Arsenal Seal £55m Zubimendi Deal, Eye Gyokeres Next

The summer transfer window has kicked into gear as the start of the new season draws ever closer.

We are just over a month from the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign as sides up and down the country bid for a successful year.

Arsenal have finally announced the £55million signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and also have other irons in the fire. They have been linked with a move for Chelsea star Noni Madueke and are also now close to wrapping up a move for Viktor Gyokeres .

Manchester United, meanwhile, are desperate to get back into Champions League contention and are reportedly pondering a shock swoop for Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer following his release from Everton.

Keep it right here for the latest updates from around the country and further beyond throughout the day.

23:00 Matthew Cooper

Goodnight

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We'll be back tomorrow with all the latest news and rumours.

22:30 Matthew Cooper

Aina signs new deal

According to the Athletic , Ola Aina has signed a new three-year contract with Nottingham Forest.

Aina was a key part of Forest's success last season, making 37 appearances across all competitions as they finished seventh in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

21:45 Alan Smith

Barcelona's Rashford stance

Barcelona maintain an interest in Marcus Rashford but it has been suggested that the Manchester United star is not at the top of the Catalan giants' summer wishlist.

On Friday it was confirmed that Rashford, 27, will not have to return to United's Carrington base for the start of pre-season on Monday so he can secure a move away from the club with no prospect of him being reintegrated into Ruben Amorim 's plans.

Bayern Munich are also looking at a move for Rashford, who is open to playing abroad but favours a switch to Barcelona . Reports earlier this week said that Rashford has made contact with Barcelona , after their £58million deal to sign Nico Williams collapsed in spectacular fashion .

Rashford is said to have indicated a willingness to take a cut on his salary to help secure a move to the Nou Camp. But Barca, per Mundo Deportivo , see him as a Plan B signing rather than a top target.

21:00 John Cross

Nkunku price tag

Manchester United have been quoted £35m to sign Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku .

United have got misfit Nkunku on their shortlist of striker targets this summer with Chelsea braced to take a big hit on the player they signed for £52m just two years ago.

Nkunku, 27, is surplus to requirements at Chelsea after they bought Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer for a combined £90m and they are set to complete a £55m deal for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens as they have carried on spending big.

20:15 Matthew Cooper

Juventus eye Bissouma

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport , Juventus are interested in Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The report states that Bissouma is 'more than an idea' for Juventus, with the former Brighton star viewed as a potential replacement for Douglas Luiz.

19:33 Felix Keith

Osimhen makes transfer decision

Victor Osimhen has thrown a curveball by telling Galatasaray that he wants to stay with the club next season.

Osimhen enjoyed a prolific campaign on loan with the Turkish side from Napoli last season, but was expected to move elsewhere this summer, amid interest from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia.

But reports in Italy state that the Nigeria international is keen to stay in Istanbul - and that Galatasaray are lining up sponsors to help pay his release clause.

18:49 Dan Marsh

Palace close on Sosa

Crystal Palace are in the process of finalising a deal for Borna Sosa.

The 27-year-old left-back has been given permission to travel to the UK for a medical by Ajax, per The Athletic .

Sosa will become the Eagles' second summer signing after the goalkeeper, Walter Benitez.

18:33 Dan Marsh

Vardy's Genoa no go

Genoa will not be completing a deal to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer following an intervention from the Serie A outfit's head coach, Patrick Vieira .

Vardy, 38, is a free agent after leaving Leicester City at the end of last month. The former England striker has been linked with a host of clubs since he announced he would be leaving the Foxes, both domestically and further afield in Europe.

Tutto Mercato outline that Flavio Ricciardella, the club's sporting director, did the legwork on a deal which would have been financed by support from sponsors.

But while Ricciardella was keen on the idea of bringing Vardy to Genoa, Vieira apparently 'vetoed' the deal as the former Leicester man would not suit his team's style of play.

18:04 Dan Marsh

Biler set for Turkish switch

Former AFC Wimbledon defender Huseyin Biler is poised to seal a move to the Turkish third tier.

Biler, 23, is a free agent after his contract at Plough Lane expired last month.

And the young right-back is set to join Mardin 1969 Spor on a two-year deal.

17:33 Dan Marsh

Chelsea want £50m for Madueke

More Arsenal transfer news? Why not.

Noni Madueke is among the seemingly endless number of players Arsenal are chasing and, crucially, they have already agreed personal terms with the Chelsea winger.

