Transfer rumours: Chelsea in concrete talks as Arsenal fight for Declan Rice 2.0

Robin Bairner

• 11 Mar 2026 12:01 CDT
• 4 min read

News

All the latest transfer rumours and gossip, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all making moves for Bundesliga prospects, while Manchester United have made a big call over Marcus Rashford.

Chelsea move for El Mala

Chelsea are progressing to sign Said El Mala from Koln, with the Bundesliga’s hottest teenage star tipped to follow in the footsteps of Florian Wirtz.

El Mala has recently changed agents in light of Premier League interest, with the youngster having a price tag of €50 million put round his neck by his club.

The attacker’s relationship with Koln head coach Lukas Kwasnick is strained, and this in turn could prompt a summer move.

Chelsea have entered the market as major protagonists and have engaged in concrete talks, though PSG, AC Milan, Dortmund and Bayern are all interested.

Arsenal step up chase for Manzambi

Arsenal are chasing Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, who has been dubbed ‘Declan Rice 2.0’.

The 20-year-old is another major breakout Bundesliga talent this season, having established himself impressively in Freiburg’s ranks.

As well as interest from the Gunners, Chelsea are keeping close tabs on the player, who has been tipped as an excellent replacement for Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United.

Manzambi is under contract with his current side until 2030.

Liverpool move ahead for Diomande

Liverpool are seeking to steal a march on their rivals to sign 19-year-old RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande.

The winger has been in electric form this term for Leipzig, and scouts from the Reds have watched each of his last four games, during which he has provided a goal or an assist.

Interestingly, Liverpool’s move for Diomande is not thought to be tied to the future of Mohamed Salah, who is tipped to leave the club in the summer.

Rashford faces transfer limbo: Man Utd don’t want him

Marcus Rashford faces potential limbo in the summer if Barcelona do not sign him as Manchester United are not willing to welcome him back to Old Trafford.

Barca are shortlisting alternatives for the transfer market in case they decide against signing the England star, despite having agreed personal terms with him.

Man Utd, meanwhile, see him as a sellable asset and don’t plan to retain him if no deal with Barcelona is found.

Transfer rumour round up

Arsenal and Barcelona are embroiled in a battle for Dortmund star Julian Brandt. (Read More)

Chelsea don’t want to sell Liam Delap in the summer, despite the striker’s struggles. (The Mirror)

Juventus have opened talks with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who will be a free agent in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Man Utd and Man City are both tracking Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. (Football Italia)

Liverpool are casting their eyes on Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins, who is also wanted by Arsenal. (The Mirror)

Roma defender Evan Ndicka has emerged as a target for Barcelona, Man Utd and Tottenham. (Nicolo Schira)