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Analysis
- 22 minutes ago
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea prepare €100m Anderson bid as 'gentleman's agreement' revealed
Cameron Smith
- 20 Mar 2026 13:14 GMT
- 8 min read
News
FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 20 March, including the latest updates on Elliot Anderson and Bruno Guimaraes.
Elliot Anderson bid
Chelsea are reportedly ready to rival Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Blues have begun identifying possible replacements for Enzo Fernandez, amid speculation he could depart, and they have earmarked Anderson as a top candidate for the role, according to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes.
Man City are understood to be the frontrunners for his signature this summer, with some reports claiming that a deal is close to being finalised, while Man Utd are also eager to sign him amid their pursuit of a Casemiro replacement.
However, according to Fichajes, Chelsea are ready to rival the two Manchester clubs by submitting a €100 million offer for his services.
The Blues are reportedly confident of winning the race for Anderson this summer and they are willing to offer him a prominent role at Stamford Bridge in an attempt to bring him to west London ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Current ETV
Elliot Anderson
M, DM (C)
N. Forest
Elliot Anderson
M, DM (C)
N. Forest
ETV Range
€42.9M - €52.4M
Bruno Guimaraes ‘gentleman’s agreement’
Manchester United target Bruno Guimaraes reportedly has a “gentleman’s agreement” to leave Newcastle United if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, although this may not be legally enforceable.
The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a St James’ Park exit in recent days and rumours have suggested that his representatives are in advanced talks with Man Utd regarding a potential summer switch.
Furthermore, speaking to The United Stand, transfer expert Ben Jacobs admitted: “There is, not that it’s always legally enforceable, a verbal gentleman’s agreement allowing Bruno Guimaraes to explore options for clubs that have Champions League football if Newcastle United don’t have Champions League football.”
Given the current UEFA coefficient, the Premier League is once again expected to be given five spots in the Champions League next season and Newcastle, who are ninth, are seven points behind Liverpool in fifth place.
As a result, they are currently set to miss out on qualification for Europe’s elite club competition, which could open the door for Guimaraes to depart if Newcastle honour their “gentleman’s agreement.”
Arsenal want Christian Kofane
Arsenal are reportedly eager to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane this summer following his performances against the Gunners in the Champions League.
Kofane has scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 38 appearances across all competitions so far this season and although he failed to find the back of the net across two legs versus Arsenal, he proved to be a real handful for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
After watching the Cameroon international up close, Arsenal have now added him to their list of summer transfer targets, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
It’s claimed that Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on Kofane’s development at Leverkusen, but Arsenal are keen to win the race for his signature as they view him as a perfect signing for Mikel Arteta.
Celtic eye Lorent Tolaj
Celtic are interested in signing Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj during the upcoming summer transfer window, it has been confirmed.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign at Home Park, following his arrival from Port Vale for a fee of €1.4 million in August, and his form has attracted significant transfer interest from clubs in England and Scotland.
Tolaj has scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions since joining Plymouth, and he has been tentatively linked with a move to Celtic in recent months.
This has now been confirmed by Football Insider, who report that Tolaj has been added to the Hoops’ summer wishlist as they look to bring a new striker to Celtic Park ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Man Utd to reject Marcus Rashford loan
Manchester United are reportedly set to reject Barcelona’s bid to re-sign Marcus Rashford on another loan deal this summer.
Rumours in the Spanish media suggest that newly re-elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta is keen to bring Rashford back to the club on another loan deal, rather than trigger the €30m buy clause.
However, Man Utd will reject a second loan deal, according to The Mirror.
It’s reported that Man Utd have no intention of sending Rashford on another loan spell away from the club, and Barcelona will therefore be required to pay the €30m buy option clause if they want him in their first-team squad next season.
If the Blaugrana opt against finalising a permanent deal, The Mirror report that Man Utd would be prepared to sell Rashford to the highest bidder this summer.
In fact, the Red Devils reportedly believe they could offload the England forward for close to €58m (£50m) if Barcelona decide against agreeing a deal, as his form in La Liga has increased his value in the market.
Transfer Rumour Round-Up
Liverpool and Man Utd are among the clubs interested in signing Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. (CaughtOffside)
Chelsea currently have no plans to sack Liam Rosenior, despite the club’s humiliating Champions League exit to PSG. (Football Insider)
Como are ready to sell Nicolas Kuhn this summer, just one year after his arrival at the club from Celtic. (Tuttomercatoweb)
Brentford defender Nathan Collins has emerged as a genuine transfer target for Man Utd. (TEAMtalk)
Chelsea are keeping close tabs on AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mateus Mane ahead of this summer. (CaughtOffside)
Real Madrid are in talks with Antonio Rudiger over a new contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of June. (Marca)
Crystal Palace are ready to submit an initial offer worth €70m for Inter Milan superstar Nicolo Barella. (Fichajes)
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer Rumours: Man Utd in ‘advanced talks’ as Romano confirms Enzo Fernandez plan
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Pau Cubarsi wanted as summer plan revealed
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Next €100m target revealed as talks confirmed
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Offer prepared for €120m superstar as Rosenior makes decision
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