Thursday's transfer news: Arsenal close on Willian, Manchester United negotiate over Jadon Sancho, Man City blow
The latest news and rumours from the summer transfer window
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Follow the latest updates live from the transfer window on Thursday as Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho continues and another winger leaves the Old Trafford club. After United’s second-leg Europa League victory over LASK on Wednesday night, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Alexis Sanchez’s permanent move to Inter Milan, where the Chile international has spent the season’s on loan.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are pushing on in trying to secure deals for Philippe Coutinho and Willian, despite having announced 55 staff redundancies on Wednesday. The Gunners have reportedly seen Willian agree to a three-year contract – something he wanted from Chelsea that the Blues were not prepared to give while they remain in talks for Philippe Coutinho.
Meanwhile, Man City are not done in the market yet. Pep Guardiola’s club announced the signings of Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres this week, but they have a spending spree planned as they look to further strengthen their squad and regain the Premier League title next season. Eric Garcia won’t be part of it however, having turned down a new contract at the Etihad. Follow all of the latest news and rumours below:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Real Madrid could be preparing to do a deal with rivals Atletico Madrid...
Colombia international James Rodriguez may be in line to make the short trip across the Spanish capital for as little as €15m, according to El Golazo de Gol.
James joined Real in 2014 after an impressive series of performances at the World Cup in Brazil, but spent two years on loan at Bayern Munich from 2017 to 2019.
Championship play-off final runners-up Brentford are apparently expecting to receive in the region of £25m for prolific striker Ollie Watkins this summer.
According to PA, Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are both in the market for the 24-year-old, who scored 26 Championship goals last season for the Bees.
Prior to that, Watkins played predominantly as a winger.
While Arsenal seem set to get deals done for high-profile players this summer, they may struggle elsewhere...
Journalist Mark Mann-Bryans just tweeted the following: "Understand more senior scouts from Arsenal's European network have been let go today, joining the high-profile departures of [Francis] Cagigao / [Peter] Clark / [Brian] McDermott yesterday.
"Other departments expected to discover cuts by the end of the week."
This news of course follows the announcement by the Gunners yesterday that 55 staff redundancies are to be made. Full story on that here:
The Mirror is reporting that Tottenham are looking to offload right-back Serge Aurier this summer.
The Ivory Coast international is likely to cost potential suitors approximately £35m, and there are already interested parties.
AC Milan and Monaco are both said to be monitoring the situation around the 27-year-old.
Aurier isn't an ex-Spurs defender yet, but a rather beloved one is making his return to the club...
This news had been rumoured for a while, but it's now official:
While Scott Parker has said he won't overhaul his Fulham squad, the club are still looking to make some signings this summer.
The newly promoted Premier League side are reportedly preparing an offer for Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters, potentially scuppering Southampton's move for the 23-year-old.
Walker-Peters was on loan with the Saints last season, and they are looking to secure his services on a permanent basis for around £12m. But Fulham will try to lure the defender to Craven Cottage, according to the Evening Standard.
Some transfer rumours from overseas, now.
In France, Le10Sport are claiming that Everton are in line to bid big for Atletico Madrid's Thomas Lemar.
The French winger hasn't made the expected impact under Diego Simeone after signing for more than £62m, and Atleti are ready to cut their losses.
The Mirror say Brighton defender Shane Duffy is in demand, with West Ham at the front of the queue to sign the defender.
Brighton have landed Joel Veltman this summer and will also get Ben White back, leaving competition for places high and Duffy likely squeezed out of the pitcture.
West Ham could also be in line for goalkeeper reinforcements, with the Athletic suggesting the Hammers could "test the waters" with a bid for Stoke City's Jack Butland.
Once seen as the future of the national team and rated at £20m, that sort of valuation is no longer feasible and West Ham could go in with a far lower offer this summer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments