Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal make Guimaraes bid; Chelsea medical today

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal make Guimaraes bid; Chelsea medical today

The Premier League summer transfer window has intensified on Friday, July 24, 2026, as London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea engage in a series of high-stakes pursuits for midfield and defensive reinforcements following the conclusion of the World Cup.

Arsenal push for Guimaraes and defensive cover

Arsenal are attempting to secure the signature of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners have agreed to personal terms with the Brazil international and are expected to submit a £70million bid. However, Newcastle sources describe this valuation as a non-starter. Despite the valuation gap, Arsenal remain confident in the move as Guimaraes has expressed a desire to join the Emirates Stadium.

The pursuit of Guimaraes comes as Arsenal deal with a significant blow to their defense. William Saliba is expected to miss up to five months after aggravating a back injury while playing for France in the World Cup. In response, Mikel Arteta is targeting Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa as a primary defensive option, alongside interest in John Stones and Como's Jacobo Ramon.

Arsenal have already been active in the market, completing a £34million signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge. The club is also monitoring Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig, where a bidding war has emerged involving Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG, and Liverpool. Leipzig is reportedly demanding a minimum of €120million (£102m) for the forward.

Chelsea finalize Lacroix deal

Chelsea are moving to overhaul their center-back options and are finalizing a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. The France international is scheduled to undergo a medical in London on Friday ahead of a £52million move. The deal is expected to see Lacroix sign a six-year contract lasting until 2032.

As part of the negotiations with Crystal Palace, reports indicate that Axel Disasi could move to Palace. Disasi has not played for Chelsea since January 2025. This defensive reshuffle may leave the futures of several players uncertain, including Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, and Mamadou Sarr.

Chelsea's summer spending has already reached a peak with the record-breaking £117million acquisition of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The Blues are also targeting 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen and have agreed to sign 15-year-old United States international Benji Flowers from FC Dallas for an initial £2.25million, potentially rising to £7.5million.

Manchester United's midfield search

Manchester United are searching for a specialist No.6 for Michael Carrick’s squad. The Red Devils are reportedly open to signing Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid, with teammate Eduardo Camavinga also on their radar. Other considered options include Manu Kone and Carlos Baleba.

United's search has been complicated by missing out on Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City on a five-year deal for £116million. Additionally, United have been priced out of a move for Bournemouth's Alex Scott; the Cherries are holding out for more than £70million, while United valued him in the £40million range. Meanwhile, the club is seeking a permanent buyer for Marcus Rashford, with Bayern Munich and Tottenham linked, after Barcelona failed to activate a £26million clause to secure him permanently.

Other League and International movements

• Tottenham: The club announced the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £55million. They are also linked with Andreas Schjelderup and Rafael Leao as captain Cristian Romero seeks an exit, with Inter Milan in direct contact with the defender.
• Liverpool: Under new head coach Andoni Iraola, the Reds have moved for Maghnes Akliouche and are leading the race for Bradley Barcola.
• Newcastle: The Magpies have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Aladji Bamba from Monaco for an undisclosed fee.
• Ipswich Town: Daizen Maeda is set to complete a £10million move from Celtic following a medical on Friday.

In international management, Jurgen Klopp has been unveiled as the new Germany head coach on a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup. Conversely, Pep Guardiola has turned down the Italy job for family reasons, and Carlo Ancelotti has also rejected Italy to remain focused on his project with Brazil until 2030. Patrick Vieira is reportedly close to becoming the new head coach of Senegal.