Transfer Rumours: Chelsea to agree deal today as Ollie Watkins battle explodes
25 Jul 2026 06:33 BST |
6 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 25 July, including the latest updates on Ollie Watkins, Trevoh Chalobah and Rodri.
Arsenal, Man Utd monitor Watkins
Arsenal and Man Utd are keeping tabs on Ollie Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa, The Sun claims.
The England striker’s future has been plunged into doubt in recent days following the news that Fenerbahce were making a strong effort to sign him. However, the Turkish club have yet to make a bid after being told by Villa that €35 million would not be enough to sign him.
The 30-year-old has two years left on his Villa deal, and the uncertainty surrounding him has now also brought Arsenal and Man Utd back to the table. Both clubs previously explored deals for Watkins.
Chelsea to hold Chalobah talks today
Representatives from Chelsea and Como will hold a meeting today, Saturday, to thrash out a deal for Trevoh Chalobah, as per Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Serie A club submitted a fresh bid worth €25 million guaranteed and a further €5m in bonuses on Friday, but Chelsea have made it clear that they want at least €30m upfront for the England defender.
The primary point of discussion today will be the bonus payments, with Como keen to avoid paying over the odds after being forced to shell out most of their budget on Nico Paz earlier this summer.
Real Madrid confident over Rodri
Real Madrid are “operating on the basis” that Man City star Rodri will play for them this season, The Athletic reports.
The Spanish giants have begun actively working on a deal for the 30-year-old, although they have yet to hold club-to-club talks with Man City, who do not want to lose the World Cup winner.
However, Rodri has made it clear that he wants to return to his hometown for both sporting and personal reasons this summer. His contract at Man City expires next year.
Chelsea get serious over Alajbegovic
Chelsea are in active discussions with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for Kerim Alajbegovic, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Contrary to reports, the Blues have not yet made a bid for the teenage winger, with the club keen to reach an agreement below the touted fee of €40m. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is also being chased by several Serie A clubs.
Alajbegovic has yet to make a decision on his preferred destination. Italian clubs will likely try to tempt him with guaranteed game time, while Chelsea are surely able to offer him a better financial package.
Olise truth
Michael Olise is not expected to push for a move away from Bayern Munich this summer, TEAMtalk writes.
Real Madrid would be the France international’s preferred next club were he to move on from Bayern, but there is no suggestion that a departure is in any way imminent. Olise remains fully committed to Bayern despite already planning his future.
Having experienced the Premier League and now the Bundesliga, he is keen to test himself in LaLiga next. He would also be open to a move to PSG, but Spain is his favoured destination.
More transfer rumours
Carlos Baleba’s representatives have initiated talks with Man Utd to get clarity on whether they will make a move for the Brighton player. (Fabrizio Romano)
Arsenal and Real Madrid enquired about Jon Martin before he signed a new long-term contract at Real Sociedad this week. (Sports World)
Newcastle have no intention of accepting Arsenal’s improved €82m bid for Bruno Guimaraes. (The Times)
Hull are in advanced talks to sign Burnley midfielder Florentino Luis. (Ben Jacobs)
Contrary to reports, Sporting CP have yet to make a fresh bid for Watford wonderkid Nestroy Irankunda since having a €12m offer rebuffed. (Sky Sports)
Leeds have taken a liking to Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic as they scour the market for a new striker. (TEAMtalk)
Stade Reims are demanding €25m for Marseille target Keito Nakamura after his impressive World Cup. (Foot Market)
Newcastle and Nottingham Forest are monitoring Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu. (Matteo Moretto)
Related stories:
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Yan Diomande twist as decision on formal bid made
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Signing close as surprise Jacobo Ramon revelation made
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Carlos Baleba ‘pushing like crazy’ as bold plan revealed
Transfer Rumours: Liverpool ‘in driving seat’ over Arsenal for Barcola
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