Cliff Notes – Transfer rumors, news: Liverpool in for Chelsea’s Nkunku
- Liverpool has expressed interest in Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, who is valued at approximately £50 million and has made nine Premier League starts this season.
- Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also on Liverpool’s radar, with reports indicating that Barcelona and Real Madrid are monitoring the 21-year-old, who could be available for £60 million.
Transfer rumors, news: Liverpool in for Chelsea’s Nkunku
Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has caught the eye of Liverpool, while the club are also looking at Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.
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Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is keen to move on. Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty ImagesTRENDING RUMORS
– Liverpool have joined the race for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, according to Footmercato. The 27-year-old has reportedly been added to the Reds’ shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, with belief that his versatility could make him a strong addition to manager Arne Slot’s side. Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are said to remain interested in Nkunku, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge for around £50 million after making nine Premier League starts this season.
– Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid are interested in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, reports the Daily Mail. Los Blancos have reportedly sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old this season, while Liverpool are also keeping tabs on his situation. The Eagles are believed to be willing to let him go if they receive an offer worth £60 million in the summer, following an impressive campaign during which Wharton has made 26 appearances across all competitions.
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– Manchester United are continuing to work on moves for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo and Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, according to the Independent. The two Premier League players have been identified as key reinforcements in the summer, but the report says that securing the pair hinges on whether United are able to secure qualification to the Champions League by winning the Europa League this month. Semenyo, 25, and Delap, 22, have been standouts for their respective clubs, with the latter able to be signed for £30m through a relegation release clause. He could be acquired as a replacement for 22-year-old Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund, with Juventus interested in a potential deal that would see him return to Serie A.
– An offer worth £40m would be enough to permanently sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, reports the Telegraph. Rashford, 27, has enjoyed bright form while on loan at Aston Villa this season, but while he reportedly would be willing to make his stay there become permanent, Villa do not have “first refusal” on landing him, which could open the door to other suitors. Rashford was previously linked with Barcelona in January.
– Talks are underway between Bayern Munich and center back Dayot Upamecano over a new contract, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Further details are being clarified, with the Bundesliga champions keen to keep the 26-year-old at the Allianz Arena, and there is optimism that an agreement could be reached soon. Upamecano has been a key player for manager Vincent Kompany this season, making 32 appearances across all competitions before sustaining an injury on international duty with France during their UEFA Nations League clash against Croatia in March.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Sam Tighe looks at why big clubs are considering a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Nagging injury issues have disrupted Wharton’s season, resulting in just 16 Premier League starts so far, but that’s done nothing to diminish his burgeoning stock. There’s a good reason he snuck into England’s Euro 2024 squad at the 11th hour — and there’s a good reason he’s being linked to the world’s top clubs now.
It takes just a single game of watching him closely to appreciate his subtle brilliance on the ball. His decision-making from deep in midfield is superb and he plays quick, instinctive passes, barely wasting any time or taking any excess touches. In an era where lots of elite players like to get a good feel for the ball, Wharton stands out as the complete opposite. Less is more.
He’s in the 93rd percentile among midfielders for progressive passes in this Premier League season, while also averaging 3.7 combined tackles and interceptions per game. That’s the sort of blend between possession and defensive skills a midfielder needs to be effective at the top level.
OTHER RUMORSplay
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– Newcastle are looking at two Borussia Dortmund players: 20-year-old winger Jamie Gittens, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, 27. (Daily Mail)
– Arsenal want a striker and have narrowed their search to two players: RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 21, or Sporting VP’s Viktor Gyokeres, 26. (Independent)
– Real Madrid are set to wrap up a €55m deal to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but their top centre-back target remains Arsenal’s William Saliba. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Liverpool are tracking Bournemouth’s 21-year-old left-back Milos Kerkez, but will have to pay a fee of at least £45m. (iNews)
– Tottenham Hotspur are keen to beat Premier League rivals to the signing of Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, though the player himself is more interested in a move to Liverpool. (GMS)
– Bologna want a fee of €40m to consider the transfer of 24-year-old winger Dan Ndoye, with two major Premier League clubs interested. (Nicolo Schira)
– Lazio are ready to spend €9m to sign Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares on loan with an obligation to sign him permanently. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Inter Milan are closing on the €30m signing of Marseille winger Luis Henrique on a contract until June 2030. (Nicolo Schira)
– Despite his injury issues, Neymar’s contract at Santos will be extended until the summer of 2026. (TNT)
– Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, but face competition from Man United and Juventus. (Hurriyet)
– Juventus are working on extending the loan contracts of Portugal internationals Francisco Conceição (FC Porto) and Renato Veiga (Chelsea) until the end of the Club World Cup. (Record)
