Ornstein transfer latest: What will Arsenal do this summer?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast – "Ornstein Transfer Latest: What Will Arsenal Do This Summer?"

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Hosts: Ayo Akinwalere, David Ornstein, Duncan Alexander

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwalere delves deep into Arsenal's summer transfer strategies, focusing primarily on their pursuit of Real Sociedad's midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. Joined by David Ornstein, The Athletic’s football correspondent, and Duncan Alexander, data and tactics editor, the trio navigates through the complexities of Arsenal's transfer dealings amidst a dynamic and competitive transfer window.

Arsenal’s Pursuit of Martin Zubimendi

Ayo Akinwalere kicks off the discussion by highlighting Arsenal's long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi, a move that has been in the works for over two years. He states:

"Arsenal regard this situation as done and even signed. They're expecting Martin Zubimendi to hook up with them for the start of pre-season and they're now in the process of completing this transfer."
[02:16]

Despite rumors and interest from giants like Liverpool and Real Madrid, Arsenal has maintained consistent efforts to secure Zubimendi, driven by manager Mikel Arteta’s vision of strengthening the midfield.

Duncan Alexander provides tactical insights into Zubimendi's role:

"He will bring some solidity... he's the sort of player that comes into a side and just kind of makes everyone look better."
[04:25]

Zubimendi is expected to play a Thomas Partey-like role, adding depth and versatility to Arsenal's midfield, enabling key players like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice to enhance their performances.

Thomas Partey’s Contract Situation

The conversation shifts to Thomas Partey's uncertain contract situation. Ayo reveals:

"With his contract extension expiring this summer, it leaves it open to uncertainty over whether that agreement will be reached or indeed he will depart."
[05:37]

Should Partey leave, Arsenal would need to explore the transfer market to fill the void, despite Zubimendi’s arrival. Duncan adds:

"It'll allow Declan Rice maybe to play on the right a bit more... and you probably see a performance increase from a lot of other players."
[06:34]

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s Move to Arsenal

One of the standout transfer news is Arsenal's acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga. Ayo explains:

"Arsenal would have been analyzing their options for a second-choice goalkeeper with Neto returning to Bournemouth... they believe that he has agreed to join Arsenal."
[07:47]

Duncan assesses the tactical implications:

"He is a good goalkeeper... if he's willing to become a nominal second-choice keeper, I think it's an absolute coup."
[09:30]

Kepa’s addition aims to bolster Arsenal’s goalkeeping options, providing healthy competition for David Raya and ensuring depth in a critical position.

Other Arsenal Transfer Targets

The panel discusses Arsenal’s ongoing search for a reliable striker, highlighting targets like Benjamin Sesko and Victor Gjokares. Ayo emphasizes the complexity of securing a top-tier number nine:

"These things are not as simple maybe as we in the public and the media might think or want to imagine. And they've got to get this right."
[14:21]

The conversation also touches on potential wide player acquisitions to complement stars like Bukayo Saka, with names like Nico Williams and Rodrigo being mentioned as possible fits to enhance Arsenal's attacking dynamics.

Manchester United’s Transfer Activities

Shifting focus to other Premier League giants, Ayo and David discuss Manchester United’s efforts to sign Umbuella from Brentford:

"Umbuella... Manchester United have made an opening offer that valued Umbuella at 45 million plus 10 million in add-ons which Brentford rejected."
[24:11]

Ayo elaborates on United's financial positioning and their strategy to balance multiple significant transfers within their budget constraints, indicating a busy transfer window at Old Trafford.

Liverpool’s Transfer Updates

The podcast also covers Liverpool’s aggressive pursuit of Florian Wirtz from Bayern Leverkusen:

"Every expectation is that this will be completed. It's on track."
[27:48]

Duncan highlights the significance of Wirtz’s potential move:

"If this one goes through, wow, what a player Liverpool have got."
[27:48]

Additionally, Jason Kirk’s potential signing is discussed, with Ayo noting:

"Kirk has remained their top priority for a left-back, and negotiations with Bournemouth are ongoing."
[30:14]

The team also debates the implications of other possible transfers, including Darwin Nunes and Luis Diaz, assessing how these moves could reshape Liverpool’s squad dynamics.