The catch? Chelsea want at least £50million for the England star according to The Telegraph.

Will Arsenal be able to afford that sort of money AND pursue big money deals for Viktor Gyokeres, Rodrygo and Eberechi Eze? Watch this space...

17:13 KEY EVENT

Latest on Arsenal and Gyokeres

Our man John Cross has the latest on Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners are closing in on a sensational swoop for the Sporting Lisbon striker and have an agreement in place on a five year contract worth in excess of £200,000-a-week for the Sweden international, who hit a staggering 54 goals last season.

But Sporting are still determined to play hardball on the fee and want around £70m - with at least £60m up-front and more in add-ons - and Arsenal are pushing hard to get an agreement on the fee.

15:56 Dan Marsh

Johnston set for Flamengo

West Bromwich Albion winger Mikey Johnston is to make a shock switch to the Brazilian giants, Flamengo.

Johnston, 26. has been lined-up to join Flamengo in a £5m move. Johnston only joined Albion last summer in a £3m deal from Celtic after a successful loan spell and he still has three years left on his contract.

But his first season as a permanent addition at The Hawthorns was not a success as he scored just three goals – against seven he scoring during his half season on-loan.

15:08 Dan Marsh

City drop Grealish price

Jack Grealish is surprise to requirements at Manchester City, who are ready to sell at a huge loss this summer.

The Sun claim City are willing to accept just £40m for the England star.

Grealish cost City a then-record £100m back in the summer of 2021.

14:28 Dan Marsh

Kudus wants Spurs move

Mohamed Kudus would prefer to join Tottenham if he leaves West Ham this summer.

That's per BBC Sport , who confirm that the Hammers have rejected a £50million bid from their bitter rivals for Kudus.

Chelsea have also been linked with the talented Ghana forward.

13:52 Dan Marsh

ICYMI: Son snubs MLS move

Son Heung-min is set to turn down the advances of Los Angeles FC this summer but the Tottenham captain retains interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Spurs skipper Son, 32, has entered the final 12 months of his deal in north London and there has been speculation of a move away from the club having finally won a trophy in May’s Europa League final.

After a decade of loyal service to the club Son, who earns £200,000 per week, is open to moving on but he will also wait for the right opportunity rather than rush into a move.

13:18 Dan Marsh

Wrexham hit O'Brien snag

Wrexham have struck a blockbuster deal worth £5million with Nottingham Forest for Lewis O'Brien - but they are struggling to meet the midfielder's wage demands.

Forest are willing to sell the 26-year-old after sending him out on loan to Swansea last season.

And although Wrexham have agreed terms with Forest on a package worth £5m in total for O'Brien's services, they are some way off the figures that the player is seeking when it comes to personal terms.

For that reason, The Sun now say that the deal - which would smash Wrexham's transfer record - is currently in doubt.

12:46 KEY EVENT

Arsenal close to Gyokeres deal

It's all happening at Arsenal today, isn't right?

Martin Zubimendi is through the door and now the Gunners are close to sealing a blockbuster deal for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Athletic report personal terms on a five-year deal are already agreed with the striker.

The Gunners have been weighing up whether to plump for Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko for months - and they've finally made their decision. Big, big news.

12:28 Kit Mann

Brighton starlet joins Bolton

Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry has joined Bolton on a season-long loan.

Cozier-Duberry was on-loan at Blackburn Rovers last season when he scored once in 23 appearances.

He said: “Bolton has big ambitions, and I'm proud to be part of such a big club. I can't wait to get in, interact with the lads and get going."

12:18 Felix Keith

Zubimendi shirt number revealed

Martin Zubimendi has chosen to wear the No.36 shirt for Arsenal.

The 26-year-old wears No.4 at Real Sociedad, but that is taken by Ben White. His other choice of No.18, which he dons for Spain, is free after Takehiro Tomiyasu's exit, but he has gone for a different option.

12:12 Felix Keith

Arsenal delighted with Zubimendi capture

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has."

Mikel Arteta added: "Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us.”

12:09 Felix Keith

Zubimendi explains Arsenal move

Martin Zubimendi chose Arsenal because he believes the club are a perfect fit for his style of play.

The Spain international midfielder said: "This is a huge moment in my career. It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

12:00 KEY EVENT

DONE DEAL: Arsenal announce Zubimendi signing

Finally. Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £55million.

