The summer transfer window officially opens at the end of the month - which means Premier League big guns can now get down to business and plan their strategies ahead of the new 2020/21 season.
Top-flight clubs yesterday agreed a 10-week summer transfer window which opens on July 27.
Subject to the approval of football's world governing body FIFA, the window will open the day after the 2019-20 season finishes and end on October 5, the date UEFA had recommended for the closure of registration periods across Europe.
The Premier League said that following consultation with the English Football League, a domestic-only window will also be added from October 5 and close on October 16.
And so, expect plenty of rumours and deals to be done by the big guns including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
United make ambitious move to hijack Liverpool's Thiago pursuit
United are reportedly ‘close’ to signing Spanish midfielder Thiago from Bayern Munich despite Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool having been heavily linked with a move.
Reports in Spain, cited in the Manchester Evening News, have tipped United to upset Liverpool’s chances of signing the 29-year-old this summer.
Thiago’s quality could be a welcome addition to Solskjaer’s midfield but it appears unclear whether or not his arrival would be a necessity, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Bruno Fernandes all thriving at Old Trafford.
Issues elsewhere may be viewed as more urgent in the next transfer window but Thiago’s availability might just be too tough to refuse for the Red Devils.
Simeone breaks silence on Oblak transfer rumours
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has spoken out over rumours linking club keeper and captain Jan Oblak to Chelsea.
Oblak is widely regarded as the best shot-stopper in the world, and while Chelsea only recently spent €72million on Kepa Arrizabalaga, it is understood that Lampard is already in the market for a new and improved goalkeeper.
But Simeone is unlikely to let Oblak leave quietly.
He said: “I am not surprised that Chelsea admire Jan Oblak, he is a decisive player for us.
“But he is the captain and our participation every year in the Champions League helps us keep our best players so I hope he will continue with us.”
Inter eye double Chelsea swoop
Inter Milan are eyeing a double swoop for Chelsea pair Olivier Giroud and Emerson Palmieri, according to Tuttosport.
It is understood that Inter have been interested in Palmieri for a number of months, while they have recently dialled up their interest in France striker Giroud.
Giroud has impressed for Chelsea in recent weeks, grabbing a crucial winner in a cagey match against Norwich on Tuesday as the Blues look to secure Champions League football.
Emerson has struggled for game-time this season in the Premier League, having made just 14 appearances, and may be considered surplus to requirements by Lampard.
United 'close' to hijacking Liverpool move for Thiago
Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Spanish midfielder Thiago from Bayern Munich despite Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool having been heavily linked with a move.
Reports in Spain, cited in the Manchester Evening News, have tipped United to upset Liverpool’s chances of signing the 29-year-old this summer.
Chelsea 'agreement' over keeper Cakir
Chelsea have reached an agreement for shotstopper Ugurcan Cakir from Turkish side Trabzonspor, according to Haber365, cited by Talksport.
The Blues are on the lookout for a keeper to replace Kepa, and Cakir has turned heads all over Europe with a series of fine performances in the Super Lig over the past few seasons.
Chelsea are understood to have struck a deal worth £30m, which would break the record for a top-flight Turkish transfer.
Arteta urges Arsenal board to back him in the transfer market
Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal’s board to back him in the transfer market if they want to bridge the gap to champions Liverpool.
Arsenal beat Jurgen Klopp’s side 2-1 on Wednesday night, but Gunners boss Arteta admitted afterwards the gap between the two teams was “enormous”.
“It is a big concern because you can see how they build squads and there is no magic,” he said on Sky Sports.
“You need to improve with quality squads and you need big squads in this competition - that is the challenge.”
United 'to bid £109m' for Sancho
Borussia Dortmund are expecting a £109m bid for Jadon Sancho from Manchester United if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to reports from Germany
The Red Devils are currently fifth in the Premier League ahead of a trip to Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
Dortmund star Sancho is United’s top target this summer, and German publication Bild reports that if Solskjaer’s side finish in the Premier League’s top four they will make a club-record bid for the winger.
'Disrespectful' Bale told he should leave Real Madrid
Gareth Bale has been told he should leave Real Madrid after ‘disrespecting’ the club with his antics during his team’s victory over Alaves.
Bale, who has hardly featured since La Liga resumed, was seen pretending to fall asleep in the stands with a face mask over his eyes during Madrid’s 2-0 win last Friday.
And Dimitar Berbatov reckons the time has come for Zinedine Zidane to get rid of his former Tottenham teammate.
“It is unprofessional and disrespectful to Real Madrid,” Berbatov said.
“The only solution is for Bale to leave Real Madrid.”
Messi has decision to make on Barca future, says Suarez
Luis Suarez has insisted that Lionel Messi is happy to stay at Barcelona - but only on the condition that the club are willing to match his ambitions.
There has been talk in recent months that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is growing disillusioned with life at the Nou Camp, and may consider leaving unless things improve.
