new deal that will keep him at the club beyond the summer of 2025. Ronaldo’s current deal with the club expires in the summer, and there were speculations about the player leaving the club in order to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup. However, a report from journalist Santi Aouna said that Al-Nassr and the Portugal international have already agreed to terms. Providing an update about Ronaldo’s next move, the journalist wrote on his X account: “Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Al-Nassr. “Full agreement in place between the parties. Saudi sources told us he HAS already signed his new contract with Al-Nassr.” Ronaldo would not want to play games with his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup as he remains Portugal’s first choice striker.