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Lionel Messi being 'pursued' by Saudi side, Viktor Gyokeres prepares Arsenal alternative, Bryan Mbeumo talks ongoing for Man Utd - Paper Round
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Updated 09/07/2025 at 12:03 GMT+1
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is ready to make a move to a club other than Arsenal, while Manchester United hope to have Bryan Mbeumo secured ahead of their pre-season tour of the United States. Elsewhere, Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli hope to bring Lionel Messi in from Inter Miami, and Tottenham will make a second offer for West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus.
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Gyokeres prepares Arsenal alternative
Viktor Gyokeres is ready to consider a move away to another European side if his move to Arsenal falls through.
The Sun believes that he is likely to link up with Mikel Arteta, but he has no intention of returning to Sporting CP.
The paper states: "The Swedish goal machine, alongside agent Hasan Cetinkaya, is quietly confident he will be an Arsenal player in the coming weeks, with Arteta keen to include him on their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19 to August 2.
"But SunSport understands the player has a ‘Plan B’ should he not make the Emirates switch – waiting until the end of the summer window and going out on loan to a European club.
"This is not an unfamiliar tactic – Victor Osimhen pulled off the same move last summer when deals to leave Napoli for Saudi side Al Ahli and then Chelsea fell through at the last minute."
United push for Brentford star Mbeumo
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim hopes to start his US pre-season tour with Bryan Mbeumo on board.
Brentford are holding out for £65 million, with United in negotiations to structure the deal to sign the player.
The Mirror explains: "Manchester United remain locked in talks with Brentford over their bid to sign striker Bryan Mbeumo.
"United are confident they can strike a deal with Brentford for Mbeumo, despite them having had two bids already knocked back. Brentford rejected United's initial offer of £55 million for Mbeumo, then knocked back a second bid of £62.5m – the same figure the Red Devils paid Wolves for Matheus Cunha.
"United are expected to have to go to £65m to reach an agreement with Brentford over Mbeumo, with negotiations ongoing between the two clubs over the fee and the structure of payments.
"Ruben Amorim is keen to have Mbeumo on board for when United leave for their three-game pre-season tour of the US on July 22, where they will play West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton."
Saudi sides lurk for Messi
Saudi Pro League sides including Al Ahli are not giving up hope on signing Lionel Messi, The Athletic believes.
Inter Miami still expect to tie Messi down to a new contract, but nothing has been made official yet.
The website claims: "There is a strong push from Saudi Arabia for Messi, with AFC Champions League winners Al Ahli pursuing the Argentina legend.
"However, Inter Miami are extremely confident they are going to retain him. The Athletic reported in April that the Major League Soccer franchise were close to an agreement, which would see the playmaker lead his team into their new Freedom Park stadium in 2026.
"Until the ink is dry, Miami will take nothing for granted — however, they are hopeful of announcing an extension any time now."
Spurs set for new Kudus bid
The Daily Mail believes that Tottenham will make a new bid for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.
Their first offer of £50m was turned down last week, and Kudus has reportedly decided he only wants to join Tottenham.
The paper writes: "Tottenham are expected to make an improved bid for West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus before the end of this week.
"West Ham turned down a £50million proposal for Kudus from Spurs early last week and have not received any new offers since then. They had expected a bigger bid from Chelsea but Ghana star Kudus has made it clear that he wishes to join Spurs.
"The Hammers need to sell but are willing to accept below the player's release clause of £85m, with Tottenham looking to reach a compromise around £60-£65m.
"Meanwhile, West Ham have been working on defensive reinforcements with talks ongoing over Slavia Prague wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, who was a target for Crystal Palace and Brighton last season.
"Girona centre back Arnau Martinez is another West Ham are discussing. The 22-year-old has a £12.8m release clause and can also play at right back."
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