Chelsea
João Félix Transfers from Chelsea to Al Nassr, Reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese forward João Félix leaves Chelsea for Al Nassr, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea have officially confirmed the departure of Portuguese forward João Félix, who has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The 25-year-old’s move was reportedly sanctioned by Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr and was instrumental in facilitating the deal. Félix was seen training with his new club earlier this week, further underscoring the completion of the transfer.
Félix’s exit comes just one season after his permanent signing for Chelsea from Atlético Madrid, having initially joined on loan. Al Nassr is believed to have agreed on a €30 million (£26.1 million, $34.9 million) upfront fee, with additional clauses that could total another €20 million (£17.4 million, $23.2 million) payable to Chelsea in the future. Chelsea also earned a loan fee from Félix’s temporary spell at AC Milan in the latter half of last season, suggesting the club might turn a profit given their initial £45 million ($60.2 million) outlay.
Expectations were high when Félix joined Chelsea, especially after spending the second half of the 2022–23 season on loan at the club. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot under manager Enzo Maresca, featuring in only three Premier League matches in the season’s first half. His January loan move to AC Milan also failed to reignite his form, prompting a return to Chelsea and the pursuit of a permanent transfer elsewhere.
Over two spells at Stamford Bridge, Félix made a total of 40 appearances, during which he scored 11 goals and provided two assists. His move to Al Nassr marks a new chapter and the opportunity to reunite and play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.
Arsenal
Premier League and European Clubs Active in High-Profile Transfer Negotiations
Key transfer dealings involve Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo, and other major European clubs.
The summer transfer window remains lively with multiple Premier League and European clubs pursuing notable targets. Juventus has shown interest in Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez, with the Reds potentially open to a loan deal including an option to buy. Liverpool are reportedly preparing to negotiate a deal valuing Núñez at around €65 million. Meanwhile, Arsenal are maintaining contact with Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, although they are hesitant to meet his £60 million release clause.
Chelsea are progressing towards a deal for Xavi Simons while RB Leipzig look to re-sign Christopher Nkunku. Bayern Munich’s continued interest in Luis Díaz complements their summer strategy to offload David Alaba and Ferland Mendy, though neither player is currently keen on leaving.
Manchester United have ruled out a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez after failing to meet Villa’s demand for a permanent sale. Nottingham Forest’s £25 million offer for Manchester City’s James McAtee was also rejected, with the Premier League champions seeking a higher fee.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to submit a £45 million bid for João Palhinha following talks with Bayern Munich. Additionally, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are all tracking Parma center back Giovanni Leoni, valued at €35 million.
Aston Villa are increasing their offer for Galatasaray forward Barış Alper Yılmaz, though still fall short of a €40 million valuation. Barcelona face pressure from Real Madrid over defender Ronald Araújo, prompting President Joan Laporta to negotiate with Liverpool, who are readying an offer exceeding €40 million for the player. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Gerard Martín may be sold after teammate Jofre Torrents’ rise secured coach Hansi Flick’s approval.
Lastly, Barcelona lead interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, favouring a loan with an option to buy over the Blues’ €50 million asking price. Across the board, this summer’s transfer activity signals significant squad reshaping among top European clubs.
Chelsea
Chelsea Prioritize Marc Cucurella’s Future Amid Transfer Rumours
Chelsea move to secure Marc Cucurella with a new contract amid Al Nassr transfer talks.
Chelsea are preparing to secure Marc Cucurella’s future at Stamford Bridge with a new contract offer, underscoring his role as a key component of the club’s long-term plans. Despite transfer speculation linking the left back with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, Chelsea have not engaged in any discussions with the Riyadh-based club, and the interest remains unconfirmed.
The Blues remain focused on keeping Cucurella, who has impressed with his attacking prowess from defence. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, praised the player after his decisive goal against Leicester City in March, saying: “Marc has something that is difficult to find. He is clever and is intelligent. He scored two goals against Wolves and Brentford and he is probably the smallest one in the team. This shows you how intelligent he is because he is in the right position. He is playing like an attacking midfielder and is doing fantastic. He has scored four or five goals with us.”
Adding to the defensive options, Dutch teenager Jorrel Hato is set to join Chelsea from Ajax, expected to serve as Cucurella’s backup and provide versatility by also covering centre defence.
Chelsea’s strategy reflects their commitment to nurturing talent that fits their style and vision, aiming to solidify their squad depth as the 2025/26 Premier League season progresses.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s Dual Pursuit: Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons Transfers Progressing
Chelsea pursues Xavi Simons urgently while keeping Alejandro Garnacho as a realistic transfer option.
Chelsea remain active in the transfer market as they advance negotiations for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, while simultaneously maintaining interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. Discussions with Simons, a Dutch attacking talent, are progressing well and he remains the club’s primary target. However, reports confirm that Chelsea have not ruled out signing Garnacho, especially if they can offload Christopher Nkunku. The latter move would allow Simons to occupy a more central role if he joins Stamford Bridge.
The Athletic and The Telegraph have highlighted Chelsea’s sustained interest in Garnacho, with Fabrizio Romano stating on DAZN there is a “concrete possibility” that the Argentina international could join Chelsea alongside Simons this summer. Garnacho is reportedly open to leaving Manchester United and prioritizes a move within the Premier League, with Aston Villa also reportedly interested.
Aston Villa are also linked with England international Morgan Rogers, a player Chelsea have identified as a target. Villa are keen to secure Rogers with a new contract this summer.
Chelsea’s strategy involves raising funds for their attacking reinforcements by selling several fringe players. João Félix is on the verge of moving to Al Nassr, Raheem Sterling is attracting interest following his loan from Arsenal, and Christopher Nkunku alongside Armando Broja are available for the right offers. Nicolas Jackson could also depart, although his valuation currently makes an immediate exit less likely.
In addition to their attacking plans, Chelsea are nearing a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, indicating a broader squad overhaul. The club aims to finalize Simons’ signing before making concrete moves for Garnacho, emphasizing a structured approach to their summer recruitment.
