Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea prepare De Jong bid; Arsenal handed Paqueta boost
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham remain very active in the summer transfer window with plenty of new signings targeted. The Blues are ready to gazump Manchester United with a bid for Frenkie de Jong while eyeing both Presnel Kimpembe, from Paris Saint-Germain, and Jules Kounde, from Sevilla. Elsewhere, Armando Broja has asked to leave amid interest from West Ham.
The Gunners are close to bringing in a fifth new arrival as versatile defender Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set for a medical. They have also been linked with moves for midfielder Youri Tielemans and a shock swoop for winger Leroy Sane.
Tottenham have announced their sixth summer signing today in the form of Djed Spence. Memphis Depay is a potential target further up the pitch, with Barcelona keen to offload the Dutchman as Spurs consider offloading an array of fringe players. Follow all of the latest transfer news and rumours below!
Live updates
Kimpembe rejects Chelsea
Presnel Kimpembe has said “thanks, but not thanks” to the offer of a move to Chelsea.
According to L’Equipe, the French defender wants to remain at Paris Saint-Germain despite talk of a £40m transfer.
A meeting between the player and his current club led to the decision, it is reported, with Thomas Tuchel intent on adding to his defence after signing Jules Kounde.
Chelsea line up De Jong bid
Chelsea are preparing to gazump Manchester United with a bid for Frenkie de Jong.
The Red Devils have long been keen on the Barcelona midfielder, who has so far failed to agree to move to Old Trafford.
Spanish outlet Revelo claim De Jong is not interested in the deal – as Chelsea ready a formal offer to sign him.
The Blues are said to have informed Barcelona of their interest in the past few hours.
Lyon cut price for Arsenal target Paqueta
Arsenal now only require a bid of £34m to land Lucas Paqueta.
Media Foot claimed a deal would come in at closer to £55m earlier this month but the same publication now reports on Lyon lowering their demands for the Brazilian.
It is also claimed Paqueta is happy to sign for Arsenal with Lyon’s change of heart aimed at rewarding the player’s loyalty to the club.
Chelsea’s Kounde chase latest
Chelsea have outbid Barcelona for Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
Esport3 report on a £51m bid which is closing in on the price tag set by the French club.
The Blues have also been linked with a move for Presnel Kimpembe.
Laporta on Chelsea fight for Lewandowski
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has outlined what Robert Lewandowski’s signing means for the club.
He told TUDN: “For Robert we fought with PSG and Chelsea, but the player wanted to come here.
“That’s what I like, as [Johan] Cruyff always said, ‘I want players who want to come to Barcelona’.
“We made a first offer, then closed at €45m plus €5m in bonuses. It is within our budget and the wplayer in turn has adjusted his salary to stay within our limits.”
Betis could move again for Bellerin
Hector Bellerin could still make a return to Real Betis this summer.
El Chiringuito report that Nottingham Forest’s move for Betis’ Alex Moreno could work in Arsenal’s favour, with it opening the door for Betis to then make a move for Bellerin.
The Gunners right-back spent last year on loan at his boyhood club and it’s believed he would be keen to go back permanently.
De Ligt confirmed!
Matthijs de Ligt has joined Bayern Munich!
The defender was linked with Chelsea earlier in the summer, but he has left Juventus to join Bayern in a £68m deal on a five-year contract.
Barcelona continue to push for Azpilicueta
Barcelona are refusing to give up on bringing Cesar Azpilicueta to the Nou Camp this summer.
The 32-year-old wants to leave Chelsea and Barcelona remain keen on the defender, according to Sport, however reaching an agreement with the Blues is proving to be difficult.
It’s claimed that Chelsea are asking for a €10m transfer fee, knowing that will be difficult for Barcelona, while the club are also privately urging Azpilicueta not to leave.
Chelsea target young duo
Chelsea are on the verge of completing a move for teenager Zak Sturge.
The left-back left Brighton this summer and is expected to join the Blues in the coming days, according to the Daily Mail. Sturge has been a regular for the Brighton and England U18 sides.
Chelsea are also reportedly interested in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with the 16-year-old attacking midfielder set to leave the Saints.