Sunday News (includes West Ham)
Posted: 22 Jun 2025, 09:27
I'm away this week, Monday to Friday inc.
Thanks Alan has covered in the past but he seems to have gone AWOL.
BBC
Liverpool-target Marc Guehi, 24, is prepared to see out the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace if the centre-back does not get the right offer for his career, despite the Eagles being keen to cash in on the England defender. (Guardian) , external
Italian champions Napoli have joined Inter Milan in the race to sign 22-year-old Manchester United Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is open to being sold by Ruben Amorim. (Gazzetta Dello Sport - in Italian), external
Arsenal's move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, 24, has hit a stumbling block because of the Brazilian's wage demands of £10.2m-a-year. (AS - in Spanish), external
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal made an enquiry for Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, 28, but the Serie A side did not even discuss a deal as they have no intention of selling the Scotland international. (Football Italia), external
Chelsea are open to the sale of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, 24, with Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli both interested. (Gianluca Di Marzio - in Italian), external
Arsenal's desire to bolster their midfield could result in the Gunners making a move for Brentford's 31-year-old Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard. (Mirror), external
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, 29, wants to stay and fight for his place with the Cameroon international subject to interest from Monaco. (Guardian), external
Bayern Munich still hold out hope of signing Spain winger Nico Williams, 22, from Athletic Bilbao, despite an agreement having already being reached between the player and Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 27, has not given up hope of a move to Barcelona despite the Catalans being on the brink of signing Williams. (Times - subscription required), external
Paris St-Germain have resumed talks to sign 22-year-old Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth. (L'Equipe - in French), external
Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, is prioritising a move to Napoli over fellow Serie A side Juventus. (Sky Sports Italia - in Italian), external
Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation of Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, 32, and could look to make a move for the Argentina international if current number one and Slovenia international Jan Oblak, 32, leaves the club. (Telegraph – subscription required)
London World
The golden Chelsea and West Ham swap transfer deal that could bust open the summer window
Chelsea need a winger signing this summer and they could yet sign one from within the Premier League. Enzo Maresca wants to improve his squad on a number of fronts this summer as he looks to build a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title.
The Blues secured a top four finish last season and they will want to achieve more progress next term as they also prepare for a Champions League campaign. New players are needed if Maresca is going to have a good chance of managing such progress, and it seems as though the Italian wants to add another striker after the signing of Liam Delap, while a winger, centre-back and goalkeeper is also on the list of needs ahead of the new season.
Chelsea are currently busy at the FIFA Club World Cup, losing their second group stage game on Friday night, but they are still in a good position to advance to the knockout stage. In the meantime, Blues chiefs will be working on new deals, and they have so far come up short in their bid to strengthen out wide, with Borussia Dortmund rejecting offers for Jamie Gittens.
The Blues appear determined to sign Gittens, but they are some way short of Dortmund’s valuation and it’s far from certain that they will reach a deal to sign the 20-year-old. An alternative the Blues have been heavily linked with is West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus. Reports have claimed that Kudus could go for around £65million, which is £20million less than his £85million release clause.
Kudus might have commanded that release clause a year ago after a superb first season, but he was largely ineffective last season although in the context of playing in a West Ham side that struggled as a whole.
Chelsea don’t appear likely to pay £65million for a winger this summer given their needs elsewhere, but they could strike a swap deal to kill two birds with one stone.
Chelsea and West Ham swap deal
Chelsea are also on a mission to offload Christopher Nkunku this summer with Maresca far from convince by the Frenchman. The Blues paid £52million to sign Nkunku but recent reports have suggested they will ask for just £35million to secure a sale this summer.
That means the Blues could cut the Kudus asking price in more than half if West Ham are interested in landing Nkunku this summer. The Hammers are in need of a forward, and Nkunku could tick the box given he can also play wide, allowing Graham Potter to play both the Frenchman and Niklas Fullkrug together.
Nkunku scored 14 goals last season and provided five assists. His hard-working nature and positional versatility will make him attractive to Potter, and so it could be a transfer that appeals to both sides. Though, it’s likely Chelsea would have to put up a significant amount of cash on top of Nkunku to land Kudus, even with the winger’s stock having fallen a little.
The 4th Official
West Ham United Display Interest In 23 Year Old Belgian: Should The Hammers Pay €20m+ For Him?
