Transfer Rumours: Eli Kroupi confirmation as Chelsea 'ramp up' pursuit

24 Sept 2026 06:02 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Make us your Google favourite

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 24 September, including the latest updates on Eli Kroupi, Gjivai Zechiel and Alejandro Garnacho.

Article continues under the video

Arsenal still keen on Kroupi

Arsenal could make a move for Bournemouth forward Eli Kroupi next year, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Strengthening Mikel Arteta's forward options has become the club's main priority, and a striker signing is "expected" in 2027. Viktor Gyokeres could leave the club if a suitable offer arrives.

Kroupi is one of Arsenal's prime targets, but he has also been courted by Barcelona, Man City and PSG. A summer transfer is more likely than a mid-season move, especially since the youngster will only return from injury later this year.

Chelsea keen on Zechiel

Chelsea are "ramping up" their pursuit of Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiel, TEAMtalk claims.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a rip-roaring start to the new season after returning from a loan spell at Utrecht in the summer. Zechiel could have been sold, but he impressed Giovanni van Bronckhorst in pre-season and has since become an important starter and Netherlands international.

Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the playmaker's exploits, as are numerous other clubs. The Blues are showing a particularly strong interest as they need midfield reinforcements after failing to replace Enzo Fernandez.

Garnacho interest

Several LaLiga teams are keeping tabs on Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho, the Daily Mail reports.

The Argentine is currently on loan at Aston Villa, but there are growing concerns that they may not trigger his conditional purchase obligation. Garnacho has only played 31 minutes so far this season.

Teams from Spain are attentive to the Madrid-born winger's situation as Chelsea and Villa may look to cut his loan short in January. With Xabi Alonso having made it clear that Garnacho is not part of his plans, a mid-season sale could become a possibility.

Spurs to sign Matanovic?

© IMAGO - Igor Matanovic
Tottenham could make a move for SC Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic in January, Ben Jacobs understands.
The Croatia international was already considered a potential option in the summer, with Man Utd also having discussed him as a possible replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.
Tottenham could revisit Matanovic because there is a feeling that they need another striker and the 23-year-old is a very different profile to Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush. However, there is no guarantee that Freiburg will be open to a sale.

Branthwaite stance unchanged

Everton remain unwilling to entertain the sale of Jarrad Branthwaite, The Times writes.

After struggling with injuries in recent seasons, the 24-year-old is now fully fit again and has even returned to the England set-up. Naturally, this is also making him an attractive transfer target again.

Man Utd, who failed to sign him in 2024, are once again being linked with Branthwaite amid the uncertain futures of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro. Everton, though, do not want to lose him.

More transfer rumours

Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton are two of Chelsea's key midfield targets for 2027. (CaughtOffside)

Real Madrid are warming to the idea of allowing Endrick to leave on loan in January amid interest from Man Utd, AC Milan and Roma. (Calciomercato)

Kevin de Bruyne looks increasingly likely to leave Napoli next summer. (Nicolo Schira)

Brighton are the favourites to sign teenage Club Nacional defender Mauro Coronel. (TEAMtalk)

Chelsea are scouting 18-year-old Sevilla midfielder Nico Guillen. (Vamos Mi Sevilla)

Liverpool won't sell Florian Wirtz anytime soon, certainly not as early as January. (Christian Falk)

AS Roma and Napoli have joined Hull in the race for Frosinone winger Giorgi Kvernadze. (Nicolo Schira)

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton and Newcastle are monitoring Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl. (TEAMtalk)

Three Saudi clubs have enquired about Nottingham Forest left-back Cuiabano, who is currently on loan at Vasco da Gama with a purchase option. (Globo Esporte)