Transfer Rumours: Chelsea hijack attempt as final Bruno Guimaraes decision made
Updated: 20 Jul 2026 18:50 BST |
5 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 21 July, including the latest updates on Bruno Guimaraes, Kerim Alajbegovic and Julian Alvarez.
Guimaraes “immovable” Arsenal decision
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes’ desire to leave and join Arsenal is “immovable,” TEAMtalk claims.
The Brazil international has his heart set on a move to the Gunners, and he is optimistic that he will be plying his trade in North London come the end of the window. This is despite the fact that Newcastle continue to insist that he is not for sale.
Arsenal made a verbal offer, communicated via intermediaries, for the midfielder in late June, but they have yet to make an improved and more formal bid. Unless that happens, Newcastle’s captain will be going nowhere.
Alajbegovic hijack fails
Chelsea are set to miss out on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Atalanta have been in talks over a deal for the teenager for some time, but they have yet to come close to matching Leverkusen’s €30 million asking price. This emboldened Chelsea to make a move for Alajbegovic.
However, the player has already committed to joining Atalanta, and he does not intend to break his word. He won’t consider a move to a different club as long as the talks between the Serie A club and Leverkusen remain active.
Alvarez to Arsenal still possible
Arsenal are still a possible destination for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, as per MARK.
Having missed out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, the Gunners could now go big on the Argentine striker, despite the player’s reported reluctance to return to England after his Man City spell.
Alvarez has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, but the Catalans have yet to reach an agreement with Atleti, who insist that they will not sell their star striker to their LaLiga rivals.
Jackson to stay?
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is keen to stay and fight for his place under Xabi Alonso, The Sun writes.
After being deemed surplus to requirements last summer, Jackson has been widely expected to be sold by the Blues this year. However, Alonso wants to give the Senegal international the chance to impress in pre-season before making a final decision.
And Jackson, for his part, is keen to grasp that chance with both hands. He is determined to stay and keep his lucrative contract, which still runs until 2033.
Balogun battle heats up
Several Premier League clubs are keen to bring former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun back to England, TEAMtalk insists.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a rip-roaring end to the season at AS Monaco and carried his form over into the World Cup. With two years left on his contract, now could be the time to move on.
Rivals Newcastle and Sunderland headline a list of as many as six top-flight clubs from England who have registered their interest in the American. Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also admirers.
More transfer rumours
Napoli have made contact over a possible loan for Benoit Badiashile, but Chelsea will only consider permanent offers. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Man Utd winger Marcus Rashford has no interest in joining another English club. (David Ornstein)
Tottenham are pushing to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels. (TEAMtalk)
Newcastle and Coventry are interested in AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori. (Corriere dello Sport)
Aston Villa are keen to hijack AS Roma’s potential move for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville. (talkSPORT)
AS Monaco have already rejected three bids from PSG for Maghnes Akliouche. (Our Mondial)
