Latest transfer news and rumors: Leipzig could beat Bayern to Nkunku

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Top story: Nkunku open to Leipzig return

Both Chelsea and Christopher Nkunku want a permanent transfer this summer. Bayern Munich were instead pushing for an initial loan for the out-of-favor Chelsea forward, which stalled negotiations between the two clubs. Now, Bayern's unsuccessful advances have increased RB Leipzig's hopes of bringing Nkunku back on a permanent deal. The Frenchman is interested in returning to the club he left for Chelsea in 2023.

There's still some way to go until Leipzig secure Nkunku's comeback. The 27-year-old has drawn admiring glances from clubs in Germany, England, and Italy. Chelsea's valuation of Nkunku in January was around €75 million, but his new asking price is €50 million. (The Athletic)

Other rumors

Aug. 19

Unai's eyes on Nico: Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is a big fan of Nicolas Jackson, but the club can't pay over €60 million for the Chelsea striker while navigating financial restrictions. An initial loan deal is the likeliest solution. (The Telegraph)

Looking at Larsen: Newcastle United are considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Magpies' options are limited up front, with winger Anthony Gordon deputizing for the unsettled Alexander Isak in their league season opener. (The Athletic)

Romelu replacements: Napoli are seeking a striker following news of Romelu Lukaku's long-term injury. The Italian champions have contacted the representatives of Genk's Tolu Arokodare after approaching Manchester United about Rasmus Hojlund yesterday. (Fabrizio Romano)

Fede's fight: Federico Chiesa and his representatives have informed Liverpool that they won't entertain a transfer this summer. The Italian attacker wants to compete for a regular place in Arne Slot's team. (Fabrizio Romano)

Leeds can afford Okafor: Leeds United will sign Noah Okafor for up to €21 million from AC Milan. Okafor was subject of a failed transfer to RB Leipzig and spent time on loan at Napoli during his two years with the Rossoneri. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Getting rid of Rabiot: Marseille have told Adrien Rabiot's mother and agent, Veronique Rabiot, that her son is no longer wanted at the club. Coach Roberto De Zerbi has issues with the midfielder's work ethic. (RTL France)

Costly Costa: FC Porto are expected to turn down Galatasaray's €20 million plus add-ons offer for goalkeeper Diogo Costa. But it isn't necessarily over. The Turkish club is prepared to submit a bigger offer for Costa if it can't sign Manchester City's Ederson. (Sky Sport Germany)

Akanji can go: Galatasaray have contacted Manchester City to discuss signing Manuel Akanji. The Premier League club will let the Swiss defender leave if an interested club meets its valuation. (ESPN)

Bundesliga battle: Bayer Leverkusen have beaten Borussia Dortmund to acquire Claudio Echeverri. The Manchester City attacker, 19, will join Erik ten Hag's side on loan with an option to buy. (Sky Sport Germany)

Mexican moving: West Ham United and Fenerbahce have reached an agreement over the transfer of Edson Alvarez. The Mexico captain now needs to decide if he wants to join Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce. (Fabrizio Romano)

Aug. 18

Sancho rejects Roma: Manchester United were ready to accept Roma's offer worth around £20 million for Jadon Sancho, but the winger has informed the Italian side that he doesn't want to make the move. (Fabrizio Romano)

Man United change tack: Unable to land Carlos Baleba this summer, Manchester United have switched their focus to Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. The Red Devils are mulling an official offer. (talkSPORT)

Spurs present Eze offer: Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and Crystal Palace counterpart Steve Parish were in direct contact today about Eberechi Eze. Spurs are willing to offer £55 million up front, plus £5 million in add-ons to complete the deal. (Fabrizio Romano)

Gala keep trying: Negotiations between Galatasaray and Manchester City for goalkeeper Ederson continue. City have requested around €25 million after rejected the Turkish team's initial €10-million bid. The Brazilian netminder is keen on making the move. (Fabrizio Romano)

Napoli forced back into action: With Romelu Lukaku set to miss around three months due to a thigh injury, Serie A champions Napoli have contacted Manchester United about Rasmus Hojlund, who's also being tracked by AC Milan. (Matteo Moretto)

Frenkie's future: Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong still hasn't agreed to a contract extension with the Spanish champions. Now that he's entering the final year of his current deal, Arsenal are considering a move for the Dutch international. (Fichajes)

Chelsea told to look elsewhere: Chelsea identified Inter Milan center-back Alessandro Bastoni as the ideal signing in the wake of Levi Colwill's injury, but the Italian side rejected their €50-million offer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Juve keep their captain: Juventus turned down a €25-million bid for Manuel Locatelli from Al-Ahli. The Saudi side is now trying to sign Denis Zakaria from Monaco, with talks over contract terms ongoing. (Fabrizio Romano)

Aug. 17

Chelsea must be patient: Chelsea's summer spree, which has already seen them spend well over £200 million, is on hold. The Blues are still working to acquire both Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, but must sell players first. (Sky Sports)

