Monday’s transfer news: Arsenal lead chase for striker as Manchester United fail with Wan-Bissaka bid
Re-llive the latest updates as we round-up the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals
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.Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Monday’s transfer news, rumours and done deals. W ill any big transfers be completed today?
There have already been some big deals this transfer window. Manchester United wasted no time in snapping up Daniel James from Swansea City for £18m, while Eden Hazard finally completed his protracted move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, for a fee which could ultimately exceed £100m.
A number of big deals are meanwhile still in the pipeline. Both Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen have indicated that they want ‘new challenges’, while Matthijs de Ligt is a top target for just about every European super club. Where will he end up? Follow all of the latest below:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
Arsenal are meanwhile set to push on with their first signing of the summer with a bid for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser set to be lodged. A new centre-back is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s priority list at United with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Leicester’s Harry Maguire both options. Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another on the Norwegian’s radar.
It won’t just be incomings at Old Trafford, however, with Pogba a high-profile target for Real Madrid and Alexis Sanchez on his way out with Inter Milan and Juventus fighting it out for his signature – if he drops his wage demands. And Liverpool could be active too as they look to go one better after failing to win the Premier League title by just a single point.
Juventus enter the race for De Ligt
The clamour to sign Matthijs De Ligt has reportedly spread to yet another club.
Tuttosport report that the Ajax prodigy is now wanted by Juventus, who have put an offer of their own on the table to rival those made by PSG and Barcelona. Pavel Nedved is reportedly among the contingent sent to convince De Ligt's camp to choose the Italian champions.
PSG are still believed to be in pole position to complete the deal.
Arsenal reshuffle continues
Arsenal are continuing to reshuffle their coaching staff: the club have promoted Freddie Ljungberg to assistant first-team coach, effectively replacing Steve Bould going into the new season.
The former Arsenal midfielder has impressed in his work with the Under-23s in recent years, helping to bring through a talented generation of players.
Now Ljungberg will be working closely alongside Unai Emery with the Arsenal first team, tasked with helping some of those young players to make the transition from Under-23s to the first team. Bould, who has been working as an assistant to Emery, having previously done a similar job with Arsene Wenger, will work with the Under-23 side again next season.
Read more:
Manchester United midfield analysis:
So, with the actual football done, the real games can begin. It probably says much about Paul Pogba’s situation that he still seems more adept at dominating the centre of the news cycle than he does the centre of a pitch. The 26-year-old has also expertly worked the elements available to him, such as a commercial partner media gig, to announce that he wants a “new challenge”.
The challenge of leading Manchester United’s midfield, and fully releasing all that potential as he comes to his prime, doesn’t feel like one he has actually passed yet. Nor has he so well worked the midfield partners available to him.
The bigger question is whether he ever can pass that challenge, but even the problem with that is it may not be just down to Pogba.
Read more:
Brown still hopeful of Turnbull deal
Celtic skipper Scott Brown insists David Turnbull will still be made welcome in the Parkhead dressing room despite knocking back his an initial offer from the Hoops.
Parkhead chiefs issued a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum to the Motherwell ace and his agent Liam O' Donnell last week after contracts talks broke down.
But Brown is hopeful his side's £3million swoop can still be pushed through, saying: "The club is still talking to him so you never know what can happen.
"He's a fantastic young player and this would be a great club for him if he wants to come here. If he does he'll be welcomed by every single player in that dressing room."
Felix's move to Atletico for £107m is 'imminent'
Atletico Madrid could announce the £107m (€120m) signing of Joao Felix imminently.
Marca claim an announcement could come in the next few hours.
The Portuguese starlet, 19, would replace Antoine Griezmann and become the club's record signing, beating the €70m move for Thomas Lemar.
City to buy back Angelino
Manchester City are set to trigger the €6m buyback clause for PSV star Angelino, report Goal.
The 22-year-old could come back as left-back cover, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Benjamin Mendy.
PSG are reported to have been interested, which may have prompted City to bring the player back.
Totti appears to slam Roma decision to sign Pastore over Ziyech
Francesco Totti has hinted that he advised Roma to sign Hakim Ziyech over Javier Pastore as he explains his reasons for leaving the club after 30 years following a breakdown in relationship with the US owners.
“I will not name any players out of respect," Totti said. "I returned from vacation the first year that I retired, they asked me for an opinion on a player and I said that at this moment he would not be good for Roma, because Di Francesco plays 4-3-3.
"He is in another role, he’s had a thousand injuries, in my view, you’d need another player.
“Other directors said I always complain, that I cause problems, that I create issues. They asked for my opinion. I would’ve made a different choice and I think it would’ve been the right one.
“I would’ve chosen an Ajax player…”
Francesco Totti is finally departing Roma this summer, but he doesn't sound especially happy...
Vlasic nearing permanent Everton departure
Croatian midfielder Nikola Vlasic is in discussions to make his loan move to CSKA Moscow permanent, according to Sport Witness.
The report claims that his agent has confirmed discussions with the Russian club, where Vlasic was a hit last season. Any deal is likely to be announced following the conclusion of the u21 European Championship.
Vlasic has made just twelve league appearances for Everton, and does not have a Premier League goal to his name.
Manchester United have made a fresh bid for Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bassaka, believed to be worth the £50m starting asking price that the Eagles have been demanding.
According to Sky Sports United have made the offer up of £35m immediately, plus an additional £15m in add-ons, but Palace would prefer the entire sum as guaranteed money up front.
Wan-Bassaka is known to be open to the move but equally happy with staying at Selhurst Park, though his future appears to be one of the transfer sagas that will roll throughout the summer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments