Welcome to today’s edition of Slide Rule Pass, your concise daily digest of the latest transfer news from across European football.
Tottenham have completed the signing of 20-year-old centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale for a fee of around £5.8 million. The Japan youth international adds defensive depth as Postecoglou looks to reshape his back line ahead of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are close to sealing a deal for Anthony Elanga, with a £60 million agreement reached with Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger impressed last season and looks set for Champions League football next term. Arsenal are also expected to finalise the signing of Christian Nørgaard from Brentford in the coming days, continuing their midfield refresh.
Manchester City have put Jack Grealish up for sale, with a reported asking price of just £40 million. The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries and form since his £100 million move from Aston Villa, and City appear ready to cut their losses. Spurs, Newcastle, Napoli, and even Villa are monitoring the situation, though Grealish’s £300k-a-week wages remain a significant barrier.
Napoli are preparing a €55 million offer for Darwin Núñez as they begin life post-Osimhen. The bid is expected to include €50 million up front with €5 million in add-ons. Liverpool are open to a sale but would likely hold out for a higher fee. Núñez has struggled for consistency at Anfield, and new boss Arne Slot may be keen to cash in.
Bayern Munich are reportedly targeting several attacking midfielders following a setback for Jamal Musiala. Among those on their radar are Christopher Nkunku, Eberechi Eze, and Rodrygo, with the latter subject of a potential €65 million move from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, talks are progressing to send backup keeper Daniel Peretz on loan to Genoa, allowing him more minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Everton have agreed a €32 million deal with Villarreal for highly-rated French U21 striker Thierno Barry. The 22-year-old is undergoing a medical on Merseyside and is expected to be announced later this week. Barry’s arrival comes as the Toffees prepare for life without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, now a free agent.
Crystal Palace are considering a move for Davide Calabria as they prepare for a possible exodus. Meanwhile, Leeds United have submitted a £12 million bid for Sean Longstaff in an attempt to add Premier League experience to their midfield after promotion.
Celtic are pursuing Etienne Kinkoué from Le Havre in a deal worth around £4.3 million.
Girona, via City Football Group, are set to take both Claudio Echeverri and Sverre Nypan on loan from Manchester City.
The transfer window continues to simmer, with activity picking up across the Premier League and Serie A. All eyes now turn to Napoli’s formal bid for Núñez, and whether Arsenal can get Gyökeres over the line before flying out for their Asia tour.
