Transfer news live: Mbeumo’s huge Man United demand, Wirtz hits out at Liverpool claims, Zubimendi to Arsenal update – UK Times

Chelsea have signed striker Liam Delap from Ipswich on a deal until until 2031 after triggering his £30million release clause.

An agreement was reached between the clubs last week for the England under-21 international, who becomes the Blues’ first summer signing and can join immediately due to FIFA’s 10-day June transfer window.

That will enable him to take part in the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, though if he travels with the team it will means he will miss the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.

Arsenal are one of the first major movers of the transfer window with the (apparent) €60m signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

But with the Gunners desperate for a new striker and other attackers, why has Mikel Arteta instead splashed the cash on a defensive midfielder?

Adam Clery dives deep into his game, and Arsenal’s issues, to explain why it actually makes sense.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa admits a return to Italy is “something to think about” this summer after becoming all but an afterthought during his first season at Anfield.

“That’s something to think about during the summer,” he said.

“My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We’ll find the best solution for everyone.

“I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.

“While out of the squad (at Juventus), I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.

“I hope (next season) it’s my season. My dream is to participate in the World Cup.”

The former Manchester United midfielder leaves the Teesside outfit after three seasons in charge, having first joined Boro back in October 2022.

Carrick previously enjoyed a brief spell as United caretaker manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired from his post in 2021.

Chelsea are currently working on a verbal agreement with Hugo Ekitike over personal terms, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Eintracht Frankfurt are still demanding €100m, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea will be able to agree a fee with the German outfit.

AC Milan are increasingly confident they can get a deal for free agent Luka Modric over the line with a verbal agreement almost ready.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the Croatian will sign on a two-year deal.

Inter Milan are still pursuing Cesc Fabregas despite the fact the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder appeared to commit to his role at Como.

Inter are after a new coach after Simone Inzaghi left his post following Saturday’s Champions League final demolition.

And according to Sky Italy, Inter are still banking on Como to give them the green light to speak to Fabregas, hoping their resolute stance will soften in the days to come.

However, they face an uphill battle after the Spaniard seemed in no desperate position to move to the San Siro this summer.

Read more on what Fabregas had to say below:

Jack Grealish is not expected to be on the Manchester City plane bound for the Club World Cup later this month, according to The Telegraph.

Is this a telling sign that the once-£100m man’s time at the Etihad is coming to an end?

Gabri Veiga is on the verge of a return to Europe, two years after the highly-rated Spanish midfielder opted for a move to Saudi Arabia over the likes of Napoli and Liverpool.

Veiga, who rose to prominence at Celta Viga, joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 – a move that was met with vocal criticism from Toni Kroos – but is now set to sign for Porto, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He will sign for £12.6m plus add ons with medical tests booked in.

Sunderland are the latest club to release their retained list for the 2025/26 season and the newly-promoted side will see three players depart.

Chris Mepham returns to Bournemouth after making 40 appearances for the club on loan, while Salis Abdul Samed will also return to parent club Lens after featuring in 11 games.

And finally, in a move we already knew, play-off final hero Tommy Watson has completed a move Brighton. The youngster’s final Sunderland appearance saw him score a stoppage-time winner at Wembley to send the Black Cats back to the Premier League.