But speaking to Mundo Deportivo, his strike partner Suarez was adamant that he would be going nowhere as long as Barcelona convince him the future is bright.
“What he would like is a winning project, an exciting project,” Suarez said.
He added: “Leo will take the decision based on what’s best for him and with his family in mind.
Guardiola: Silva won't make U-turn
Pep Guardiola says he will not make any attempts to get David Silva to stay despite his starring role in Man City’s win over Bournemouth.
The midfielder opened the scoring with a pearler of a free-kick before turning provider to set up Gabriel Jesus for his second, but will not make a U-turn on his contract according to his boss.
“He has decided to leave, he has said many times. I think he wants to finish after 10 seasons here,” said Guardiola.“He’s been in incredible top form since we came back from the lockdown. He played another exceptional game and scored again, two times in a row a fantastic goal.“Hopefully he comes back for a farewell game that he more than deserves and he can find a place for the last years of his career.”
Saints keen to seal Walker-Peters deal
Southampton are hoping to wrap up the permanent signing of Kyle Walker-Peters before any other clubs muscle their way in on negotiations.
The versatile full-back has been performing well on loan at St. Marys, but the loan agreement did not include an option to buy the defender.
As reports The Sun, Saints’ boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has tasked the club’s board to liaise with Tottenham and get the £10million transfer over the line as soon as possible.
Willian 'waiting on final Chelsea offer'
Willian is delaying making a decision on his future as he is waiting for Chelsea to submit a final offer to him, reports Brazilian outlet UOL.
The forward has a two-year extension on the table at Stamford Bridge, but refuses to sign unless he is offered another year on top.
That would go against Chelsea’s policy regarding players over 30, but Willian is reportedly still hopeful they will bend their rules to keep him at the club.
Dortmund terminate Schurrle contract
Former Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle has been let go by Borussia Dortmund, who he signed for in 2016, but has spent the last two seasons out on loan.
His deal was due to run until 2021, but both parties have agreed to terminate the agreement a year early.
Dortmund added in a statement on Twitter: “We wish you all the best for the future.”
Stuttgart eye Sokratis
Bundesliga side Stuttgart are said to be eyeing a move for Arsenal defender Sokratis.
As reports The Independent, ex-Arsenal transfer chief Sven Mislintat is now involved with the recruitment at Stuttgart and is planning to raid his old club.
Sokratis has just a year remaining on his contract with The Gunners, meaning he could likely be acquired on the cheap, while Stuttgart are also set to loan Dinos Mavropanos from Arsenal too.
Arsenal face Partey transfer blow
Arsenal look set to miss out on Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey amid reports he will sign a lucrative new contract to stay at Atletico Madrid.
The 27-year-old, who came through the academy at the La Liga club, has been a crucial part of Diego Simeone’s side for the past few seasons, and has made 44 appearances in all competitions during the current campaign.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is known to be keen on adding a new central midfielder to his squad, especially given that Matteo Guendouzi is likely to leave the club following his exile.
Partey was thought to be considered one of his top targets, but according to GhanaSoccerNet he will instead put pen to paper on an £135,000-a-week contract to stay with Atleti.
Eriksen could face premature Inter exit
Christian Eriksen could be sold by Inter Milan juest six months into his time at the San Siro, according to The Mail.
The Danish midfielder forced through his exit from Tottenham in January, but has failed to find his best form over in Italy.
Antonio Conte has warned the play he must do more to earn his place in the team, and Inter are now reportedly willing to offload him for a fee in the region of £55m.
West Ham eye Barcelona youngster
West Ham are reportedly keen on Barcelona youngster Moussa Wague.
The Hammers are eyeing a new right-back after Pablo Zabaleta’s exit.
Mundo Deportivo claim the 21-year-old is on the Hammers’ radar.
Wague was promoted to Barcelona’s first team after a year with their B team having moved from KAS Eupen but has spent the second half of the season on line at OGC Nice.
Arsenal set to lose Szoboszlai race
Arsenal look set to lose the race for Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian youngster was linked with a move to the Gunners with claims they were in talks.
But he looks set to head to AC Milan with Pianeta Milan claiming he is “very close” to a deal as the Rossoneri prepare to trigger his €24m release clause at RB Leipzig.
Simeone responds to Oblak interest
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has responded to Chelsea interest in goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
“It is normal that they want a goalkeeper of the characteristics and value that Oblak has and it doesn’t surprise me because he is very good,” Cadena SER report Simeone saying.
“For us, he is decisive, very important in the dressing room, he is our captain.
“Year after year he has managed to evolve in all the matches, from goalkeeper to his handling with the group, and hopefully he can continue with us.
“It is normal to always look for the best, and we have many who are very good, some previous seasons have left, others have stayed, and it is logical and normal for a footballer like Oblak to be loved by anyone.
