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'Completed' and 'closed': Huijsen takes major step towards Real Madrid move
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fdean-huijsen.jpg "Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen on August 4, 2024")
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has reportedly moved a step closer to completing his dream move to Real Madrid by passing his medical with Los Blancos.
The existence of a £50m release clause in the defender's contract put numerous clubs on red alert, including Premier League quartet Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, Real Madrid moved quickly to activate the option in Huijsen's Bournemouth deal, and both sides have now been thrashing out the terms of his proposed move to the Bernabeu.
Following claims from earlier on Friday evening that the 20-year-old was undergoing his medical with Real Madrid, Fabrizio Romano now reports that those tests have been completed.
Brighton 'submit £30m-plus-player bid' for Man United, Arsenal-linked starlet
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F20%2Fcharalampos-kostoulas.jpg "Olympiacos' Charalampos Kostoulas celebrates on February 23, 2025")
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly pursuing a deal to sign Olympiacos attacker Charalampos Kostoulas.
The 17-year-old has established himself as one of the biggest young talents in Europe since breaking into the senior team of the Greek champions, having previously excelled at academy level.
Kostoulas made his professional debut at the age of just 15 for the Olympiacos B team in the Greek second division in January 2023, surpassing Kyriakos Papadopoulos to become the youngest player in the club's history.
The versatile attacker, who can play as a central striker, out wide or in an advanced midfield role, helped Olympiacos win the UEFA Youth League - the youth version of the Champions League - last season with five goals in eight games, and he has since featured regularly in the senior side.
Arteta ready to 'break' bank to sign two attackers and help support Saka
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F47%2Fbukayo-saka.jpg "Arsenal's Bukayo Saka pictured on November 23, 2024")
Arsenal are said to have settled on Nico Williams and Viktor Gyokeres as their two main attacking priorities in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners will take on Newcastle United on Sunday in their penultimate Premier League match of the season, but with the title out of reach and qualification for the Champions League a near certainty, there is little jeopardy for the Londoners.
Boss Mikel Arteta will be keen to finally end his side's trophy drought next season, though he may need to make numerous additions in order to do so.
Winger Bukayo Saka can be pencilled in on the right side of attack ahead of the 2025-26 season, though question marks remain regarding striker Kai Havertz and winger Gabriel Martinelli.
Bayern chief addresses Wirtz' Liverpool "trip" as Reds look to usurp Bavarians
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Fflorian-wirtz.jpg "Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring during his side's match against Wolfsburg on September 22, 2024")
Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl has insisted that Florian Wirtz is "free" to visit any city he chooses following reports that the Bayer Leverkusen star met with interested parties.
The Bavarians reclaimed their Bundesliga crown on May 4 when dethroned champions Leverkusen were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Freiburg.
Bayern have long been credited with an interest in a number of players from Xabi Alonso's side, including attacker Wirtz, with many reports suggesting that they were heavy favourites to land the playmaker.
However, it has been claimed that Wirtz and his representatives flew to England this past week to meet with clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City.
Huijsen heads home: Defender's Real 'medical' forces Blues and Reds to plan B
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F13%2Fdean-huijsen.jpg "Spain defender Dean Huijsen before his nation's match against the Netherlands, on March 23, 2025")
Real Madrid have reportedly agreed all the details necessary to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, with the centre-back said to be undergoing a medical.
The Spaniard looked set to be at the heart of an intense transfer battle between numerous clubs, with other Premier League sides like Chelsea and Liverpool having been linked to the defender.
During his time on the south coast, the 20-year-old has separated himself amongst his positional peers thanks to his exceptional ability on the ball.
With Huijsen available for a fee of £50m due to the existence of a release clause, he would have had his pick of clubs to join in the summer, though it appears that he has already made his decision.
Heading for Anfield: Liverpool 'on verge' of securing deal for Leverkusen ace
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F08%2Ffriwir.jpg "Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz pictured on January 29, 2025")
Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of reaching an agreement over a summer deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong.
The Netherlands international has been in strong form for Leverkusen during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring five goals and registering 12 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 24-year-old over the last year or so, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be keen on a deal for the former Manchester City youngster.
Liverpool have recently moved into pole position for the Dutchman, though, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the reigning Premier League champions are close to securing a deal for him.
Alonso's wish: Real Madrid 'attempting to hijack' Arsenal's move for 26-year-old
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F10%2Fxabi-alonso_1.jpg "Manager of Bayer Leverkusen Xabi Alonso during the post-match press conference after his side's match against Bayern Munich, on March 5, 2025")
Real Madrid have reportedly not given up hope of signing Martin Zubimendi during this summer's transfer window, with Los Blancos preparing to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Arsenal appear to be in pole position to sign the Spain international, who has a €60m (£50.5m) release clause in his current deal.
However, expert Charles Watts recently told Sports Mole that Arsenal fans could not "totally celebrate" the deal until it was official, and according to AS, a switch to Real Madrid during the upcoming window is still a possibility.
The report claims that Xabi Alonso, who is set to be confirmed as Real Madrid's new head coach later this month, is a huge admirer of the Spain international and views him as the ideal midfield acquisition this summer.
Rashford's future 'takes a fresh twist' due to 'absence' of key clause in Villa agreement
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fmarcus-rashford_1.jpg "Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during his side's Premier League match against Everton at Old Trafford, December 1, 2024")
Aston Villa allegedly do not have first option to buy Marcus Rashford this summer, despite having an agreement with Manchester United which allows them to purchase the forward for £40m.
The breakdown in Rashford's relationship with Man United head coach Ruben Amorim led to the attacker leaving Old Trafford during the January transfer window, with the England international ultimately making the move to Villa on loan.
