And Inter Milan are said to be looking into an astonishing transfer for Lionel Messi.
Follow all the latest gossip and updates with our live blog below…
GOOD MORNING, FOOTBALL FANS,
SunSport’s Mark Irwin revealed that Arsenal are set to spend £100million this summer to sign key targets Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Dani Ceballos.
But they will need to sell at least three of their current squad and offload a couple more to fund the spending spree.
That means Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Matteo Guendouzi and Shkodran Mustafi could all be joining Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mohamed Elneny at the departure gate.
With the free-transfer signing of Chelsea winger Willian almost in the bag, Mikel Arteta is now turning his attention to strengthening his midfield and defence.
Atletico Madrid’s Ghana star Partey has been top of Arsenal’s shopping list for months and is keen to move to the Premier League after nine years in the Spanish capital.
The central midfielder, 27, has a £45m release clause in his contract and Atletico are adamant that Arsenal will have to pay the full asking price to get their man.
Arteta is also keen on Lille’s Brazilian centre-half Gabriel, who was targeted by former boss Unai Emery last season before the club signed William Saliba.
Meanwhile, SunSport’s Duncan Wright claims that Crystal Palace are set to miss out on QPR’s Eberechi Eze after refusing to budge on their £10million evaluation.
Palace have seen a first bid for the highly-rated playmaker thrown back in their faces after they offered £8m with a series of bonus payments which will be tough to meet.
The total package QPR rejected was worth £12m, but that was with a number of performance related top ups such as the team qualifying for Europe.
The Championship club thought many of the add-ons were unrealistic and have asked Palace to come back with a serious offer, valuing their star player at £20m.
WILL TO WIN
Paul Merson has enthusiastically backed Arsenal’s attempts to prize Willian from Chelsea.
The Gunners legend, who is often seen as hard to please, claims the Brazilian would be an “unbelievable” signing.
He told the Daily Star: “I think Willian is a special player who ticks all the boxes. I can’t believe Chelsea are letting him go to be honest.
“I know he’s 31 and wanted a three-year contract but football is all about now, and right now he’s a great player.
“No manager is thinking about what might happen in three or four years time. They need results now, so it’s no surprise to me Frank Lampard doesn’t want him to go.
“Arteta won’t be Arsenal manager forever. He needs to win now. Willian can help him do that.”
NOU GAR?
Barcelona will test the water with a £14million bid for Manchester City starlet Eric Garcia.
Pep Guardiola revealed on Thursday the defender, 19, is refusing to pen a new Etihad contract.
As Garcia has just a year left on his current one, City have a big call over whether to cash in on him now.
Etihad chiefs will want at least £20m up front, with a further £10m in add-ons, to consider selling him.
Otherwise they are happy to let him see out the final 12 months before going for nothing.
But it is Barca’s interest which is believed to have unsettled Garcia, who had been expected to commit his long-term future to City.
NOT SO EZE
SunSport’s Duncan Wright claims that Crystal Palace are set to miss out on QPR’s Eberechi Eze after refusing to budge on their £10million evaluation.
Palace have seen a first bid for the highly-rated playmaker thrown back in their faces after they offered £8m with a series of bonus payments which will be tough to meet.
The total package QPR rejected was worth £12m, but that was with a number of performance related top ups such as the team qualifying for Europe.
The Championship club thought many of the add-ons were unrealistic and have asked Palace to come back with a serious offer, valuing their star player at £20m.
SPREE FOR THREE
SunSport’s Mark Irwin revealed that Arsenal are set to spend £100million this summer to sign key targets Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes and Dani Ceballos.
But they will need to sell at least three of their current squad and offload a couple more to fund the spending spree.
That means Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Matteo Guendouzi and Shkodran Mustafi could all be joining Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mohamed Elneny at the departure gate.
With the free-transfer signing of Chelsea winger Willian almost in the bag, Mikel Arteta is now turning his attention to strengthening his midfield and defence.
Atletico Madrid’s Ghana star Partey has been top of Arsenal’s shopping list for months and is keen to move to the Premier League after nine years in the Spanish capital.
The central midfielder, 27, has a £45m release clause in his contract and Atletico are adamant that Arsenal will have to pay the full asking price to get their man.
