Tottenham Pursue Gakpo as Arsenal Eyes Osimhen in Transfer Frenzy
The market is starting to bite. Big names, big fees, and even bigger decisions are being forced as Europe’s elite try to reshape their squads before the window slams shut.
At Anfield, the phone has already rung.
Spurs test Liverpool’s resolve over Cody Gakpo
Tottenham Hotspur have formally registered their interest with Liverpool in signing Cody Gakpo, according to Voetbal International’s Joost Blaauwhof, starting what could become one of the late sagas of the summer.
Gakpo is coming off his leanest campaign since arriving on Merseyside, finishing last season with just nine goals in all competitions. Yet the story is not that simple. The 27-year-old still reminded everyone of his pedigree on the biggest stage, scoring three times in four appearances for the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He is not a short-term punt either. Gakpo is tied to Liverpool until 2030, a contract that hands the club serious leverage and ensures any negotiation with Spurs will be long, complicated, and expensive. Tottenham, though, are clearly serious. They have made contact, and the process to try to lure him to north London is underway.
Arsenal’s long flirtation with Victor Osimhen resurfaces
While Spurs probe Liverpool, Arsenal are working a different angle. The Premier League champions have held talks with Galatasaray over the availability of Victor Osimhen, reports the Daily Telegraph, as part of a wider conversation involving potential moves for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri to the Turkish club.
It is not clear which side first floated Osimhen’s name, or how far Arsenal are willing to go this time. What is clear is the long-standing admiration at the Emirates for the Nigeria international. He has been on their radar for some time, and the discussions in Istanbul have brought his name right back to the forefront.
Galatasaray know exactly what they have. Florian Plettenberg reports they have already rejected a €130 million offer from Al Hilal for the striker, a flat refusal that underlines both his value and their negotiating stance. Any Arsenal bid would need to be enormous.
Nwaneri, meanwhile, is in demand himself. Gazzetta Dello Sport says the highly rated teenager is also being tracked by AC Milan, turning what began as a straightforward development pathway into a tug-of-war between elite clubs.
Koundé’s future at Barcelona back in play
In Spain, another major name could yet be dragged into the late-window drama. Jules Koundé may leave Barcelona if a suitable offer arrives in the final weeks of the market, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The report is clear on one point: an exit cannot be ruled out. That alone will alert half of Europe. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool have all been credited with interest in the 27-year-old, who made 47 appearances for Barça last season and remains one of the most versatile defenders in the game.
For a club still juggling finances and squad renewal, a big bid for Koundé could force a decision. The phones will be ready.
Chelsea line up Wharton and Scott as Enzo watch continues
Chelsea are preparing for life with or without Enzo Fernández. TEAMtalk reports that the club have identified Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as two leading midfield targets.
Contacts have already been made for both players as Chelsea brace for a possible twist in Enzo’s future. The Argentina international has been linked with Manchester City, with a Friday deadline reportedly set for any potential move. That ticking clock has sharpened Chelsea’s planning.
Fresh approaches for Wharton and Scott have followed, with a belief that a deal for at least one of them is realistic. If Enzo goes, Chelsea want replacements ready. If he stays, they may still press ahead to deepen a midfield built for the long haul.
Milan prepare a clear-out as Amorim reshapes the squad
In Italy, AC Milan are braced for a busy exit door. Sky Italia reports the club could move on as many as eight players before the window closes, as new head coach Ruben Amorim stamps his authority on the squad.
Among the key names mentioned are Fikayo Tomori, Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez, Pervis Estupiñán, and Youssouf Fofana. It is a striking list, and a sign that nobody should feel entirely safe as Amorim rebuilds.
He already has fresh faces through the door, including Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila. Now comes the harder part: trimming, cashing in, and aligning the dressing room with his vision.
Barcelona push again for Rodri
The dominoes do not stop there. Barcelona are still chasing Rodri and are readying a renewed offer for the Spain international, a source told ESPN.
Negotiations with Manchester City are ongoing. City value the 30-year-old at more than €70 million, with Barça’s latest proposal expected to land in that region when the full package is counted. It is a huge number for a club still walking a financial tightrope, but the Catalans see Rodri as a cornerstone signing.
If City even entertain the idea, it could be one of the defining deals of the window.
Arsenal eye defensive reinforcements in Leverkusen
Arsenal’s recruitment drive is not limited to the forward line. The club have added Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah to their shortlist of defensive options, sources have told ESPN.
There have been no direct talks between the clubs yet, but Arsenal have explored the possibility of a move through intermediaries. The champions want another defender to fortify a squad that will once again be stretched across multiple fronts.
Ferran Torres set for PSG switch
One transfer is much closer to the finish line. Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is poised to join European champions Paris Saint-Germain after the clubs reached a deal in principle worth around €50 million, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The move is expected to be completed in the coming days. Torres will travel to Paris for his medical before signing, adding another flexible attacking option to PSG’s evolving front line and giving Barça a much-needed injection of cash.
Other deals on the boil
The market’s undercurrent is just as intriguing as the headline acts.
Arsenal are keeping in close contact with Atlético Madrid and the camp of Julián Álvarez as they monitor the forward’s unresolved future, according to TEAMtalk. If a door opens, they want to be first through it.
Juventus have changed course in their goalkeeping search. Gianluca Di Marzio reports they have ended their pursuit of a loan deal for Zion Suzuki once he completes his move to PSG, and are now working on a loan for Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario instead.
At Barcelona, right-back Hector Fort has been told he is free to leave this summer, Sport reports, with Liverpool, Everton, and Fulham all showing interest in the 20-year-old.
Arsenal’s recruitment of youth continues as well. The Athletic reports the Gunners have reached an agreement to sign Liverpool academy striker Vincent Joseph. The clubs are now negotiating a settlement for the 16-year-old, who featured twice in the under-18 Premier League last season.
In the Championship, Leeds United are moving decisively. Florian Plettenberg says the club have agreed personal terms with Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi on a contract until 2029 and are preparing an opening bid for the 29-year-old, who previously worked under Daniel Farke.
Back in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen have rejected a €20 million offer from Premier League side Ipswich Town for midfielder Exequiel Palacios, Plettenberg adds. The valuation is seen as too low, even though the 27-year-old is keen on a move to England this summer.
In France, Marseille have made an opening offer for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to Footmercato. With just one year left on his contract, Nelson is at a crossroads. The first bid is expected to be rejected, but Marseille are ready to come again.
From Gakpo’s future at Anfield to Osimhen’s price tag in Istanbul and Koundé’s uncertain status in Barcelona, the final weeks of this window are loaded with tension. The question now is simple: who blinks first?
