Transfer Talk! Pogba shock; Grealish talks; Guimaraes to Arsenal?
The summer transfer window is in full swing as Europe’s top clubs step up their efforts to sign and sell players.
Paul Pogba could be on the move though, which means United may be after another midfielder with Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Rennes’ Eduardo Camavinga on their wishlist. PSG want Pogba, but face a fight of their own to keep Kylian Mbappe in Paris… while Mino Raiola has reportedly been cheeky and offered Pogba to Liverpool. Never change, Mino.
Speaking of defenders heading to London, Ben White has agreed a £50m move from Brighton to Arsenal and will be unveiled soon. The Gunners also want Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, and Hector Bellerin could be a makeweight. Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes is being touted as a potential alternative to Manuel Locatelli, while Martin Odegaard could make a return – but it would cost over £40m.
As for Liverpool, Saul Niguez, Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Barella are targets with Jordan Henderson’s future unclear.
Keep up to date with all of today’s latest transfer news, rumours and gossip below!
Live updates
Pogba to… Liverpool?!
Yes, you read that right. According to Le 10 Sport, Paul Pogba’s mischevious agent Mino Raiola has sounded out Liverpool over a potential deal for the Manchester United midfielder this summer.
With Pogba rejecting a new United contract, the Red Devils are looking to sell this summer rather than lose him for nothing next year. PSG is the most likely destination if United’s £45m asking price is met, but Raiola’s reported antics suggest nothing is off limits.
It goes without saying that United would likely rather keep Pogba and lose him for free rather than strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s team this summer, but stranger things have happened…
Grealish faces City, Villa decision
Jack Grealish has a big decision to make this summer.
After the Aston Villa captain’s calves won the hearts of the nation at the Euros this summer, his stock has never been higher.
Villa want Grealish to sign a new long-term contract, but Pep Guardiola is a big fan and wants the playmaker at Man City. The Guardian reports that City have opened negotiations with Villa, and both sides will know within a matter of days whether a deal is possible.
With the asking price to be in the range of £100m at the very least, it would be out of keeping with City’s usual transfer business to pay that much – but after missing out on the Champions League trophy to Chelsea last season, Guardiola may see Grealish and Spurs striker Harry Kane as vital additions to make the next step… and hold off the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool in what could be a strong Premier League title race.
Arsenal on the hunt for more signings
Arsenal are on the hunt for a number of key additions. Martin Odegaard enjoyed a strong loan move last season, but ESPN reports that Real Madrid will only consider a permanent sale for around £43m.
Ben White is set to be announced in a £50m deal from Brighton, which surely eats up a lot of Mikel Arteta’s budget, but Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is high on the wishlist. Hector Bellerin could be used as a makeweight to sweeten the deal, but that looks a tough move to pull off in general.
A midfielder is also wanted, with Goal reporting that Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes is a target with Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli potentially too expensive.
The Star also suggests the club are trying to offload Willian, but as any Football Manager fans out there will tell you, trying to offload a 30-plus player on high wages is difficult to say the least.
Pochettino cover over Mbappe
While it seems unrealistic that Kylian Mbappe will be sold this summer, the PSG star only has one year left on his current contract and seems in no real rush to extend it.
Reports from France suggest Mbappe has even told coach Mauricio Pochettino he does not intend to sign a new deal and will instead leave on a free in summer 2022, sparking what would likely be the most lucrative free agent scramble in history.
Pochettino says this is not the case, telling Le Parisien: “Did Mbappé tell me he won’t extend? These are private conversations.
“But in no case did Kylian talk to me about that. Can we imagine him leaving for free? I don’t use imagination”.
Spurs striker Parrott makes MK Dons switch
Tottenham striker Troy Parrott has joined MK Dons on loan.
The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland will spend the 2021-22 season at the League One side after Nuno Espirito Santo gave the green light for him to leave on loan.
Parrott had hoped to make a case to be included in the Spurs squad this season after being overlooked by Jose Mourinho last season.
The golden boy of Tottenham’s academy, at MK Dons he will be aiming to showcase the talent that attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund before he signed a new contract with Spurs last year.
“I’m really happy to be here,” said Parrott after joining MK Dons. “The way that the team plays suits me and the way that I want to play – I’m looking forward to being a part of it.
“I hope to bring goals to the team, of course, but I also want to contribute by linking play and getting on the ball as much as possible. I’m just happy to be here now and I can’t wait to get going.”
Arsenal make Guimaraes approach
Arsenal have made an approach to sign Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports from Brazil.
Goal say the Gunners are interested in a move for 23-year-old but that Lyon have made it clear they will only accept an offer of £30m.
Guimaraes is currently with the Brazil squad at the Olympics.
Chelsea told to pay more for Kounde
Chelsea have reportedly been told by Sevilla to increase their offer for Jules Kounde to £38m.
The Blues have opened talks over a deal for the 22-year-old French defender and have proposed playing £30m.
But the Guardian report that Sevilla are holding out for a bigger fee for Kounde, who was one of the best defenders in Spain last season.
Moyes: Areola will enhance West Ham
West Ham manager David Moyes on signing Alphonse Areola: “Alphonse is an experienced and talented goalkeeper who has played at the highest level and performed very well in the Premier League last season.
“As we prepare for a very busy schedule, he will provide fantastic competition for the goalkeepers already at the football club and we are going to need to use our squad to ensure compete to the best of our abilities across all competitions.
“We have been aware of his qualities for a long time and we have no doubt he will be another player and character who will enhance our squad. We welcome Alphonse to West Ham United and look forward to working with him.”
West Ham sign goalkeeper Areola on loan from PSG
West Ham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint-Germain.
David Moyes has been keen to bring in competition for Lukasz Fabianski and the Hammers have signed Areola on loan with an option to buy the 28-year-old next summer.
Areola impressed on loan at Fulham last season even though they were relegated from the Premier League.
West Ham had considered a move for West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone but felt Areola represented better value.
“I’m happy,” said Areola. “For me it was the best opportunity to sign for this Club, to sign for West Ham and to try my best to help the team.
“London is a great place to live and to work as well, and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world so I really enjoyed it last season. It was tough for me and for the team, but I enjoyed playing in the Premier League.
“West Ham did a big season last year. Obviously we have the Europa League and the Premier League and the two cups, so it will be a tough season and a long season but I think we’re going to enjoy it all together. We have really good squad. I watched games last season so I know the potential and the talent in this squad, so I can’t wait to start.”
Gallagher to join Palace on loan
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is set to sign for Crystal Palace on loan after turning down interest from Leeds and Newcastle.
The 21-year-old wants to play regular Premier League football this season and Thomas Tuchel has told him he cannot guarantee that at Stamford Bridge.
Palace almost signed Gallagher on loan last season but opted instead to sign Michy Batshuayi on from Chelsea instead.