Koni De Winter has attracted attention outside Italy. His performance with Genoa over the last two seasons has been enough to spark the interest of several Premier League clubs. Among the most attentive, two names stand out: West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
Both London clubs are looking to strengthen their defence, and the young Belgian, just 23 years old, presents himself as an option that fits their immediate needs. Genoa has no intention of letting him go without substantial compensation. The figure is around £17 million, and could rise.
Koni De Winter and West Ham’s interest: A safe bet or a costly illusion?
According to Tutto Mercato Web, West Ham are among the two clubs most interested in signing the centre-back. The situation at Graham Potter’s club requires a revamp at the back, and De Winter appears to be a possible key reinforcement.
Crystal Palace, with a guaranteed ticket to the next Europa League, represents a direct threat in this race. The Hammers, without European competitions, will need another strategy to convince the Belgian international. The figure being discussed, although high, is not unthinkable for English clubs. The window is moving fast, and any delay could be decisive.
Opinion:
Paying more than £18 million for a young defender with good prospects is not an easy decision. West Ham need to strengthen their defence, but they also need balance. There are other areas of urgency.
However, De Winter is not just any defender. He has strength, vision and a composure that is rare for his age. In Italy, the player has demonstrated tactical intelligence and fortitude. Under Potter, he could grow even more. The English style would require adaptation, but there are no signs that he cannot achieve it.
Is it worth risking so much money on a single defensive signing? That is the first question the board should ask itself. Crystal Palace has the advantage of offering European football, and that carries weight. But West Ham can offer playing time, prominence and a serious project. Although they will not be playing in continental tournaments, they could convince the player by promising him an immediate starting spot. De Winter, if he arrives, would surely be a key player.
The second question is whether his experience in Serie A is enough to make him a star in the Premier League. Italian football has given him valuable resources. The intensity and pace of English football, on the other hand, will be another story.
Not everyone manages to adapt. However, the Belgian has the physique, technique and a cool head. His margin for growth remains open. If Potter manages to integrate him correctly, the signing could bear fruit in less time than expected.
Finally, there is the issue of the lack of European football. Will this demotivate him? Possibly. But it will also depend on the message he receives. If he is convinced that he will be a pillar of a new project, that absence could become an opportunity. Fewer European matches, more rest, more focus on the Premier League. Crystal Palace has the appeal of a continental showcase. West Ham has that of immediate prominence.
Thanks Alan has covered in the past but he seems to have gone AWOL.
BBC
Liverpool-target Marc Guehi, 24, is prepared to see out the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace if the centre-back does not get the right offer for his career, despite the Eagles being keen to cash in on the England defender. (Guardian) , external
Italian champions Napoli have joined Inter Milan in the race to sign 22-year-old Manchester United Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is open to being sold by Ruben Amorim. (Gazzetta Dello Sport - in Italian), external
Arsenal's move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, 24, has hit a stumbling block because of the Brazilian's wage demands of £10.2m-a-year. (AS - in Spanish), external
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal made an enquiry for Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, 28, but the Serie A side did not even discuss a deal as they have no intention of selling the Scotland international. (Football Italia), external
Chelsea are open to the sale of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, 24, with Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli both interested. (Gianluca Di Marzio - in Italian), external
Arsenal's desire to bolster their midfield could result in the Gunners making a move for Brentford's 31-year-old Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard. (Mirror), external
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, 29, wants to stay and fight for his place with the Cameroon international subject to interest from Monaco. (Guardian), external
Bayern Munich still hold out hope of signing Spain winger Nico Williams, 22, from Athletic Bilbao, despite an agreement having already being reached between the player and Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 27, has not given up hope of a move to Barcelona despite the Catalans being on the brink of signing Williams. (Times - subscription required), external
Paris St-Germain have resumed talks to sign 22-year-old Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth. (L'Equipe - in French), external
Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, is prioritising a move to Napoli over fellow Serie A side Juventus. (Sky Sports Italia - in Italian), external
Atletico Madrid are monitoring the situation of Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, 32, and could look to make a move for the Argentina international if current number one and Slovenia international Jan Oblak, 32, leaves the club. (Telegraph – subscription required)
London World
The golden Chelsea and West Ham swap transfer deal that could bust open the summer window
Chelsea need a winger signing this summer and they could yet sign one from within the Premier League. Enzo Maresca wants to improve his squad on a number of fronts this summer as he looks to build a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title.
