Transfer news live: Arsenal agree to pay above Zubimendi release fee, Isak on Liverpool radar, Mbeumo to Man United

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and have agreed to pay the Spanish club more than the player’s €60m release clause.

Fabrizio Romano says that is because Sociedad have allowed the Gunners to fund the transfer in installments rather than an upright payment.

Both clubs are happy with the deal and the necessary next steps, such as a medical for the midfielder, will take place soon.

With much of the rest of the squad seemingly in top shape ahead of 2025/26, Liverpool continue to be linked with a range of strikers.

Alexander Isak has been touted as the club’s “dream” target, though with Newcastle having qualified for the Champions League it is seen as unlikely that they let their star player leave.

Nevertheless, Reds fans can hope – Isak has transformed into one of the best strikers in world football in recent months, and his signature would certainly make Liverpool favourites for back-to-back league titles (and probably a European Cup to add to it).

According to the Standard, Fulham have rejected a £32m bid from Leeds for Rodrigo Munoz.

“The Cottagers were approached with an offer worth £26m plus £6m in add-ons but have declined”, says the report.

Reports are coming out suggesting that Andy Robertson has decided to leave Liverpool, amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

Atleti are reportedly hoping to sign the 31-year-old for as little as £8.5m, with the Scot out of contract in 2026.

It seems as though Mbeumo is set to leave Brentford, but now reports are suggesting Yoane Wissa could leave the Bees too.

According to reports, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Arsenal hold an interest in the Congolese forward, who could leave for around £25m.

His current contract runs until June 2026, with an option to extend for another year.

Sheffield United are reportedly set to appoint Ruben Selles as their new manager following the departure of Chris Wilder.

Wilder is set to depart Bramall Lane – with an announcement expected imminently – having failed to secure promotion after losing in a dramatic play-off final to Sunderland.

And former Hull manager Selles, who was sacked despite keeping the Tigers in the second division, is set to take over according to Sky.

Failing to guide the Blades back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Wilder’s second stint at Bramall Lane ends after 18 months, having taken over midway through their relegation-doomed 2023/24 campaign.

The Independent understands his dismissal comes following a disagreement over recruitment plans and other issues.

Udinese defender Jaka Bijol is set to undergo a medical with Leeds this afternoon, ahead of the agreement of a deal worth £19m.

The 26-year-old, who is a Slovenia international, has two years left on his contract at Udinese, though the clubs are close to reaching a deal.

Manchester United winger Antony thrived when out on loan at La Liga side Real Betis.

The Brazilian has been very vocal about his pleasure in playing for the Spanish club and how being at Manchester United was a low point.

He’s back at Old Trafford following the conclusion of the loan but Betis are enquiring about taking him again for next season.

They prefer a loan move while United would want to sell Antony on permanently. Whether Betis can afford the valued fee is something still to be determined.

“I think Ange [Postecoglou] has done something special. He’ll forever be a legend in Tottenham,” Thomas Frank said.

“It’s important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I’m very humble about that. I’ll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans’ faces, the pictures were ‘wow’. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that.”