Now that the season is over for Premier League sides, the summer transfer window is fast approaching, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all keen to get their business done early
Now that the season is over for Premier League sides, the summer transfer window is fast approaching, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all keen to get their business done early Now that the season is over for Premier League sides, the summer transfer window is fast approaching, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all keen to get their business done early
Chelsea are closing in on their most important signing of the summer – a new manager.
Leicester boss Enzo Maresca is in talks to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues ready to pay his £10million release clause after requesting permission to speak to the Championship-winning coach on Monday. Chelsea aren’t the only club looking for a new manager, as Barcelona, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Juventus all remain without head coaches.
Manchester United could soon be in the market, too, with showdown talks over Erik ten Hag’s future taking place this week following their epic 2-1 win against Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Ex-assistant manager Kieran McKenna had been tipped to replace Ten Hag but the Ipswich boss is now expected to sign a lucrative new contract with the newly-promoted side.
On the transfer front, United forward Anthony Martial has confirmed that he’ll be leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires next month. Rivals Liverpool are eyeing a move for Atalanta midfielder and Europa League final star Ederson, while Arsenal are looking to splash the cash once again, although they’ve been hit with a blow courtesy of one of their targets.
Stay tuned to the Mirror Football live blog throughout Tuesday, as we bring you the latest transfer news from around Europe and beyond.
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Leverkusen to add ex-Man City midfielder Garcia
Aleix Garcia is poised to swap Girona for Bayer Leverkusen, according to Sky Sport in Germany.
26-year-old midfielder Garcia played nine times for Manchester City under Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola, scoring once, and was a regular this season as Girona came third in La Liga.
A verbal agreement is said to be in place for the Spaniard, who would cost around £17m.
Chelsea plot to hijack Newcastle deal
Chelsea are considering hijacking Newcastle’s deal to sign out-of-contract Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo.
The i claim that Chelsea have held talks with the 26-year-old defender, who was expected to join Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly in signing for Newcastle on a free this summer.
Adarabioyo came through Manchester City’s academy and briefly played under incoming Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Getty Images)
ICYMI: Arsenal target Zirkzee drops future hint
Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee says that it’d be ‘wonderful’ to stay at Bologna and play in the Cnampions League next season.
The Dutch striker helped fire Thiago Motta’s side to fifth place in Serie A, benefitting from Italy’s extra Champions League spot.
Zirkzee, 23, has subsequently been linked with a €40million (£34m) move to Arsenal, who want to bring in a striker, but he’d seemingly be happy to stay put.
“At the moment my head is only in Bologna,” the ex-Bayern Munich prospect told Corriere Di Bologna.
“I would choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart… It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal (the Champions League) we achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable.”
AFP via Getty Images)
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Tuesday’s live transfer blog.
We’ve got plenty of news to bring you, so let’s get straight into it!
Goodnight!
That’s all we’ve got time for this evening.
Make sure you join us bright and early for even more of the latest transfer and manager news from the Premier League and beyond.
Inter Milan seal striker deal
Porto President Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costahas confirmed that former Man United target Mehdi Taremi has sealed a move to Inter Milan.
Asked by A Bola if the Iranian frontman will leave the club, he replied: “I think so. It’s clear that he’s already signed for Inter
“These things happen at all clubs. It even happened at PSG, the club with the most money.”
Van Dijk opens up on Slot talks
Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he held talks with incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot and will now stay at the club.
Speaking to NOS, the Dutchman said: “That felt good.
“We discussed everything. About the squad, but also about my personal situation. I am and will remain the captain and still have one year left on my contract.”
Chelsea offer Tosin deal
Chelsea are attempting to hijack Newcastle’s deal for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The centre-back is out of contract this season and has been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park. However, according to Sky Sports, the Blues have offered him a contract to move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
Should it go through as expected, he would be reunited with Cole Palmer and possible Enzo Maresca.
Arsenal and Man Utd face off for wonderkid
Manchester United and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head to sign French wonderkid Desire Doue.
The youngster could be available for £35m this summer but the Premier League sides are not the only ones interested. European clubs such as Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are all tracking Doue.
Lokonga submits transfer request
Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga has admitted that he has lodged a transfer request to the Gunners after his loan spell with Luton Town.
Speaking to VOO Sport, he said: “I think that [my time at Arsenal] is slowly coming to the end. I had a discussion with the club and what was said is that the best solution for me was to leave. I have a one year contract plus a one year option, so now it’s up to the club and my agent to find the best solution.”
Martial to depart Man United
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has confirmed that he is set leave the club this summer.
The Frenchman’s contract expires this summer. Martial has announced his exit on social media. He wrote: “After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.
“Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been an unwavering support, through the good times and the difficult. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.”
Getty Images)
Summerville to lead Leeds exits
Crysecio Summerville will spearhead a mass exit from Elland Road following Leeds’ failure to earn promotion.
That is according to Mail Online, who suggest that Daniel Farke’s side will be forced to sell a number of key players this summer. Liverpool are interested in Summerville, while Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter and Willy Gnonto are among those who could be moved on.
Dortmund open to Adeyemi sale
While Branthwaite could be off the table. the Red Devils could potentially seal a deal for Karim Adeyemi.
According to Sky in Germany, Borussia Dortmund would be open to selling the forward at the right price. There is interest from the Premier League but a move could depend on Dortmund finding a replacement.
Man Utd make Branthwaite call
Manchester United are willing to bin a move for Everton’sJarrad Branthwaite should a move grow too costly.
