With less than a month remaining in the summer transfer window, deals that have been bubbling away for weeks will suddenly hit a boiling point as clubs, players and agents scramble to finalise moves.
Newcastlefor one, are getting impatient. They are reportedly expecting a high-stakes bidding war for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Seskoupping their offer to an eye-watering £69.7m plus add-ons, which is closer to matching Leipzig’s valuation of the Slovene. Manchester United are lurking in the shadows with sources suggesting they do not need to sell anyone to make a move despite their intentions to offload Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. Eddie Howe’s side will be desperate to secure the striker’s signature despite Alexander Isak being expected to return to training, with the Swede’s head everywhere but Tyneside.
Newcastle are also reportedly going back for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhia player Howe has been keen on for a while. With just one year left on his contract and a clear refusal to sign a new deal, Palace are holding out for £50m, but Newcastle are only willing to go up to £40m. Something has to give. Guéhi, an attractive prospect given his ability to play on the left and right in central defence, also has interest from Liverpool but the Merseyside club are also waiting for the defender’s fee to drop.
Down in London, Chelsea are reportedly open to offers for Nicolas Jackson. The club are not in any rush to sell the 24-year-old but feel, with the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro, Jackson’s spot as the main forward is no longer guaranteed. He could prove to be an attractive option for clubs who fail to sign their first-choice centre-forward.
Across the continent, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has decided to stay and fight for his place, despite strong interest from Liverpool, Arsenaland Tottenham. Earlier in the window it was reported the player was desperate to leave but the Brazilian is comfortable in the Spanish capital. With Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior as his main competition, it is a bold move, but it shows his confidence. Youngsters Endrick and Gonzalo García, who Madrid only want to keep one of, will also be pushing for places too.
Add Atalanta to the list of clubs working away to find a new striker. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz is now their top target. The Italian club have also held talks about Palace’s Jean-Philippe Matetabut a reported £34.7m bid was recently rejected, suggesting they will have to up the ante. The club need to sign a forward with the future of Ademola Lookman hanging in the balance. The forward is on strike after not showing up to Atalanta’s pre-season training due to his unhappiness at the club refusing to sanction a move to Inter despite an offer of €45m (£39m) including bonuses. The player addressed his grievances publicly on social media but the club are steadfast in refusing to sell him to any Serie A rival. The 27-year-old is under contract until June 2027.
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The Napoli midfielder Jens CAJUSTE is leaning towards a return to Ipswich instead of a more lucrative offer from Neom SC, a Saudi Pro League team. The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Portman Road and, despite a huge salary dangling in front of him, it seems the pull of familiar surroundings is more appealing. A final decision on a potential €8m move is expected soon. Neom are reportedly offering €2.5m for a loan deal, with a further €8m option to buy. Besiktas, Crystal Palace and Burnley have also enquired about the player. It is unlikely Cajuste would stay in Naples, struggling to find form at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