Conclusion

As the transfer window progresses, Ayo Akinwalere, David Ornstein, and Duncan Alexander provide a comprehensive overview of the major moves and potential shifts within top Premier League clubs. From Arsenal’s strategic acquisitions to the ambitious endeavors of Manchester United and Liverpool, the episode encapsulates the high-stakes environment of summer transfers, offering listeners in-depth analysis and expert opinions on what lies ahead for these football giants.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Ayo Akinwalere on Arsenal's approach to Zubimendi:

  "Arsenal regard this situation as done and even signed. They're expecting Martin Zubimendi to hook up with them for the start of pre-season."
  [02:16]

• Duncan Alexander on Zubimendi’s impact:

  "He will bring some solidity... he's the sort of player that comes into a side and just kind of makes everyone look better."
  [04:25]

• Ayo Akinwalere on the complexity of securing a striker:

  "These things are not as simple maybe as we in the public and the media might think or want to imagine. And they've got to get this right."
  [14:21]

• Duncan Alexander on Kepa’s role:

  "If he's willing to become a nominal second-choice keeper, I think it's an absolute coup."
  [09:30]

---

For those eager to stay updated on the latest football transfers and in-depth analyses, The Athletic FC Podcast remains an indispensable source, offering expert insights and comprehensive coverage of the ever-evolving football landscape.

Transcript

[Cam Jordan]

When pro defensive end Cam Jordan isn't running after quarterbacks, he's running his own businesses. He sat down with Microsoft's Jessica Hawke to learn how AI can help.

[Jessica Hawke]

As a football player, we're really focused on the X's and Nos. It's fun because it's a strategy game as well, and I think that transitions well into the business world.

[Microsoft AI Expert]

There's so much data underlying every single thing that you're doing in your business and having a way to unify all that data. This is like electricity. This is a major platform shift and I think we're all learning together.

[Cam Jordan]

Ready to raise your AI game? Find your winning edge at Microsoft.com challenge challengers.

[Modelo Advertiser]

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[Workday Advertiser]

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[Cam Jordan]

Workday is the AI platform that transforms the way you manage your people and money today so so you can transform tomorrow. Workday moving business forever forward.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

The Athletic FC Podcast Network.

[David Ornstein]

Welcome to the Athletic FC podcast with me, Ayo Akimwaleere. There's been a lot of noise around Arsenal's pursuit of Martin Zubemendi, but the North London club regard the deal as done. We'll get into that and the transfers elsewhere as the mini window closed on Tuesday night. Right. Joining me today we have the Athletics football correspondent David Ornstein and data and tactics editor Duncan Alexander. Chis for joining us. Gents like David, let's start with you because the first of the two summer transfer windows is closed. Lots to discuss on this show including the latest from Manchester United and Liverpool later on. Now on Tuesday the second deal sheet dropped on the Athletic packed with information on ongoing deals and this week's one to watch is Arsenal's pursuit of Real Sociedad and Spanish midfielder Martin Zubemendi. Talk to us about this move because it feels as if we've been talking about this since mid last season.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah, you could go back even further IO because Arsenal have wanted Zubimendi for more than two years. I think now Liverpool made a move for him last summer. It didn't come to fruition. There have been rumors, reports about Real Madrid, others. I even remember man Manchester City one point when Rodri got injured. But ultimately Arsenal have probably been the most consistent presence on this situation and that's driven by Mikel Arteta, the manager formerly a player at Real Sociedad, identifying Martin Zubimendi as a key player for his future. Arsenal's work on this in terms of intensive efforts really began last summer after the Liverpool move collapsed and Edu, Arsenal sporting director at the time, was dealing with Real Sociedad over Mikel Mourinho. His transfer to Arsenal eventually went through and no doubt there would have been some conversations about Zubamendi there, picked up by Jason Ato who was interim sporting director after Edu's departure. And then Andrea Berta comes in around March time and he continues Arsenal's sort of plans for the summer. As far as we know, Arsenal regard this situation as done and even signed. They're expecting Martin Zubimendi to hook up with them for the start of pre season and they're now in the process of I guess completing this transfer. And our colleague Mario Cortegana has information from his sources in Madrid to suggest that actually they've never been actively pursuing this and working on a Zubimendi deal, despite the fact that they like the player, like probably every club in world football does. And Arsenal I think as and when they are able to announce this, which we think maybe in July for accounting purposes, that's the preference, I think of Real Sociedad and it looks like Arsenal may be paying over the 60 million euros release clause in order to be able to stagger the payments rather than paying them in one go. As and when they're able to go public with it, I think it will be a really significant moment for them. And Mikel Arteta, I guess the big.

