Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham keep pushing for big new signings as the transfer window heats up with the new Premier League season now only a week away. Chelsea would have agreed personal terms with Wesley Fofana because they desperate for defensive reinforcements after missing Jules Koude to Barcelonaalthough Leicester are still unwilling to sell the highly regarded French centre-back.
Arsenal could have a new plan for Fofana’s Foxes teammate Youri Tielemans that concerns a possible swap deal involving goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who is in talks with Fulham. The Gunners are still linked with Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is also a strong target for Manchester United.
Tottenham are believed to be stepping up their hunt for Nicolo Zaniolo, with tomorrow night’s final friendly against Roma in Israel providing Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici with the perfect opportunity to potentially strike a deal for the Italy international. Follow all the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip with Standard Sport’s live blog below!
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Spurs’ Rodon set for Rennes switch
One player heading out of Tottenham is Joe Rodon.
With Spurs apparently failing to use the Wales central defender in a deal for Nicolo Zanilo, Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that he is leaving for France.
More specifically, Rennes, who will be loaning Rodon for the 2022/23 season. Interestingly, the deal also includes a permanent purchase clause worth around €20 million (£16.7 million).
Arsenal devise Tielemans exchange plan
As Chelsea try to sign Fofana, Arsenal are firmly following Leicester team-mate Youri Tielemans.
The Belgium international is a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, who is looking to further bolster his midfield options following the £34 million purchase of Fabio Vieira from Porto earlier this summer.
The Daily Mirror reports that a possible swap deal is on the horizon, with Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel planning to join French club Nice for a shock transfer.
That could open the door for the Foxes to pursue Arsenal’s Bernd Leno, an interest the Gunners could potentially use in some sort of deal over Tielemans.
Fulham, however, have been strongly linked with closing a deal for Leno. View this space…
Chelsea agree to Fofana terms
Chelsea have apparently agreed personal terms with Wesley Fofana as they desperately look for further defensive reinforcements before the new Premier League season kicks off.
The Blues are doing their best to bolster their backline after the first arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly, having lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers and missing out on the likes of Jules Kunde and Nathan Ake.
Fofana has emerged as their main new target in recent days, with French journalist Ignazio Genuardi stating that they have already reached an agreement with the player on personal terms.
However, Leicester has yet to be convinced to part with the highly regarded 21-year-old centre-back, who has rejected Chelsea’s opening offer in recent days.
Tottenham launch Zaniolo pursuit
According to the latest reports, Tottenham are stepping up their hunt for Nicolo Zaniolo.
Spurs face Roma in their final friendly of the season in Israel on Saturday night, with Tuttosport claiming director Fabio Paratici hopes to strike a deal – or at least make substantial progress – with counterpart Tiago Pinto.
Tottenham have already received a £25million offer, according to the Daily Mail, and Joe Rodon has turned down the Italian forward Zaniolo. fee between £25m- £33m.
Zaniolo is believed to be keen to stay in Serie A, but can Spurs change their mind?
ICYMI: Marseille refuses William Saliba. to give up
Marseilla reportedly still has hopes of getting William Saliba back to France.
The 21-year-old has made it clear that he intends to stay at Arsenal and has impressed in the preparation so far, with the Frenchman poised to finally get a chance to settle for the first time.
However, L’Equipe claims Marseille still believes they can convince Saliba to return to the club, and club president Pablo Longoria flew to London this week to meet the player’s representatives.
West Ham hands Filip Kostic a blow
Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner thinks there is little chance of Filip Kostic joining West Ham.
The Serbian fullback is a target for David Moyes this summer, with the London club willing to meet Frankfurt’s asking price of around £12.75 million.
ICYMI: Jose Mourinho has already sent Tottenham a Nicolo Zaniolo message
Jose Mourinho has already admitted it is “hard to say 100%” that Nicolo Zaniolo will be a Roma player next season.
The 23-year-old is strongly linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, as Antonio Conte looks set to add to a squad tipped to challenge to the top of the Premier League.
ICYMI: Barcelona agree to Koude deal
Barcelona have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Sevilla on the transfer of Jules Kunde.
The France international was a prime target for Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who also lost the signing of Raphinha to the Catalan giants.
Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both looking to swap Stamford Bridge for Camp Nou, possibly following on from a path Andreas Christensen has already embarked on this summer.
ICYMI: Nuno Tavares close to Arsenal exit
Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares will be loaned to Marseille next season. writes Simon Collings.
The Gunners were already in talks with Atalanta earlier this week, but those talks have now ended.
Instead, an agreement is now being made with Marseille and Nuno will be on loan this season.
Manchester City almost walk away from Marc Cucurella deal
Maybe a chance for Chelsea?
Brighton’s Marc Cucurella certainly made a big impression in his first season in the Premier League, with Manchester City linked to a move.
However, The Athletic are now claiming that City are willing to part with the deal, given Brighton’s £50m asking price.
Tied up with Chelsea – who are believed to want a new fullback – Thomas Tuchel could perhaps make another move.