Rashford will not play again this season due to a hamstring problem, but he has made a positive impression for Unai Emery's side, scoring four goals and registering six assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Villa can buy Rashford for £40m this summer, but according to Sky Sports News, there is nothing in the agreement with Man United which gives them priority when it comes to a transfer.
Premier League switch? Liverpool 'emerge' as shock contenders for Chelsea man
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Fchelsea.jpg "Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto celebrate on September 24, 2024")
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku.
The 27-year-old has struggled massively with injuries in recent times and Blues head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that the player will not feature against Manchester United on Friday night in the Premier League.
Nkunku was a star in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig during a four-year stay, netting a sensational 70 goals across 172 appearances for the German side.
Since a £52m switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window of 2023, the Frenchman has been plagued by injuries.
'Less than expected' - Man Utd, Man City 'handed boost' in Eze pursuit
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F19%2Feberechi-eze_2.jpg "Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace during his team's clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, on May 11, 2025")
Crystal Palace are reportedly prepared to accept offers below the release clause of Eberechi Eze.
The 26-year-old is supposedly wanted by Manchester City and Manchester United, with the pair looking to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the new term.
United will need to make room in their squad for the possible arrival of Eze, who could pass the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund at the door.
The 10-time England international has enjoyed a productive spell in recent weeks, scoring five goals across four matches, including a brace versus Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
'Through the front door': Why Arsenal may not trigger Zubimendi release clause
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F46%2Fmartin-zubimendi.jpg "Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring on August 18, 2024")
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to negotiate directly with Real Sociedad for the services of Martin Zubimendi.
The midfielder is expected to rock up at the Emirates over the summer, although Gunners supporters are containing their excitement until the deal is announced.
Mikel Arteta's men are in the market for a new set of stars after missing out on the Premier League title for a third successive season under the tutelage of the Spaniard.
Looking to ensure a respectable second-placed finish before the end of the term, the Gunners shared the spoils at the home of champions Liverpool last time out.
"Osimhen wouldn't be a bad target": Why Reds want experienced nine as Nunez heir
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F20%2Fdavid-lynch-and-victor-osimhen.jpg "Victor Osimhen would be an excellent signing for Liverpool")
Liverpool's preferred Darwin Nunez replacement is someone experienced in front of goal, Reds transfer expert David Lynch has insisted.
The champions were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, but the result was of little consequence given the title had been won on April 27.
With the league season effectively finished, attention amongst supporters has turned towards the upcoming summer transfer window, with the likes of striker Nunez expected to leave the club.
When asked by Sports Mole about what type of striker Liverpool could sign in his place, Lynch namechecked Napoli number nine Victor Osimhen as an experienced option, saying: "Liverpool would prefer to go down the route of someone who has more experience [and] has a better record of production. I look at the number nine market at the moment and you see the prices put on Sesko and Ekitike.
Forest, Wolves among five clubs with 'interest' in Lazio star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fvalentin-castellanos.jpeg "Valentin Castellanos celebrates scoring for Lazio on April 17, 2025")
Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly among the clubs who have identified a Lazio star as a potential summer transfer target.
Both of the Midlands outfit can be satisfied with the outcome of their respective Premier League campaigns, particularly Forest who have secured a return to European football and are still in contention for Champions League qualification.
Regardless of what happens in their closing fixtures, both teams are expected to show ambition in the transfer market once it reopens in June.
There is the potential for some high-profile names to arrive at the City Ground and Molineux respectively, and it appears that the same player is on their shortlists.
Barca 'among five clubs' battling to sign Man United ace this summer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F02%2Falejandro-garnacho-kobbie-mainoo.jpg "Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo celebrate on May 25, 2024")
Barcelona are reportedly among five clubs interested in signing Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho during this summer's transfer window, with the Red Devils facing a difficult decision when it comes to the 20-year-old.
Garnacho has scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists in 56 appearances for Man United this season, but there is currently huge uncertainty when it comes to his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Napoli are believed to have failed with at least one offer for Garnacho in January, while Chelsea are also believed to have been in touch with Man United in the winter transfer window to register their interest.
Any sale of Garnacho this summer would count as pure profit under the Premier League's rules surrounding profit and sustainability, and there remain question marks surrounding his suitability for a Ruben Amorim team.
Heading for Serie A? Man United 'in talks' over exits for two first-team attackers
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F09%2Fsir-jim-ratcliffe.jpg "Sir Jim Ratcliffe on March 19, 2024")
Manchester United are reportedly in discussions with Italian clubs over the possibility of selling both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee during this summer's transfer window.
Hojlund has only managed 10 goals in 49 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign, while Zirkzee has seven in 48 outings, with both players struggling to make their mark during the current season.
Zirkzee has been on the sidelines since the middle of April due to a hamstring injury, which has placed major pressure on Hojlund, with the Denmark international the only senior centre-forward available for selection.
Hojlund will start next week's Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, but there is believed to be a real possibility that he could be on the move during this summer's transfer market.
Liverpool 'given major boost' in pursuit of 23-goal Real Sociedad attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F14%2Ftakefusa-kubo-mikel-oyarzabal.jpg "Real Sociedad duo Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal on May 28, 2023")
Real Sociedad attacker Takefuso Kubo is reportedly preparing to switch clubs during this summer's transfer window, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be interested in his services.
Liverpool are currently being linked with a move for the 23-year-old, who has made 50 appearances for Real Sociedad during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring seven goals and registering four assists in the process.
According to Fichajes, Kubo's representatives are currently in discussions over a move away from Real Sociedad this summer, which has attracted the attention of 'several Premier League teams'.
Kubo made the move to La Real from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, and he has represented his current side on 135 occasions in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and registering 18 assists in the process.
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