[David Ornstein]

One, Duncan is where does he sit in this midfield? What does he allow this midfield to do on a tactical basis? I watched him for Spain with a recent match against France and he looked very snappy, looked quick, got himself a goal as well. Where does he sit with this midfield on a tactical level?

[Duncan Alexander]

Yeah, I think he kind of comes in in that sort of Thomas Partey position, but I think he kind of, as you pointed out, kind of adds a bit of everything really. It's probably worth watching if you're interested. The highlights of that Spain France game. I mean he's quite risk averse on the ball generally, but then he can just pick a moment to sort of find a really incisive forward pass which he does for both the first and the fifth goal for Spain in that game. So I think he will bring some solidity I mean, some of his stats don't leap off the page, but he's the sort of player that managers absolutely love. And you know, a lot of Arsenal fans will be focused on other areas of the team as we'll come on to this summer, but I think Zubamende is the sort of player that comes into a side and just kind of makes everyone look better.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah. What about the latest on the Partey situation? We know Jorginho has already signed for the Brazilian team. Partey not sure we know what's happening with that contract as yet. We know something was put on the table, but is there a chance that Arsenal potentially looking elsewhere for another midfielder if Party does end up leaving? David?

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah. We broke the news before the end of the season that Arsenal had made an offer or were in talks with Thomas Partey to extend. However, they need to reach an agreement and at the time of recording this, that hasn't happened. Clearly, with his contract expansion expiring this summer, it leaves it open to uncertainty over whether that agreement will be reached or indeed he will depart. And so we'll stay across that one. There is no outcome just yet. We do expect one in the coming days really, because it needs to happen sooner rather than later. And if Arsenal indeed don't keep Thomas Party, then given the importance of that position, despite the arrival of Zubimendi, with Jorginho leaving, as you pointed out, for Flamengo, Arsenal, you would imagine are going to have to dip into the market. The intention was for him to stay. Let's see what the outcome is. And if he doesn't, then Arsenal are going to have to dedicate some time and effort and resources to plugging that gap.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, we talked about the sort of similarities to the likes of Thomas, Partey, Duncan, but I'm wondering, he offers a different profile as well. And what, what does that mean for the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice? Willi, who we've seen surge forward now as a goal scoring midfielder as well.

[Duncan Alexander]

Yeah, I think it's going to be good news for both of them, really. I think in terms of Declan Rice, I mean, it would allow him maybe to play on the right a bit more, which, you know, he does enjoy drifting around. I think for Odegaard, he didn't have a good second half of the season really for Arsenal when he came back from injury. And the fact is that, you know, Zubamendi is excellent at sort of drifting from side to side, kind of being that spare man in possession which creates space for others. And I think one of the reasons Odegaard was less effective last season was he was being closed down A lot more. People saw how good that sort of left hand triangle with Saka and Ben White and latterly Timber was. So I do think that as I said earlier, you know, add Zubimendi and you'll probably see a performance increase from, from a lot of other players.

[David Ornstein]

