Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea set to beat Liverpool to Caicedo; Arsenal target moves
Today could be another big one in the transfer market with updates expected on deals for Arsenal and Chelsea plus the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United. The Gunners have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber and are now tipped to look at a bid for Romeo Lavia – which could lead to Thomas Partey’s exit. However, Xavi Simons will not be joining as he flies in to complete a return to Paris Saint-Germain.
Across the capital at Chelsea, Moises Caicedo is the number one target yet he’s expected to head out on tour with Brighton but an agreement is closer over his £100million transfer fee. Liverpool are also keen but Caicedo joining the Seagulls squad flying out to the United States is a major blow to both clubs’ hopes.
Rayan Cherki is another Chelsea target, amid competition from Newcastle, with a striker also wanted by Mauricio Pochettino. Man United could today announce the capture of Andre Onana and Tottenham are looking to secure Harry Kane’s future. Follow all the latest transfer news, updates and deals with Standard Sport’s live blog!
Live updates
Arsene Wenger backs Arsenal deals
Arsenal are taking the right steps after signing Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, according to Arsene Wenger.
“If I had the money why not?” Wenger replied when asked by ITV if he would spend £105m on Rice.
“I had to cope with no money at all so you have to find a different way. Now Arsenal are in a good financial situation and they’ve bought what they think will win them the championship.
“I think it’s a good investment and overall I think they’ve made good buys. They’re all mature, 23 [years old], 24. And still young so they can stay together for a few years.
“Of course they are under more pressure this year but they learned a lot last year and they showed they can deal with that kind of pressure.”
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West Ham eye ex-Chelsea man
Another name West Ham are chasing having sold Declan Rice is Denis Zakaria.
A bid of £10m is reported by Tuttosport although Juventus want closer to £22m for the ex-Chelsea loanee.
Talks are ongoing with Ajax’s Edson Alvarez and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha also of interest to the Hammers.
Neymar on the market
Paris Saint-Germain have decided to sell Neymar this summer.
Xavi Simons’ arrival at the French champions has pushed Luis Enrique to make the decision despite the likely exit of Kylian Mbappe at some point in the next 12 months.
Chelsea have been rumoured to be keen on the Brazilian in the past.
Chelsea close to Moises Caicedo agreement
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Moises Caicedo’s move to Chelsea.
It is said the Blues and Brighton are in talks daily about the player’s transfer fee, with a price tag of £100m being discussed.
And an agreement is touted as getting close!
Newcastle battle Chelsea for Rayan Cherki
Chelsea face competition in their bid to sign Rayan Cherki.
The Lyon teenager is also interesting Newcastle, according to a report by Foot Mercato.
A bid worth £34m is said to be in the works at Stamford Bridge.
Ian Wright on how he ‘tapped up’ Declan Rice for Arsenal
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has revealed he “begged” Declan Rice to join the club during a chat with the new Gunners signing earlier in the year.
In a visit to the England camp before their game with Italy in March, Wright chatted with Rice and Bukayo Saka in a scene which piqued Arsenal fans’ interest.
Many Gooners had hoped their former striker was putting in a good word for the midfielder to join the club and he has confirmed exactly that.
“Everyone was saying about when I went to the England squad, I was tapping him up,” he said on his Wrighty’s House show.
“Yes I f*****g was. Literally, I was begging him!”
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New exit option for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a number of routes out of the club.
Marseille have emerged as contenders, as reported by Sky Sports.
A move to France may be a more tempting option for Laval-born Aubameyang, who has so far resisted interest from Saudi Arabia.
He’s due back at Cobham on Monday with a view to being sold or loaned out.
Confirmation of Xavi Simons’ exit
PSV have released a statement confirming Xavi Simons, previously linked with Arsenal, has left their pre-season camp to join Paris Saint-Germain.
It reads: “Xavi Simons immediately leaves the training camp to complete the transfer with Paris Saint Germain. The twenty-year-old attacker came to PSV last year and became an important player in Ruud van Nistelrooij’s team.
“Xavi played a total of 49 times for PSV. He scored 19 times and provided 9 assists. He also made his debut in the Dutch national team for PSV. Under the guidance of national coach Louis van Gaal, he entered the field for the Orange in the game against the United States.”
PSG will pay just over £5m for the winger via a buy-back clause.
Dusan Vlahovic to Chelsea latest
We have conflicting reports over Chelsea’s interest in Dusan Vlahovic.
While transfer journalist Rudy Galletti says the Juventus striker is their main target to improve their frontline, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says he isn’t a target at all.
PSG are said to be the frontrunners for the £65m Serb while Tottenham also continue to be linked, presumably in the event Harry Kane is sold.
West Ham prepare to use Declan Rice cash
Harry Maguire could benefit from Arsenal completing the signing of Declan Rice.
West Ham are preparing to splash the £100m fee guaranteed by the Gunners with several targets in mind.
According to the Telegraph, Manchester United defender Maguire is wanted on an initial loan deal by David Moyes.
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