Newcastle close in on Nico Gonzalez

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with Manchester City over a move for midfielder Nico Gonzalez, with a club-to-club agreement now close, according to TEAMtalk. Sources indicate the Magpies have agreed on a fee of around £50 million, and personal terms have already been settled. The deal is expected to be completed, with both sides keen to see it done.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have agreed a £50 million deal with Manchester City for the Spanish midfielder. The two clubs have a verbal agreement in place, and the player is open to joining. Reports also indicate that Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle played a key role in securing Gonzalez's approval by holding a personal conversation with him.

Gonzalez has struggled for regular opportunities at Manchester City, having started just 17 league matches under Pep Guardiola, as noted in a report from Football Insider. The 24-year-old, a former Porto star, is seen as a key addition for Newcastle, who have sanctioned the departure of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes this summer. The club needs more quality and depth in midfield, and Gonzalez could fill that void.

Newcastle started the Premier League season with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, and the addition of Gonzalez would bolster their options. However, £50 million is a significant outlay, and the player will be under pressure to justify the investment.

Man City's midfield reshaping

Gonzalez's potential departure forms part of Manchester City's summer reshaping of their midfield. The Premier League champions have already allowed Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders to leave the club, and they are prepared to sanction Gonzalez's sale as they look to strengthen further after agreeing a deal for young French talent Ayyoub Bouaddi.

City's next target is Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, who they view as a high-priority addition capable of adding steel and creativity to their engine room. As previously reported, the Argentine international remains highly wanted by City despite Chelsea stating he is not for sale this late in the window.

The move for Gonzalez would mark another notable deal between two Premier League sides this summer, with Newcastle navigating the Premier League's Squad Cost Ratio rules as they continue to invest.

Newcastle also pursue Matias Fernandez-Pardo

In addition to Gonzalez, Newcastle are turning their attention to attacking reinforcements, with a bid made for Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo, per reports. According to French outlet L'Equipe, as cited by Sport Witness, Newcastle have made an offer worth €40 million (£34.3m / $46.7m) for the 21-year-old.

The Belgian attacker, who arrived at Lille in 2024, recorded 15 goal contributions (eight goals, seven assists) from 41 appearances in all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign, despite an injury-hit opening campaign. His displays have captured the attention of multiple clubs across the Premier League and Europe.

TEAMtalk revealed back in May that Newcastle had been showing strong interest in Fernandez-Pardo. Lille do not want to sell, and with his contract valid until 2029, they are in a strong negotiating position. Newcastle's bid has therefore been rejected, per the report, and it remains to be seen whether they will return with an improved offer.

There is a reason for the Magpies to be hopeful, though, as the youngster is said to want a move to the Premier League. Atletico Madrid have seen a lower bid, worth £30 million, rejected for the Belgian previously. Manchester City have also scouted Fernandez-Pardo extensively, while Tottenham are admirers but are unlikely to push for him now, as they are set to sign Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. Lille's financial position is strengthened further by the fact that they have agreed to sell midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for around £86 million.

Milan's outgoings: Nkunku, Tomori, and Fofana

Meanwhile, Milan have found a solution for one of their outcasts, as Christopher Nkunku is headed back to RB Leipzig on loan. The player had a few alternatives, including Newcastle United and Turkish destinations, but he picked his former team, as reported by Mediaset. The Rossoneri will receive €3.5 million immediately, and the deal envisages an option to buy close to €30 million.

Nkunku joined Milan for €37 million from Chelsea and totaled 8 goals and 3 assists in 40 appearances in 2025/26. However, he mostly converted penalty kicks and saw regular minutes only when Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao were injured. Newcastle were monitoring Nkunku, but a return to the Premier League now looks unlikely, with his top priority being a return to RB Leipzig.

After getting rid of Nkunku, Milan are working on parting ways with Youssouf Fofana, Fikayo Tomori, and Rafael Leao. The first two have been excluded from their plans, while the Portuguese star would stay without a convincing offer. Tomori and Fofana have attracted interest from Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, respectively, but according to Gazzetta, Milan are still waiting for formal offers.

Aston Villa have shown interest in Tomori but haven't lodged a bid, while Nottingham Forest are keen on Fofana. Milan wish to send the pair to the Premier League. If there are more exits, the officials could further add to the squad and would go for a number 10 and a defender.