Transfer news live: Arsenal in Gyokeres breakthrough after major signing, Man Utd want Calvert-Lewin

Mikel Arteta wanted a striker in before pre-season properly started, which is one reason for the sudden advancement. Arsenal’s football leadership had been involved in constructive discussion over whether to proceed with Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins a fallback, and it is understood that the difficulty of doing a deal for Sesko has ultimately swayed the decision.

Martin Zubimendi has spoken to the official Arsenal website, giving his initial thoughts on the move to the Emirates Stadium.

Martin said: “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

The Spain international, 26, moves to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term deal after the Gunners reportedly triggered his £51m release clause.

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

File this under both ‘surprising transfer links’ and ‘more evidence of how far Man United have fallen’.

United are apparently making a shock move to sign released Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to The Sun.

The 28-year-old striker is available on a free transfer after leaving Everton at the end of last month following the expiration of his contract.

As United juggle their finances, their trying to build a frontline on a budget and have apparently already reached out to the ex-England international.

Barcelona will consider turning their attention to Liverpool’s Luis Diaz after their top target Nico Williams signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao, says Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool have already rejected some interest from Bayern Munich for Diaz and will probably try to keep hold of the forward’s services.

Tottenham have already brought in one centre-back this summer but with Cristian Romero linked with a move to Spain earlier in the window, it may be that Thomas Frank wants a bit of extra cover.

Genoa’s Koni de Winter is a target, Talksport say, though there are several clubs interested in the Belgium international.

Lionel Messi’s contract is due to expire at the end of 2025, but ESPN believe that Inter Miami are keen to keep the Argentine.

That is understandable given what he offers on and off the pitch and how close his relationship is with club owner David Beckham.

Will Messi continue his time in the MLS with the World Cup on the horizon?

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho are among five players to tell Manchester United they want to leave the club after falling out of favour.

Antony, the second biggest signing in United’s history, and Tyrell Malacia are also keen to move elsewhere amid a possible exodus from Old Trafford and none of the quintet will start preseason training with United.

Rashford, whose No 10 shirt has been given to summer signing Matheus Cunha, is a target for Barcelona and has said he would “love” to play with Lamine Yamal.

Manchester United have signed Paraguay youth international Diego Leon.

The 18-year full-back becomes United’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

Leon joins from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno, where he played 33 games and scored four goals.

United said on their official website: “Leon reached the age of 18 in April and as an emerging talent will be supported by our first team and the academy while he settles into life in Manchester.”

Chelsea have completed the signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund on a seven-year deal.

The former England Under-21 winger arrives in a deal that could rise to £52m for the former Manchester City academy product.

“It feels great,” Gittens said. “It’s a great feeling to join such a big club as Chelsea.

“I can’t wait to learn from everyone in the team and to push myself to the max here. It’s an amazing feeling.”