nigeriasport.ng

Tottenham Pursue Gakpo as Arsenal Eyes Osimhen

The Premier League’s heavyweights are starting to show their hands. Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Cody Gakpo, while Arsenal are probing the possibility of a huge move for Victor Osimhen in a window that is beginning to creak under the weight of big‑name negotiations.

Spurs test Liverpool’s resolve over Gakpo

Tottenham have formally registered their interest with Liverpool in signing Cody Gakpo, according to Voetbal International’s Joost Blaauwhof, opening the door to what could become one of the most intriguing sagas of the summer.

Gakpo’s numbers at Anfield last season were his leanest since arriving on Merseyside: nine goals in all competitions. Not disastrous, but not the explosive return many expected. His international form told a different story. The 27-year-old struck three times in four games for the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underlining why clubs still see a high‑ceiling forward rather than a fading project.

Any deal will be complicated. Gakpo is tied to Liverpool until 2030, a long contract that hands the club leverage and ensures Spurs would need to pay a premium to tempt them into a sale. For Tottenham, though, a versatile attacker who can operate across the front line fits neatly into their ongoing rebuild.

Arsenal sound out Galatasaray over Osimhen

Across north London, Arsenal have turned their attention to Victor Osimhen. The Premier League champions have held talks with Galatasaray over the striker’s availability, reports the Daily Telegraph, with the conversation emerging during discussions about Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri potentially moving to the Turkish club.

No one is quite sure which party first floated Osimhen’s name, and there is no guarantee Arsenal will follow through with a formal bid. Their admiration, though, is longstanding, and the outlines of a blockbuster pursuit are easy to see.

Galatasaray are already standing firm. Florian Plettenberg reports they have rejected a €130 million offer from Al Hilal for the Nigeria international, a figure that underlines both the market’s inflation and Osimhen’s status as one of Europe’s most coveted centre-forwards. At the same time, Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Nwaneri, still just 16, is also on AC Milan’s radar, adding another twist to a multi-club, multi-player negotiation web.

Koundé’s future at Barcelona in the balance

Jules Koundé’s situation at Barcelona is another storyline to watch in the final weeks of the window. Mundo Deportivo reports that the French defender could leave if a suitable offer arrives, with the club unwilling to rule out an exit.

Interest will not be hard to find. Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been linked with the 27-year-old, who made 47 appearances last season and remains one of the most versatile defenders in Europe. For any of those clubs, Koundé would represent a ready-made upgrade; for Barça, a sale could ease financial pressure while funding their own moves.

Chelsea line up Wharton and Scott amid Enzo uncertainty

Chelsea, never far from a reshuffle, are already plotting contingencies. TEAMtalk reports that the club have identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as potential signings as they prepare for the possibility of losing Enzo Fernández.

Manchester City have been linked with the Argentina international, with a deadline set for Friday for any deal to materialise. That ticking clock has pushed Chelsea into action. Fresh contact has been made for both Wharton and Scott, and there is a belief at Stamford Bridge that a deal for at least one of them is realistic if Enzo’s future takes a decisive turn.

Milan ready for a clear-out under Amorim

In Italy, AC Milan are braced for a sweeping overhaul. Sky Italia reports that the club could move on as many as eight players before the window closes, as new head coach Ruben Amorim looks to reshape his squad.

Among the notable names mentioned are Fikayo Tomori, Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez, Pervis Estupiñán and Youssouf Fofana. With Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila already confirmed, Milan appear determined to accelerate their transition rather than drift through another season of half-measures.

Barcelona push for Rodri, PSG close on Ferran Torres

The dominoes at the top level could soon start to fall. Barcelona are preparing a renewed offer for Spain international Rodri as talks with Manchester City continue, a source told ESPN. City value the 30-year-old at more than €70 million, and Barça’s latest proposal is expected to land in that region once add-ons are included.

At the same time, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is on the verge of leaving. A source has confirmed that Barça and Paris Saint-Germain have reached an agreement in principle worth around €50 million. Torres is due in Paris to complete his medical before signing for the European champions, a move that would hand Barcelona a significant fee and PSG another attacking option.

Arsenal are also looking at defensive reinforcements. Sources have told ESPN that Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah is on their shortlist, with the club exploring the framework of a deal through intermediaries rather than direct talks at this stage.

Arsenal track Álvarez, Liverpool talent set to depart

The Gunners’ recruitment drive does not stop there. TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal remain in close contact with Atlético Madrid and the representatives of Julián Álvarez as they monitor the forward’s unresolved situation.

They have already moved decisively at youth level. The Athletic reports that Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Liverpool academy striker Vincent Joseph. The two clubs are now working towards a settlement for the 16-year-old, who made two appearances in the under-18 Premier League last season.

Juventus switch goalkeeper targets, Fort free to leave Barça

In Turin, Juventus have pivoted in their search for a goalkeeper. After dropping their pursuit of Zion Suzuki once his move to PSG was finalised, the club are now working on a loan deal for Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Italian would offer immediate, high-level cover between the posts.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are ready to sanction another departure from their defensive ranks. Sport reports that right-back Hector Fort, 20, is free to leave this summer, with Liverpool, Everton and Fulham all interested. For Premier League clubs hunting young full-backs with top-level schooling, it is an opportunity that will not go unnoticed.

Leeds push for Elvedi, Ipswich denied over Palacios, Marseille move for Nelson

Down in the Championship, Leeds United are acting like a club with no intention of standing still. Florian Plettenberg reports that they have agreed personal terms with Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi on a contract until 2029 and are now preparing an opening offer for the 29-year-old, who previously worked under Daniel Farke.

Newly promoted Ipswich Town have hit a wall in their own ambitious move. Bayer Leverkusen have rejected a €20 million bid for midfielder Exequiel Palacios, with the German club deeming the offer too low. Palacios is keen on a move to England this summer, but Ipswich will need to return with a far stronger proposal to test Leverkusen’s stance.

In France, Marseille have made an offer for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to Footmercato. With just one year left on his contract, Nelson is entering a pivotal stage of his career. The initial bid is expected to be rejected, yet Marseille are likely to come back again.

The window is tightening, the conversations are getting sharper, and the stakes are rising. As clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal weigh up whether to push for Gakpo and Osimhen, the question now is simple: who blinks first in a market running out of time?