Chelsea’s Interest in Mohammed Kudus
Chelsea are actively exploring a move for West Ham’s 24-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who carries an £85m release clause valid for Premier League clubs from July 1-10, 2025. Chelsea have held talks, proposing player-plus-cash deals, but West Ham prefer a straight sale. Kudus, who scored 14 goals and provided 9 assists in his 2023/24 debut season, excels as a No. 10 or winger, with 92 successful take-ons in 2024/25, second only to Jérémy Doku. Chelsea prioritize Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens but view Kudus and Brighton’s João Pedro as versatile alternatives. Manchester United and Newcastle also target Kudus, whose form dipped in 2024/25 but remains attractive due to his 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 West Ham games.
Newcastle’s Pursuit of Marcus Rashford
Newcastle United are preparing an offer for Manchester United’s 27-year-old winger Marcus Rashford, aiming to “rescue” him from his uncertain future at Old Trafford. Eddie Howe sees Rashford, who impressed on loan at Aston Villa in 2024/25 with 7 goals in 18 games, as competition for Alexander Isak, not a replacement. Rashford’s £350,000-weekly wages and United’s preference for a permanent sale complicate negotiations, with no clear transfer fee set. Newcastle’s strict wage structure may necessitate a loan, while Rashford reportedly dreams of joining Barcelona, though Nico Williams’ potential move there dims that prospect. Chelsea and Napoli also monitor Rashford, whose 141 United goals make him a high-profile target.
Darwin Núñez’s Likely Napoli Move
Liverpool’s 25-year-old Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez is “very likely” to leave Anfield this summer, with ongoing negotiations with Napoli. Núñez, signed for €75m in July 2022, scored 25 goals in 95 Premier League games but struggled for consistency, prompting Liverpool to seek a new No. 9, possibly Newcastle’s Alexander Isak or Brighton’s João Pedro. Napoli, who signed Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer, view Núñez as a key addition, potentially alongside Federico Chiesa, who also faces an Anfield exit. Núñez’s contract runs until 2028, but Liverpool may accept €60m-€70m. A swap deal involving Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is speculated but hinges on his €75m release clause.
