Juventus pull out of Martinez deal, Mourinho eyes Zubimendi, and Osimhen refuses to rule out summer exit
Europe’s transfer window is entering its final fortnight—here is every story breaking across the continent.
JUVENTUS PULL OUT OF MARTINEZ MOVE — EMI STAYS AT VILLA
The saga is over. Aston Villa’s Argentina World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 33, will not be joining Juventus this summer after talks between the clubs collapsed, according to The Athletic. The Italian giants had been strongly linked with a move for the shot-stopper after Villa entered negotiations for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, but Juventus have now walked away, leaving Martinez’s future at Villa Park secure — for now.
MOURINHO’S REAL MADRID TARGET ARSENAL’S ZUBIMENDI
New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has identified Arsenal’s Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, 27, as a priority transfer target and approved a move for the deep-lying playmaker, according to Teamtalk. Zubimendi only joined Arsenal last summer from Real Sociedad and has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most technically refined midfielders, making any potential move a significant blow for Mikel Arteta’s side.
CITY FACE AL-HILAL BATTLE FOR CHELSEA’S PEDRO NETO
Manchester City are keen to sign Portugal winger Pedro Neto, 26, from Chelsea — but face stiff competition from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, according to Talksport. The winger joined Chelsea from Wolves last year and has been one of their more consistent performers, making the prospect of losing him a difficult one for Stamford Bridge, even if a lucrative Saudi offer materialises.
DELAP RACE: EVERTON LEAD, NOTTINGHAM FOREST JOIN IN
The battle for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, 23, is intensifying. Everton lead the chase, with Chelsea having already told the young English forward he can leave this summer, according to Teamtalk. Nottingham Forest have now also entered the race, according to Talksport, with the striker — who scored twice from the penalty spot in Saturday’s pre-season win over Real Sociedad — determined to stay in the Premier League despite Italian interest from Como.
OSIMHEN REFUSES TO RULE OUT SUMMER EXIT — ARSENAL HANDED BOOST
Victor Osimhen, 27, has refused to rule out leaving Galatasaray this summer, handing Arsenal a significant boost in their pursuit of the Nigeria striker, according to Caught Offside. Galatasaray are demanding more than £60 million for the former Napoli forward, and Arsenal must decide whether to meet that valuation before the window shuts on September 1.
NEWCASTLE TARGET MIKAUTADZE WITH £47M BID
Newcastle United are preparing a bid of 55 million euros (£47m) for Villarreal’s Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze, 25 — with Barcelona also monitoring the prolific striker, according to Fichajes. Mikautadze has been one of European football’s most exciting forwards over the past two seasons and would represent a significant statement signing for Eddie Howe’s side.
PIROE TO WEST HAM DEAL IN FINAL STAGES
A deal for Leeds United’s Suriname forward Joel Piroe, 27, to join West Ham United is entering its final stages, according to Voetbal International. The striker has been one of the Championship’s most consistent finishers and would add Premier League firepower to Julen Lopetegui’s attacking options.
FOFANA AXED BY AMORIM — FOREST AND PALACE CIRCLE
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has excluded France midfielder Youssouf Fofana, 27, from his plans for the season, with Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace now circling, according to Football Insider. Fofana joined Milan from Monaco in 2024 and was a key figure under previous management, but Amorim’s arrival has ended his time at San Siro.
COVENTRY CLOSE IN ON FENERBAHCE TEENAGER CHERIF
Coventry City are closing in on the signing of 19-year-old Guinea forward Sidiki Cherif from Fenerbahce after agreeing a deal with the Turkish club, according to Give Me Sport. The teenage attacker is considered one of West African football’s brightest young prospects and would represent an exciting addition to the Championship side’s attack.
HULL IN ADVANCED TALKS FOR ROMA-LINKED TETTEH
Hull City are in advanced talks over a £21m deal for Panathinaikos forward Andreas Tetteh, with Roma also circling the Greece international, according to transfer insider Ekrem Konur. Hull’s ability to fend off Serie A interest will depend on whether Tetteh prioritises a move to England over the prospect of playing European football in Rome.
ATLETICO MADRID ENTER RACE FOR OUNAHI — PIPPING BARCELONA
Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, 26, from Girona — looking to beat Barcelona to a player the Catalan club values at around 25 million euros (£21.3m), according to Fichajes. The dynamic midfielder was one of La Liga’s standout performers last season and a deal could be concluded quickly given Atletico’s willingness to move fast in the final weeks of the window.
MAN UNITED TO CASH IN ON ACADEMY — AMASS COULD LEAVE FOR £7M
Manchester United are stepping up efforts to monetise their academy, with English left-back Harry Amass, 19, potentially available for around £7 million plus add-ons, according to the Daily Mail. The teenager has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs and United are prepared to let him leave if the right offer arrives before deadline day on September 1.
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