Okay. Right, let's move on to another transfer target. You've also reported that Arsenal are close to finalizing a deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga. How's that one progressing? Because this one came as a bit of a surprise if I'm honest.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah, I think Arsenal would have been analyzing their options for a second choice goalkeeper with Neto returning to Bournemouth, ironically where Kepa spent last season. And given the options available on the market, given Kepa's nationality, Spanish, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's current goalkeeping coach in Aki, Kenya, and also their goalkeeper David Raya, given the future not really existing for Kepa, given I think four goalkeepers in their Chelsea ranks already and there's a £5 million release clause in the contract extension he signed before going on loan. So relatively low cost for a high level goalkeeper, of course. So we believe that he has agreed to join Arsenal and that means Arsenal will then need to pay the release clause. That would fill one of the important positions for Arsenal coming into the new season, which is the second choice goalkeeper, the backup for Raya. And all indications we've had is that Kepa, despite being a number one last season in Premier League, he is prepared to switch to the Emirates Stadium and fight for a place with Raya, even if that means nominally being number two. So we'll see how it sort of finishes. But that is the clear direction of travel as we've reported recently.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, Duncan, some might see this as a bit of a, bit of a coup at the kind of money and also the experience a player like that offers Arsenal. The original interest was in Espanyol's Juan Garcia, who now looks to be heading over to Barcelona for around 25 million euros. I mean, where does this lie in terms of, on a tactical level for Arsenal? Because Kepa's a keeper who's quite temperamental one, but also a keeper that backs himself too, but also a keeper once again, who's, how can I say, susceptible to the odd mistake.

[Duncan Alexander]

Let's say he is, but I mean all goalkeepers are ultimately, I think, let's not forget that he's still the most expensive goalkeeper in the history of football, which you know, he may have that tag for, for quite a long time. So in bargain terms. Yeah, you're right, it is one. I mean in terms of last season he performed really well for Bournemouth. Only three keepers, Pickford, Ma, Edison had a better sort of goals prevented rate based on the XG on target rating of each shot he faced. So he is a good goalkeeper. I mean obviously Ray had to play a lot of games last season. Neto was even cup tied for the Carabao Cup. You know, Kepa would get chances, obviously he's got his own history, as you hinted at with the Carabao Cup. Don't try and substitute him in the final and you'll probably be fine. But yeah, I think if he's willing, as David says, to become a nominal second choice keeper, I think it's an absolute coup. Yeah.

[David Ornstein]

Is this good pressure, David, for someone like David Ray, who obviously has performed very well at Arsenal, but actually we know a keeper like Keper is the Balaga. He's a hungry guy. He, he's got his eye on number one. I'm not sure a keeper at that level is ready to sit at number two. Is this a good thing for David Raya?

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah, I think he'll be healthy. He's a crucial part of Arsenal's team and I don't see him being displaced as the number one, let's be clear on that. But to be pushed is important without having an unhealthy tension. And of course, you know, the situation with Aaron Ramsdale wasn't sustainable because he wanted to clearly be a number one somewhere and he'd just been the number one at Arsenal. But this is different. Similarly, Juan Garcia, who Arsenal or Mikel Arteta had previously targeted and seems to be on his way to Barcelona. You know, he was Espanyol's number one goalkeeper and he was prepared to come to Arsenal and sort of battle it out with Raya, which is, which is a pretty good sign. And I know you hear people in football say that two number ones cannot coexist and usually that is proved to be the case. But in the case of Kepa, maybe Arsenal will be falling on the right option for them because he's at an age and stage of his career where maybe he, he doesn't feel it's as desperate a need to be number one as he might have done previously. Don't forget he went on loan to sort of Real Madrid, didn't he, from Chelsea as well as Bournemouth. And it's not necessarily, you know, going in with the expectation of being number one. But what you're playing 60 games in a season at a club like Arsenal, Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League cup, and so I think he'd get his fair share of game time and that wasn't really something that Arsenal were willing to hand out last season. Maybe there was not the faith in Neto that Arteta or Arsenal would have liked and it was a bit of a strange late transfer window signing Neto, wasn't it? It took up one of Arsenal's loan spots and maybe they look back at that with a little bit of regret. But yeah, this one does feel a fit. And, and I don't think Kepa, despite having, you know, ambitions of his own, I don't want to disrespect him. I don't think he's going to come in aggressively to try and throw Rya out of the out of the net.

[Cam Jordan]

When pro defensive end Cam Jordan isn't running after quarterbacks, he's running his own businesses. He sat down with Microsoft's Jessica Hawk to learn how AI can help as a football player.

[Jessica Hawke]

We're really focused on the X's and nos. It's fun because it's a strategy game as well, and I think that transitions well into the business world.

[Microsoft AI Expert]

There's so much data underlying every single thing that you're doing in your business and having a way to unify all that data. This is like electricity. This is a major platform shift and I think we're all learning together.

