Soccer Transfers: Arsenal Eye Valdepeñas, Chelsea & Spurs Want Kim Min-jae | Feb 16, 2026

The transfer landscape is beginning to take shape as clubs across Europe eye potential reinforcements for the summer window. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are all prominently featured in the latest reports, signaling active recruitment plans.

Arsenal are reportedly prioritizing defensive upgrades, with Real Madrid’s Víctor Valdepeñas emerging as a key target. The 19-year-old, capable of playing at both left back and center back, has made a single senior appearance for Real Madrid’s Castilla side. However, securing his signature won’t be straightforward, as AC Milan and several Bundesliga clubs are also monitoring the Spain U19 international, according to reports in AS.

Across London, both Chelsea and Tottenham are showing interest in Bayern Munich center back Kim Min-jae. Bild’s Christian Falk reports that both clubs have included the 29-year-old on their summer shortlists. For Tottenham, any move for Kim is contingent on the appointment of a new permanent manager. Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, are looking to bolster their defensive options after missing out on Liverpool-bound Jérémy Jacquet, despite already possessing a strong defensive unit. Kim, currently third-choice behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah at Bayern, appears open to a move, though he has expressed contentment with his current club.

In Italy, Juventus are focused on securing the future of midfielder Weston McKennie. However, contract renewal talks have hit a snag, with the USMNT player’s representatives requesting a doubling of his current wages, which fall between €2.5 million and €3 million per season, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport. While Juventus are willing to offer a pay rise, they are hesitant to meet the agent’s demands. McKennie’s expiring contract has attracted interest from other European clubs, but the player reportedly prefers to remain in Turin.

Beyond these prominent storylines, several other potential moves are gaining traction. Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase for Nottingham Forest center back Murillo, with both clubs undertaking groundwork for a possible summer transfer. Chelsea are considering offloading defenders Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoît Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah, while Liverpool are evaluating the futures of Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur have also extensively scouted Murillo, anticipating a potential summer departure from Forest.

Bayern Munich are also keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with manager Vincent Kompany reportedly impressed by the 19-year-old. However, Bayern will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom have sent scouts to observe the Ivory Coast international. Diomande has also been linked with Liverpool, and has stated that the club is his father’s favorite.

Further afield, AC Milan are reportedly open to offers of around €80 million for USMNT winger Christian Pulisic, attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Scott McTominay, currently at Napoli, is prioritizing a stay with the Italian club, with contract extension talks progressing well. Manchester City are plotting a £70 million summer move for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with Tottenham Hotspur also maintaining interest. Barcelona could allow Marc Casado to depart due to competition for playing time, while Atlanta United are set to sign free agent winger Fafa Picault.

Finally, reports indicate that Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney has not ruled out a return to the Premier League, despite turning down offers from the league and Saudi Pro League in January. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs vying for the signature of 18-year-old Twente center back Ruud Nijstad, who has also attracted attention from Chelsea, Manchester City, and Barcelona.