Arsenal are plotting an audacious move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr and want to sign the Brazil winger this summer. The Premier League champions are preparing to offer the 26-year-old the biggest contract in their history but Real Madrid may yet offer the Brazilian fresh terms though Vini Jr is reportedly skipping training due to the standoff over a new deal.
It could be a busy few weeks for Mikel Arteta’s side as they also look to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and add another centre-back, with England internationals Ezri Konsa and John Stones both of interest – though the latter appears bound for Italy. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe confirmed that he wants to keep Guimaraes, but added that his future at the club is out of his control.
Elsewhere, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has set out his targets for the transfer window and has confirmed the Reds “definitely need to sign a winger”, while France international Bradley Barcola is reportedly open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer. PSG believe a £140m asking price is fair though negotiations will take place to try and lower that fee for Liverpool.
Chelsea appear set to strike a surprise double deal for England veterans Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson as Xabi Alonso seeks to add experience to his squad. The Brighton striker, 35, and Brentford midfielder, 36, could continue an intriguing summer of incomings at Stamford Bridge after the marquee addition of Morgan Rogers earlier in the window.
Manchester United are still interested in adding another midfielder and have “reached an agreement in principle” with France international Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a target, too.
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Why do Arsenal want to sign Vinicius Jr?
Arsenal want to land a major signing to improve their attack this summer and Mikel Arteta has been on the hunt for a superstar left winger for years.
On his day, Vinicius Jr is the best left winger in the world and the 26-year-old only has one year left on his Real Madrid contract.
If there would be a time to move for him, it would be now, given that the Spanish side would not want to lose him on a free next summer.
Vinicius would instantly add firepower to Arsenal. He scored 22 goals last season for Real Madrid but talks over a new deal have stalled.
Eddie Howe offers update on future of Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he “does not know” if captain Bruno Guimaraes will remain at the club next season but insisted he wants his best players to stay.
Arsenal are prepared to step up their pursuit of Guimaraes but have been told that a fee of £100m will be needed to sign the Brazil international midfielder.
The BBC report that Arsenal are preparing to test their resolve with a £70m offer for Guimaraes, who is said to be keen on a move to London.
Newcastle believe the fee Tottenham paid for Sandro Tonali should set the benchmark for any interest in their captain, yet the Gunners are still said to be poised to “accelerate” their interest, according to the Telegraph.
And Howe told Sky Sports: “We’ve had some really good conversations, before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup. What we speak about obviously has to remain private, but just a great player, a great person.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with Bruno’s future. That’s for other people to speculate about, but also conversations that I’m not part of.”
Huge fee set for Bradley Barcola
Widespread reports suggest that Paris Saint-Germain are open to selling Bradley Barcola – but only for a fee of around £145m or more. Pricey!
The Times suggest that Arsenal and Liverpool both have interest, though may be unwilling to pay the terms PSG desire with the French capital club using the Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson deals as a benchmark.
Inter Milan join race for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer and Inter Milan want to sign the Argentina defender.
Spurs would be willing to let Romero leave if they receive the right offer, according to Sky Sports, following a tumultuous season.
Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilo has confirmed the Italian club’s interest in the player, who previously played in Serie A with Alatanta.
“It’s definitely a deal we are trying to sign with the player and the club [Tottenham],” Ausilo said. “These things take some time but there’s definitely interest. Let’s see.”
Chelsea set to sign Maxence Lacroix as medical planned before £52m move
Maxence Lacroix will have a medical at Chelsea before a £52m move to leave Crystal Palace, but what could the France international bring to Stamford Bridge?
The 26-year-old centre-back is set to sign a six-year deal to boost the Blues’ defence. Lacroix played in a back three under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, a system previously favoured by Xabi Alonso, but the right-footed defender is also versatile and can play in a back four.
He brings authority to defence as well as excellent recovery pace, and his arrival at Chelsea could lead to the departures of Trvevoh Chalobah and Axel Disasi.
Juventus boss claims Emiliano Martinez ‘wants to leave Aston Villa’
Emiliano Martinez wants to leave Aston Villa this summer, Juventus boss Luciano Spaletti has claimed.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Spaletti said: “He’s a goalkeeper who wants to change clubs, and we’re looking for competitiveness. But we currently have two [keepers].”
Juventus have placed Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez at the top of their summer wish list, but Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany revealed earlier this month that Martinez would not be sold.
Aston Villa have already sold key players Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans this summer.
Chelsea make surprise move for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck
Chelsea are in talks to sign veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton, according to Press Association sources.
The 35-year-old has emerged as a surprising target to reinforce the Blues’ attacking options, following an impressive season where he netted 13 Premier League goals in 37 appearances.
Joe Gomez injury takes shine off Liverpool’s first win under Andoni Iraola
Gomez, 29, was forced off within 10 minutes of Liverpool’s first friendly of pre-season after appearing to suffer a muscle issue.
Gomez, who is Liverpool’s longest-serving player, has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Anfield.
The Chelsea pensioners: Why Xabi Alonso has suddenly shifted transfer strategy to sign older players
The surprising pursuit of several players in their 30s this summer shows Chelsea have learnt lessons from a calamitous season dogged by inexperienced and ill-discipline – but will it fix the problem?
Italy turn to Premier League winners to solve managerial crisis
Having been knocked back by Pep Guardiola, and forced to move on from Andrea Pirlo after a backlash, Italy finally have a new manager. And an old one, too, with Roberto Mancini returning for another stint in charge. He’ll be joined by Claudio Ranieri as two Premier League winners unite – Ranieri replaces Paolo Maldini, who stepped down over the Pirlo decision, as technical director.
