Welcome to today’s edition of Slide Rule Pass, your concise daily digest of the latest football transfer moves across Europe.
Newcastle have entered the hunt for Hugo Ekitike, joining Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. The 23-year-old scored 21 goals in the Bundesliga last season and is now valued at around €80 million, with Frankfurt reportedly open to talks despite their original €100m valuation.
Meanwhile, Napoli continue to press Liverpool for Darwin Núñez, tabling a formal €55 million offer—€50m up front plus €5m in add-ons. Should the deal collapse, the Serie A side are reportedly eyeing Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese as a backup plan.
Arsenal have completed the signing of Christian Nørgaard from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £10 million, potentially rising to £15 million. The 30-year-old becomes the Gunners’ third signing of the summer, adding experience and depth to Arteta’s midfield.
However, the long-rumoured move for Viktor Gyökeres remains in limbo. While personal terms have been agreed, Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon are still at odds over the fee, with the Portuguese club holding out for close to £60 million.
Tottenham Hotspur have reached full agreement with West Ham for the transfer of Mohammed Kudus in a deal worth £55 million. The Ghanaian is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a six-year contract. Kudus is seen as a key piece in Thomas Frank's evolving frontline and would become one of Spurs’ marquee signings this summer.
Jordan Henderson has left Ajax after mutually terminating his contract, making the former Liverpool midfielder a free agent. A return to the Premier League is on the cards, with Sunderland and Brighton reportedly monitoring his availability.
Elsewhere, Napoli have reignited interest in Alejandro Garnacho, preparing a second bid for the Manchester United winger. The offer is expected to be in the region of £45 million as the Italian club look to inject more youth into their attack.
With Jamal Musiala sidelined due to injury, Bayern Munich are widening their net for attacking reinforcements. Christopher Nkunku tops the list, though Marcus Rashford and Cody Gakpo have also emerged as potential targets. Bayern’s plans are fluid, with the club assessing multiple profiles to cover the creative void left by Musiala’s absence.
All eyes are on whether Napoli can convince Liverpool to part ways with Núñez, and if Arsenal finally meet Sporting’s price for Gyökeres. Kudus is Spurs-bound, Ekitike could become Newcastle’s marquee signing, and Bayern’s Musiala cover plans are starting to take shape.
