Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal’s shock move for Vinicius Jr hits hurdle, Man Utd close in on midfielder

Arsenal are plotting an audacious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr and want to sign the Brazil winger this summer. The Premier League champions have yet to make contact with Real Madrid over the move for the 26-year-old, who has just one more year on his contract, while incoming boss at the Bernabeu, Jose Mourinho, would need to sanction the transfer.

It could be a busy few weeks for Mikel Arteta’s side as they also look to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and add another centre-back, with England internationals Ezri Konsa and John Stones both of interest. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed that he wants to keep Guimaraes, but added that his future at the club is out of his control.

Elsewhere, Manchester United are still interested in adding another midfielder and have “reached an agreement in principle” with France international Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a target, too.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”. Liverpool have now reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, while PSG’s Bradley Barcola is also still a target.

Eddie Howe offers update on future of Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he “does not know” if captain Bruno Guimaraes will remain at the club next season but insisted he wants his best players to stay.

Arsenal are prepared to step up their pursuit of Guimaraes but have been told that a fee of £100m will be needed to sign the Brazil international midfielder.

The BBC report that Arsenal are preparing to test their resolve with a £70m offer for Guimaraes, who is said to be keen on a move to London.

Newcastle believe the fee Tottenham paid for Sandro Tonali should set the benchmark for any interest in their captain, yet the Gunners are still said to be poised to “accelerate” their interest, according to the Telegraph.

And Howe told Sky Sports: "We've had some really good conversations, before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup. What we speak about obviously has to remain private, but just a great player, a great person.

“I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to speculate about, but also conversations that I'm not part of.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe (right) appreciates ‘special’ skipper Bruno Guimaraes (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Arsenal eyeing shock deal for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr

A reminder of the big news that broke yesterday - Arsenal are keen to buy Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid.

The Gunners are exploring a blockbuster move for the Brazilian superstar and the idea has reportedly been approved by the club’s hierarchy.

There has been no club-to-club contact with Real Madrid yet, however.

It is unclear what Vinicius makes of the idea of joining the Premier League champions, and indeed leaving Madrid, although Jose Mourinho coming in as Real boss does complicate matters for the 26-year-old, who only has one year left on his contract.

Vinicius is one of the biggest stars in world football but Jose Mourinho’s return to manage Real Madrid has put his future up in the air

Luke Baker26 July 2026 06:27

Kane ready to begin Bayern contract talks.

Harry Kane will begin contract talks with Bayern Munich when he returns from his summer holiday

That’s according to Sky Sports News, who say that Kane is garnering interest from Barcelona but is very happy in Germany.

Kane’s deal expires at the end of the 2026/27 season and the England captain is said to be very relaxed about the situation but Bayern are keen to start negotiations given the interest surrounding him.

Bayern are keen to keep Harry Kane (PA Wire)

Luke Baker26 July 2026 05:33

Chelsea reject latest Como bid for Chalobah

Chelsea have turned down a third offer from Como for centre-back Trevoh Chalobah as they hold out for £30m + £5m in add-ons.

According to talkSPORT, Chalobah has been a major target for the Italian club, coached by ex-Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, but their latest proposal of £25m + £5m was deemed not enough.

The 27-year-old England international reportedly remains keen on move and is still likely to leave, with the imminent arrival of Maxence Lacroix pushing him further down the pecking order.

Trevoh Chalobah was at the World Cup with England (Reuters)

Luke Baker26 July 2026 01:18

Bodo/Glimt striker due for medical with Celtic

Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh will have a medical with Celtic in the next 24 hours, says manager Martin O'Neill.

The Scottish champions have reported agreed a club record fee of £11m with the Norwegian side for the 25-year-old Denmark international.

Hogh will help replace Daizen Maeda, after the fan favourite Japan forward was sold to Premier League new boys Ipswich, and speaking after Celtic’s pre-season draw with AC Milan, O’Neill confirmed the move is imminent.

“Yes, I'm hoping that that will happen. I think there's a good chance of it,” he said.

“But, until someone's actually signed and sealed, there might be things still up in the air, but it's certainly progressing.

“He will have [a medical] in the next 24 hours, I think.”

Kasper Hogh looks set to join Celtic (Getty)

Luke Baker25 July 2026 23:13

Rashford set for Old Trafford return

Marcus Rashford looks set to return to Manchester United after his £40m exit clause expired. The winger has been linked to several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but The I Paper reports that the 28-year-old is now expected to stay at Old Trafford and given the chance to resurrect his career.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, rather successfully, but the Catalan giants chose not to pick up the €30m (£26m) option to make the deal permanent and instead signed another Englishman – Anthony Gordon – to play on the left wing for them. United are reportedly hesitant to let Rashford leave permanently to another Premier League club, in case he flourishes with them.

Marcus Rashford played for England at the World Cup (Getty)