Diomande signs for Real Madrid and five transfers that could be completed this week

Updated: 28 Jul 2026 06:55 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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The transfer market has veritably exploded over the past week, with several monumental transfers currently being discussed.

Most notably, Real Madrid have hijacked PSG's proposed signing of Yan Diomande, the fallout of which could have major consequences for the transfer windows of Arsenal and Liverpool, who are both keen on Bradley Barcola.

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The Gunners, meanwhile, are also considering Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr as a potential option, although this transfer will only advance if the Brazilian can't agree terms on a new contract with his current club.

Los Blancos are very much the protagonists right now, given that they are working on a transfer for Man City midfielder Rodri as well. Not to be outdone, however, Chelsea are also making headlines.

The Blues have opened talks with two incredibly surprising targets, and both deals could be finalised within the next few days. So, let's look at five transfers that could be completed this week.

Yan Diomande - RB Leipzig to Real Madrid

Let's start with the most obvious one. As mentioned above, Yan Diomande appears to be heading to Real Madrid rather than PSG. He had terms in place with the latter and picked them as his preferred club earlier this summer, but the Parisians deemed the financial package required to sign him excessive.

This allowed Real Madrid to swoop in, and there is now a firm expectation that this deal will get done - despite Leipzig's preference to keep him. The Bundesliga side won't turn their nose up at a club-record sale, which is what Diomande will become.

Some reporters have jumped the gun and claimed that an agreement was already reached at the weekend, but at the time of writing, there has been no breakthrough regarding a transfer fee. This could come imminently, though, with Diomande expected to cost €120 million or more.

Danny Welbeck - Brighton to Chelsea

On Monday, reports surprisingly broke that Chelsea had begun exploring a move for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. Yes, that Danny Welbeck - the 35-year-old former Man Utd and Arsenal striker.

Chelsea have shifted their transfer strategy this summer, with new manager Xabi Alonso desperate to add experience to his young team. Having seen an approach for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka rejected, the Blues have pivoted to Welbeck.

The striker only has a year left on his Brighton contract and is understood to be very keen on the move. This deal could therefore advance quickly and be completed before the week is out.

Jordan Henderson - Brentford to Chelsea

The same applies to former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has become Chelsea's like-for-like Xhaka alternative. The news of their interest also broke on Monday, and the player is keen, too.

What's more, because of the good relationship between Henderson and his current club Brentford, Chelsea could be allowed to sign the 36-year-old on a free transfer. They are leading the race for his signature, although Henderson also has suitors elsewhere.

The England star is currently nursing a broken arm, which he suffered at the World Cup, but he made 22 starts for Brentford last season, which suggests that he won't just be a cheerleader at Chelsea once he returns to full fitness.

John Stones - Man City to Inter

John Stones' contract at Man City has expired, and he has become one of the most sought-after free agents in the business, despite his injury record. The 32-year-old is known to be a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.

However, the England centre-back appears to be on his way to Italy. He has been approached by Juventus and Inter, and it is the latter who are expected to sign him on a two-year contract.

News broke on Monday evening in Italy that Stones had verbally agreed to join the reigning Serie A champions. Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi left Inter earlier this summer, necessitating the signing of a new centre-back.

James Trafford - Man City to Leeds

Leeds agreed a club-record deal to sign Man City goalkeeper James Trafford on Monday evening, with the England international set to leave the Etihad for a second time after a nightmare 12 months.

Re-signed by City last summer, Trafford was replaced in the same transfer window when Gianluigi Donnarumma became available and subsequently had to make do with a backup role. Heading into this summer, it was clear that he would make a quick exit again.

Newcastle were long-standing admirers, but they left the race to sign him after he made it clear that he wanted to join Leeds. The Elland Road outfit will pay at least €47 million for the shot-stopper, which is a record fee for an English goalkeeper.