Arteta is also keen on Lille’s Brazilian centre-half Gabriel, who was targeted by former boss Unai Emery last season before the club signed William Saliba.
FER-GET IT
Rio Ferdinand has urged Gareth Bale to leave Real Madrid, so that fans can witness his “generational talent” again.
The BT Sport pundit said: “If you look at it in terms of trophies, he’s won a phenomenal amount of trophies and will go down as as one of the most successful imports they’ve had.
“But there’s no doubt one thing that’s happening, we’re being denied a generational talent here. We want him out on the pitch to perform and play.
“We’ve seen what he can do in finals, and in big moments he’s scored great goals. Defining moments in big games, but we’re not being allowed to see him play, and that’s the frustrating thing.
“You almost want him to come out and say it. You’re begging for him or the club to come out and make a big statement.
“He’s got to just come out and make his point.
“I think its time now, really. Either cut your ties with Real Madrid or at least go on loan.
“Make a deal happen somewhere to get out on the pitch and play football.”
QAT OUT THE BAG
Arsenal hero Santi Cazorla has arrived at Al-Sadd, after extending his playing career by signing for the Qatari champions.
In making the switch, Cazorla has reunited with former Spain team-mate Xavi, who manages the Doha side.
Alongside each other as players, the pair tasted World Cup and European Championships glory with La Roja.
And Cazorla, 35, will be hoping to add a few final medals to his impressive collection before eventually calling time on his playing career.
He told the club’s official website upon arrival: “It’s a great honour to be with the biggest club in Qatar.
“Xavi helped me a lot in my decision to come to Qatar.
“He was a role model for me when I was a player and he is sure to set an example to me as a coach.
“My goal is to win everything with Al-Sadd, you have to strive to win everything.
“I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and continued support to the team and I will strive to help the team every day to reap the victories.”
MOUR TO SEE
Talks between between Tottenham and Inter Milan have reportedly intensified over a deal for Milan Skrinar.
The 25-year-old has been linked to several clubs this summer after falling out of favour with Antonio Conte.
Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, claim Skrinar ‘could be sacrificed’ if Inter got a player in return amid interest in Tanguy Ndombele.
WILL HE OR WON’T HE?
Frank Lampard has given an update on Willian’s contract situation.
He said: “Read a headline that mentioned disappointment. That doesn’t matter. Willian remains our player at the moment, he is injured.
“He’d have given everything to play. He’s carried this injury… as a club we’ve done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Our relationship is really close but no disappointment if he moves on. A fantastic man and fantastic player. The club have acted very well in this. If he moves on I’ll wish him well.”
DEVIL MAY CARE
Jadon Sancho is aalready part of a WhatsApp group with Manchester United players.
Transfer expert Ian McGarry said on the transfer window podcast: “Manchester United are comfortable at this moment in time that they’re not in any competition for the signature of Jadon Sancho.
“They don’t believe they’re going to be gazumped by no other club because no other club has expressed the same level of interest.
“They’re also very confident the player wants to come to Old Trafford.
“He has been in constant touch with England international colleagues who currently play for Manchester United and indeed in daily contact with them.
“It’s even believed he’s on a WhatsApp group with some of the Manchester United players as well.
“Therefore United are very comfortable with their position, they believe that Dortmund will come round to the structure that they’ve suggested.”
LYON IN WAIT
Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly embroiled in a transfer tussle for in-demand Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar.
The 21-year-old is seen as one of the hottest talents in Europe following his scintillating form in Ligue 1.
The France Under-21 international has been scouted by all the Premier League’s elite, along with Real Madrid and Juventus.
City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be a long-standing admirer of the whizkid.
After facing Lyon last season he singled the French starlet out for praise and waited in the tunnel to speak to him personally.
Lyon are hoping to get about £54m for Aouar with Juventus also interested, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
POKER FACE
Sky Sports have described the situation surrounding Jadon Sancho as a ‘game of poker’.
The report claims that Manchester United will not be bullied by Borussia Dortmund’s valuation of the England International and will not be held to ransom.
Yet the Bundesliga side remain steadfast during negotiations and are expecting at least £100million upfront.
RVP UP TO THE JOB
Robin van Persie has joined Advocaat’s Feyenoord coaching staff after admitting: “I can’t say no to Dick.”