[Cam Jordan]

Ready to raise your AI game? Find your winning edge at Microsoft.com challengers.

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[Ayo Akinwalere]

You're listening to the Athletic FC podcast with IO Akinwalere.

[David Ornstein]

Let's talk about other Arsenal transfer news. The big one what's happening with Benjamin Shesco what's happening to Victor Gjokares? I mean that number nine spot is still the one that's eluding Arsenal and you, everyone in the football. Well, I said Premier League at least is wondering what's going to happen this season. Are they going to start another season without a star striker?

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Now Arsenal are working on that critical position every day and it's something that is so important that they can't sort of rush it. And these things are not as simple maybe as we in the public and the media might think or want to imagine. And they've got to get this right. It's been the big question, isn't it then Arsenal number nine is almost like a bigger talking point than football, full stop. And it's a boring answer, but it's ongoing. They'll be assessing their options. You know, we know Sesko and Jokeress and Watkins are high among them and there will be so many different factors involved on the pitch, off the pitch, football financial, transfer fee structure within the transfer fee, add ons bonuses, player salary, add ons bonuses, within that, agent commissions and then the factors of how that person blends into their team. Whether it's more important to sign a player who can hit the ground running immediately and help Arsenal fulfill their aim of winning in the short term or whether it's more of a long term view. I think there seems to be this sort of consensus around football that if they decide to go for the more long term view, obviously you take the, the sort of investment which is a younger player, but then the numbers have to be right of course, because if you're signing somebody with more of an eye on the future, then you might not want to be paying sort of Hollywood prices. Now listen, we see the reports about some conversations, dialogue with, with RB Leipzig, with the representatives of, of Sesko and that's normal, right? That's what you're meant to do. I'd be more surprised if Arsenal weren't exploring all of that sort of stuff and the numbers, release clauses, gentlemen's agreements, payment terms, etc. And similar with jokers, with Watkins and you know, we're not aware of other candidates of course. Mikel Arteta for a long time had his eye on Alexander Isak, but that one as we've reported consistently doesn't appear to be one that can develop based on Newcastle having no interest in selling. And if they did, the price would be incredibly high for the transfer fee, for the salary and so on. And it feels like it has come down to a really small Pool of options, but yeah, you can't really put a timescale on. I'm sure Arsenal will want to make developments this week, next week, you know, as soon as possible. But a lot of work goes into this sort of thing and we clearly don't have a conclusion just yet.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, something that's crossed my mind, Duncan is actually what about talk about number nine, but I'm thinking cover first one like Bukayo, Saka perhaps a wide forward. I know names like Rodrigo have been sort of thrown in. Kudu, another name that's been thrown in across the media. I mean, is that actually a pending position that Arsenal actually do need reinforcement in?

[Duncan Alexander]

Yeah, I think so. I mean, obviously Saka is the star man, really. I mean, but he's played almost 15,000 minutes of football in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, which is the most of any player in that time period, which is obviously December 2019 to now, any of any player. So he's still age under 25 and he's kind of handled it pretty well. But obviously we saw last season that finally his hamstring gave up and it was a long road back for him to come back from that. And I think on the other flank it was obviously a kind of mixed season for Martinelli. He also had a hamstring injury. And Trossard both have got valuable skill sets to offer. I think Trossard sort of close up dribbling and creativity and then Martinelli with his pace. But I think if Arsenal could get a player who kind of combines both those factors, I think that would obviously enhance their attacking play. It would obviously free up players elsewhere in the same way that Zubamendi would do. Rodrigo's obviously the kind of headline name I think there and probably is maybe the most rounded, but someone like Nico Williams would be very much a sort of, you know, Martinelli superpowered version, I guess in terms of like finishing and sort of just directness. So in some ways it's, it's very much a work in progress, isn't it? In some ways the striker might inform who, who makes most sense out on the left going forward. So I mean this is why it's both a confusing time but exciting time for fans. You want to see who and how your team will line up next season and we will do in a, in a couple of months. But yeah, I think it's basically making that attacking jigsaw more, more functional for Arteta because yeah, defensively out of possession, Arsenal are probably the best team in the world. But some of their attacks do fall down, particularly against sort of low block teams. I think that did cost them in the Premier League on numerous occasions last year and did sort of stymie their title charge. So yeah, it's a. It's kind of the area Arteta has to fix this summer and then they can push for the title next season.

