Latest transfer news today: Arsenal given big Nico Williams update as Brighton eye “dream” £26m signing

Latest transfer news today: Arsenal given big Nico Williams update as Brighton eye “dream” £26m signing
Latest transfer news today - Photo via IMAGO / Ball Raw Images, Pro Sports Images, Moritz Müller

There is no rest for the wicked when it comes to transfer rumours around the Premier League.

Despite the window currently being closed, plenty of top-flight teams continue to be linked with business ahead of the summer, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, and Brighton and Hove Albion in the headlines.

Here are your biggest stories of the day:

Michael Carrick wants to sign his former Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney at Man Utd

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney – Photo via IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

According to reports, Man Utd are monitoring Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ahead of a potential move in the summer.

The versatile midfielder, rated at around £26 million, is well-known to current Red Devils interim manager Michael Carrick, who was his boss at the Riverside Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have also been mooted with interest.

It remains to be seen whether Boro would be open to selling the former England U21 international, though his future could hinge on whether the Championship outfit gains promotion this season.

Arsenal given interesting update on summer transfer target Nico Williams

Nico Williams in action for Athletic Bilbao
Nico Williams in action for Athletic Bilbao – Photo via IMAGO / Ricardo Larreina Amador

Mikel Arteta has been given a huge boost in his reported pursuit of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, as per TEAMtalk.

The 23-year-old's representatives have informed Arsenal that he is ready to leave the LaLiga outfit at the end of the season, despite signing a surprise ten-year contract extension.

That was thought to include a whopping £87 million release clause, with Barcelona also keen to rival the Gunners to his signature.

Bilbao's poor season domestically is thought to be one of the main reasons behind Williams' desire to leave, so competing in Europe next season is likely something that Arsenal could offer him.

Brighton to submit bid for dream target Said El Mala

Brighton are considering a summer swoop for “dream” target, Said El Mala of Cologne, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

In fact, it's believed that the Seagulls submitted a £26 million bid for the 19-year-old winger during the January transfer window, but that was quickly rebuffed due to the German side trying to avoid relegation.

They are now set to reignite that interest ahead of the summer, though the Premier League side could face stiff competition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who view El Mala as an ideal successor to Luis Diaz.

It's easy to see why Brighton might be interested in the German U21 international, given the fact that he's contributed to ten goals in 22 appearances in a struggling side this term.


Lewis joined Football Whispers in July 2025, having previously held senior roles at Snack Media and GRV Media. A passionate follower of sport, in particular football and golf, as well as a proud Aldershot Town supporter, he brings over six years of experience in the digital sports publishing space.