Arsenal have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen to sign defender Piero Hincapie on loan with an option to buy for 52m euros. With Monday’s 19:00 BST transfer deadline looming, Arsenal wanted to add left-sided defender Hincapie to their squad. BBC Sport previously reported that an agreement was close for Arsenal to sign the Ecuador international. He has made 166 appearances in all competitions for Leverkusen since joining in 2021 and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2023-24. The 23-year-old is set to be the Gunners’ eighth signing of the summer, after Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Eberechi Eze. However, Arsenal are mindful of complying with Uefa’s squad cost ratio regulations and want to sell players. The Gunners are in talks with Porto over an exit for Jakub Kiwior, with Hincapie seen as a direct replacement for the Poland defender in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Source: bbc

Villarreal have pulled off a significant signing in the final days of the transfer window, securing Olympique Lyonnais’ star striker Georges Mikautadze for a €30 million fee. The 24-year-old Georgian international, who dazzled at Euro 2024, is set to travel to Spain on Saturday for his medical on Sunday, marking a major coup for the Yellow Submarine as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League. The transfer, finalized after a day of intense negotiations in Monaco during the European competition draw, sees Villarreal address their need for a top-tier striker following the departures of Alex Baena, Thierno Barry, and Yeremy Pino, the latter of whom joined Crystal Palace for over €30 million. Lyon, under pressure to raise €40 million to meet DNCG and UEFA financial requirements, reluctantly agreed to part with Mikautadze, their most marketable asset after Malick Fofana rejected a move to Everton. The deal includes a 10% sell-on clause, ensuring Lyon benefits from any future transfer, with the total package potentially reaching €35 million with add-ons. Mikautadze, who scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 49 appearances for Lyon last season, including 11 goals in 34 Ligue 1 matches, brings versatility and firepower to Villarreal’s attack. Capable of playing as a striker or on the left wing, he shone for Georgia at Euro 2024 alongside PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, making him a dynamic addition to Marcelino’s 4-4-2 system. He will compete with Ayoze Perez, Tani Oluwayesi, and the injury-prone Gerard Moreno for a starting spot, with Marcelino’s emphasis on form likely giving Mikautadze a strong chance to shine. The move comes after a competitive race, with Aston Villa reportedly agreeing personal terms with Mikautadze and Brentford, Burnley, Everton, and Saudi Arabia’s Neom SC also in contention. Villarreal’s Champions League participation, with matches against Manchester City and Juventus on the horizon, and a long-term contract until 2030 with a higher salary than Lyon’s offer, swayed the Georgian star. His decision to join Villarreal, despite his emotional ties to Lyon where he came through the academy, underscores the allure of the Spanish club’s project. For Lyon, the sale is a bitter blow, especially with a crucial Olympico clash against Marseille looming on Sunday, where Mikautadze will be absent. Manager Paulo Fonseca, who had hoped to retain both Mikautadze and Fofana, now faces the challenge of finding two new strikers in the window’s final days, with Lens’ Martin Satriano a leading target. Villarreal’s hot start to the La Liga season, with seven goals scored and none conceded in wins over Girona (5-0) and Real Oviedo (2-0), is bolstered by this signing, alongside recent additions like Tajon Buchanan, Arnau Tenas, and Renato Veiga. The Yellow Submarine, currently leading La Liga on goal difference, now have a proven goalscorer to complement their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. As Mikautadze prepares to don Villarreal’s yellow, the stage is set for him to make an immediate impact in a squad primed for success.