“For us, he is our captain, an important player year after year and hopefully we can continue to count on his work, which is enormous for Atlético de Madrid.”
Dzeko linked with West Ham
West Ham have been linked with a move for Edin Dzeko.
According to Calciomercato, the former Manchester City striker is ready to leave Roma.
And they claim West Ham are one of several clubs interested in acquiring his signature despite his high wages.
Turkish giants battle for Villa star
Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are reportedly ready to do battle for Aston Villa ace Trezeguet.
Trezeguet has featured regularly for Villa but they could be facing relegation.
A loan move to Turkey could be on the cards with the two top clubs keen, according to Fanatik.
Arsenal tipped to sign five players
Arsenal have been tipped to sign no fewer than five players this summer after Stan Kroenke provided the club with a cash injection.
That’s according to former striker Kevin Campbell, who reckons the Gunners need to make wholesale changes if they want to compete for titles once again.
Arsenal haven’t been bankrolled like their league rivals in recent transfer windows, but club owner Kroenke has recently pumped money into the club.
The Gunners informed the London Stock Exchange of their plan to redeem bonds linked to the construction of the Emirates Stadium.
The cash injection will ease financial constraints brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and may enable Arsenal to flex their muscles in the transfer market.
Transfer window dates confirmed
The Premier League summer transfer window will run for 10 weeks from July 27 to October 5, it has been confirmed.
A domestic-only transfer window will be added from October 5-16 to enable Premier League clubs to sign players from the English Football League.
No transfers can take place between Premier League clubs in this particular window, which will close at 5pm on October 16.
The transfer window is subject to the approval of FIFA.The Premier League summer transfer window will run for 10 weeks from July 27 to October 5, it has been confirmed.
Spurs could hijack Osimhen move
Tottenham have reportedly not given up hopes of landing Victor Osimhen.
According to RMC Sport, they have launched a late bid for the Nigerian international.
He was on the verge of joining Napoli, but it is claiming there have been complications with Spurs amongst those aiming to take advantage.
Watch this space...
Arsenal star set for Stuttgart
Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos has reportedly decided on a Stuttgart move.
According to Bild, he has already agreed to join the German club after their promotion back to the Bundesliga.
But a deal with Arsenal has yet to be agreed with the club set to be working on a tight budget.
Inter eye double Chelsea deal
Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing a double transfer deal with Chelsea.
According to Tuttosport, the Serie A club want Emerson Palmieri and Olivier Giroud.
They have targeted full-back Palmieri for a number of months and are now said to have accelerated their pursuit whilst also turning to Giroud again.
Bellingham set for Dortmund
Jude Bellingham is set to sign for Dortmund, according to reports from Germany.
Manchester United were heavily linked with the youngster, who even visited the club’s Carrington traning base.
But Dortmund have won the race for his signature.
Sport Bild claim the Birmingham midfielder will complete a €25million (£22.6m) transfer to the Bundelisga giants.
The youngster is set to earn £2.7million a season.
Redknapp touts Stones for Arsenal
A move to the Emirates could revitalise John Stones’ flagging career, according to pundit and former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
The Manchester City defender has started just 11 league games this season, and only one since the restart, but Redknapp has told the Mail that a change of scenery would suit the England man.
He says: “Stones is still only 26, the same age Van Dijk was when he joined Liverpool. He is young enough to mould, but has only started once in the league under Pep Guardiola since January.
“Arsenal need a centre-back, and Mikel Arteta knows Stones from his City days. That could be a good fit.”
Liverpool eyeing Cabrera
Espanyol’s relegation from La Liga could have repercussions for a number of players, with Premier League clubs ready to take advantage.
One such individual is Leandro Cabrera, with Mundo Deportivo (via the ECHO) reporting there is a clause in the Uruguayan centre-back’s contract which means any club can bring him in on loan without an additional fee if they cover his wages.
Cabrera joined Espanyol in January, having earlier played for Getafe in this season’s Europa League, but was unable to keep the Catalan side in La Liga.
Dejan Lovren’s future, meanwhile, remains uncertain at Liverpool, and the Reds may target Cabrera as his replacement.
Arsenal lead Roca chase
Mikel Arteta remains keen on Marc Roca, and reports in Spain suggest Arsenal are better placed than some more illustrious rivals in the race to sign the Espanyol midfielder.
Roca could be available for less than his €40m release clause, thanks to Espanyol’s relegation from La Liga, and Madrid newspaper La Razon (via HITC) notes that he recently hired a more internationally-focused agency.
Arsenal are not the only Premier League club interested in Roca, who Arteta reportedly sees as the ideal man to partner fellow summer target Thomas Partey.
However, according to La Razon, they are in the best position to land their man, despite Everton also being keen on the 23-year-old.
Roca has played 33 times for Espanyol in La Liga this season. The Catalan club are guaranteed to finish bottom of the league after struggling for goals throughout the campaign.
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