6 Aug Transfer Rumours: Lookman latest, Arsenal-Real Madrid swap deal?

The transfer market continues to heat up as Ademola Lookman’s standoff with Atalanta drags on, Wilfred Ndidi edges closer to a move to Besiktas, and Chuba Akpom seals his Championship return. There’s also major movements involving Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Here’s your complete round-up of Wednesday’s biggest transfer stories.

Lookman’s rebellion fails to break Atalanta deadlock

Ademola Lookman has stepped up his attempts to force through a move to Inter Milan, but his rebellion has yet to shift the stalemate in negotiations.

According to Tuttosport, the 27-year-old has refused to train with Ivan Juric’s squad and deleted all social media posts of himself in Atalanta colours. His aim is clear – to secure a San Siro switch – but Atalanta remain unmoved.

The Bergamo club continue to demand £43m for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, while Inter’s latest offer stands at £39m including add-ons. Lookman remains Inter’s top target, but the Serie A runners-up are also lining up contingency plans, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho among the alternatives.

Behind the mic, behind the scenes ???

Welcome inside @dcultureleague ? pic.twitter.com/2PaacwC0Fr

— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) August 6, 2025

Akpom turns down Birmingham to join Ipswich

Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom has chosen Ipswich Town over Birmingham City and Middlesbrough, sealing a season-long loan move from Ajax.

Birmingham made a late bid worth close to £6.1m for a permanent deal, but Akpom made it clear he wanted to join the Tractor Boys. The 29-year-old completed a medical over the weekend, and the deal includes a mandatory £6.9m purchase clause if Ipswich secure promotion to the Premier League.

Ajax had been hoping for an outright sale, but the loan will still ease their wage bill.

Ndidi set for Besiktas switch

Besiktas are close to completing a deal for Wilfred Ndidi, who holds the record for most tackles by a Nigerian in Premier League history.

Fabrizio Romano reports that just one final detail is left before the £7.8m move from Leicester City is finalised. The midfielder is expected in Istanbul soon for his medical ahead of signing a three-year contract with an option for a fourth.

Ndidi has made over 300 appearances for Leicester since joining from Genk in 2017, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield during his time in England. Besiktas boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to have been key in convincing the 28-year-old to make the move.

Nunez agrees £46m Al-Hilal move

Liverpool and Al-Hilal have agreed a deal for Darwin Nunez, with the Saudi club set to pay £46m plus add-ons.

Personal terms are still being discussed, but Fabrizio Romano says the club-to-club agreement is “100% done.” The move could help Liverpool fund a fresh push for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak after an earlier £110m bid was rejected.

Rodrygo-Saliba swap shock

Spanish outlet Defensa Central claim Real Madrid and Arsenal have agreed a swap deal that would see Rodrygo head to the Emirates and William Saliba move to the Bernabeu.

The Gunners have already made six summer signings but are still looking to strengthen in defence and on the wing. Saliba’s potential departure would be a huge twist in Arsenal’s transfer plans.

Read: Bet9ja’s Best Booking Codes For Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round

Hojlund’s United exit edging closer

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund could be on his way out as the club close in on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that United are ready to sanction an £74m deal for Sesko, with AC Milan still interested in bringing Højlund back to Serie A. The Denmark international signed from Atalanta in 2023 for £64m plus £8.7m in add-ons but has only scored 11 goals in 58 appearances.

Leipzig target Elliott

RB Leipzig have made an approach to sign Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, according to The Athletic.

The Bundesliga side view the 22-year-old as a replacement for Xavi Simons, who could join Chelsea in a £61m deal. Elliott is open to leaving Anfield this summer for more regular football, and any move is expected to require an offer of over £39m.

Napoli move for Musah

Napoli have re-entered the race for AC Milan and USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah, reports Gianluca Di Marzio.

Several discussions have already taken place, with Antonio Conte pushing for the deal as he looks to complete his squad. Musah joined Milan from Valencia in 2023 and made 40 appearances last season.

?? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??? ???? ??

Are you ready to go 1Up?! ?

— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) August 6, 2025

Comuzzo on Premier League radar

Fiorentina centre-back Pietro Comuzzo is attracting interest from Manchester United, Bournemouth and Sunderland, according to Nicolo Schira.

United are keen to strengthen in defence after losing Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans, while injury issues plagued Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt last season. Comuzzo, 20, is valued at £34m and is under contract until 2029.

Sterling attracting West Ham interest

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling is on West Ham’s radar, says TalkSPORT.

Hammers boss Graham Potter previously worked with the 30-year-old at Stamford Bridge and could move for him before the window closes. Juventus are also interested, but Sterling is said to prefer staying in London, with Fulham and Crystal Palace also linked.

United block Maguire exit

Manchester United have rejected approaches from five clubs for Harry Maguire, reports Mail Sport.

Interest has come from three Premier League teams and two in Italy, but United want to keep the England defender and are set to offer him a new deal to potentially see out his career at Old Trafford.

Place your bets on the biggest summer moves now with Bet9ja’s Transfer Specials.