Chelsea transfer news: Callum Hudson-Odoi loan considered, Edouard Mendy deal close plus Premier League updates

Liverpool have been linked with Thiago, while Barcelona wanted their midfielder Gini Wijnaldum - those are the reports we’ve been reading for weeks.

Now OK Diario in Spain says the complete opposite: Barca want Thiago instead and never had interest in Wijnaldum.

As such, they’re “relieved” that talks between the Dutch midfielder and Jurgen Klopp went well, meaning he’ll stay for another season.

Bit of a pushing-match pre-game for Arsenal today, with subs Ceballos and Nketiah clashing in the warm-up.

Didn’t look particularly pretty from the Spanish midfielder, it must be said.

Liverpool already have one in Alisson Becker, but a second Brazilian goalkeeper could be on the way.

Globe Esporte say the Reds have agreed a fee of around €2 million including add-ons for 17-year-old stopper Marcelo Pitaluga from Fluminense.

A German passport means he’s not in need of a work permit and the Reds will add him to their Academy teams.

Mesut Ozil is another who wasn’t involved in the opening-day win for Arsenal.

Earlier in the week he claimed he was fit and ready to play, so his absence is certain to generate further speculation that Arsenal want to offload him.

The German playmaker has a year left on his big contract, but it’s hard to see him fitting into the 3-4-3 Mikel Arteta has used.

Arteta isn’t commenting on specific individuals but the message is clear: he can’t just walk into the team if he stays.

“Some of them are complicated and obviously, clubs come to us and they are interested in our players. It is very difficult to promise players game time or to be the first choice."

Manchester United have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, bringing in only Donny van de Beek so far.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told MUTV he still hopes for more action before the market ends.

“We’re always looking to improve the squad, scouting players and, if something fits, both the financial bit and the football bit, of course we’ll try to make some business."

United have been suggested as wanting a left-back and a winger before October.

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez didn’t play today in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham and he looks close to an exit, with Aston Villa particularly keen.

But before he leaves, the Argentinian wants a “seven-figure bonus” from Arsenal which he believes he’s owed, due to Arsenal promising a new contract which is back-paid to when talks were first halted pre-coronavirus.

The Athletic report that Brighton have not made a formal bid to challenge for his signature, while Arsenal could move for David Raya.

Frank Lampard wants to keep N’Golo Kante amid interest from Inter Milan - who reportedly made an offer including Marcelo Brozovic plus cash. 

But the Blues boss is adamant the French midfielder is part of his plans: “He looks really fit and fresh at the moment. So no he’s a big deal for me and of course I want to Keep N’Golo.

“I think pretty much every club in the world would want N’Golo Kanté. I certainly don’t want to lose him, no, he’s fundamental to what I’m trying to do.”

Frank Lampard said back in July that he is keen to see Callum Hudson-Odoi fulfil his potential, amid speculation today that he could be loaned.

That seems unlikely, given Hakim Ziyech’s injury and the departures of Willian and Pedro, the teenager will surely start vs Brighton on Monday.

"He needs to keep training at the highest level, which I have seen him do particularly in the last week or 10 days," Lampard said.

"In the last two games, he's come on and made good impacts and that's the way he needs to continue as a young player with great talent and great potential.

"I want to see that potential come through."

Wilf Zaha has asked to leave Crystal Palace this summer, but there’s a problem: No takers have come asking for him.

The Evening Standard report manager Roy Hodgson being surprised that teams aren’t “knocking on the door” to sign the attacker, with plenty of names linked but no official bids as yet received.

Palace wanted £80m for Zaha last year and reportedly turned down a lesser bid from Everton for him, but so far the big bids have not materialised.

Frank Lampard insists Kai Havertz’s arrival has not unsettled Mason Mount. 

“I saw the story about Mason Mount, I know it was absolutely fabricated from somebody, particularly if it came from the German end,” said Lampard.

“I don’t know if he’s got any friends or relatives over there he would talk to, it’s a strange angle for that to come from Mason.”