Arsenal have had a £90 million bid for Benfica striker Victor Boniface rejected, with the Portuguese club holding out for £100 million. The Gunners are determined to strengthen their attack this summer and Boniface is their top target. Elsewhere, Chelsea are closing in on a £75 million deal for Sevilla forward Marcos Leonardo, Manchester United have entered the race for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, and Liverpool are preparing a £50 million bid for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba.
The Premier League transfer window is entering its most intense phase, with clubs scrambling to complete deals before the deadline. With Financial Fair Play restrictions limiting spending power, clubs are being forced to be strategic with their targets. Some big-money moves are on the cards, but clubs are also looking for bargains and smart signings.
Follow every Premier League transfer with breaking news, confirmed deals and analysis on iscore.ai. The platform provides real-time updates on all transfer activity across the top flight.
Arsenal £90m Boniface Bid Rejected
Arsenal have had their opening bid of £90 million for Victor Boniface rejected by Benfica. The Portuguese club are holding out for £100 million for the 23-year-old striker, who scored 28 goals in 42 appearances last season. Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer as they look to add a proven goalscorer to their squad.
Boniface has been on Arsenal's radar for several months. The Nigerian forward joined Benfica from Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024 and has developed into one of the most sought-after strikers in European football. His physicality, pace and finishing have made him a complete forward who can lead the line or play off a central striker.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants a striker who can complement Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Boniface fits the bill perfectly. He is comfortable playing with his back to goal, good in the air and capable of creating chances for his teammates. Arteta believes Boniface can take Arsenal to the next level in their quest to win the Premier League title.
The £90 million bid shows Arsenal's intent and willingness to spend big. The club have been reluctant to match the £100 million asking price, but they may have to if they want to secure Boniface's signature. Benfica are in a strong position and know they can hold out for their valuation.
Benfica signed Boniface for £42 million in 2024, so a £100 million sale would represent a significant profit. The Portuguese club have a track record of developing young talent and selling at a profit, and they will not want to lose Boniface on the cheap.
Chelsea Close In on Marcos Leonardo
Chelsea are closing in on a £75 million deal for Sevilla striker Marcos Leonardo. The Brazilian has been on the Blues' radar for several months, and new manager Mauricio Pochettino has made him a priority signing for the summer transfer window. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, and a medical could take place this week.
Leonardo, 24, scored 22 goals in 38 appearances for Sevilla last season. He is a versatile forward who can play through the middle or on the wing, which makes him an attractive option for Pochettino. The Chelsea manager likes forwards who are comfortable in multiple positions, and Leonardo fits that profile.
Chelsea have been looking for a striker since selling Erling Haaland to Manchester City in 2025. The Blues have struggled to replace the Norwegian's goals, and Leonardo represents a significant investment in addressing that issue. Pochettino believes Leonardo can score 20-plus goals in the Premier League.
The £75 million fee would make Leonardo one of the most expensive signings of the summer. Chelsea have spent heavily under new ownership, but they have also recouped significant funds through player sales. Financial Fair Play is not an issue for Chelsea at the moment, but they are still being strategic with their spending.
Sevilla are reluctant to sell Leonardo but know they cannot turn down a £75 million offer. The Spanish club signed Leonardo for £35 million from Santos in 2024, so they stand to make a significant profit. They have already identified replacements and are prepared to reinvest the money in their squad.
Man Utd Enter Race for Nico Williams
Manchester United have entered the race for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, joining Arsenal and Barcelona in the pursuit of the 22-year-old. United are preparing a bid that matches Williams' release clause of £55 million, but they face competition from multiple clubs for his signature.
Williams has been one of the breakout stars of the past two seasons. The Spanish winger scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists in 36 appearances for Athletic Club last season. His pace, dribbling and creativity have made him one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe.
United manager Erik ten Hag wants to add width to his attack. The Red Devils have struggled to create chances from wide areas this season, and Williams represents the perfect solution. Ten Hag likes wingers who can beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality crosses into the box.
Arsenal have been tracking Williams for over a year. Mikel Arteta believes Williams would be an excellent addition to his squad and could form a dangerous partnership with Bukayo Saka. Barcelona have also expressed interest, but their financial situation makes a move difficult.
Williams has a release clause of £55 million, which means any club can sign him if they are willing to pay that amount. Athletic Club are powerless to prevent his departure if his clause is triggered. The club are resigned to losing him but are hoping to extract the maximum fee.
United face a race against time to sign Williams. The winger wants his future resolved before the start of pre-season training, and Arsenal have been in advanced talks for several weeks. United will need to move quickly if they want to hijack the deal.
Liverpool Prepare Lukeba Bid
Liverpool are preparing a £50 million bid for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his defensive options. The 22-year-old Frenchman has been on Liverpool's radar for over a year, and Klopp believes he can develop into a world-class center-back.
Lukeba made 42 appearances for Leipzig last season, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists. He is a modern center-back who is comfortable in possession and good at bringing the ball out from the back. His passing range and ability to play out from the back make him an ideal fit for Klopp's system.
Liverpool need to add depth to their defense. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are all established first-teamers, but Klopp wants another option who can challenge for a starting place. Lukeba fits the bill perfectly.
The £50 million bid reflects Liverpool's valuation of Lukeba. The Reds have been reluctant to pay over the odds for players in recent years, but they are prepared to spend big on the right target. Lukeba is young, has Premier League experience from his time at Leeds, and has high potential.