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have sealed a major transfer coup, agreeing a deal in principle to sign KRC Genk’s prolific striker Tolu Arokodare for a €27 million fee. The 24-year-old Nigerian international, who topped the Belgian Jupiler Pro League scoring charts last season, is set to undergo a medical on Saturday, with Wolves aiming to finalize the transfer before the September 1 deadline. The move marks a significant step in Vitor Pereira’s squad rebuild following a challenging start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. The deal, which includes a €20 million base fee plus add-ons, follows Wolves’ rejection of two bids from Newcastle United for Jorgen Strand Larsen, valued at £50m and £55m, with chairman Jeff Shi insisting the Norwegian striker remains integral to the squad. Arokodare, standing at 6’6”, brings a towering presence and clinical finishing, having scored 23 goals and provided seven assists in 45 appearances for Genk last season, including 17 league goals to share the Jupiler Pro League golden boot. His aerial dominance, with 25% of his career goals coming from headers, and his ability to create space in the box make him a perfect fit for Pereira’s system, which emphasizes physicality and crossing opportunities. DataMB highlighted Arokodare’s dominance, noting he led all U24 strikers globally in non-penalty xG (24.46), shots, and touches in the box last season. The transfer comes after Wolves’ pursuit of Getafe’s Christantus Uche stalled due to disagreements over personal terms, prompting a swift pivot to Arokodare, who had also attracted interest from Napoli, AC Milan, and Fulham. Genk’s openness to the deal was evident when manager Thorsten Fink omitted Arokodare from their Europa League play-off squad against Lech Poznan on Thursday, citing ongoing negotiations. Fink told Het Laatste Nieuws, “Negotiations are underway. It was too risky for both parties to play,” confirming the advanced stage of talks. Wolves’ strategy is to pair Arokodare with Strand Larsen, not replace him, despite Newcastle’s persistent interest. Vitor Pereira emphasized Larsen’s importance after his brace in a 3-2 Carabao Cup win over West Ham, stating, “If it’s my decision, of course [he stays]. He’s a player with character.” The addition of Arokodare, alongside recent signings Jhon Arias, Fer Lopez, and centre-back Ladislav Krejci (€30m from Sparta Prague), signals Wolves’ ambition to climb the Premier League table after back-to-back opening defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Manchester City. Personal terms for a potential five-year contract have already been agreed, per Sacha Tavolieri, with Wolves’ initial €20 million offer rising to meet Genk’s €25 million valuation, including bonuses. As Wolves prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle on Sunday, the impending arrival of Arokodare offers hope of a revitalized attack.

Chelsea have agreed a season-long loan deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte. The 20-year-old Argentind will now head to Stamford Bridge to bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking options, with no buy option included in the deal but a clause allowing Chelsea to match future bids for the player. Buonanotte, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leicester City, impressed with six goals and three assists in 35 appearances, despite the Foxes’ relegation. His versatility to play as a No. 10, winger, or attacking midfielder, combined with his Premier League experience, made him a prime target. Chelsea’s negotiations with Brighton accelerated after Leeds’ deal collapsed, with Buonanotte opting not to board a flight to West Yorkshire for a scheduled medical, paving the way for the Blues to finalize terms. The agreement marks another chapter in the productive transfer relationship between Chelsea and Brighton, following deals for Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro in recent years. Brighton’s insistence on loaning Buonanotte to a Premier League club to secure his homegrown status from January aligned with Chelsea’s interest, edging out competition from Borussia Dortmund and Olympique Lyonnais. Buonanotte’s arrival provides cover for Cole Palmer in the No. 10 role, with his ability to drift between the lines and contribute defensively, evidenced by his high tackle rate at Leicester, adding depth to Chelsea’s squad. The move also buys time for the Blues to evaluate young talents like Kendry Paez and Geovany Quenda, who are set to return from loans next summer. Brighton’s decision to loan Buonanotte aligns with their strategy under Fabian Hurzeler, who favors players like Yankuba Minteh and Matt O’Riley in similar roles. The Seagulls’ willingness to let the Argentine develop elsewhere ensures his growth while maintaining his value, with Chelsea poised to benefit from his flair and potential. As Chelsea prepare for a demanding season, including their Club World Cup campaign, Buonanotte’s signing offers a low-risk, high-reward option. The Argentine’s impact at Stamford Bridge will depend on how quickly he adapts to Maresca’s system, but for now, Chelsea have secured a versatile talent in a transfer window full of twists.

