Transfer Rumours: Arsenal step up €100m striker chase as Man Utd battle 'escalates'

6 Oct 2026 07:00 CDT 3 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 6 October, including the latest updates on Pio Esposito, Finn Jeltsch and Alex Scott.

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Arsenal's Esposito mission

Arsenal scouts watched Inter striker Pio Esposito in action for Italy last week, TEAMtalk claims.

The 21-year-old remains firmly on the Gunners' radar and is expected to be a strong option for them in 2027 when they will look to sign a new centre-forward. Arsenal already enquired about Esposito earlier this year.

Inter had no intention of entertaining offers and would only have reconsidered their stance for a fee in the region of €100 million. They proceeded to hand the young striker a new contract with a bumper salary.

Jeltsch battle heats up

Barcelona and AC Milan are among the clubs interested in Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch, Sacha Tavolieri reports.

A centre-back who can also play at right-back, the 20-year-old has become one of the most in-demand players in the Bundesliga and was part of the Germany squad during this international break. Man Utd have been linked with him for several weeks.

Stuttgart don't want to sell Jeltsch in January, and the youngster is happy to stay for the whole season. However, the situation could "escalate" if he continues to perform at a high level.

Chelsea lead Scott race

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, The Telegraph understands.

The England international is the Blues' top midfield target heading into 2027, although he is now expected to miss two months of action after suffering an injury on Three Lions duty.

Chelsea already attempted to sign Scott this summer, and they will likely return for him next year. Despite interest from various other big-hitters, the Stamford Bridge outfit are considered the favourites to sign the 23-year-old.

Fernandes wants to stay at Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes has told INEOS that he wants to stay at Man Utd, Dean Jones writes.

The Red Devils captain's current deal expires in 2027, though they hold an option to extend it until 2028. Nevertheless, sorting a new deal is becoming an increasingly pressing priority amid unrelenting interest from Saudi Arabia and European suitors.

His age is also a complicating factor. At 32, Fernandes' time at the elite level is likely coming to an end soon, raising questions about how much longer Man Utd should keep him. He is likely to receive plenty of offers next summer unless a contract agreement is reached beforehand.

Madueke attracting interest

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is fielding interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus, The Telegraph has confirmed.

The 24-year-old is struggling for minutes this season and has yet to start in the Premier League, which has cost him his place in the England squad and raised questions about his future.

Champions League clubs are already exploring whether a mid-season loan could be feasible, and the interest in Madueke is only expected to increase should his game time not increase in the next few weeks.