Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal work on mystery signing; Sterling to have Chelsea medical
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the biggest players in the summer transfer window. Raheem Sterling has now agreed a move to Stamford Bridge which will see him become the club’s highest-paid player, while they continue to work on deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Raphinha.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have finally signed Gabriel Jesus and are still targeting further signings. Youri Tielemans remains a key target, with the midfielder unwilling to sign a new contract with Leicester City, along with Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, though Manchester United are interested in both. Elsewhere in north London, Spurs are working on deals for Djed Spence and Clement Lenglet as Antonio Conte wants fifth and sixth signings in place before the squad fly out to their pre-season tour of South Korea, with a loan move for Lenglet close to completion.
Away from the capital, Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to turn up to pre-season training at Manchester United as he waits on a move away from the club, though Bayern Munich have confirmed they will not be looking to sign the superstar. Follow all of the latest news, gossip and rumours in our LIVE blog below!
Live updates
Bayern rule out Ronaldo signing
At 37, Cristiano Ronaldo might struggle to move to another top-level European club.
Despite the fact the superstar forward has reportedly asked to leave Old Trafford, Bayern Munich have stressed they will not be making a move.
“As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest [footballers ever], a transfer would not fit into our philosophy,” said chief executive Oliver Khan.
West Ham to announce Downes deal
West Ham remain in the market for another midfield addition as they prepare to announce the £9million signing of Swansea’s Flynn Downes, writes Malik Ouzia.
Downes was this morning undergoing the second part of his medical, having completed the first on Wednesday.
His signing could be confirmed as early as this afternoon, with the fee for the 23-year-old potentially rising to £12m if add-on clauses are met.
Crystal Palace were at one stage believed to be leading the race for the Ipswich Town academy graduate, who is a lifelong Hammers fan, but failed to get a deal over the line before West Ham firmed up their interest.
Spurs have NOT agreed Spence deal
It was reported yesterday that Tottenham had finally agreed a deal worth up to £20million for Djed Spence.
However, Football.London now claim that is not the case and negotiations are continuing.
Antonio Conte reportedly wants both Spence and Clement Lenglet in place before the Spurs squad fly out to South Korea on Saturday.
The club are in a race against time to seal both deals.
Pereira to have Fulham medical today
Fulham are closing in on their second summer signing.
Andreas Pereira will have his medical today before finalising a deal worth an initial £9m, with a further possible £3m in add-ons.
Chelsea wait on Raphinha
Chelsea are still waiting on news from Raphinha’s entourage, who are hoping Barcelona match their £55m offer that has already by accepted by Leeds, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
But the £45m signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City remains the focus for Thomas Tuchel with personal terms agreed.
In defence, Manchester City’s Nathan Ake is in advanced talks with the Blues, with Juventus centre-back Matthijs De Ligt attracting serious interest from both Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
Sevilla’s Jules Kounde remains an option for Chelsea but has fallen down the shortlist since Boehly has been conducting the club’s transfer business.
Arsenal step up Tielemans interest
Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move to Arsenal for a number of months now and the Belgian is yet to sign a new contract with Leicester City.
Now Gabriel Jesus has been signed, sporting director Edu can presumably work on other targets and – according to Fabrizio Romano – that’s exactly what the Brazilian could do with Tielemans.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said: “Let’s see if they will decide to make an official bid for Tielemans, or if it’s just contact with his agent.
“He’s always been very high on the list for Edu and Arteta.”
Tottenham want TWO new centre-backs
A deal to bring Clement Lenglet to Tottenham is reportedly close, although Antonio Conte might not be done there.
Indeed, such is his desire to challenge for major honours, the Italian is reportedly ready to chase ANOTHER central defender during what remains of this summer.
“If Lenglet comes in, obviously there’s Davies there as well, I would like one more and I think Conte would like one more,” said Sky reporter Michael Bridge.
“But again, where does Rodon go? Does Sanchez go? I think Tanganga will stay because he’s homegrown and Spurs are running out of homegrown players, so I still think Spurs will look to get another defender in.”
Arsenal working on mystery signing
It’d be fair to say Arsena have enjoyed a successful transfer window thus far, bringing in four players before their pre-season trip to the United States.
Gabriel Jesus is the headline arrival of course but sporting director Edu has also hinted more could soon follow him through the door.
Now, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has provided an exciting update.
Speaking to the Que Golazo Podcast, he said: “A winger, they wanted Raphinha, but now that is not the case as we mentioned, it’s Chelsea and Barcelona.
“So, for Arsenal we will see if they go for another winger. We had rumours about Gnabry, but I’m told he’s not on Arsenal’s list. I will try to let you know who the player is. I have an indication but I can’t speak yet because I have to check and make sure it’s the right name. I am working on it, they’re very good at keeping it quiet this summer.”
Chelsea agree £45m Sterling fee
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Raheem Sterling after agreeing personal terms with the Manchester City winger, writes Simon Collings.
A £45million fee has not yet been fully finalised between the two clubs, but is expected to be in the near future.
Sterling has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Manchester City and will leave the club under good terms, with talks over his future understood to be amicable.
The England winger has made the decision to match his personal ambitions of starting week in, week out.