Ipswich Town have secured the signing of Japan forward Daizen Maeda from Celtic in a reported £10m deal, the Premier League club announced on Monday. The 28-year-old, who scored 79 goals in 212 appearances for Celtic, has signed a contract until summer 2029. Maeda, part of Japan's 2026 World Cup squad that reached the last 32, told Ipswich's website: "I have always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and I am very happy I can realise that dream with this club." Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil, who took over after Kieran McKenna's departure, said Maeda "works extremely hard and has impressive physical attributes". The Tractor Boys, promoted after finishing second in the Championship, have also added Issa Diop, Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn, Kayne van Oevelen, and permanent deals for Cedric Kipre and Chuba Akpom.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly willing to break their wage structure to sign Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. The Premier League champions are said to be prepared to offer the 26-year-old £500,000 per week, with one year left on his contract at the Bernabeu. According to football.london, all decision-makers at the club are on board with the move, and the Brazilian's primary focus is to "feel loved" by his next club. Such a salary would far surpass Bukayo Saka's current £300,000 per week and could impact future extension talks with Declan Rice. Meanwhile, Arsenal appear to be stepping aside in the race for PSG winger Bradley Barcola, whom Fabrizio Romano reported will not sign a new contract and is exploring a move this summer. The Gunners had earlier secured deals for Piero Hincapie, back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier, and Christos Tzolis for £34m from Club Brugge, though Tzolis is considered a squad option rather than the marquee left winger promised.
“Ipswich sign Daizen Maeda from Celtic for £10m; Arsenal ready to offer Vinicius Jr £500k a week.”
Maeda, who arrived at Celtic in 2022 from Yokohama F Marinos, won five league titles, three Scottish Cups, and two League Cups. In a social media post, he said his time at Celtic was "the most special chapter of my career and my life". O'Neil believes Maeda will be "a valuable member" of his squad, with the forward vowing to "battle hard, score goals, and provide assists".