Transfer news live: Arsenal close in on defender, Newcastle improve Elanga bid, Mbeumo to Man Utd latest

This is big news. Nico Williams has signed an eight-year extension to his Athletic Club contract which will take him through to 2035.

Williams was being targeted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona but has committed to Athletic Club for the long haul.

There were two years remaining on his previous deal meaning his new contract is 10-years long.

His release clause has also increased by 50%.

The forward said: “When it comes to making decisions, for me, the most important thing is to listen to your heart.

“I am where I want to be, with my people, this is my home. Aupa Athletic!”

Brentford, meanwhile, are not budging on their expectations of an improved fee for Bryan Mbeumo. The London club have knocked back two bids from Manchester United for the forward and the London Standard believe they are holding out for a figure of £63m or more.

Southampton have rejected a £19m bid from Porto for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Saints will listen to offers for the centre-back but value the defender at more than Porto’s opening bid.

But they are looking for a higher fee for the player who cost them £15m from Manchester City a year ago.

Could there be good news for Arsenal? The Athletic suggest that Real Madrid are willing to part with Rodrygo if the right offer is made with the Brazilian not seen as part of the first-choice side by new boss Xabi Alonso. A high price will no doubt be commanded but expect their resolve to be tested…

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will leave Arsenal after mutually agreeing to end his contract.

The Japanese defender has been plagued with injuries and is still recovering from a knee issue which limited him to just six minutes of football last season.

His current deal was due to expire next season but an agreement between player and club means it has been terminated early says the BBC.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 and made 79 appearances for the Gunners.

Kenny Tete is officially remaining a Fulham player, the right-back ending speculation over his future by re-committing to the London club.

Everton had made an approach for the Dutch defender at the end of his contract at Craven Cottage, but Tete has now signed three-year contract with the club he joined in 2020.

Brighton boss, Fabian Hurzeler, told Sky Sports News:

“We try to keep our best players. Mitoma played a great last season but it’s only because we as a club worked together. Then you can shine as individuals.

“It’s the most important that all the players try to understand that. Mitoma understood it the last season.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing him back [on Thursday for pre-season]. That’s the plan. We look forward to continue working with him, to try to improve him because I still think his limit is not reached yet.

“That’s our job, his job the job of the whole club to get the best potential out of the players and that’s what we’re looking for in the pre-season. I’m sure he will be an important part of us.”

Kaoru Mitoma has been linked with moves away from Brighton this summer but the winger is happy where he is.

The Seagulls plan to reward Mitoma with a new contract.

Arsenal are also still chasing Eberechi Eze. Fabrizio Romano reports that they are right in the mix to sign the Crystal Palace and England star, and still keen on a deal which could cost £85m.

Eze is reportedly interested in accepting a move to Arsenal, though the Athletic report the 27-year-old is among the options being considered, though no contact has been made yet with Crystal Palace.

The Gunners lead the race as no other club has the same level of interest currently, including Tottenham.

There is big news coming out of Paris, with L’Equipe suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has informed Sporting CP of a desire to leave Lisbon for London and a move to Arsenal.

Gyokeres has widely been reported to have told his Portuguese employers that he wishes to leave this summer, and it appears Mikel Arteta’s side are his preference.

According to transfer specialist Nicolo Schira, via the Standard, the striker now has an agreement in principle on a five-year contract with Arsenal until 2030.