[David Ornstein]

Quickly on that, David then, before Duncan has to go. Any news on people like Rodrigo or maybe Indico Williams. As we've spoken about in the past, that wide forward position surely is an area that Arsenal will be looking at as well.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Number nine is Arsenal's first priority, but not far off that is this wide player and you would imagine nominally to the left, but it's not impossible that somebody comes in who could play on both sides. That's why you had somebody like Leroy Sane who was of interest, who can kind of operate on both wings. He's heading to Galatasaray. Arsenal were keen on him, don't think he was their top priority. And that's why maybe they were taking a bit of time and Leroy Sane decided that he wanted to move on quicker, which is totally understandable. And there were other suitors in for him as well. I don't think there is anyone much higher in their thinking in terms of what we've seen over the last more than a year, I think than Nico Williams and we need to pay close attention to that situation because, you know, although it seems that he has been linked with moves Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, others for such a long time now and always stayed at Athletic Bilbao, that doesn't mean that that can't change. And we did report, I think it was in January, that Williams might be more open to a move in the summer of 2025 than he was previously. There are complications around the release clause needing to be paid in one go in and around 60 million euros. High salary now and an even higher expectation, which is a complicating factor, especially when so many clubs are trying to bring their wage bill down. But then you have somebody that clearly also has admirers inside Arsenal. Rodrigo, however, you know, the noises are that he has to have a conversation first with Xabi Alonso, understand where he fits into plans at Real Madrid. If there is a possibility of a departure, there'll be many clubs in for him, I'm sure. No doubt Arsenal would would look at the situation. But what about the financ finances involved? Transfer fee, salary, commissions and so on. That one actually, if you look at the Williams initial outlay of the transfer release clause and salary, somebody Like Rodrigo could be more cost effective in the immediate term in terms of being able to do installments or whatever than in the longer term if the transfer fee's higher. But this is all hypothetical at this moment in time. Like admiration is very different from a move developing and I think our colleague Mario Cortegana has, has reported that Mikel Arteta loves this player. So, yeah, we clearly need to keep an eye on that. Anthony Gordon is, is a player that I've mentioned for a long time now that there's also a lot of affection for inside Arsenal. But again, it doesn't mean there's some move happening here or that a move will happen. It's just they like him and they'll have have other options too. Of course, Brian and Burmo was looked at. He plays more to the right, so it would possibly be competition for Bukayo Saka. But his preference, as we revealed, joined Manchester United and they're in talks with Brentford to see if they can reach an agreement. I don't expect that to come back round for the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle, other suitors right now. Let's see if that changes. But the direction of travel currently is Manchester United. So this is really a situation that Arsenal are sort of actively working on after the number nine and I would expect somebody to come in this summer, but there's a long time ahead and I'm not going to try and be so wise as to predict who it might be. But they do need to look at contracts as well, so it's not a quiet time at the Emirates. Off the top of my head. Saka Saliba priorities. But you've also got like a Ethan Namweri who needs to be addressed too. So not a small amount on the in tray of Andrea Berta and company.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, for sure. All right, Duncan, I know you gotta go, but thanks for joining us. And more to come from David as well.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Cheers. Dun.

[Cam Jordan]

When pro defensive end Cam Jordan isn't running after quarterbacks, he's running his own businesses. He sat down with Microsoft's Jessica Hawk to learn how AI can help as a football player.

[Jessica Hawke]

We're really focused on the X's and nos. It's fun because it's a strategy game as well and I think that transitions well into the business world.

[Microsoft AI Expert]

There's so much data underlying every single thing that you're doing in your business and having a way to unify all that data. This is like electricity. This is a major platform shift and I think we're all learning together.

[Cam Jordan]

Ready to raise your AI game find your winning edge at Microsoft.com challengers.

[Modelo Advertiser]

If you want to know how to fan the football way, ask the fans with the Modela only they know when to show up for the game and what to bring and that every win is best celebrated with a model. Modelo, the Cerveza for football Drink responsibly Beer imported by Crowning Port Chicago, Illinois.

