Blogs

Forest Chase Lyon Striker, West Ham Eye 'Next Adebayor': This Week's Transfer Round-Up

Transfer News

Forest Chase Lyon Striker, West Ham Eye 'Next Adebayor': This Week's Transfer Round-Up

Nottingham Forest are targeting Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze as they look to bolster their attack ahead of their return to European competition. The Georgian international has emerged as an in-demand forward across Europe, with Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt also keen on his signature. Newly promoted Sunderland are among the surprise contenders too, with the Black Cats hoping to unite Mikautadze with their statement signing Habib Diarra, who joined the club in a record £30 million move from Strasbourg.

🚨👀 Georges Mikautadze is drawing serious interest for the summer window.

🗣️ AS Roma, Nottingham Forest and Eintracht Frankfurt are the latest clubs that have asked for info.

💰 OL are standing firm on their price tag despite relegation.

➕ More on @TEAMtalk ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/ql2F5oRPRV
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) June 29, 2025

The 24-year-old striker finished his first season at Lyon with 17 goals and 11 assists from 47 games. He previously impressed at Metz, where he bagged 11 goals in 17 matches in the second half of the 2023/24 season, and he has found the net 20 times for Georgia in 37 appearances. Three of those international goals came in Euro 2024, resulting in him being the joint Golden Boot winner. His versatility, intelligence and eye for goal make him a natural fit for a Premier League side seeking a clinical presence up front.

Meanwhile, Brentford and West Ham are locked in a battle for Gambian wonderkid Adama Bojang, with both clubs reportedly holding talks with the 21-year-old’s representatives. Described as the 'next Emmanuel Adebayor' in his homeland due to his lanky frame, pace and flair, Bojang spent last season on loan at Grasshoppers from Reims, scoring six goals in 27 appearances, including a hat-trick against Luzern and a brace against Lausanne-Sport.

Adama Bojang gets a hattrick vs Luzern! He’s been a relentless channel runner all game. Such a lively #9 with a big potential.

Electric pace to create separation from his marker rapidly.

First saw Bojang back in 2023’s U20 World Cup & U20 AFCON, really stood out for Gambia. pic.twitter.com/ZVTlUfKoLN
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) April 6, 2025

Brentford see Bojang as a long-term replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, who is the subject of a £60 million bid from Manchester United. The Bees believe a £5 million deal could tempt Reims to sell, while West Ham view Bojang as a development player who could step into the first team over time. They are expected to be active in the forward market, with doubts lingering over the futures of Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug.

Premier League Transfer Round-Up

While the rumours swirl, several deals have already crossed the line.

Sunderland have made an early statement by securing Habib Diarra for a club-record fee. The Senegal midfielder arrives from Strasbourg after a standout campaign and is expected to replace Jobe Bellingham, who departed for Borussia Dortmund in a similarly sized deal. The Black Cats have also permanently signed Enzo Le Fée from Roma after a successful loan spell.

Welcome to Sunderland AFC, Habib Diarra! ❤️🇸🇳
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 1, 2025

Leeds United continue to strengthen following their Premier League return. They’ve landed Wolfsburg’s Sebastiaan Bornauw for £5.1m and Jaka Bijol from Udinese - a Slovenia international with Champions League experience - on a five-year deal. The club also bid farewell to Junior Firpo, who’s reportedly heading back to Real Betis.

🚨| 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚪️ OFFICIAL: Sebastiaan Bornauw signs for Leeds United from Wolfsburg for €6M.

The contract will be valid until 2029. ✍️

(@LUFC) #lufc pic.twitter.com/lYyAto3Ywh
— Absolute Belgian Fans 🇧🇪 (@BelgianFans) July 2, 2025

Wolves have turned Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan into a permanent deal after the Norwegian’s 14-goal debut season triggered an automatic £23m clause.

“It’s been a good first season in the Premier League,” said Larsen, who hit form under Vitor Pereira.

Chelsea remain busy under their aggressive transfer strategy. The Blues have agreed a £55m fee with Borussia Dortmund for Jamie Gittens, seen as a direct successor to Jadon Sancho. They’ve also confirmed the £60m signing of João Pedro from Brighton, who becomes their 18th attacking signing since 2022. Further additions include striker Liam Delap, midfielder Dário Essugo, and defender Mamadou Sarr.

Beach to the Bridge. Joao Pedro is here! 🏖️ pic.twitter.com/wT3RUNLnUS
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 2, 2025

Arsenal are strengthening too, with the £5m capture of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea now official. The Gunners are close to wrapping up deals for Christian Nørgaard (£10m plus add-ons) and Martin Zubimendi (£51m), while also negotiating for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.

Liverpool have already splashed over £170m, headlined by the club-record £116m arrival of Florian Wirtz and the £40m deal for left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also bolster their ranks, while Jarell Quansah has moved to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m.

Milos Kerkez is pure box office at left-back 💨

Here's what you have to look forward to, @LFC fans 😍 pic.twitter.com/x1m8rKeyWp
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 26, 2025

Burnley, newly promoted under Scott Parker, are rebuilding with intent. Axel Tuanzebe, Max Weiss, Loum Tchaouna and Quilindschy Hartman have all joined the Clarets, with more expected to follow. Tuanzebe, deciding to remain in the Prem after relegation with Ipswich, said:

"It became a very simple decision after speaking to the manager and the message was very clear, precise and straight to the point."

"It's a new chapter for me, back in the vicinity of Manchester and home and I'm ready to continue my journey now at Burnley."

🟣✍🏻 Axel Tuanzebe has signed in as new Burnley defender after leaving Ipswich Town as free agent. pic.twitter.com/j8SM8rZgpl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2025

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace have signed experienced goalkeeper Walter Benítez on a free from PSV Eindhoven, Everton have tied down centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite on a five-year extension, and Bournemouth have secured Antoine Semenyo on a new deal until 2030 despite interest from Spurs, United and Liverpool.

Across the Continent

In Europe, Barcelona’s Ansu Fati has joined Monaco on loan, with the Ligue 1 side holding a £9.4m purchase option. He’ll link up with Eric Dier and Paul Pogba, the latter returning to competitive football after his doping ban. 'La renaissance,' was the title of Pogba's announcement video, symbolising his quest to revive his career.