Olympique Marseille have made a bold move to sign Arsenal’s versatile defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, According to David Ornstein, Marseille are pushing for a permanent deal for the 28-year-old Ukrainian international, who has entered the final year of his contract with Arsenal. However, Zinchenko’s £150,000-per-week salary poses a significant hurdle, with Marseille exploring creative financial solutions, including a longer-term contract, performance-based bonuses, or Arsenal subsidizing part of his wages for the first year. Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £32 million, has seen his role diminish under Mikel Arteta, making just 11 appearances this season, including three starts. With Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, and the incoming Piero Hincapie ahead of him in the pecking order, Zinchenko is reportedly open to a new challenge. His versatility as a left-back and central midfielder, coupled with four Premier League titles from his time at Manchester City, makes him an attractive fit for De Zerbi’s system, which values technical quality and leadership. Marseille’s interest comes as they aim to reinforce their defense following the departure of Quentin Merlin to Stade Rennais. The club, set to compete in the Champions League, has already signed former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer and is in advanced talks for Lille’s Edon Zhegrova and Bournemouth’s Hamed Junior Traoré, signaling an ambitious transfer window led by president Pablo Longoria and director of football Medhi Benatia. Despite earlier links to Porto, Fenerbahce, Fulham, and Real Betis, Marseille have emerged as frontrunners, with Arsenal open to a transfer fee of £10-15 million to comply with UEFA’s squad cost ratio rules after heavy summer spending on players like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The Gunners are also finalizing Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto, which could facilitate Zinchenko’s exit as part of a broader squad overhaul. However, challenges remain. Zinchenko’s high wages and his ongoing commitments with Ukraine’s international team complicate negotiations, and Arsenal’s reluctance to accept a loan deal, having rejected such proposals from Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in January, means a permanent transfer is the only viable option. Marseille remain optimistic, with talks expected to intensify over the next 48 hours as they seek to secure a marquee signing to bolster their Ligue 1 and European ambitions.

Porto have secured the signature of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in a deal worth up to €27 million. The 25-year-old centre-back, who has struggled for regular game time at the Emirates, will join the Portuguese giants on an initial loan with a €2 million fee, including an obligation to buy for €17 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause, potentially pushing the total package to €27 million. Kiwior is set to travel to Portugal within the next 24 hours for his medical and to finalize the transfer. The transfer marks a significant step for Porto, who have been eager to bolster their defense under manager Francesco Farioli. Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Serie A’s Spezia in January 2023 for €20 million, made 68 appearances for the Gunners, scoring three goals and providing six assists. His versatility as a centre-back and left-back proved valuable, particularly last season when he stepped in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes, starting nine consecutive Premier League matches and playing a key role in Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final run, including a standout performance against Real Madrid. Despite his contributions, Kiwior remained a squad player under Mikel Arteta, with William Saliba, Gabriel, and new signing Cristhian Mosquera ahead of him in the pecking order. The Poland international, with 45 caps and two goals for his country, expressed a desire for regular first-team football, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Porto emerged as his preferred destination, with Kiwior reportedly rejecting offers from 14 other clubs, including AC Milan and Crystal Palace, to join the Primeira Liga side. His familiarity with fellow Polish international Jan Bednarek, already at Porto, and the opportunity to play under Farioli’s dynamic system were key factors in his decision. Porto’s pursuit of Kiwior intensified after losing right-back Joao Mario to Juventus and centre-back Otavio to Paris FC, making him their ninth signing of the summer and fourth defensive addition. The club’s proposal, initially rejected by Arsenal in July, evolved into a loan with an obligation to buy, aligning with Arsenal’s need to balance their books after a summer spending spree exceeding £200 million on players like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. The inclusion of a sell-on clause ensures Arsenal will benefit from any future transfer. For Porto, Kiwior’s arrival promises to fortify their backline, with his robust defending, vertical passing, and ability to play as an interior full-back fitting Farioli’s tactical vision. Kiwior’s move signals the end of his Arsenal chapter and the start of a new challenge at the Estadio do Dragao, where he aims to cement his place as a defensive cornerstone.

