Chelsea’s Deadline Day Setbacks
Chelsea face a challenging end to the June 10, 2025, transfer window, with their pursuits of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan collapsing. The Blues failed to agree a fee for Gittens, valued at €50m, and walked away from Maignan negotiations due to Milan’s high demands, opting to rely on current goalkeepers Robert Sánchez and Filip Jörgensen for the Club World Cup. Chelsea also struggled in talks for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, leaving their attacking options unchanged. The window reopens June 16 to September 1, offering a chance to regroup.
Arsenal’s Zubimendi and Sesko Push
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, despite late interest from Real Madrid. A verbal agreement for the £51m midfielder, who rejected Liverpool last summer, awaits a medical, though Zubimendi’s preference for Spain and his history with Real’s manager Xabi Alonso sparked hijack fears. Mikel Arteta has also prioritized RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko over Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with talks advancing for the £60m Slovenian striker. Arsenal’s focus on a No. 9, alongside interest in wingers Nico Williams and Leroy Sané, aims to bolster their attack after three consecutive second-place Premier League finishes.
Man United’s Striker Hunt
Manchester United, rebuilding under Ruben Amorim, secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m and are negotiating a £60m deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, having had a £55m bid rejected. Viktor Gyokeres, valued at £60m by Sporting CP, remains a target, with Amorim’s prior connection at Sporting fueling interest, though Gyokeres rejected a £55m move amid Arsenal and Chelsea links. Bruno Fernandes’ decision to stay, declining a Saudi offer, boosts United’s plans, but sales of Alejandro Garnacho (£70m asking price) or Rasmus Højlund may be needed to fund further moves.
City and Liverpool’s Moves
Manchester City completed a €37m (£31.6m) signing of Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri, alongside deals for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, strengthening their squad. Liverpool are nearing a club-record £118m deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with Jeremie Frimpong already signed for £29.5m, while goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher joined Brentford for £20m. The Reds’ aggressive window, including interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, signals Arne Slot’s intent to sustain their Premier League dominance.
What’s Next?
With the 7pm deadline approaching, Arsenal aim to finalize Sesko’s £60m move, though Al-Hilal’s interest adds pressure. Zubimendi’s medical could confirm his transfer, barring a Real Madrid swoop. United’s Mbeumo talks hinge on Brentford’s £60m demand, while Gyokeres’ decision looms large. Chelsea must regroup post-deadline, targeting Ekitike or others in June’s second window. City and Liverpool’s completed deals position them strongly for the Club World Cup, starting June 14. Fans on X are abuzz, with @ArsenalNews93 optimistic about Sesko and Zubimendi, while @MUFCRumours track United’s striker chase.