Leipzig are not keen to sell Lukeba but would struggle to turn down a £50 million offer. The German club signed Lukeba for £30 million from Lyon in 2025, so a sale would represent a profit. They have already identified replacements and are preparing for life without Lukeba.
Other Premier League Transfer Activity
Tottenham: Spurs are still pursuing Sandro Tonali after having an £80 million bid rejected by Newcastle. Manager Roberto De Zerbi is a huge admirer of the Italian midfielder and believes he can be the linchpin of his rebuild at Spurs. Newcastle have no intention of selling but could be tempted if their valuation is met.
Manchester City: City are closing in on a £60 million deal for Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian scored 25 goals in 40 appearances last season and has been on City's radar for several months. Pep Guardiola believes Lookman can add goals and creativity to his attack.
Newcastle: The Magpies are monitoring the situation of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick. The 28-year-old has a release clause of £45 million and has been in excellent form. Newcastle want to add competition for Alexander Isak and Schick is their top target.
Aston Villa: Villa are in advanced talks to sign Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier for £35 million. The 26-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists last season. Unai Emery believes Tavernier can add creativity to his midfield.
Brighton: The Seagulls are preparing a £30 million bid for Lille defender Leny Yoro. The 19-year-old is one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe and has been linked with several Premier League clubs. Brighton are confident they can win the race for his signature.
Deadline Day Looms: What to Expect
The Premier League transfer window closes on August 31, which gives clubs just over two months to complete their business. Expect a frantic deadline day with clubs scrambling to finalize deals at the last minute. Several high-profile transfers are expected to go down to the wire.
Arsenal are expected to return with an improved bid for Boniface. The Gunners are determined to sign a striker this summer and will not give up easily. Benfica know they can extract maximum value from Arsenal and are in no rush to sell.
Chelsea are confident of completing the Leonardo deal within the next week. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, and a medical could take place this week. The Blues want the transfer completed before pre-season begins.
The race for Nico Williams is set to go down to the wire. Arsenal are in the driving seat but face competition from Manchester United and Barcelona. Williams wants his future resolved soon, which could force a decision.
Liverpool are prepared to wait for Lukeba. The Reds are confident of signing him before the deadline but are not willing to overpay. They know other clubs are interested but believe their project and Klopp's reputation give them an advantage.
Financial Fair Play Impact on Summer Window
Financial Fair Play restrictions have had a significant impact on the summer transfer window. Clubs are being forced to be more strategic with their spending and are looking for value in the market. This has led to more loan deals, player swaps and sales of fringe players to balance the books.
Chelsea and Manchester City have the most financial freedom of the big six clubs. Both have invested heavily in their squads in recent years but have also sold players for significant fees. Financial Fair Play is not an immediate concern for either club.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all have to be careful with their spending. All three clubs have invested heavily in recent years and need to balance the books. This explains why Arsenal are hesitant to pay £100 million for Boniface and why Liverpool are reluctant to overpay for Lukeba.
Tottenham are in a similar position. The club spent heavily last summer but also recouped significant funds through player sales. They are prepared to spend big on the right target but will not pay over the odds. The rejected bid for Tonali shows they are not afraid to walk away if their valuation is not met.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
The summer transfer window will shape the title race for next season. Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are all strengthening their squads, and the quality of their signings could be the difference between winning the Premier League and falling short.
Arsenal need a proven goalscorer if they are to challenge for the title. Boniface would be an excellent addition and could provide the goals Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons. The Gunners have a strong squad but need a clinical finisher to take them to the next level.
Chelsea are rebuilding under Pochettino and need a goalscorer. Leonardo would be an excellent addition and could form a dangerous partnership with Christopher Nkunku. The Blues are targeting a top-four finish next season.
Manchester United need width in their attack. Williams would add pace and creativity to Ten Hag's side and could be the difference between challenging for the top four and finishing mid-table. United are targeting a return to the Champions League.
Liverpool need defensive depth. Lukeba would be an excellent addition and could develop into a world-class center-back under Klopp. The Reds are targeting a title challenge next season.
Stay with iscore.ai for live transfer updates, confirmed deals and analysis throughout the summer transfer window.
FAQ
How much did Arsenal bid for Victor Boniface?
Arsenal submitted a bid of £90 million for Benfica striker Victor Boniface, but the offer was rejected by the Portuguese club. Benfica are holding out for £100 million for the 23-year-old forward, who scored 28 goals in 42 appearances last season.
Which clubs are interested in Marcos Leonardo?
Chelsea are closing in on a £75 million deal for Sevilla striker Marcos Leonardo. The Brazilian has been on the Blues' radar for several months, and new manager Mauricio Pochettino has made him a priority signing for the summer transfer window.
Is Nico Williams joining Manchester United?
Manchester United have entered the race for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, joining Arsenal and Barcelona in the pursuit of the 22-year-old. Williams has a release clause of £55 million, but United face competition from multiple clubs for his signature.
Who are Liverpool targeting in the transfer market?
Liverpool are preparing a £50 million bid for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as Jurgen Klopp looks to strengthen his defensive options. The Reds have also been linked with moves for midfielders and are monitoring the situation at several top European clubs.
Where can I follow Premier League transfer news live?
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