Transfer News

IAN WRIGHT has urged former club Arsenal to buy Ademola Lookman this summer.The Gunners are seeking to bolster their attack following three consecutive runner-up finishes.Ademola Lookman has impressed since moving to ItalyCredit: GettyLookman, 27, has had previous Premier League spells with Everton, Fulham and Leicester – with mixed fortunes.Since moving to Atalanta in 2022, the winger has gone from strength to strength – winning the Europa League and finishing 14th in the Ballon d’Or last year.Wright, 61, believes that Lookman would be well placed to improve Mikel Arteta’s front line.On his Wrighty’s House podcast, the former forward said: “I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.”You know, it’s just… I can’t help but look at his dark moment where it would have been dark for him. You know, especially all those loans going to another country.”And you know what? He never had no problem going wherever he needed to go to find it.”And then obviously, like you say, you find your place. Like Scott McTominay’s found that, like he [Lookman] found with Atalanta.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I hope we can buy him, Arsenal.”I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini slams Ademola Lookman for his penalty skills “But I just admire his journey and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”SunSport recently revealed that Lookman has admirers at Arsenal.Some Gunners chiefs, however, are concerned about his age – believing that at 27 Lookman may have already peaked.In addition to Arsenal, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the £50m-rated former Evertonian. More

LIAM DELAP didn’t wait long to complete his move to Chelsea – thanks to the influence of some old colleagues.The striker was on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, but the Blues turned on the charm to woo him to Stamford Bridge.Liam Delap opted to move to Chelsea instead of Man UtdCredit: AlamyPep Guardiola’s scouting seven years ago led to Delap joining the BluesCredit: GettyDelap, 22, joins Chelsea for £30million after netting 12 goals at relegated Ipswich last season.But the story of his move to West London begun seven years ago at a tournament named after Kevin De Bruyne.The Under-15s KDB Cup in Gent, Belgium, sees some of the top youngsters in the world go head-to-head.It is a scout’s dream and top sides send their best talent spotters to the games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBack in 2018, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola went to the tournament himself and was impressed by a 14-year-old Romeo Lavia.He joined the club from Anderlecht as soon as he became old enough on the recommendation of the Spaniard.But just two senior City appearances later he joined Southampton as Lavia became another highly-rated teenager that decided to move on instead of fight superstars for a place in Guardiola’s XI.Lavia spent just a season on the South Coast before Chelsea splashed a reported £53m on him in 2023.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRomeo Lavia has been dubbed a ‘secret agent’ after rumoured conversations with DelapCredit: GettyBut during his days at the Etihad, the Belgian midfielder called Delap a team-mate.Both were in City’s star-studded youth set-up and were close pals.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the nightThe Daily Mail report that “agent Lavia”, which he has been labelled by fans, helped convince Delap to move to Chelsea.Though the links to City in this transfer do not stop there.He was team-mates with Cole Palmer in their youth days.Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca was assistant to Guardiola and worked with youngsters during his time in Manchester.The boss already knows Delap well and helped sell the Chelsea project to him.He reportedly told the striker to envision himself leading the line for the club during their Conference League final win over Real Betis last week.Additionally, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields was formerly at City.The transfer chief is said to have a strong relationship with Delap and his family, which helped clinch the deal. Other reports state that Thomas Tuchel told the player to join Chelsea as playing in the Champions League would boost his chances of an England call-up for next summer’s World Cup.DONE DEALThe deal is now signed and sealed and Delap can get straight to work as Chelsea look to win the Club World Cup this summer.Following the move the youngster said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.”It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”He was also quick to speak of his excitement about reuniting with those familiar faces.On Maresca, he said: “He is an incredible coach and helped us all develop so much. What we did that season was record-breaking, and what he’s gone on to achieve – and what the players in that age group have achieved – is incredible.”He has a great understanding of the game. He was very detailed in how he approached things with us and while it can be hard at that age to take on so much information, he brought it across in a way we understood and could put into our games.”I think it’s proved in the years since how much it has helped.”On playing alongside Palmer once more he beamed: “Cole is incredible in everything he does. I can’t wait to be in front of him again and receive his passes!”He added about Lavia and Palmer: “We grew up and played some incredible football together. I spoke to them about joining and I am excited to play alongside them again.Read More on The Sun”I also know Levi [Colwill] a bit as we faced each other hundreds of times when we were growing up. It’s always nice to know people [when you join a new club], and I’ve spoken to a few of them and asked them for advice.”They’ve told me how great a place it is and I’m really excited to come and play alongside them.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