Fenerbahce have parted ways with legendary manager Jose Mourinho just six games into the 2025/26 Turkish Super Lig season, following the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League league phase. The announcement, comes as a shock after the Portuguese tactician’s high-profile appointment in June 2024. The decision was triggered by a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League play-off round, relegating Fenerbahce to the Europa League. In a brief statement on their official X and Instagram accounts, Fenerbahce declared, “We have parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who has served as head coach of our Professional Football First Team since the 2024-2025 season. We thank him for his efforts for our team and wish him success in his future career.” Mourinho, 62, arrived in Istanbul amid fanfare, with thousands of supporters packing Sukru Saracoglu Stadium for his unveiling, hopeful that the “Special One” would end Fenerbahce’s 11-year title drought and challenge rivals Galatasaray’s recent dominance. Despite guiding the team to a second-place finish in the 2024/25 Super Lig season, 11 points behind champions Galatasaray, Mourinho’s tenure was marked by turbulence. The team exited the Turkish Cup in the quarterfinals and fell to Rangers in the Europa League round of 16, failing to deliver silverware. The final straw came on Wednesday, when Fenerbahce lost 1-0 to Benfica in the Champions League play-off second leg in Lisbon, following a 0-0 draw in Istanbul. Speaking after the defeat, Mourinho acknowledged the superiority of the opposition, stating, “We lost against a team that is better than us. We had chances, but then we were reduced to 10 men and the game was over.” However, the club’s board, frustrated by the lack of progress and Mourinho’s public criticism of their transfer policy, acted swiftly to terminate his two-year contract, reportedly at a cost of €15 million in compensation. Despite an unbeaten start to the Super Lig campaign, with four points from two matches, including a 3-1 win over Kocaelispor, Fenerbahce’s board deemed the Champions League failure unacceptable. The club’s absence from Europe’s elite competition now extends to 17 seasons, intensifying pressure from fans and stakeholders. Mourinho’s departure marks his shortest professional stint since his brief spells at Benfica and Uniao de Leiria early in his career, with only 62 matches managed, yielding 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses. Speculation about his next move is already rife, with former Manchester United scout Mick Brown suggesting to Football Insider that Mourinho could be “open” to a return to the Premier League, specifically mentioning Nottingham Forest as a potential destination amid tensions between their manager Nuno Espirito Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis. Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner and one of football’s most iconic figures, finds himself back on the market, leaving behind a chaotic chapter in Istanbul.

Manchester United’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has made headlines after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the 20-year-old has expressed his desire to leave the club on a loan move before the summer transfer window closes. Mainoo is seeking regular playing time to further his development and boost his chances of securing a spot in England’s World Cup squad, but Manchester United are adamant about keeping him as a key part of their plans. “Talks between Manchester United and Kobbie Mainoo’s camp will continue on Friday. Kobbie wants loan exit to develop and play also with view on World Cup, not a permanent exit. Man Utd told Mainoo he won’t leave as considered important player.” The post has sparked intense speculation about the academy graduate’s future, with the transfer deadline looming. Mainoo, who burst onto the scene with a standout 2023/24 season under former manager Erik ten Hag, including scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final, has seen his role diminish under current boss Rúben Amorim. The England international has been an unused substitute in United’s opening two Premier League matches this season, prompting frustration. Mainoo had made it clear he wants a loan move to secure regular football, emphasizing that he has no intention of leaving United permanently. The situation has been further complicated by Amorim’s comments, where the manager expressed strong belief in Mainoo’s potential, stating, “I believe a lot in Kobbie Mainoo, more than everybody thinks… so I expect a lot from him. It’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place.” However, Amorim’s decision to bench Mainoo in favor of captain Bruno Fernandes, with whom he is reportedly in direct competition, has fueled the midfielder’s discontent. Reports suggest Mainoo’s limited involvement stems from Amorim’s view that he does not engage enough in games, a stark contrast to his dynamic displays under previous management. Despite interest from several clubs, including high-profile Premier League sides like Chelsea, Tottenham, and even rivals Leeds United, Romano has consistently downplayed the likelihood of an immediate transfer. “I can guarantee that there are no negotiations, no bids, and no active talks for Kobbie Mainoo to leave Manchester United,” emphasizing that the situation remains calm but delicate. United’s board is reportedly planning to hold talks with Mainoo in the next 24 to 48 hours to clarify his role and address his concerns, with the club keen to avoid a fallout with one of their brightest prospects. The saga has also been complicated by stalled contract negotiations, with Romano revealing that a potential extension was “very close” months ago but was derailed by the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth, a decision influenced by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This has left Mainoo’s long-term future uncertain, though a permanent exit seems unlikely given United’s stance and the late stage of the transfer window. