Arsenal† Chelsea and Tottenham are on pre-season tours, but their transfer company shows no signs of slowing down. After Raheem Sterling’s announcement of a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly almost doneChelsea is already in talks with PSG and Manchester City about possible transfers for Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake.
Arsenal have seen both Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez turn down moves to the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta has now turned their attention to Mykola Matviyenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko as he looks to improve his defence. Lucas Paqueta is a target further down the field.
The Spurs have already made five summer signings, but Antonio Conte wants to move. There has been a breakthrough in talks with Middlesbrough over right-back Djed Spence and he could complete a medical in the coming days, while also mentioning a “luxury” addition to the squad later in the window. Follow all the latest news, rumors and gossip in our dedicated LIVE blog below!
Live updates
Chelsea suffers potential Leao blow
Chelsea’s hopes of signing AC Milan striker Rafael Leao have reportedly taken a hit.
La Gazetta Dello Sport reports that Milan are about to submit a new contract offer to the attacker as they try to tie him down. Leao has two years left on his current contract.
The Blues are keeping an eye on the 23-year-old but would have to look elsewhere if he were to sign a new contract with Milan.
Dembélé extends stay in Barcelona
It looked like he would leave Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, but Ousmane Dembele has now signed a new contract at the Camp Nou.
PSG and Chelsea were among the clubs linked to the Frenchman, who has signed a new two-year deal.
Leno urges Arsenal departure
Bernd Leno is said to have asked Arsenal to reduce their currency from him as he tries to push through a transfer to Fulham.
The Gunners would accept a fee of around £11million, more than Fulham are willing to pay and as a result talkSPORT reports that the German has asked Arsenal to lower the asking price.
Desperate for a move, he feels the Gunners should help him do that.
Barcelona in for Azpilicueta
Barcelona are expected to make an official offer for Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spanish side is strongly linked to the Chelsea fullback and, according to Fabrizio Romano, a proposal is likely to follow in the coming days.
Personal terms have already been agreed with Azpilicueta on a two-year deal, so the move will be completed quickly if Chelsea accept the offer.
De Jong wants wages
Barcelona has reportedly told Frenkie de Jong that he must leave the club.
Reports in Spain suggest that although an agreement has been reached between Manchester United and Barcelona, the player is reluctant to leave before receiving his deferred wages. He has a debt of approximately €17 million.
Barcelona is trying to break free from that obligation, but De Jong stands his ground.
Expense set for Spurs medical
Tottenham are close to finalizing a transfer for Djed Spence.
It is a deal that has been dragging on for several weeks, but The Athletic report that recent talks with Daniel Levy and Steve Gibson have led to a breakthrough and the transfer is expected to take place.
With progress continuing, medical treatment is likely to take place in the next 48 hours.
Newcastle give up duo
Newcastle have reportedly given up on the signing of Alexander Isak and Moussa Diaby.
The Telegraph reports that the Magpies have become frustrated as they tried to get the duo into the Premier League. Real Sociedad striker Isak was a target for Arsenal in January, while Bayer Leverkusen winger Diaby also attracted the attention of all of Europe.
Clubs are fully aware of Newcastle’s wealth which means that negotiations on fees and wages have proved difficult.
Vieira: Zaha happy at Palace
Patrick Vieira has dismissed rumors of Wilfried Zaha leaving Crystal Palace this summer.
The 29-year-old will enter the final 12 months of his contract at Selhurst Park, with no new deal yet to be agreed.
“It’s just a report I guess,” Vieira said.
“We are in a period where there is a lot of speculation about players.
“What is really important to me and the football club is that Wilfried Zaha came back on time and that he is doing a good job to have a good season.”
Summer activities continue for Brentford
Brentford has confirmed the transfer of goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha. writes Malik Ouzia.
The Albanian international left Italy’s Lazio when his contract expired at the end of last season, and has now signed a four-year deal with the West London club.
Strakosha made over 200 appearances for Lazio and was their first-choice goalkeeper for much of his seven-year stint with the club.
“I am happy that we have succeeded in signing a top goalkeeper,” said Bees boss Thomas Frank. “He has been number one at Lazio for a long time, which is very impressive. He has played in Serie A and in European competition and will bring that experience with him.”
Frenkie De Jong: Man United transfer last
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Barcelona on a possible transfer for Frenkie De Jong.
The Dutchman was identified as a prime target by Erik Ten Hag – with whom he worked at Ajax – when the 51-year-old ended his contract in the Dutch capital early and began planning his first season as manager in May.
During a meeting with Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali in the Catalan city, Barca encouraged an offer for the midfielder, although it is United that have struck a deal with their La Liga counterparts.