[Workday Advertiser]

When you're a forward thinker, the only thing you're afraid of is business as usual.

[Cam Jordan]

Workday is the AI platform that transforms the way you manage your people and money today so you can transform tomorrow. Workday moving business forever forward.

[David Ornstein]

Okay, well, Manchester United have made an opening offer that valued Umbuella at 45 million plus 10 million in add ons which Brentford rejected. Now you've spoken about Mbuemo already, David. Are United prepared to make a second bid? But more importantly, do they have the money? It hasn't been a great season for them.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah, we revealed the opening bid and from then on I don't know if it's bids or just an ongoing conversation. And of course the numbers change as they go. Like in any of these situations. They want to sign him, those discussions are ongoing, he wants to join them, which was was clear and it's how the ball really got rolling on this situation. And it doesn't sound like he's for turning so it's a great opportunity there for Manchester United but Brentford aren't just going to roll over. Understandably so he's got two years left on his contract, but that's made up of 12 months and then an option to extend. So it puts Brentford in a strong position. But of course Most clubs with 24 months left decide to either renew the player or sell. It doesn't look like a renewal's on the cards, so perhaps a sale does materialise. We'll keep across that one. Manchester United had the money in place without needing sales for Matthias Cunha. £62.5 million. It was a release clause. It seems that Brentford are trying to get around that figure, maybe a bit more for a player named Beaumont who has superior statistics at least last season to Matthias Kuna, although Cunha had longer left on a new contract that he just signed. So there's so many things to weigh up here. They also have money in place for for a second signing that was initially going to be Liam Delap he chose for Chelsea. That would have been a 30 million pound release clause. So Mburmo would be higher. But clearly the finances were in place for those first Two signings. So can they stretch to that being Cunha and Mburmo like it was going to be? Cunha and Dilap had no reason to suggest they can't. Obviously, if the price that Brentford asked for goes so high, they're going to have to sort of consider things very carefully. Manchester United. But you know, there is resource there. And after these initial two deals, that's the point at which we're being led to believe that sales will be required. And we know the candidates, the likes of Rashford and Sancho and Anthony and Malacia and Garnacho. Let's see what happens with other players such as Casemiro and Anna Kobbie Mainoo. I think they would like to continue with him, but there's a contract situation there, so a lot to sort out. And then Manchester United, of course, haven't filled that number nine role either, post de lap. And so been heavily linked with a player we've already talked about, Victor Jocheris, but let's see what develops. I'm sure they'll be looking at a number of options and trying to make the finances work. There's a lot that's been written on the Athletic by my colleagues about how Manchester United are financing their ambitions this summer, and we're assured that they're confident of complying with FFP this year and next year. I'm not going to go into the detail of it now. I would urge people to go and have a read of it. There seems to be, despite Manchester United lacking European football and all the strife they've been going through, all the cost cutting and redundancies, et cetera, there is some money to play with and that means it will be a pretty busy summer at Old Trafford.

[David Ornstein]

Okay, let's move on. Well, because on Saturday Liverpool submitted an improved offer of 130 million doll, 34 million euros to sign Florian Vert from Bayern Leverkusen. Okay, what have been the development on that one? Because if this one goes through, wow, what a player Liverpool have got.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah, Every expectation is that this will be completed. It's on track. And the negotiations between Liverpool and Busen are really at the final stages and they're in contact daily to try and reach an agreement. Florian Wirtz was always going to be a player who was arguably going to be one of the biggest transfers of the entire market. And it may well now materialize like that because it felt like the end of a cycle by Leverkusen and maybe the right time for him to leave following obviously Jeremy Frimpong and Xabi Alonso most notably. There was an assumption that Germany's number 10 playmaker would end up going to Bayern Munich and they did want to do it it. Manchester City then came into the frame and the word coming out of the Etihad stadium was that they weren't prepared to meet the finances involved. Others have said it was Vert who chose that his future lay elsewhere. Maybe it was a bit of both. And you know we reported that his, his decision, his preference was was Liverpool and that they were ready to push hard and above what they've ever done before which would, would take them to a club record outlay. If the figures that is trending towards are going to be realized it will be the biggest sale in German history. Asking price is said to be 150 million euros. Liverpool are adamant that they're not going to go to 150 million euros and that they'll reach an agreement at a, at a lower value. My understanding is that all this is onto now is really the, the, the structure of the deal. The, the add ons bonuses, the payment terms and a huge portion around 100 million pounds is going to be guaranteed and that's not insignificant. And then the add ons after that have still got to complete the whole package. But you know there's already reports of agreements being reached. The word coming out of all the parties involved was not quite there. But no suggestion that this isn't going to happen. To the contrary every suggestion that it is and they're going through these last hurdles and then as and when they can presumably they'll get him over for a medical and complete what would be a box office signing. You know we're going to get the popcorn out as always IO and feast on, on, on Florian Virt because he's such a talent for club and country. At the same time Manchester City bringing in a similar playmaker for far lower financial outlay in Rayan Turkey so bodes well for the Premier League next season.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, this is both sweet and salty popcorn for me because honestly like if, if Liverpool get verts, goodness me, who knows what the Premier League's going to look like next season. Right, very quickly Kirkes, what's going on with that? And also if they do manage to secure, secure Frimpong Wirt and Kirkez in one window, what a window for Liverpool. But is that them done spending as well?

