Newcastle United have secured the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw in a deal worth €40 million (£34.5m), including add-ons, marking a significant breakthrough in their challenging summer transfer window, the 24-year-old German international, who has been a long-term target for Eddie Howe, has already agreed to personal terms and is expected to undergo a medical imminently before signing a long-term contract, Thiaw’s arrival addresses Newcastle’s need for a young, athletic center-back, particularly with veterans Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles entering the latter stages of their careers, The deal has a 10% sell-on clause for Schalke, Thiaw’s former club, as part of Milan’s initial agreement when signing him in 2022. With Thiaw’s departure, AC Milan are already eyeing replacements, including Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina) and Giovanni Leoni (Parma), as they look to reinvest the fee, for Newcastle, the signing is a much-needed boost after missing out on several targets, including Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) and Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Thiaw’s ability to play out from the back and his physical presence (6’4”) make him an ideal fit for Howe’s system, which relies on defensive stability to complement their attacking threats like Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, The Magpies hope to integrate him quickly, with the Premier League season just days away, starting with a clash against Aston Villa.Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, SempreMilan. 

Paris Saint-Germain have officially signed Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier on a five-year contract for a €40 million base fee, with potential bonuses pushing the total to €55 million, as they prepare for a new era under Luis Enrique, the 23-year-old Frenchman, who was nominated for the Yashin Trophy after standout performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, is set to become PSG’s new No. 1, displacing Gianluigi Donnarumma. Chevalier’s superior ball distribution and comfort under pressure align with Enrique’s tactical vision, making him the preferred choice over Donnarumma, whose contract expires in 2026 and who has clashed with PSG over wage demands. With Chevalier’s arrival confirmed, Donnarumma is now expected to leave PSG, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Inter Milan all expressing interest in the Italian shot-stopper, despite his heroics in last season’s Champions League triumph, Donnarumma’s refusal to accept a reduced salary with performance-based incentives has strained his relationship with the club, United, in particular, view him as an upgrade over André Onana, though his €850,000-a-month wages could complicate negotiations, meanwhile, PSG’s swift acquisition of Chevalier signals their commitment to a long-term rebuild, with the Frenchman set to be unveiled imminently.Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Fabrizio Romano. 

Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez has completed a surprise move to Al Nassr, signing as a free agent after terminating his contract with the Catalan club one year early, the 34-year-old Spanish center-back, who was a key figure in Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs last season, departs after activating a pre-agreed clause allowing him to leave for free if a lucrative offer arose, Martínez, who rejected Saudi interest last summer, accepted Al Nassr’s proposal this time, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and recent signing João Félix in a star-studded squad, Barcelona will not receive a transfer fee but gain crucial salary relief (€14 million annually), enabling them to register new signings under La Liga’s financial rules. Martínez bid an emotional goodbye to Barcelona teammates and fans, calling his two years at the club “wonderful” before jetting off to Saudi Arabia, His departure leaves a void in Hansi Flick’s defense, though Barça still have Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, and Eric García as alternatives, For Al Nassr, Martínez replaces Aymeric Laporte and bolsters their backline as they chase silverware under Jorge Jesus, The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s continued pull for veteran stars, with Martínez set to debut in the Saudi Pro League’s opening fixtures later this month.Sources: ESPN, The Athletic, Barca Universal. 

Manchester United are on the verge of securing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth €75 million (£65.3m) plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, with the 22-year-old Slovenian prioritizing a move to Old Trafford despite Newcastle’s higher offer of €82.5m plus bonuses, Sesko, who scored 21 goals last season, has already agreed to personal terms and will adhere to manager Ruben Amorim’s strict new rules, including bans on matchday dressing-room food and international-break vacations, the striker’s preference for United—despite their lack of European football—swung negotiations in their favor, with Leipzig now finalizing the structure of add-ons before an official announcement. Sesko’s arrival casts doubt over Rasmus Højlund’s future, with Manchester United open to offers for the Dane just two years after his £72m signing, the deal underscores Amorim’s rebuild after last season’s 15th-place finish, adding Sesko to a revamped frontline alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Meanwhile, Newcastle face another transfer blow after missing out on Sesko and other targets like Bryan Mbeumo, leaving their striker search in disarray amid Alexander Isak’s potential exit. Sesko could debut in United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17, pending medicals this week.Sources: Sky Sports, The Athletic, Manchester Evening News.

Liverpool have finalized the transfer of Darwin Núñez to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a deal worth €53 million guaranteed, with add-ons potentially raising the total to €65 million, the 26-year-old striker, who joined the Reds from Benfica in 2022 for a club-record €85 million, is set to undergo a medical in Germany before signing a long-term contract with Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, Núñez’s departure follows a mixed three-year spell at Anfield, where he scored 40 goals in 143 appearances but struggled for consistency, starting just eight Premier League games in Liverpool’s title winning 2024-25 campaign, the move marks a significant step in Al-Hilal’s ambitious project, adding Núñez to a squad featuring Ruben Neves, João Cancelo, and Aleksandar Mitrović. With Núñez’s exit confirmed, Liverpool are expected to re-enter the market for a marquee striker, having already seen a £110 million bid rejected for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, the Reds remain admirers of the Swedish forward but face stiff competition, with Newcastle valuing him at £150 million and demanding a replacement be secured first, meanwhile, Al-Hilal’s structured payment plan reportedly including a sell-on clause helps Liverpool offset the loss, with the club’s net spend this summer now standing at €112.5 million after high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Núñez, who scored five goals in pre-season, leaves Merseyside as a fan favorite despite his erratic form, with his final appearance likely being the Community Shield this weekend.Sources: The Athletic, BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Transfermarkt. 