The Manchester United and Arsenal legend has got his pecker up after the coronavirus lockdown with his first coaching job.
Van Persie, 37, retired as a player with Feyenoord last summer after winning 102 Holland caps, having also spent 11 years in the Premier League.
And RVP says it was too hard to turn down working under ex-Rangers, Sunderland and Dutch national boss Dick Advocaat.
He told Feyenoord’s website: “Dick called me and asked if I wanted to come. And I couldn’t turn Dick down.
“It is not an official position. So it’s hard for me to give it a title. I don’t see myself as a strikers’ coach, for example.
“I think it’s a win-win. I’ll find out here whether I like doing this and I’ll help the staff a bit.”
PLAYING FOR KEEPS
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret in case David De Gea or Dean Henderson quit the club.
Old Trafford chiefs are looking to replace blunder-prone De Gea this summer.
With their goalkeepers’ futures up in the air, Man Utd have target Napoli stopper Meret, 23, as their potential new No1, according to ESPN.
The report claims De Gea is set to remain as United’s first-choice goalkeeper, in an ideal scenario for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
That would see Henderson shipped out on yet another loan deal – which could anger the Englishman.
Sergio Romero will continue his long spell as United’s cup goalkeeper.
DENIED BAIL
Eric Bailly has been offered to AC Milan but the Serie A side aren’t interested, according to reports.
The Ivory Coast centre-back has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford having endured another injury-plagued season.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim the United outcast was offered to the San Siro, with the Italian giants eyeing a new centre-back in the coming transfer window.
However, the player reportedly “isn’t of interest” to Milan manager Stefano Pioli and the club’s bigwigs.
MES BE LOVE
Lionel Messi wants to finish his career at Barcelona, according to club president Josep Bartomeu.
The Barca chief allayed fans’ fear the Argentine superstar could look to quit the Nou Camp after a turbulent campaign.
He told beIN SPORTS: “It’s not just me who says it, Messi says it himself.
“He wants to finish his professional playing career at Barcelona and it’s the only club for him.
“I don’t have any doubt that when he finishes his football career in three or four years it will be here at Barcelona.
“Messi has it very clear. He’s been here since he was a kid, he knows the colours and is a part of the club’s history.
“He is the best player in the world. Not just right now, but in the history of the game.
“He’s at Barcelona and has made clear he wants to stay here.”
CRIST ALMIGHTY
Inter Milan are reportedly studying Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at Juventus as they line up their sensational move for Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juve in the summer of 2018 for £88million.
And while his form on the pitch has been unsurprisingly brilliant, the publicity and economic boost the move brought has also provided a massive boost to the club.
Now, according to Italian newspaper Gazetta, Inter’s Chinese owners Suning Holdings are weighing up the financial benefits of making a move for Messi.
And they are using Ronaldo’s time at Juventus as the blueprint for any move.
And with reports that Messi’s dad and agent has recently bought a property in Milan, it will only raise hops among Inter fans that they could pull off the most sensational of transfers.
ADD ENOUGH
Charlton’s takeover has been left in limbo after three people failed the English Football League’s Owners and Directors’ Test.
The Addicks had announced in June East Street Investments (ESI) was taken over by a consortium led by businessman Paul Elliott.
Elliot was meant to take over ESI, but even the original ownership switch led by Tahnoon Nimer had not been able to get EFL approval.
It has now been confirmed three of those involved in Chartlon’s third takeover have failed their Owners and Directors’ Test.
A statement read: “Following a full and comprehensive appraisal of all the relevant matters the Board determined that three individuals were subject to a Disqualifying Condition and the EFL declined to approve their applications.
“Those individuals have 14 days to appeal the decision.”
According to the Evening Standard, proposed owner Elliot was one of the three to have failed the test.
ANGEL GABRIEL
Arsenal and Man Utd target Gabriel has posted a cryptic tweet ahead of speculation linking him with a move away from Lille.
The Gunners are believed to be in pole position to land him, but the Red Devils, Everton and Napoli are also looking to secure his services.
And with the player understood to be on his way out of France, the defender has posted a pic of him in action on Twitter, captioning the photo with a glancing eye emoji.
— Gabriel Magalhaes (@biel_m04) August 7, 2020
LION IN WAIT
Inter Milan are reportedly studying Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at Juventus as they line up their sensational move for Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juve in the summer of 2018 for £88million.
