Transfer News: Latest Updates on Premier League Clubs
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign a new centre-back this summer following news that William Saliba will be out for an extended period due to a back injury. The club is considering options such as Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and former Manchester City player John Stones, who is available as a free agent. Stones is said to be open to a move to London, and his previous relationship with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could be a factor in any potential decision.
In other transfer news for Arsenal, the club has announced the signing of Christos Tzolis, a 24-year-old forward from Club Brugge, in a deal valued at £34m. Arsenal is also reportedly stepping up its pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. However, Newcastle is said to be frustrated by a lack of contact from the Premier League champions regarding the midfielder.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has indicated a clear need to sign a winger this transfer window. The club has reportedly turned its attention to Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain. PSG’s Bradley Barcola is another player Liverpool is targeting, with reports suggesting an official bid has been made for the player.
Midfield Movements and Departures
Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield further after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Reports from Italy suggest an agreement in principle has been reached with France international Manu Kone. Additionally, Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan, following Villa’s signing of Morgan Rogers.
Midfielder Alex Scott has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from Bournemouth, indicating he is unwilling to agree to a new deal. Bournemouth previously rejected a bid approach from Chelsea for Scott and has stated they do not intend to sell the England Under-21 international this summer, as his current contract runs until 2028. Arsenal and Manchester United are also reportedly interested in Scott.
West Ham United has agreed a deal with Al Hilal for winger Crysencio Summerville. The Netherlands winger was expected to leave West Ham after their relegation to the Championship. West Ham has also sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur in a move, while captain Jarrod Bowen has confirmed he will remain with the club next season.
Interest in Rodri and Other Targets
Real Madrid is reportedly interested in Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who guided Spain to the World Cup and received the player of the tournament award. Rodri, who has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, is said to be keen on a return to Spain. Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have also joined the race to sign Rodri, with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly impressed by his World Cup performances. However, a deal for Barcelona would only be possible if Frenkie de Jong is sold.
Chelsea has emerged as a front-runner to sign Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old who impressed for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup. He rejoined Bayer Leverkusen shortly before the tournament, and Xabi Alonso’s side is set to rival Juventus for the attacker. Alajbegovic came through Leverkusen’s academy but joined Red Bull Salzburg before making his first-team debut.
Rafael Leao, who has been linked with Arsenal for some time, is now attracting interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham. Villa, who appear likely to sign Pervis Estupinan from AC Milan, have discussed Leao with Milan. The player is reportedly looking to move from the San Siro this summer and could be available for around £50m.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes the club’s summer spending spree is not yet finished, as he aims to build a strong team with new players. Tottenham has already made contact with Benfica regarding winger Andreas Schjelderup, but may need to act quickly due to interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Source: independent.co.uk