Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Eze bid; Gyokeres medical; Isak latest – London Evening Standard

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Transfer news LIVE!
A summer window which has already seen one record-breaking deal is gearing up for another as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all continue to splash the cash ahead of the new Premier League season. Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to leave, and Liverpool are his most likely destination – but he will cost far more than the British record £116million already spent on Florian Wirtz this summer. Benjamin Sesko could replace Isak.
Talking of striker, Arsenal finally have their main target in Viktor Gyokeres after negotiations over his £64million fee were finally settled with Sporting. Gyokeres will undergo his medical today before signing a five-year contract. He has been given Thierry Henry’s iconic No14 shirt number. The Gunners are then expected to launch a bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. Also in north London, Tottenham are still hoping to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, and also hold interest in Joao Palhinha.
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign young Dutch stars Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato in a huge £105m double deal amid confidence an agreement for the RB Leipzig and Ajax stars will be reached, but Morgan Rogers is their dream signing. Manchester United have ruled themselves out of signing Isak, but do have interest in Sesko, Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!
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Alexander Isak has expressed his desire to leave Newcastle amid interest from Liverpool.
The Sweden forward, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has not travelled with the Newcastle squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.
Liverpool have just signed Hugo Ekitike for £79million but are still interested in Isak and the latest developments open the door to a move to Anfield.
Arne Slot has been keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season, with Ekitike and Florian Wirtz already brought in.
Here, Standard Sport looks at how Isak could fit in on Merseyside.
West Ham are winning the race to sign Douglas Luiz.
The Hammers, according to TBR Football, are in the running to land the Juventus midfielder, who is set to leave Turin this summer after a disappointing first season.
Graham Potter’s side could be rivalled by Tottenham, while Caught Offside previously reported that Manchester United and Liverpool also held an interest in the Brazilian.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak could leave the club this summer amid interest from Liverpool.
Isak this week asked to leave the club and was subsequently left out of Newcastle’s tour of Singapore. A thigh strain was cited as the reason, with Isak also missing the 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic last week, before news of his transfer request came to light.
Liverpool have already approached Newcastle over signing Isak for around £120million, but were quickly told that the player is not for sale. Isak’s push to leave is expected to soften Newcastle’s stance, and Howe has confirmed that the situation continues to evolve and that contract talks have been abandoned.
“Of course there’s things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware he’s in the news every day, and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation,” the Newcastle boss told reporters.
“Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him.
“He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room and we’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”
Read more here!
Manchester City will sign James Trafford from Burnley.
The Athletic report that City have agreed a £27million deal for the goalkeeper, having sold him for £14m.
Trafford will sign a five-year contract with the option to extend that by a further 12 months.
Stefan Ortega is expected to leave City, with Trafford competing with Ederson.
Cole Palmer has been tipped to join Manchester United, despite his Chelsea contract running until 2033.
Former United coach Rene Meulensteen told Grosvenor Casino: “It’s almost a public secret that Cole Palmer is a Manchester United fan, what surprised me is how he slipped through the fingers of United with him being at Manchester City and then getting his chance at Chelsea.
“He is a player that can make a difference, could he play for United in the future? Yeah, I can’t see why not. Obviously, he’s got a long-term contract with Chelsea, but sometimes things don’t work out and players and clubs fall out, then United would be interested and it could be a really good destination for him.
“He is a United fan after all and he is a player that would bring United back to a higher level.”
Tottenham have made first contact over a deal for Joao Palhinha.
Fabrizio Romano reports that an initial approach has been made to the player’s camp.
Bayern are ready to cut their losses less than a year after Palhinha’s arrival, with the midfielder struggling to make an impact last season.
It remains to be seen what Bayern would demand regarding a fee, or if a loan deal is an option.
Bayern have resumed talks with Liverpool over a deal for Luis Diaz.
The Athletic report that a second bid is expected from the German giants, and Diaz is keen to make the switch.
A first bid worth £58.6million was rejected earlier this month, with Liverpool demanding closer to £80m to entertain a sale while also insisting the player is not available.
Diaz could play for Liverpool this afternoon against AC Milan.
Could Newcastle’s transfer window get any worse?
Manchester City have made another move for Tino Livramento.
TBR Football reports that the Newcastle right-back is Pep Guardiola’s top target to strengthen the right side of his defence.
Newcastle want to keep the youngster and offer him bumper new terms to keep him at St James’ Park.
Atletico Madrid could be interested in a wantaway Liverpool duo as the Reds look to raise funds for a potential Rodrygo bid.
Darwin Nunez is rumoured to be one name on Atleti’s shortlist to replace the departing Angel Correa.
The Uruguyan is understood to be open to an Anfield exit this summer, but his asking price may put the La Liga side off.
Instead, Diario AS reports that Diego Simeone may pursue Federico Chiesa.
The Italian signed for Liverpool just last summer but barely featured under Arne Slot in the 2024/25 season, and has been strongly linked with a move back to Serie A.
Sky Germany report that Newcastle are stepping up their interest in Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian wants to leave RB Leipzig, similar to Alexander Isak at St James’ Park.
The Magpies are working on personal terms with Sesko, and then will look to negotiate with Leipzig, who want €80-100million.
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