Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea in Elye Wahi talks; Arsenal to confirm Rice and Timber; Man United ‘sign’ Onana
Another new week begins in the summer transfer market and it could well prove to be the biggest yet. Arsenal could announce both Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber for a combined outlay of around £150million with the midfielder and defender finalising their moves. The Gunners are now being linked with January target Ivan Fresneda once again, who is wanted by Barcelona.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are closing in on two midfielders having cleared the decks. Both Moises Caicedo and Gabri Veiga are of interest, with Brighton holding out for around £100m and Celta Viga resigned to losing their young star this week. Romelu Lukaku is expected to leave for Italy, with Inter as ever interested and now Juventus offering Dusan Vlahovic in part-exchange, and could be replaced by Elye Wahi.
Tottenham are set to confirm their fifth signing of the window with Manor Solomon set to join on a free transfer after a loan with Fulham, while Bayern have made an improved bid worth £70m for Harry Kane. Manchester United are closing in on Andre Onana and are expected to bid for Rasmus Hojlund, who is desperate to join. Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!
Live updates
Levi Colwill sends clear message to Mauricio Pochettino over Chelsea future amid Liverpool interest
Levi Colwill says he’s “got to play” next season as the England U21 international gears up for a return to Chelsea.
The defender played a starring role as the Young Lions won the European Championships at that age level for the first time since 1984.
Chelsea have offered Colwill a long-term contract but the 20-year-old wants clarity over his role in the squad going forward.
Read the full story here!
Postecoglou on changing the squad
“I think in terms of the squad I think it’s fair to say the reason I’m here is because the club are seeking change. That usually means a change in personnel.
“I have to work with the certainties I have and tick off the uncertainties one by one. It might take a little while to see my full squad but I’m excited about when I can start working with them.”
Postecoglou on Ndombele
“Tanguy has been good. He’s been working hard in training as they all have because they’ve got no choice! I take things as I see them. He was part of a Serie A-winning side last season and he’s been working well.
“Within that context I’m pleased to have him here and part of the group. What that means for the long-term we’ll see. Maybe he won’t want to be part of things.”
Postecoglou on Kane
“Harry is already in the history of this football club. He’s the premier striker in the world & I want him involved here. My conversation with him will be about making this club successful and I’ve no doubt that’s what he wants as well.
“No, I haven’t had any assurances [that Kane is staying] and I wouldn’t expect any. You’re never dealing in definites with this kind of thing. What I know right now is Harry is part of this squad & looking forward to coming back.”
Talking of Spurs, Ange Postecoglou is currently conducting his first press conference as the club’s manager. He’ll surely be questioned about Harry Kane – but will he answer?
More to come.
Solomon set for Spurs medical
Manor Solomon is set for a medical with Spurs today and is set to agree a five-year deal to become their third signing of the summer in the next 24 hours, writes Dan Kilpatrick.
The Israeli international, 23, spent last season on loan at Fulham from Ukrainian Shakhtar Donetsk and is available on a free transfer after FIFA ruled overseas players in war-torn country could suspend their contracts for a further year.
Chelsea draw up striker shortlist
Chelsea have drawn up a shortlist of striker targets for Mauricio Pochettino after the new manager last week expressed concerns his frontline may need further firepower next season.
The Blues have been in contact over several different options, including Montpellier’s Elye Wahi and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
No firm decision on whether to pursue targets has yet been made, with RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku and Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson already joining this summer, though are anticipating Romelu Lukaku’s departure.
Chelsea want at least £38million to sell Lukaku and over the weekend walked away from talks with Inter Milan after being unimpressed with their latest offer.
Read more here!
Zaha to decide his future
Wilfried Zaha will this week decide his future following his honeymoon as Crystal Palace remain hopeful of re-signing their star on a four-year contract.
The 30-year-old’s previous contract expired at the end of last month but Palace have offered him bumper new terms worth £200,000-a-week to become the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain have also sounded out the forward, who has contract offers on the table from Lazio, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s richest clubs, have offered Zaha the most money with an offer worth more than double Palace’s best financial package.
Read more here!
Spurs to reject Kane bid
Tottenham are expected to reject Bayern Munich’s second offer for Harry Kane, understood to be in the region of €80million (£68.5m) plus add-ons.
Spurs have already turned down Bayern’s opening bid for the England captain, which was thought to be worth €70m (£60m) plus add-ons.
While the Bundesliga champions are understood to be still awaiting a response from Spurs, the London club do not want to sell their talisman this summer, even if they would likely have to consider an offer north of £100m for Kane, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract and turns 30 this month.
Some of Spurs’ internationals returned to Hotspur Way following an extended summer break today but Kane is not due back until later in the week, when he will hold talks with new head coach Ange Postecoglou for the first time.
Read more here!
Chelsea in talks to sign Elye Wahi
Chelsea are working on a deal for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi.
According to L’Equipe, the clubs have been in discussions for several days with the French side holding out for €30million (£25.6m). Frankfurt are also interested.
Chelsea are also in talks over Randal Kolo Muani, who Frankfurt want to keep and play alongside Wahi. Bids are expected this week with the Blues leading the race.
Union Berlin, Lazio and Bournemouth have also signalled their interest in Wahi, who has previously been linked with Arsenal, but those clubs do not interest the 20-year-old.
