Transfer Rumours: Ronaldo Wanted Back in Premier League; Liverpool Replace Van Dijk

Chelsea have emerged as surprise contenders to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the Premier League, monitoring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s situation at Al Nassr amid growing speculation that the Portuguese superstar could push for an exit from Saudi Arabia. With only a handful of clubs capable of meeting his wage demands, Stamford Bridge officials believe they are among the select few who could finance a deal should the 39-year-old become available.

While Chelsea weigh a blockbuster swoop, Liverpool are already mapping out their next defensive overhaul. Inter Milan are exploring a move for Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract edges closer to its final 12 months, but the Reds are simultaneously pressing ahead with plans to secure Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor. Sources indicate Liverpool will “100 percent” pursue Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven once the window opens, viewing the Netherlands international as the ideal heir to their captain’s throne.

Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso has also been placed on Liverpool’s radar, though any approach would require a bid in excess of €60 million after Manchester City and Real Madrid registered their own interest. Should Konaté depart, the Merseysiders could yet accelerate efforts for Cambiaso to provide depth across the back line.

Manchester United, meanwhile, continue to scour the market for Casemiro’s successor, turning their attention to Nottingham Forest powerhouse Ibrahim Sangaré. The Ivorian’s ball-winning prowess has caught Erik ten Hag’s eye, while a potential club-record €80 million offer for Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White from Manchester City could further reshape the midfield landscape at the City Ground.

Arsenal are locked in a duel with Manchester United for Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, but the Gunners may also cash in on defender Ben White, whom Mikel Arteta has offered to Barcelona as a solution to the Catalans’ right-back headache. The La Liga giants, deterred by Milan’s €100 million valuation of Rafael Leão and Enzo Fernández’s recent Premier League form, now favour a permanent deal for loanee Marcus Rashford over costlier alternatives.

Tottenham face uncertainty between the sticks, with Guglielmo Vicario tipped for a Serie A return. Spurs have shortlisted Manchester City’s James Trafford, Sunderland’s Robin Roefs and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen as potential replacements. Bayern Munich will demand €35 million for Kim Min-jae if Chelsea or Spurs firm up their interest, while Everton weigh an emotional reunion with John Stones should Manchester City allow the England centre-back to leave on a free.

Further forward, RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is expected to spark a bidding war worth at least £80 million, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Bayern Munich all monitoring the Ivorian teenager. Real Madrid’s pursuit of added creativity has led scouts to assess Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Atlético Madrid’s Pablo Barrios, though the Spanish champions must first fend off Manchester City’s €100 million play for Vinicius Junior.

Aston Villa are increasingly likely to trigger their purchase clause for Douglas Luiz after the Brazilian’s impressive loan spell, while Barcelona’s attacking priority remains Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez, whose potential arrival would necessitate several sales to balance the books.