The Blues secured a top four finish last season and they will want to achieve more progress next term as they also prepare for a Champions League campaign. New players are needed if Maresca is going to have a good chance of managing such progress, and it seems as though the Italian wants to add another striker after the signing of Liam Delap, while a winger, centre-back and goalkeeper is also on the list of needs ahead of the new season.
Chelsea are currently busy at the FIFA Club World Cup, losing their second group stage game on Friday night, but they are still in a good position to advance to the knockout stage. In the meantime, Blues chiefs will be working on new deals, and they have so far come up short in their bid to strengthen out wide, with Borussia Dortmund rejecting offers for Jamie Gittens.
The Blues appear determined to sign Gittens, but they are some way short of Dortmund’s valuation and it’s far from certain that they will reach a deal to sign the 20-year-old. An alternative the Blues have been heavily linked with is West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus. Reports have claimed that Kudus could go for around £65million, which is £20million less than his £85million release clause.
Kudus might have commanded that release clause a year ago after a superb first season, but he was largely ineffective last season although in the context of playing in a West Ham side that struggled as a whole.
Chelsea don’t appear likely to pay £65million for a winger this summer given their needs elsewhere, but they could strike a swap deal to kill two birds with one stone.
Chelsea and West Ham swap deal
Chelsea are also on a mission to offload Christopher Nkunku this summer with Maresca far from convince by the Frenchman. The Blues paid £52million to sign Nkunku but recent reports have suggested they will ask for just £35million to secure a sale this summer.
That means the Blues could cut the Kudus asking price in more than half if West Ham are interested in landing Nkunku this summer. The Hammers are in need of a forward, and Nkunku could tick the box given he can also play wide, allowing Graham Potter to play both the Frenchman and Niklas Fullkrug together.
Nkunku scored 14 goals last season and provided five assists. His hard-working nature and positional versatility will make him attractive to Potter, and so it could be a transfer that appeals to both sides. Though, it’s likely Chelsea would have to put up a significant amount of cash on top of Nkunku to land Kudus, even with the winger’s stock having fallen a little.
The 4th Official
West Ham United Display Interest In 23 Year Old Belgian: Should The Hammers Pay €20m+ For Him?
Koni De Winter has attracted attention outside Italy. His performance with Genoa over the last two seasons has been enough to spark the interest of several Premier League clubs. Among the most attentive, two names stand out: West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
Both London clubs are looking to strengthen their defence, and the young Belgian, just 23 years old, presents himself as an option that fits their immediate needs. Genoa has no intention of letting him go without substantial compensation. The figure is around £17 million, and could rise.
Koni De Winter and West Ham’s interest: A safe bet or a costly illusion?
According to Tutto Mercato Web, West Ham are among the two clubs most interested in signing the centre-back. The situation at Graham Potter’s club requires a revamp at the back, and De Winter appears to be a possible key reinforcement.
Crystal Palace, with a guaranteed ticket to the next Europa League, represents a direct threat in this race. The Hammers, without European competitions, will need another strategy to convince the Belgian international. The figure being discussed, although high, is not unthinkable for English clubs. The window is moving fast, and any delay could be decisive.
Opinion:
Paying more than £18 million for a young defender with good prospects is not an easy decision. West Ham need to strengthen their defence, but they also need balance. There are other areas of urgency.
However, De Winter is not just any defender. He has strength, vision and a composure that is rare for his age. In Italy, the player has demonstrated tactical intelligence and fortitude. Under Potter, he could grow even more. The English style would require adaptation, but there are no signs that he cannot achieve it.
Is it worth risking so much money on a single defensive signing? That is the first question the board should ask itself. Crystal Palace has the advantage of offering European football, and that carries weight. But West Ham can offer playing time, prominence and a serious project. Although they will not be playing in continental tournaments, they could convince the player by promising him an immediate starting spot. De Winter, if he arrives, would surely be a key player.
The second question is whether his experience in Serie A is enough to make him a star in the Premier League. Italian football has given him valuable resources. The intensity and pace of English football, on the other hand, will be another story.
Not everyone manages to adapt. However, the Belgian has the physique, technique and a cool head. His margin for growth remains open. If Potter manages to integrate him correctly, the signing could bear fruit in less time than expected.
Finally, there is the issue of the lack of European football. Will this demotivate him? Possibly. But it will also depend on the message he receives. If he is convinced that he will be a pillar of a new project, that absence could become an opportunity. Fewer European matches, more rest, more focus on the Premier League. Crystal Palace has the appeal of a continental showcase. West Ham has that of immediate prominence.
