Transfer Rumours: Chelsea face Josh Acheampong exit threat as enquiry lodged

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 3 March, including the latest updates on Josh Acheampong and Michael Kayode.

Real Madrid want Josh Acheampong

Real Madrid have reportedly added eight English wonderkids to their transfer wishlist as they look to repeat the success of Jude Bellingham’s move to the Bernabeu in 2023.

Bellingham, 22, joined Los Blancos for a fee of €113 million following a stellar stint with Borussia Dortmund, and Real Madrid officials have now set their sights on signing at least another England starlet.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, who claim that Chelsea duo Josh Acheampong and Jesse Derry are both being closely watched by Los Blancos.

Acheampong has attracted interest from virtually every top European club in recent years, amid his lack of first-team game time, and his long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains in major doubt ahead of this summer.

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Arsenal lodge Michael Kayode enquiry

Arsenal have reportedly submitted an initial enquiry regarding a summer move for Brentford star Michael Kayode after identifying the defender as a priority target for 2026.

Mikel Arteta’s side are understood to be in the market for a new right-back amid rumours that Benjamin White could be sold ahead of the 2026-27 campaign and they have now earmarked Kayode as a viable option for the position amid his immense form so far this season.

The Italy defender has played a pivotal role in Brentford’s eye-catching 2025-26 campaign and he has attracted the attention of scouts across European football, as per Fichajes.

Kayode will still have four years remaining on his current contract at Brentford this summer, but Keith Andrews’ side will reportedly consider a sale if Arsenal are willing to submit a suitable offer that matches their valuation of the Italian.

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Bruno Fernandes contract truth

Bruno Fernandes has less than 18 months remaining on his current contract at Manchester United, but reports have suggested that he could be set to remain at Old Trafford this summer, despite interest from Saudi Arabia.

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Michael Carrick’s side want the Portugal international to stay beyond this summer, however a final decision hasn’t yet been made.

In his latest YouTube video, Romano admitted: “Financially, reaching an agreement with Man Utd would not be a problem. The crucial decision would be on the player’s side.

“It is not about salary. If Bruno had wanted a higher wage, he already had the opportunity to earn significantly more than he does at Man Utd. He stayed because he wants to win at the club, because he wants to help the club and because, as captain, he feels he can do something important. So I expect Saudi interest again, but once more it will be Bruno who decides and Man Utd hope he stays.

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Adam Wharton to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have reportedly earmarked Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as their priority transfer target for 2026 amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder.

Los Blancos are determined to bolster their options in the middle of the park this summer, after failing to sign a replacement for Luka Modric last year, and Wharton has emerged as a top candidate following his immense form in the Premier League.

That is according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Real Madrid want to sign Wharton ahead of fellow targets Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Rodri (Manchester City).

It’s reported that Crystal Palace will demand at least €74 million to sell Wharton this summer, although Real Madrid internally believe that a fee worth €100m will instead be required to finalise a deal for the 22-year-old.

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Transfer Rumour Round-Up

Man City and Man Utd are also interested in signing the aforementioned Kayode, while Tottenham, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Inter Milan are keen too. (TEAMtalk)

Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to complete the signing of Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade this summer. (Fichajes)

RB Leipzig are bracing for offers for Yan Diomande this summer and they will demand a fee of at least €100m for the Ivory Coast winger. (Sky Germany)

Leeds and Sunderland are both set to rekindle their interest in AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez this summer. (Football Insider)

Tottenham have identified Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser as their latest transfer target amid their pursuit of a replacement for Vicario. (CaughtOffside)

Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise has aspirations of playing for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. (TEAMtalk)

Football transfer news headlines today

TRANSFER RUMOURS: Darwin Nunez on the move as Arsenal prepare €100m bid

Man Utd Transfer News Today: Guimaraes talks opened as ‘double sacrifice’ made

Chelsea Transfer News Today: Rodrygo bid submitted as Romano confirms decision

Arsenal Transfer News Today: €100m superstar wanted amid unexpected exit threat

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