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TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea agree deal as Man Utd hijack confirmed
Cameron Smith
- 17 Oct 2025 15:40 BST
- 7 min read
News
The transfer window doesn’t open again until 1 January, but clubs across world football are already planning their mid-season business and bombshell rumours continue to be spread.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through some of the biggest rumours of the day.
Chelsea deal agreed
Chelsea wonderkid Reggie Walsh is set to sign his first professional contract at the club next week.
The Cobham academy graduate will put pen to paper on a pre-agreed deal when he turns 17 years old on Monday, as per The Daily Mail, with the Blues eager to tie him down to a long-term contract as soon as possible.
Walsh became Chelsea’s youngest ever starter in a European competition when he was surprisingly included in their starting XI to face Djurgarden in the Europa Conference League semi-final second-leg in 2024-25 and he has already made three senior appearances for his boyhood club.
Man Utd hijack revealed
Liam Delap’s proposed move from Ipswich Town to Manchester United this summer was reportedly “90% done” before Chelsea hijacked the deal.
As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers back in February, Chelsea identified Delap as their priority centre forward target for this summer, however Man Utd soon overtook the Blues in the race to land his signature.
Delap was expected to become the Red Devils’ marquee centre forward signing this summer and The Daily Mail have now revealed that a move was even “90% done” before Chelsea hijacked the transfer by triggering his €35.5 million (£30m) relegation release clause.
Current ETV
Liam Delap
F (C), AM (R)
Chelsea
Liam Delap
F (C), AM (R)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€18.1M - €22.1M
Carlos Baleba to Man Utd?
Bryan Mbeumo is reportedly attempting to convince Cameroon international team-mate Carlos Baleba to join Manchester United next year.
Mbeumo, 26, moved to Old Trafford from Brentford in July and he is now aiming to persuade close friend Baleba to follow in his footsteps in 2026 after a deal for the Brighton star collapsed this summer.
That is according to a bombshell report from The Sun, who claim that “Mbeumo has been sharing the delights of joining a mammoth club like United and is like a big brother to 21-year-old Baleba.”
Chelsea chase Barcelona star
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona defender Eric Garcia during the January transfer window.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been linked with a number of centre-backs over the past few weeks and they have earmarked Garcia as a crucial target amid a current defensive injury crisis at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard is into the final year of his current contract at Camp Nou and although Barcelona are locked in talks over a new deal, Chelsea are eager to pounce by agreeing a transfer in January, according to a surprise report from TBR Football.
Nico Williams to Liverpool?
Liverpool have reportedly rekindled their interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as they look to bolster their attack with further reinforcements in 2026.
The 23-year-old was expected to leave San Mames this summer, amid significant interest from both Arsenal and Barcelona, but he ultimately decided to reject a transfer away in favour of signing a lucrative new contract at Athletic Club.
However, Liverpool have now re-emerged as possible suitors for the winger. That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that Arne Slot’s side plan to approach Athletic Club with a €75 million offer next year.
Exclusive: Everton star wanted by clubs across Europe
FootballTransfers has been told that teams across Spain and Italy have been monitoring the situation surrounding Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko, whose deal is set to expire next summer.
Everton are understood to have an option to extend Mykolenko’s contract for a further year, meaning they are not in danger of losing him on a free transfer, and they are intending to keep hold of the 26-year-old.
But, should a significant offer come in, Everton could cash in on the Ukraine international despite their desire to tie him down to a fresh deal in the near future.
Other Transfer Rumours
Enzo Maresca would be eager to bring Andrey Santos with him to Juventus if he leaves Chelsea to join the Serie A giants. (JuveLive)
Brendan Rodgers is increasingly likely to leave his role as Celtic head coach when his current contract expires next summer. (talkSPORT)
Arsenal have no intention of sanctioning a loan deal for Ethan Nwaneri in January, despite his lack of game time so far this season. (Graeme Bailey)
Current ETV
Ethan Nwaneri
M (C), F (R)
Arsenal
Ethan Nwaneri
M (C), F (R)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€67.2M - €82.1M
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is the subject of significant transfer interest from Liverpool. (Christian Falk)
Newcastle United are almost certain to pursue a move for former star Elliot Anderson next summer. (The Daily Mail)
Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea amid his impressive form in Brazil. (Fichajes)
Newcastle have reached an agreement to sign 15-year-old Barnsley defender Josh Kenchington for £350,000, plus significant bonuses. (Sky Sports)
Football transfer news headlines today
Mikel Arteta agrees to sell €50m Arsenal star in January
Amorim admits transfer mistake as Man Utd deal heats up
Confirmed: Chelsea AGREE contract with record-breaking wonderkid
Man Utd STUNNED as Man City plot €86m move for Amorim's dream target
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