LIVERPOOL fans want to pay £200MILLION for Florian Wirtz after spotting what he did to Bruno Fernandes.The Bayer Leverkusen star is a top target for the champions this summer after transforming into one of Europe’s premier playmakers.Liverpool fans want a £200m transfer for Florian Wirtz after he battled Bruno FernandesCredit: ReutersThe Reds target left his mark on the Man Utd captain in Germany’s loss to PortugalCredit: AFPLiverpool have already failed with a £110m bid for the 2024 Bundesliga title winner.Leverkusen are thought to want £126m — which would make Wirtz the most expensive player in British football history.But giddy Reds fans are prepared to bring him in for as much as £200m.That’s after being blown away by his actions in last night’s Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWirtz opened the scoring in the crunch clash before Cristiano Ronaldo inspired his side to a 2-1 victory.However, a collision with Manchester United captain Fernandes got plenty of Liverpool fans off their seats.Both men challenge for a loose ball, with Fernandes going to ground as he slid along the turf.Yet with each star stretching out a leg, Wirtz ended up raking the Red Devils skipper along the side of his ankle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis delighted many Liverpool supporters, who urged Arne Slot to do whatever it takes to bring Wirtz to Anfield.One said: “And it begins.”Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inAnother declared: “Oh Florian that’s f****** filthy. Give them 200 million.”One noted: “£500k a week, he’s earned it.”Another added: “I love him already.” More

LIVERPOOL are preparing to pay the full £126million asking price to capture Florian Wirtz as soon as possible.The Bayern Leverkusen playmaker is understood to have agreed a five–year deal.Liverpool are ready to stump up the full £126m for Florian WirtzCredit: GettyAlthough the clubs have yet to agree a final fee.But boss Arne Slot wants to avoid a drawn–out saga.His club first offered £110m then went back with an improved offer.Now Anfield’s chief executive of football Michael Edwards has been given permission by owners Fenway Sports Group to go all–in.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere is growing Kop optimism that the 22-year-old will put pen to paper after the end of the international break on Sunday.Wirtz featured in Germany’s Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal.He opened the scoring at the Allianz Arena with a well-taken header just after half-time.But Francisco Conceicao and Cristiano Ronaldo struck within five minutes to turn the semi-final around.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJulian Nagelsmann’s side will now face either France or Spain who play tonight in Sunday’s third-fourth play-off.After that, Wirtz will be free to have a medical.The Sports Desk EP13_AP_V2And, as is now all but certain, become the showpiece signing of Slot’s squad summer splurge with £29m Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong already on board.Liverpool had been prepared to go to £120m including add-ons for Wirtz.But they now accept the Bundesliga club will not back down on their original valuation.They are hoping all negotiations can now be completed by the weekend and that Wirtz will be signed and sealed before heading out on holiday in readiness to join his new club for pre-season training which starts early next month.The attacker’s number at Anfield remains unclear.Reports suggested he wanted to take the No10 off Alexis Mac Allister – but he quashed those suggestions with an Instagram post.Wirtz, who wears No10 for Leverkusen but No17 for Germany, wrote: “Who says I want the 10 [emoji].”I respect players.Read More on The Sun”Don’t believe everything that’s written,” followed by a clown emoji.Elsewhere, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is also expected to sign next week for £45m – taking the Anfield spend to £200m.Wirtz opened the scoring for Germany in their Nations League semi-final but lost to PortugalCredit: Getty More

MANCHESTER UNITED have launched their opening bid for Bryan Mbeumo – but it is under Brentford’s asking price, reports say. Ruben Amorim – who led United to a club-worst 15th place Premier League finish last season – is looking to bolster his attack. Man Utd have launched their opening bid for Bryan MbeumoCredit: AlamyAlready, Matheus Cunha will arrive from Wolves for £62.5million after the Red Devils reluctantly met his release clause. And now Brentford’s versatile forward Mbeumo – capable of playing out wide or through the middle – is their next target. According to The Athletic, United submitted an opening offer of £45million plus £10m in add-ons. But that is said to be below Brentford’s asking price – with negotiations ongoing to strike an agreement. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbeumo has a year left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium — plus an option to extend by 12 months.But he is pushing for a move to Old Trafford despite interest from the likes of Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham. Although the French-born Cameroon international is believed to be demanding wages of £250,000-per-week. That is FIVE TIMES the weekly £50,000 salary he currently earns. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019 and enjoyed a breakout season over the last 12 months. The 25-year-old scored 20 goals and eight assists as Brentford finished tenth in the table.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inUnited are in the market for forwards this summer after registering just 44 league goals last term. They missed out on striker Liam Delap – who instead joined Chelsea – but were handed a boost in Bruno Fernandes committing his future. United’s captain rejected an approach from Saudi side Al-Hilal – which would have seen him earn a three-year tax-free deal worth £200million.Matheus Cunha is set to join Man UtdCredit: PABruno Fernandes rejected an approach from Al-HilalCredit: Reuters More