And while his form on the pitch has been unsurprisingly brilliant, the publicity and economic boost the move brought has also provided a massive boost to the club.
Now, according to Italian newspaper Gazetta, Inter’s Chinese owners Suning Holdings are weighing up the financial benefits of making a move for Messi.
And they are using Ronaldo’s time at Juventus as the blueprint for any move.
And with reports that Messi’s dad and agent has recently bought a property in Milan, it will only raise hops among Inter fans that they could pull off the most sensational of transfers.
Inter are reportedly ready to offer Lionel Messi a staggering £235MILLION to join them.
SILVA LINING
David Silva’s dad confirmed the Manchester City icon wants to play in Italy and could play on until he’s 40.
It comes following speculation Silva – who is leaving the Etihad after ten years – has been offered a lucrative contract by Lazio.
The Spaniard has attracted attention from across Europe and America, but fancies a crack at Serie A.
Silva’s dad Fernando told Spanish radio programme El Transistor: “One day he tells me one thing and the next he tells me another.
“Personally I would like him to remain in Europe and until the transfer window shuts, I can’t rule out anything.
“I can confirm that he likes the Italian league and would really enjoy playing in Italy. He told me he could play there until he’s 40 years old.
“At the moment, there are many offers and he has to decide, but I’d love it if he signed for Lazio, because even if Rome is quite far away, it’d be a huge opportunity for him.
“I know it’s unlikely he’ll come back to Spain, as he always tells me to rule out the idea of a return to Valencia.”
CRIS GOODBYE
PSG look set to turn their backs on a stunning summer bid for Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Ligue 1 champions, who have been after the 35-year-old’s signature for almost a decade, are rumoured to have been pondering a move to bring the Portugal skipper to France.
However, ESPN claim the club are reportedly leaning towards extending the contracts of Kylian Mbappe, and the world’s most expensive footballer Neymar instead.
Both players have deals to keep them at the club until at least 2022.
And reports suggest PSG officials have prioritised efforts to seal extensions on their star attackers’ contracts before turning their attention towards new transfers.
Earlier this week incredible claims in French media suggested Ronaldo had come close to joining PSG before the Covid-19 lockdown.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who joined Juventus from Real Madrid in a £88million 2018 move, had dreams of playing alongside Brazil star Neymar and France striker Mbappe, according to ESPN.
ED OVER
Edinson Cavani could be on his way to Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro on a free transfer, according to reports.
The Uruguay icon, 33, was released by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2019-20 season.
Premier League new-boys Leeds had emerged as the favourites to sign Cavani.
Elland Road owner Andrea Radrizzani has publicly spoken about the possibility of signing the PSG icon to lead the line next season.
But now Globo Esporte have claimed that the veteran striker could be heading to Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in a blow to Marco Bielsa’s side.
The Uruguayan front man is said to be keen on a move back to South America and that a deal could be hashed out in the coming weeks.
OUT OF LUC
AC Milan are reportedly keen on bringing Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira back to Serie A after two years spent in England.
According to the Telegraph, the Italian club are battling Fiorentina for the Uruguayan’s signature.
However they state that a move to join Milan is the most likely destination.
Torreira lost his place in the starting XI when football returned in June, with Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos the preferred pairing under Mikel Arteta.
WUNDER-BAR
Borussia Dortmund are looking at the drama surrounding Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United as a “win-win” situation.
The England star, 20, has reportedly agreed to personal terms with United after being offered a five-year deal worth £350,000 a week.
The German side are hoping to command a £108million fee, with United unwilling to splash that sum in one transaction.
Old Trafford chiefs are said to have offered closer to £60m – with the remaining £48m to be spread across a number of instalments.
But Dortmund – who have set a deadline of August 10 for a deal to be concluded – are standing firm, and German publication Bild say Dortmund view the whole prolonged saga as a “win-win”.
The way they see it, Man Utd either splurge £108m NOW or Sancho stays at the club for another season as they challenge for the Bundesliga title. In both scenarios, Borussia Dortmund leave happy.
They either rake in £108m to help combat the financial repercussions of the coronavirus lockdown and sign an elite replacement OR they keep their best player and look to break their near-decade-long title drought in 2020-21.
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