Zubimendi, who rejected Liverpool last summer, has joined the Gunners after they released both Jorginho and Thomas Partey. He has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal.

11:37 KEY EVENT

Gyokeres to Arsenal deadline set

Viktor Gyokeres has been granted more time off by Sporting Lisbon , who have effectively set a deadline by which he needs to complete a transfer elsewhere.

Arsenal are in negotiations to sign the Swedish goal machine and things have got increasingly tense in Lisbon. Gyokeres has said he won't play for them again and that he doesn't want to report for pre-season.

Sporting players reported for duty on July 1, but Gyokeres was excused until Monday. According to reports in Portugal , he has now been given until Friday, July 11 - the day before the squad heads off on a training camp.

Sporting want €80million (£69m) for Gyokeres. Arsenal want to lower that fee to around £60m.

11:22 Dan Marsh

Bromley reject Cheek bids

Bromley have turned down a number of bids from Stevenage for their star striker, Michael Cheek.

Cheek, 33, is being courted by a host of clubs across Leagues One and Two after plundering 25 goals in the fourth tier last season.

And Mirror Football understands that Stevenage have lodged unsuccessful bids for last year's League Two Golden Boot winner.

Cheek is understood to have handed in a transfer request in a bid to land a move this summer after a stellar maiden season in the EFL.

11:16 Felix Keith

Wrexham keen on Forest star

Wrexham are negotiating over the signing of Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien, according to The Sun .

They have offered a club-record package worth £5million for O'Brien. But the midfielder's wage demands could scupper the move.

He wants £35,000-a-week at the newly-promoted Championship side, which they don't want to pay.

10:54 Alex Richards

Kyogo speaks out on Birmingham hopes

Kyogo Furuhashi is hoping to kick-start his career and get back amongst the goals after joining Birmingham from Rennes.

Celtic sold Kyogo to Rennes in January but the switch to France did not pay off for the 30-year-old Japanese international who only made six league appearances and failed to score a goal.

He has now signed a three-year deal at Championship new boys Birmingham and hopes to be as successful as he was at Celtic where he won nine trophies – scoring 85 goals in 165 appearances.

He said: “I’m very happy to be here. I get fired up more in bigger games, but I score goals because of team-mates, so I’m grateful for that. I’d like to achieve the same here, and hopefully my goals will make everyone happy.

"I have good memories from Celtic with lots of titles, so it was a wonderful three and a half, four years. Lots of fans still say hello to me, so I felt I was really lucky. But this is a new place, and I’d like to do my best here.

“I’m here to help the team. I’d like to express what I can do on the pitch. I don’t want to talk a lot, but there’s a chance that we can go up to the Premier League. We all want to aim for that and after nine months, it will be great if we share the happiness of achieving that.”

10:18 Dan Marsh

West Brom winger to make shock Brazil move

West Bromwich Albion winger Mikey Johnston is to make a shock switch to the Brazilian giants, Flamengo.

Johnston, 26. has been lined-up to join Flamengo in a £5m move. Johnston only joined Albion last summer in a £3m deal from Celtic after a successful loan spell and he still has three years left on his contract.

But his first season as a permanent addition at The Hawthorns was not a success as he scored just three goals – against seven he scoring during his half season on-loan.

09:57 Felix Keith

Vieira vetoes Vardy move

Jamie Vardy won't be moving to Genoa after Patrick Vieira pulled the plug on the move.

Reports in Italy this morning say that, despite agreeing personal terms, Vardy's move as a free agent to Italy has fallen through.

That's because Genoa manager Vieira isn't keen on the 38-year-old striker. Genoa sporting director Flavio Ricciardella had brokered the deal, which would've seen Vardy's wages paid by sponsors.

Instead, the former Leicester man now looks set to sign for Rangers.

09:29 Felix Keith

Ronaldo wants Rodrygo at Al-Nassr

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Arsenal, but Cristiano Ronaldo has other ideas.

According to Sky Sport , Al-Nassr have contacted Rodrygo's representatives after Ronaldo singled him out as a priority target this summer.

Ronaldo just signed a new deal with the Saudi Arabian side and clearly has a lot of influence.

09:02 Felix Keith

Arsenal plan opening Madueke bid

As we have reported, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

And they are now ready to submit a first bid for the England star. The Gunners are desperate for a new signing on the wing and had pursued Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, only for Barcelona to get there first.

Madueke has now emerged as their top target, ahead of Real Madrid's Rodrygo.