Transfer Rumours: Chelsea spark outrage as Jules Kounde meeting revealed

13 Aug 2026 06:02 BST |
6 min read

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 13 August, including the latest updates on Axel Disasi, Jules Kounde and Iliman Ndiaye.

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Chelsea’s Disasi demands

Crystal Palace have deemed Chelsea’s demands for unwanted defender Axel Disasi “excessive,” according to Foot Mercato.

The Frenchman is desperate to leave, but discussions are proving difficult because of Chelsea’s asking price. Reports previously claimed that the Blues were demanding north of €30 million for a sale, despite the fact that he hasn’t played for the club in 18 months.

Crystal Palace had been seeking a loan deal, but they have now backed away from discussions because Chelsea were demanding a €5m fee for a temporary move without a permanent element. It is expected that the Eagles will try again with a fresh approach “in the coming days.”

Kounde meeting

Jules Kounde’s agent met with Barcelona on Tuesday, as per Sport.

The France international has become the subject of strong transfer speculation in recent days because he is no longer viewed as an integral part of Hansi Flick’s team. Barcelona are willing to consider a sale at the right price.

Arsenal are said to be interested, while numerous other Premier League clubs have also been linked with him in recent months. The situation remains “open,” with Barcelona yet to make a firm decision on his future.

Liverpool interested in Ndiaye

Liverpool are interested in Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, CaughtOffside claims.

The Reds have held discussions with the entourage of the Senegal international over what would be a hugely controversial move. Everton do not want to lose their star forward – especially not to their city rivals.

Ndiaye recently turned down a transfer to Saudi giants Al-Hilal. He is not pushing to leave Everton, but the club are aware that there are conversations with suitors. An asking price of close to €90m, however, means that it would take something extraordinary for a deal to materialise.

Arsenal would sell Zubimendi to Chelsea

Arsenal would be prepared to allow Martin Zubimendi to move to Chelsea, TEAMtalk writes.

The 27-year-old only joined the Gunners for €70m last summer, but he is now being linked with the Blues due to Xabi Alonso’s long-standing admiration for him. Chelsea will need another midfielder if they sell Enzo Fernandez to Man City, with personal terms already in place.

Arsenal have slapped a €90m price tag on the Spain international, and they would sanction a move to direct rivals Chelsea if they were to match that valuation. The Gunners are well-covered in midfield after the signing of Bruno Guimaraes.

Martinelli offer

Galatasaray have made a formal €45m offer for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, Sky Germany understands.

The Brazil international has become the Turkish giants’ top target after they failed to agree a deal for wantaway AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. Martinelli has a year left on his Arsenal deal, but there is a club option for a further season.

It is thought that the Gunners will not sanction an exit without having a replacement lined up. They previously failed with a move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, while FootballTransfers has revealed that they will not move for PSG forward Bradley Barcola unless his asking price drops.

More transfer rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are interested in AC Milan captain Mike Maignan. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha has agreed personal terms with Aston Villa. (Fabrizio Romano)

Benfica are exploring deals for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Southampton star Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (Ben Jacobs)

Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall is keen on a move to Man Utd. (The Sun)

Sources close to Nick Woltemade have labelled reports linking him with a Newcastle exit as “nonsense.” (Sport Witness)

Porto are interested in Marseille midfielder Quinten Timber. (Foot Mercato)

Watford could hand West Ham legend Michail Antonio a short-term contract after his departure from Al-Sailiya. (Sky Sports)