Transfer Rumours: Christopher Nkunku talks as €45m Arsenal decision made

Updated: 14 Aug 2026 20:56 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 15 August, including the latest updates on Christopher Nkunku, Gabriel Martinelli and Josh Acheampong.

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Barcelona open Nkunku talks

Barcelona have made contact with the representatives of out-of-favour AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku, according to L'Equipe.

The former Chelsea attacker has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Rossoneri after a disappointing debut season at the San Siro. The Serie A giants want to trim down their squad and have informed Nkunk that he is not part of Ruben Amorim's plans.

Barcelona are long-standing admirers and have approached his camp amid their ongoing search for replacements for Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Milan could sanction a loan exit, which has also attracted the attention of Borussia Dortmund and Nkunku's former club RB Leipzig.

Arsenal still open to Martinelli offers

Arsenal remain open to offers for Gabriel Martinelli despite the winger's decision to turn down a move to Galatasaray, The Athletic reports.

The Istanbul club made a formal €45 million offer for the Brazil international, but the player has informed Galatasaray and Arsenal that he does not wish to move to Turkey at this stage of his career.

It is unclear whether Arsenal would have accepted the offer. What is clear, though, is that they remain open to potentially trading Martinelli if suitable bids were to materialise this summer.

Lampard wants Acheampong

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard wants to sign Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, as per talkSPORT.

The 20-year-old has been deemed "untouchable" by Chelsea, but there is an acceptance that he needs regular minutes to develop, which could make a loan move a possibility. Coventry would be open to doing that.

Any permanent deal for the versatile defender looks to be a non-starter, with Chelsea retaining the faith that Acheampong can become a guaranteed starter in the future.

Sancho wants to leave England

Former Man Utd winger Jadon Sancho favours a move abroad this summer, the BBC understands.

The 26-year-old is a free agent after the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford. Sancho failed to justify the €85m Man Utd had invested in him and spent the final two-and-a-half years of his contract out on loan, most recently at Aston Villa.

Sancho is still assessing all of his options, but it is believed that he would prefer to leave England as part of his next move. His former club Borussia Dortmund have been linked on and off with him this summer.

Matanovic on Man Utd's radar

Man Utd and Tottenham have "discussed" a potential move for SC Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic, Ben Jacobs states.

The towering Croatia international is coming off an impressive debut season at Freiburg, bagging 15 goals across all competitions, including three in the club's historic run to the Europa League final. He then made three appearances for his country at the World Cup.

Man Utd view Matanovic as a potential replacement for Joshua Zirkzee. However, despite strong interest from Juventus, there is no guarantee that the Netherlands international leaves the Red Devils this summer.

More transfer rumours

Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City have all shown an interest in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. (Mundo Deportivo)

Como have approached Chelsea over a potential deal for Liam Delap. (Fabrizio Romano)

Inter held talks with the agent of Pio Esposito on Friday in order to agree a new contract amid interest from Arsenal and Man Utd. (Nicolo Schira)

Barcelona could make a move for Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez if their pursuit of Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez fails. (Fabrizio Romano)

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa wants to join Arsenal, and a move is "99% done." (Football Insider)

Tottenham are in "very concrete talks" with Cody Gakpo and have made formal contact with Liverpool over a deal. (Sky Germany)

Chelsea forward Omari Kellyman looks likely to join Strasbourg on a permanent deal with a buy-back clause. (Ben Jacobs)