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has made Chelsea his “total priority” this summer, with the 21-year-old Argentine pushing for a move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from clubs abroad, talks have advanced on the player’s side, with Garnacho even fueling speculation by liking a social media post linking him to Chelsea, though formal negotiations with Manchester United are yet to begin, The Blues, who have already signed João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens, are weighing a structured deal—likely around £30 million or a loan with an obligation given United’s £50m valuation, Garnacho’s frustration at Old Trafford, including a public fallout with manager Ruben Amorim after being benched in the Europa League final, has accelerated his exit plans.While Garnacho waits, Chelsea are prioritizing the completion of a £60 million deal for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with personal terms agreed and Leipzig open to negotiations, The Blues’ cautious approach to Garnacho reflects their need to offload players like Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku first, with a potential swap involving Nicolas Jackson also discussed, United, meanwhile, are resigned to losing the winger but seek maximum value, while Garnacho’s camp hopes for clarity before the Premier League kicks off in two weeks, If finalized, the move would reunite Garnacho with former youth teammate Enzo Fernández, adding depth to Chelsea’s revamped attack ahead of their Champions League return.Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, OneFootball

Olympique Marseille have finalized a €1 million loan fee with a €14 million obligation to buy for Juventus winger Tim Weah, ending a weeks-long transfer saga marked by public clashes between the player’s agent and Juventus management, the 25-year-old USMNT star, who insisted on joining Marseille despite interest from Nottingham Forest and Premier League clubs, will reunite with former Lille teammate Adrien Rabiot and work under Roberto De Zerbi. The deal includes €3 million in add-ons and a sell-on clause, with Weah set to undergo a medical in France imminently after Juventus relented on their initial €20 million demand. Weah’s move marks a return to Ligue 1, where he previously won titles with PSG and Lille, and provides Marseille with a versatile attacker ahead of their Champions League campaign, The transfer concludes a bitter dispute, with Weah’s agent accusing Juventus of “total disrespect” for blocking the move earlier, while director Damien Comolli insisted the club “deserves respect” in negotiations, For Weah, regular playing time at Marseille is critical ahead of the 2026 World Cup, having been marginalized at Juventus (45 minutes in their Club World Cup run), Marseille’s structured payment plan is far below Juventus’ original asking price.Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, Goal.com

Olympique Marseille have finalized a club-record €35 million (£30.3m) deal to sign Feyenoord winger Igor Paixão, surpassing their previous highest fee paid for Dimitri Payet in 2017, The 25-year-old Brazilian, who contributed 18 goals and 19 assists last season, chose Marseille over Leeds United despite the Premier League side’s improved €32m bid and the allure of following compatriot Raphinha’s path to England,Paixão has already agreed to a five-year contract and will undergo a medical in France imminently, with Marseille’s Champions League football and Roberto De Zerbi’s project swaying his decision. Leeds, fresh off promotion, had hoped to hijack the deal after matching Feyenoord’s asking price, but Marseille’s third improved offer—including add-ons—proved decisive, The transfer marks a 300% profit for Feyenoord, who signed Paixão for just €4.5m in 2022, Meanwhile, Marseille continue their aggressive window, having already secured Angel Gomes and Facundo Medina, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also set to return. Paixão could debut in Marseille’s pre-season friendly vs. Monaco next week, pending medical clearance. Sources: Fabrizio Romano, L’Équipe, OneFootball.

Fenerbahçe are in the final stages of securing a permanent transfer for Milan Škriniar from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Slovak defender expected to sign a four-year contract after the clubs agreed on a fee between €10-12 million, the 30-year-old, who revitalized his career during a loan spell at Fenerbahçe last season, has already agreed to personal terms, including a reduced salary of €6-9 million net annually—down from his €12 million PSG wages—and is set to reunite with manager José Mourinho, who pushed hard for the deal, PSG, keen to offload Škriniar after excluding him from first-team training, view this as a pragmatic exit for a player who failed to adapt in Paris. With Fenerbahçe’s sporting director Devin Özek in Paris to finalize paperwork, the transfer could be announced imminently, pending resolution of a minor “deposit issue” delaying the formalities, Škriniar, who impressed with his leadership during his loan, is eager to join Fenerbahçe’s pre-season camp in Portugal and bolster their title ambitions,  The deal also aligns with PSG’s strategy to streamline their squad, having already secured younger defensive replacements. An official announcement is expected within days, marking Mourinho’s first major defensive reinforcement this summer.Sources: Fabrizio Romano, L’Équipe.

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.