[Ayo Akinwalere]

Yeah, Kirk has remains an ongoing situation. He was top of their wish list for a left back for quite some time and they've just got to reach an agreement with with Bournemouth. I think the player part is absolutely fine. He's very enthusiastic about joining Liverpool but Bournemouth want what 45 million pounds and doesn't sound like they're there yet but there's no expectation that it's not going to happen. I think it is again we just need to let these things play out and. And then he'll be another impressive recruit to Anfield. So yeah you say Frimpong Kirkes Wirtz. It's not a bad start. I think you could see a striker come in number nine position if Darwin Nunes leaves and I reported in recent days that Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League contacted Liverpool made an inquiry to understand the conditions of a potential Darwin Nunes move. I think the word that came back was very clearly that we turned down 70 million euros from Al Nassr in the January transfer window and so that's the sort of level that they would expect. Darwin Nunes goal scoring record is not bad at all and especially if you compare him to some other number nines forwards in the Premier League and around Europe. But clearly the move hasn't worked out as spectacularly as all parties would have hoped for and we do think there's a very good chance that a sale will come about about. So who would then Liverpool bring in? Well we'll have to see. We know that Liverpool are among the teams that have held admiration for Alexander Isak but we think that he's going to be staying at Newcastle. We've seen them linked to the likes of Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt and there'll be other options if indeed they are going to dip into the market again Other stuff will depend on potential outgoings. What happens with Luis Diaz? Does he leave Liverpool? Certainly they're planning with him and they've tried to sort of quell the noise around potential departures but. But there is a situation there because there's two years to go on his contract and he's not had a new one since joining from Porto in January I think 2022. Barcelona have inquired about him as I reported recently and were given a very clear pushback. They were rebuffed but he continues to be linked with them with the Saudi Pro League. They were another team who pursued Dean Howson of Bournemouth. So does that show that they're looking to recruit at centre half or was that just seen as a market opportunity? Ibrahima Konatek approaching or going into the last 12 months of his contract with no news on a new deal. So does he get sold does he go into that final 12 months like other players have at Liverpool over the last year? They've got the goalkeeping situation with Kellehern now gone to Brentford and Mama Dashvili coming in to presumably rival Alisson. What happens with Harvey Elliott because he didn't play much last season and he has a lot of admirers out there. So I do think there are still plenty of moving parts at Liverpool and it'll be fascinating to see how it all fits together as they look to launch their title defence.

[David Ornstein]

Yeah, fantastic. All right, let's leave it there at the end of the very small transfer window ahead of the Club World cup, but please do keep your eyes on the deal sheet all across the Athletic over the next few weeks for more from David and others as well. That is it from us. Thanks, David. Thanks Duncan. Thank you so much for listening. We'll be back on Friday. We'll catch you then.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

You've been listening to the Athletic FC Podcast.

[Cam Jordan]

The producers were Guy Clark, Mike Stavroo and Jay Beale. The executive producer was Ailey Moorhead.

[Ayo Akinwalere]

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[Ayo Akinwalere]

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