Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal eye Rice alternative, Timber close; Osimhen to Chelsea; Spurs want Bremer; Man Utd
It is going to be a big day in the transfer window for Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and more with deals for Kai Havertz, Nicolas Jackson and Guglielmo Vicario nearing the finish line. The likes of Declan Rice, Victor Osimhen, Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount are also very much up for grabs with still over two months to go in the market.
Mikel Arteta is determined to sign Rice and a third bid is expected amid £100million competition from Manchester City, though they have now been linked with Youssouf Fofana as an alternative option. Havertz reportedly underwent his medical on the weekend and could be announced soon, while there is confidence that a deal for Jurrien Timber will also be done.
Over at Chelsea, Jackson should be named as their new striker imminently and a £130m push to land Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is reportedly underway. They are due to battle Manchester United for Brighton’s Caicedo, as a result of their refusal to allow Mount to leave for Old Trafford for £55m. Spurs could announced goalkeeper Vicario today, while Juventus defender Bremer is also a target. Follow all the latest transfer news, updates and rumours with Standard Sport’s live blog below!
Live updates
Man United have no plans for Mount talks
Manchester United do not intend to meet with Chelsea to discuss a deal for Mason Mount.
Their third bid for the midfielder, of £50m plus £5m in add-ons, was rejected, with the Blues wanting £58m and £7m in add-ons and offering to meet in person to come to an agreement.
Sky Sports report that United do not feel there is a need to do so, as they currently have no plans to improve their offer.
Chelsea face Osimhen competition
Reports in Italy suggest Liverpool are ready to enter the race to sign Victor Osimhen.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Reds have made contact with Osimhen’s agent, with Jurgen Klopp making it clear how keen he is on the Napoli striker.
It’s believed Liverpool have a meeting booked with Osimhen’s representatives, though the huge asking fee of at least £130m could prove a problem.
Man United could turn to Rabiot
Manchester United are considering bringing Adrien Rabiot to Old Trafford on a free transfer.
The Frenchman is out of contract at Juventus at the end of the month and United remain interested in him, having come close to signing him last summer.
This time they have Champions League football to offer, and Sky Sports report Rabiot could become a serious target should United opt to move on from Mason Mount.
Brentford confirm Kim arrival
Brentford have signed teenage South Korean defender Ji-Soo Kim from K League Two side Seongnam for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract.
The 18-year-old centre-back will join the Bees B team set-up, and, subject to international clearance, will arrive at the west London club for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.
Kim recently featured for South Korea at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, helping the side to a fourth-place finish, and had been reportedly gaining interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Sporting CP.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: “Ji-Soo is an excellent prospect who was in demand from many teams in Europe this summer.
Read more on that here!
Zaha to Saudi Arabia?
Al-Nassr will make their pitch to Wilfried Zaha’s agent this week.
The forward is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the month and no final decision has yet been made on his future.
PSG, Marseille and Lazio have all been linked with Zaha, with the Mail reporting that Al-Nassr have meetings scheduled in the next few days as they attempt to bring the 30-year-old to Saudi Arabia.
Arsenal consider Rice alternative
Arsenal have shortlisted Youssouf Fofana as an option should they be unable to sign Declan Rice.
The West Ham captain remains the Gunners’ top target and a bid of £100m is expected this week, but Manchester City also remain interested in Rice.
Should Arsenal lose that race, L’Equipe report that Monaco midfield Fofana could be the man they turn to, with the 24-year-old likely to be available for a fee in the region of £30m this summer.
Ramsey sends Arsenal warning over Balogun
Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is “definitely” ready to play for the club despite rumours of a move away, according to Aaron Ramsey.
The former Gunners midfielder came face to face with talented striker Balogun, 21, in Ligue 1 clashes between his loan club, Reims, and Ramsey’s Nice last season.
“He’s a very good player,” Ramsey is quoted by Goal as saying.
“We played against him a couple of times and, from what I saw, he’s a very exciting player.
“Arsenal have many great players but he’s definitely got the quality. He’s good enough for the Premier League.”
Spurs told Bremer valuation
Tottenham will have to spend big if they are to sign Juventus defender Bremer.
Reports in Italy have linked Spurs with the centre-back, who enjoyed a strong first season at Juventus, as they look to strengthen ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
However, Tuttosport claim that the Italian club do not want to sell Bremer, and will demand at least €80m for their 26-year-old.
Milan eye Loftus-Cheek deal
AC Milan have reignited their interest in Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek after agreeing to sell Sandro Tonali to Newcastle for £65million, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
Loftus-Cheek is free to leave Chelsea this summer and Milan have made the 27-year-old a priority target.
Chelsea value Loftus-Cheek at £25m but Milan hope they will lower that asking price to around £15m because he only has one year left on his contract.
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Henderson expecting Forest move
Dean Henderson believes he will join Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis this summer.
The goalkeeper situation at Manchester United remains uncertain, with David de Gea’s contract expiring this week and Andre Onana one of those linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The MEN claim that Henderson does not see any way he will stay at United, and is confident that he will again be at the City Ground, where he spent last season on loan, next term.
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