Brazilian merry-go-round: Manchester City have identified Rodrygo as their top target should Savinho leave for Tottenham this summer. Despite other players being linked with City, the club's internal discussions have focused exclusively on the Real Madrid forward. (Fabrizio Romano)

Back for Baleba: Manchester United understand that Carlos Baleba can't be pried from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, but the Red Devils will return to the negotiating table for the midfielder next summer. (Fabrizio Romano)

Leaving Hojlund at home: Rasmus Hojlund was left out of Manchester United's squad for the team's Premier League opener against Arsenal, and has been told that he'll find minutes difficult to come by this season. The Dane still wants to stay, but multiple clubs are keen on a deal. (The Athletic)

The hunt for playing time: Arsenal, Manchester United, and Napoli are all considering a move for Lee Kang-in. The versatile South Korean, 24, is considering leaving European champions Paris Saint-Germain in order to get more minutes ahead of the World Cup. (Caught Offside)

Eyes on Edon: Marseille are in advanced talks with Lille to sign winger Edon Zhegrova, but Juventus have also made contact to see if they can potentially hijack the deal in the closing weeks of the window. (Fabrizio Romano)

Aug. 16

Bayern want Nkunku: Bayern Munich are trying to sign former RB Leipzig standout Christopher Nkunku. The forward has been unhappy at Chelsea for some time, and his current club is pushing for him to leave on a permanent basis rather than on loan. (The Athletic)

Newcastle's new striker?: Newcastle are interested in signing Goncalo Ramos as a potential replacement for disgruntled star Alexander Isak. The Portuguese international has said he wants to stay at PSG, but could be swayed by the promise of more playing time. (Sky Sports News)

Roma reject Inter offer: Inter were preparing an official bid for Manu Kone, but Roma have informed their Serie A peers that the midfielder isn't for sale. Gian Piero Gasperini considers the Frenchman a crucial part of his squad for the upcoming season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Wolves complete hunt: Hellas Verona have agreed to sell 23-year-old Cameroonian full-back Jackson Tchatchoua to Wolverhampton Wanderers for €12.5 million. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Aug. 15

Backing out of Baleba hunt: Manchester United aren't planning to proceed with a move for Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba. The Seagulls demanded a similar sum to the £115-million package they received from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo in August 2023. (The Athletic)

Baleba backup: It's still possible that Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, who used to play under Ruben Amorim, changes clubs this summer. Manchester United have been linked with the midfielder. (BBC Sport)

Bothered Blues: Chelsea labeled Borussia Dortmund's offer to sign Carney Chukwuemeka on loan with an obligation to buy as "insulting" after other clubs offered to purchase him on a permanent deal. (Fabrizio Romano)

Forest foraging: Nottingham Forest are expected to strike a deal for Douglas Luiz soon. Juventus' out-of-favor midfielder has approved personal terms with the East Midlands club. Juve are eyeing Brighton's Matt O'Riley as his replacement. (Fabrizio Romano)

Tireless Trees: Forest are also working on a deal for Rico Lewis and believe the versatile Manchester City product wants to join, but they're yet to submit a big enough bid to convince his boyhood club to sell. (Fabrizio Romano)

Doak masterstroke hope: Bournemouth are closing in on a £25-million deal for Liverpool's Ben Doak. There's belief he can move up a level after an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough last season. (The Guardian)

Aug. 14

Man City enter the mix: Manchester City are considering hijacking Chelsea's move for Xavi Simons. The Blues have yet to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig for the Dutch international, opening the door for City. (talkSPORT)

Liverpool wary of Madrid: Liverpool believe that Real Madrid have already made contact with Ibrahima Konate over a potential free transfer when his contract expires next summer, which could explain the Reds' recent moves to bolster their defense. (Marca)

Bayern bid rebuffed: Bayern Munich continue to chase Nick Woltemade. Their last offer was £52 million, plus add-ons and a percentage of any future sale. Stuttgart rejected that package, as they want £65 million for their prized forward. (Sky Sport Germany)

Atleti still spending: Atletico Madrid have been one of the most active clubs this summer, and they aren't done yet. The Spanish side is in talks with Juventus to sign Nico Gonzalez on a permanent transfer. The Argentine's departure would allow Juve to add a new winger. (Fabrizio Romano)

Aug. 13

Hojlund haggling: Rasmus Hojlund will now consider leaving Manchester United following Benjamin Sesko's arrival. AC Milan are open to taking him on loan with an option to buy worth at least €35 million. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Kevin capture attempt: Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo, who's better known as Kevin, has agreed to join Fulham. A fee is yet to be agreed for the 22-year-old winger, but Shakhtar Donetsk value him at €50 million. (Fabrizio Romano)

New Manor house: Manor Solomon could leave Tottenham in the coming weeks amid interest from England and Spain. The winger starred during Leeds' promotion from the Championship last season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Miami moves: Federico Redondo is to leave Inter Miami for Elche on a permanent transfer. Goalkeeper Drake Callender is on the verge of joining Charlotte FC after losing his starting place to veteran Oscar Ustari. (ESPN)