Tottenham chase Gakpo; Arsenal linked with Osimhen in transfer chatter
Multiple Premier League clubs are active in a flurry of transfer rumors, with Tottenham registering formal interest in Cody Gakpo and Arsenal weighing talks over Victor Osimhen. The article also notes a range of other potential moves among top European clubs.
Key takeaways
- Tottenham has reportedly registered formal interest in Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, with his contract through 2030.
- Arsenal are linked with Victor Osimhen in talks with Galatasaray; a €130 million offer from Al Hilal for Osimhen was reportedly rejected by Galatasaray.
- Barcelona and Manchester City are involved in ongoing discussions over Rodri, with City valuing him above €70 million.
- Chelsea are considering Adam Wharton and Alex Scott as potential targets amid Enzo Fernández replacement links.
- AC Milan intends to move several players in the final weeks of the window; Ferran Torres appears set for PSG for around €50 million.
What Happened
Several transfer rumors were reported around European clubs in mid-August 2026. Tottenham Hotspur reportedly registered formal interest in Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as part of an effort to initiate a sign-and-sell process. Gakpo’s contract with Liverpool runs through 2030. Separately, Arsenal were reported to have held discussions with Galatasaray about striker Victor Osimhen, amidst ongoing transfer interest in Osimhen from Arsenal bundled with related talks over other players. During these discussions, Galatasaray were also reported to have rejected a €130 million offer from Al Hilal for Osimhen. In addition to these links, Barcelona were cited as exploring a renewed bid for Rodri as negotiations with Manchester City continued, with City valuing the midfielder at over €70 million and Barça aiming for a package around that figure. Other reported movements included Arsenal adding Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah to their shortlist, while Chelsea were reported to have identified Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as potential targets. AC Milan were described as looking to move on several players in the closing weeks of the window, and Ferran Torres was reported to be close to completing a €50 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after both clubs reached a deal in principle.
These items were presented as rumors or discussions from various outlets, with ESPN noting the nature of the reports as transfers and negotiations that may or may not materialize in the coming days.
Why It Matters
The bundle of links illustrates a broad, cross-league attempt to refresh squads by addressing attacking options, defensive depth, and midfield strength. If even a portion of these rumors translates into completed deals, clubs could alter their tactical plans for the upcoming season and re-balance transfer budgets. The Osimhen-Arsenal dialogue, in particular, points to Arsenal’s ongoing assessment of striker options alongside broader squad-building efforts, while Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo underscores persistent moves to bolster front-line firepower at a club seeking stronger attacking outputs.
Background
The month of August is traditionally a period of late-window activity in European football, with many clubs weighing strategic moves as pre-season results and squad depth discussions influence decision-making. The reports cite several outlets, including Voetbal International, Daily Telegraph, Mundo Deportivo, Sky Italia, and others, reflecting a wide media landscape surrounding transfer rumors rather than confirmed deals.
Key Facts
- Tottenham registered formal interest in Cody Gakpo of Liverpool; Gakpo’s contract runs until 2030.
- Arsenal reportedly held talks with Galatasaray about Victor Osimhen; Galatasaray reportedly turned down a €130 million offer from Al Hilal for Osimhen.
- Barcelona were reported to be pursuing a renewed offer for Rodri amid negotiations with Manchester City; City valued Rodri at more than €70 million.
- Arsenal reportedly added Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah to their shortlist; no direct talks were described as having taken place.
- Chelsea reportedly identified Adam Wharton and Alex Scott as potential targets as they consider replacements for Enzo Fernández.
- AC Milan were described as seeking to move on as many as eight players in the closing weeks of the window; named players included Fikayo Tomori, Christopher Nkunku, Santiago Gimenez, Pervis Estupiñán, and Youssouf Fofana.
- Ferran Torres was reported to be close to joining Paris Saint-Germain for around €50 million, with a medical in Paris anticipated.
What Happens Next
The published material frames these as ongoing discussions and rumors. No confirmations or official transfers are stated as completed in the provided reports. Further developments would depend on formal negotiations, medicals, and club permissions, with the window continuing to remain open for several weeks in August 2026.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
