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 are preparing to offer the 26-year-old the biggest contract in their history but have yet to make contact with Real Madrid over the move, 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, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”, while France international Bradley Barcola is reportedly open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer. PSG, who are set to miss out on the signing Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, would demand a record fee, however.
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.
Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and reports with our live blog below
Chelsea set to sign Maxence Lacroix as medical planned before £52m move
Maxence Lacroix will have a medical at Chelsea before a £52m move to leave Crystal Palace, but what could the France international bring to Stamford Bridge?
The 26-year-old centre-back is set to sign a six-year deal to boost the Blues’ defence. Lacroix played in a back three under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, a system previously favoured by Xabi Alonso, but the right-footed defender is also versatile and can play in a back four.
He brings authority to defence as well as excellent recovery pace, and his arrival at Chelsea could lead to the departures of Trvevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi.
Mike Jones28 July 2026 01:00
West Ham insist Diouf not for sale amid Brentford interest
West Ham have insisted that defender El Hadji Malick Diouf is not for sale, despite their relegation to the Championship, with Brentford sniffing about.
The Bees are keen to add the attack-minded left-back to their ranks, although they have a number of other options in the position.
And the Hammers have made it clear that they plan to keep the 21-year-old Senegalese star as they plot an immediate return to the Premier League.
Mike Jones28 July 2026 00:00
Inter Milan join race for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer and Inter Milan want to sign the Argentina defender.
Spurs would be willing to let Romero leave if they receive the right offer, according to Sky Sports, following a tumultuous season.
Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilo has confirmed the Italian club’s interest in the player, who previously played in Serie A with Alatanta.
“It’s definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club [Tottenham],” Ausilo said. “These things take some time but there’s definitely interest. Let’s see.”
(Getty)
Mike Jones27 July 2026 23:30
Rome ‘frustrated’ by Man United’s lack of official bid for Manu Kone
Roma are becoming frustrated by Manchester United’s approach for their France international midfielder Manu Kone, according to Corriere dello Sport in Italy.
The same outlet reported that United had “reached an agreement in principle” with the 25-year-old, but are yet still to make a bid.
After signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, Michael Carrick’s side still need reinforcements following the departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte suffering a long-term injury at the World Cup.
They also missed out on the signing of Elliot Anderson, who joined rivals Manchester City on a £116m deal.
Kone, who played for France at the World Cup, is valued by Roma at around €50m, with Corriere dello Sport reporting that Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Al-Hilal are also interested.
Mike Jones27 July 2026 23:00
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.
Mike Jones27 July 2026 22:30
Huge fee set for Bradley Barcola
Widespread reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain are open to selling Bradley Barcola – but only for a fee of around £145m or more. Pricey!
The Times suggest that Arsenal and Liverpool both have interest, though may be unwilling to pay the terms PSG desire with the French capital club using the Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson deals as a benchmark.
Mike Jones27 July 2026 22:00
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.”
Mike Jones27 July 2026 21:30
Why do Arsenal want to sign Vinicius Jr?
Arsenal want to land a major signing to improve their attack this summer and Mikel Arteta has been on the hunt for a superstar left winger for years.
On his day, Vinicius Jr is the best left winger in the world and the 26-year-old only has one year left on his Real Madrid contract.
If there would be a time to move for him, it would be now, given that the Spanish side would not want to lose him on a free next summer.
Vinicius would instantly add firepower to Arsenal. He scored 22 goals last season for Real Madrid but talks over a new deal have stalled.
Mike Jones27 July 2026 21:00
Thibaut Courtois gives verdict on new Belgium boss
Thibaut Courtois has welcomed the appointment of Mark van Bommel as new Belgium head coach
“It wasn’t really a surprise because his name had been circulating for quite a while,” Courtois told reporters at a sponsorship event.
“I think he proved at Antwerp that he’s a top coach. A lot of the players speak very positively about him, so I’m looking forward to getting to know him.
“The most important thing is that Van Bommel himself played at the highest level and knows what it’s like to play matches like these.
“That top-level experience is definitely a positive and it naturally earns a lot of respect from the players.”
Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois looks dejected as he applauds fans (Reuters)
Mike Jones27 July 2026 20:30
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.”
Mike Jones27 July 2026 20:00