The summer transfer window is still not yet open but Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are all busy chasing deals. Chelsea have completed the signing of Kendry Paez and were keen on a move for Manuel Ugarte, but the Blues will now turn their attention instead to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. There is also believed to be interest in Romeo Lavia.
Arsenal are also keen on Caicedo, though West Ham star Declan Rice remains their top priority and a first bid is expected this week. Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is another major midfield target. Tottenham hope to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new manager this week after successful talks on Monday, though Spurs may now have to contend with a mega £100million Real Madrid offer for Harry Kane having told Manchester United he is not for sale.
Los Blancos are pushing for the England captain with Karim Benzema set to depart for Saudi Arabia after 14 years in Madrid, though they are also keen on Kai Havertz. United, meanwhile, are pushing hard to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea, and have lined up Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos as Kane alternatives. Alexis Mac Allister is set for a Liverpool medical with Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone and Gabri Veiga of interest too. Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours with Standard Sport’s live blog below!
Live updates
Decision time for Havertz
Kai Havertz is set to have a big decision to make this summer.
The Mail report that Chelsea have told the forward he must sign a new contract or they will push to sell him, with Real Madrid among the clubs keen on the German.
Havertz has two years remaining on his current deal and the Blues are keen to extend that, but they will not risk letting him run down his contract.
Agent Hazard?
Chelsea are believed to be interested in Romeo Lavia, as we covered earlier this evening.
The midfielder is likely to be on the move this summer, after Southampton were relegated, and the Blues are among the clubs interested in the 19-year-old.
Chelsea could have an edge too, with the Express claiming that Eden Hazard has been speaking to his fellow Belgian and urging him to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool keep tabs on Kessie
Liverpool are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie.
That’s according to Sport, who claim that the Reds are still undecided whether to push to sign Kessie for a fee in the region of £30million.
Midfield is a key area for Liverpool this summer, and they are on the verge of completing a deal for Alexis Mac Allister. Barcelona are believed to be open to selling Kessie, despite Sergio Busquets’ departure, as they look to clear space on the wage bill for the potential return of Lionel Messi.
Cole: Diallo could replace Martial or Sancho
Andy Cole has backed Amad Diallo to have an impact in the Manchester United first team next season.
The 20-year-old has shone on loan at Sunderland, scoring 14 goals, and the former United striker believes Diallo has done enough to challenge for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
“Amad Diallo could be the player to replace Anthony Martial or Jadon Sancho,” Cole told BoyleSports about Champions League Odds.
“He’s had a fantastic loan at Sunderland and Tony Mowbray has sung his praises. Diallo looks like a good kid too and I hope he can have an impact at Manchester United.
“This loan period has worked out really well and now he has the opportunity to compete with players like Sancho and Martial from the bench.”
Read more on that here
Man United in for Vanderson
Man United are reportedly considering a move for Monaco right-back Vanderson.
Brazilian paper Zero Hora claims that United have made initial contact with Monaco about the 21-year-old, though have been told a bid of at least €50million will be required.
It’s suggested that talks have still been positive, with the move a possibility in the weeks ahead.
Real want Havertz
As we covered earlier, Real Madrid are keen on signing Kai Havertz.
With Karim Benzema leaving the club this summer, Real are eyeing potential replacements up front. Harry Kane is one player being considered, but Havertz is also a serious option.
Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms will not be an issue, with Havertz wanting to join Real, and Chelsea are willing to sell the German, though will wait to see who else is interested.
Messi back to Barcelona?
Lionel Messi could well be making a sensational return to Barcelona this summer.
The World Cup winner is leaving PSG and while Saudi Arabia are keen to secure Messi, Goal Espana claim that the Argentine has asked Al Hilal to postpone talks for another year.
That would add further fuel to the speculation that Messi wants to play for Barcelona again, with president Joan Laporta also keen.
He told reporters: “Of course, he [Messi] would love to return to Barcelona. I would like it too. We will see.”
Man United in for Rabiot
Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.
The French midfielder is out of contract at Juventus this summer, and Gazzetta dello Sport claim that United are in pole position to secure Rabiot when he leaves Turin.
With the likes of Harry Kane and Mason Mount being considered, the signing of Rabiot will allow funds to be used elsewhere.
Analysis on Chelsea signing Paez
These are the early wins of the new Chelsea project, Nizaar Kinsella writes.
It will take many years for the fruits of the labour to be seen in the first team, but Kendry Paez is still a talent identified and clubs who usually dominate in South America have lost out to the Blues.
Read more on that signing here
Race for Tielemans is on!
There will be no shortage of clubs looking to sign Youri Tielemans this summer on a free transfer.
The Athletic report that Aston Villa are keen to swiftly wrap up a deal for the midfielder, with Unai Emery wanting the club to strengthen in that area of the pitch.
It’s believed Villa will make an official approach to Tielemans soon, as he considers his options after his departure from Leicester was confirmed.