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether United can convince Mainoo to stay and fight for his place or if a temporary move elsewhere will materialize before the window shuts. Source: Fabrizio Romano

In a dramatic twist in the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have surged ahead in the race to sign RB Leipzig’s star attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, with renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that Spurs have agreed a €60m fee with the Bundesliga club. The 22-year-old Dutch international, who has been a top target for Chelsea throughout the transfer period, now appears destined for North London, with a medical and final personal terms expected to be finalized today. Romano, known for his reliable transfer updates and iconic “Here we go!” catchphrase, broke the news early this morning via a post on X, stating, “Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons! Official bid accepted, green light after #THFC sent formal bid following player’s encouragement. Spurs want deal done today also on player side + medical in the next hours. Here we go, expected soo.” Simons, who has dazzled with 11 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for Leipzig last season, has been at the center of a protracted transfer saga. Chelsea’s pursuit of the versatile playmaker, capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or winger, had been ongoing for weeks, with personal terms reportedly agreed with the player as early as July. However, negotiations between Chelsea and Leipzig stalled over the transfer fee, with the Blues aiming for a £50m deal while Leipzig held firm at £60m. This hesitation appears to have opened the door for Tottenham to swoop in with a decisive bid. Romano’s updates throughout the week highlighted the intense competition for Simons. On August 28, he noted that Simons had arrived in London to clarify his future, with Tottenham making official contact with Leipzig that day, while Chelsea remained in talks but had yet to reach an agreement. Leipzig’s director, Rouven Schröder, had earlier hinted at the possibility of a late move, stating, “Xavi Simons is still with us. But the market is still open, you never know what might happen,” and confirming Simons’ ambition to join Chelsea. However, Tottenham’s swift action appears to have shifted the momentum. The transfer is a significant coup for Spurs, who have been looking to bolster their attacking options under manager Ange Postecoglou. Simons’ versatility, technical ability, and impressive record—65 goals and 53 assists in 178 games across his club career—make him a perfect fit for Tottenham’s high-pressing, dynamic style. His 28 caps for the Netherlands further underline his potential to become a cornerstone of the squad. For Chelsea, the development is a blow to their ambitious transfer plans under manager Enzo Maresca. The Blues have been linked with multiple attackers, including Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, but Simons was seen as a priority target to revamp their attack. Reports suggested that Chelsea’s ability to finalize the deal hinged on offloading Christopher Nkunku, with talks ongoing for a potential move to AC Milan. With the transfer window nearing its close, Chelsea now face a race against time to secure alternative targets. Romano also clarified earlier reports of Tottenham attempting to hijack Chelsea’s move, shutting down speculation on August 22 that Spurs had made an earlier bid. However, the latest developments confirm that Tottenham’s persistence has paid off, leaving Chelsea fans frustrated and Spurs supporters buzzing with excitement. As the transfer window edges toward its deadline, all eyes will be on Tottenham to see if they can finalize the deal for Simons in the coming hours. If Romano’s “Here we go” is confirmed, Spurs will have pulled off one of the most dramatic signings of the summer, while Chelsea must regroup and reassess their options before the window slams shut. Source: Fabrizio Romano

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked by Turkish club Besiktas. The 52-year-old took charge of the Istanbul club in January and steered them to a fourth-placed finish last season. But after defeat by Swiss side Lausanne in the Conference League play-offs on Thursday meant the club would not be playing European football this season, the club dismissed the Norwegian. They said: “Our contract with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been terminated following a decision made at a board meeting. “Following the meeting, our chairman, Serdal Adalı, thanked Solskjaer for his services to date.” Besiktas were knocked out of Europa League qualifiers by Shakhtar Donetsk. Nuri Sahin, the former Borussia Dortmund player and manager, has been linked with the job. Source: bbc