The transfer window is in full swing and Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all chasing major early signings this summer. Arsenal have had a club-record bid for Declan Rice rejected but are expected to return again, and have launched a new bid for Kai Havertz. The Gunners also have Jurrien Timber at Ajax and Romeo Lavia in their sights too.
Nicolas Jackson is set to undergo a Chelsea medical this week as he finalises a £30million move from Villarreal and the Blues have announced Christopher Nkunku’s £53m arrival. Mauricio Pochettino also wants to sign Gabri Veiga, but Chelsea could be forced to sell players before making their big-money move for Moises Caicedo. Tottenham could now face a battle with Arsenal over Harvey Barnes, though Leicester team-mate James Maddison is believed to want to join Spurs as they face struggles to land goalkeeper David Raya. PSG have started work on signing Harry Kane.
However, Heung-min Son is the latest player to attract big-money interest from Saudi Arabia, though he is not believed to be interested in that move. Manchester United have been dealt a fresh boost over Victor Osimhen as they also target the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount, while reports in Spain suggest they have made a shock approach for Thibaut Courtois. Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip below!
Live updates
Timber release clause revealed
Arsenal target Jurrien Timber has a release clause that becomes active in two weeks, according to Dutch publication AD.
The report says it is currently unknown what that clause is, but the defender’s previous release clause was for €60million.
This could be good or bad news for Arsenal. One to keep an eye on.
Man United given Kim hope
Manchester United have been given a glimmer of hope in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae.
According to reports in Germany, while Bayern Munich are favourites to sign the centre-back from Napoli, a deal remains incomplete.
That is because Kim will undergo military service in South Korea this month and then make a decision over his future early in July.
Poch demands Chelsea hijack Vigo deal
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has told the club to hijack Liverpool’s £34million deal for Celta Vigo.
The 21-year-old is considered one of Europe’s top talents and the Blues have registered their interest.
Relevo claim Pochettino has gone as far as telling Chelsea to pay Vigo’s release clause as he wants to make Vigo key to his squad rebuild.
Will he get his man?
Fulham want £90m for Palhinha
Fulham have slapped a £90million asking price on Joao Palhinha to put off the likes of West Ham.
The Mail report that Fulham are using Declan Rice’s valuation as a benchmark, which is rather ironic.
Palhinha joined from Sporting last summer for around £20million and has impressed in his first season in the Premier League.
He has a contract until 2027.
Messi contract and debut revealed
Lionel Messi will earn around £55million a season at Inter Miami.
According to the Miami Herald, the Argentine star joins on a two-year deal with the option of a third.
Messi’s debut should come on July 21 against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said: “I think there will always be a before and after Messi when we talk about the sport in the United States.
“I have a very, very strong-held belief that we can create in North America and the United States if not the greatest league, one of the top two leagues in the world. I cannot over emphasize the magnitude of this announcement.”
Arsenal learn of Rice hold-up
Don’t expect Arsenal to sign Declan Rice anytime soon.
According to West Ham insider @ExWHUEmployee, the midfielder is now on holiday for the rest of the month having finally ended a mammoth season with England duty.
A third bid will come from the Gunners, more than the £90million rejected this afternoon, but there may well be no further movement until July.
United sell Zidane for less than £1m
Manchester United have agreed to sell young midfielder Zidane Iqbal to FC Utrecht for around €1million (£860,000).
The Athletic report that the highly rated 20-year-old has completed a medical and will sign a four-year contract.
United have a “significant sell-on clause” for a player who has come through their academy and made a first-team appearance, though not since Erik ten Hag’s appointment.
Leicester want £90m for pair
Leicester want a combined £90million to sell both James Maddison and Harvey Barnes amid interest from Newcastle and Tottenham.
Sky Sports report that Leicester are standing firm on their valuations, with Maddison’s set at £50m and currently more likely to join Spurs.
Newcastle can offer Champions League football though. West Ham are interested in £40m-rated Barnes.
Neves heads to Saudi
Al-Hilal have completed the signing of Ruben Neves from Wolves for £47m.
The midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Arabia club.
Jorge Mendes is having a superb summer!
PSG make first Kane contact
Talking of Tottenham, Relevo report that Paris Saint-Germain have made contact with Harry Kane’s representatives over signing the striker.
Spurs have already fended off interest from Manchester United and links with Real Madrid have gone cold since Kylian Mbappe announced his desire to leave the club.
Relevo add that there remains nothing concrete between the clubs, so it sounds like PSG are just sounding out the player.
Spurs have always insisted Kane, who has one year left on his contract, is not for sale.