According to the Daily Star, the Red Devils don’t want to be held to ransom for any deals now Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken control.
It is suggested that Everton value Branthwaite at £80m, while Man United only value him at £60m. Should a compromise not be found, the Red Devils could be forced to move on.
Getty Images)
Al-Ittihad ready Ederson bid
Right, that’s enough of managers, let’s back to some transfers.
And it’s bad news for the champions Man City, who could be set to lose the services of Ederson. According to Mail Online, Saudi side Al-Ittihad are interested in signing him.
It is suggested that they are considering an offer of £25m for the Brazilian.
McKenna to sign new contract
Kieran McKenna looks unlikely to be taking over at Chelsea, while he is also set to spurn interest from Man United and Brighton
According to numerous reports, the Northern Irishman is set to sign a new deal with Ipswich.
McKenna was previously being chased by all three clubs but will now lead the Tractor Boys in the Premier League.
Chelsea given Maresca permission
A move for Enzo Maresca is getting closer and closer.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have been given permission by Leicester to speak with the Italian. Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are now set to fly to Spain for face-to-face talks with the Italian about replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
Emery pens new Villa deal
One man who won’t be moving on this summer is Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.
The Spaniard led Villa into the Champions League and has signed a new contract in the Midlands. He is now tied down until 2029.
He said: “I am very happy to take this step and the responsibility of leading this club. Since I came to Villa with Wes and Nassef we found always the best environment and structure to develop a project with the highest ambition.”
Leicester have Maresca succesion plan
Back to potential Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca now, it appears that Leicester have a plan in place just in case the Italian decides to leave the club.
According to talkSPORT, West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan has been sounded out as a potential successor. Of course, it is early days and it remains to be seen whether Maresca turns up at Stamford Bridge regardless.
Newcastle eye Burnley stopper
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are interested in a deal for James Trafford following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League.
Mail Online report that the Magpies are eyeing him as competition for Nick Pope. They have also cooled their interest in Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
Trafford could reportedly be available for around £20m.
Chelsea in advanced talks with Maresca
Chelsea are in official talks with Enzo Maresca to appoint him as the club’s new head coach.
The Leicester City manager is reported excited about the ownership’s ambitions for the club, and Chelsea will now attempt to agree terms with Leicester in order to prise Maresca away from last season’s Championship winners.
And The Telegraph claim it will take around £10million to extract him from his contract at the King Power Stadium.
PA)
Brighton issue timeline for McKenna
The Seagulls are reportedly still monitoring a potential move for Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna after the 38-year-old pulled out of the running for the Chelsea job.
Brighton departed with Roberto De Zerbi at the end of the Premier League season and have maintained a push to land the Tractor Boys’ boss.
Yet, according to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton’s hierarchy want an answer from McKenna regarding his future by the end of this week.
Man City prep for Pep exit with shortlist
Pep Guardiola hinted that the end of his tenure at Manchester City could be sooner rather than later and according to the Daily Mail, the end could be as soon as next season.
As such, City are prepping for the next era with three managers already on the short-list.
The trio include Girona’s Michel, Germany boss Julian Naglesmann and Bayer Leverkesen manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea try to steal a march in Tosin deal
Chelsea are making a last-ditch effort to sign Newcastle target Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, according to The Express.
Former Manchester City defender Tosin is out of contract at Craven Cottage, and a Newcastle switch had looked the most likely.
However, the Blues, who pipped Eddie Howe’s side to European qualificaiton, haven’t given up on a deal as they look to strengthen after Thiago Silva’s exit.
Maresca Chelseas’s ‘top choice’
Chelsea will seek permission to speak with number one managerial target Enzo Maresca, according to The Telegraph.
Earlier reports indicated the London club had narrowed their manager search down to two men, with Thomas Frank and Maresca the final contenders.
If true, that means Kieran McKenna, fresh off leading Ipswich Town to successive promotions, is no longer in the frame.
Liverpool are fans of Man Utd-linked Ederson
Teun Koopmeiners isn’t the only Atalanta star on Liverpool’s radar, with Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) indicating the Reds also like the Dutchman’s midfield partner Ederson.
Ederson, who was added to Brazil’s Copa America squad, starred as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen to win the Europa League final.
The 24-year-old, who spent time with Cruzeiro and Corinthians earlier in his career, has also been on the radar of Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Conte ‘set to meet with Napoli’
Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is expected to hold talks with Napoli over their manager’s job early this week.
According to Sky Sports, the Italian could sign a three-year deal with the 2022-23 Serie A champions, who slumped to 10th this season.
Conte has been biding his time since leaving Tottenham in 2023, but is expected to take over from interim boss Francesco Calzona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
De Zerbi eyed by Man Utd
Roberto De Zerbi is in contention to take over at Manchester United if Erik ten Hag is dismissed, according to The Mail.
The Italian has left Brighton, and had been linked with the vacant Chelsea job after Mauricio Pochettino’s exit.
However, United could yet pounce once they’ve decided whether to persist with current boss Ten Hag,
Ederson a target for Al-Ittihad
Saudi club Al-Ittihad are keen on Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, The Mail claim.
Ederson is said to be considering a move away from the Etihad Stadium, seven years after joining City from Benfica.
Fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr have also been linked with the Brazil international, with their current keeper David Ospina out of contract this summer.
Norwich to make formal approach over new boss
Johannes Hoff Thorup is a leading contender for the Norwich job, with Sky Sports reporting the Canaries plan to make a formal approach for the Dane.
Norwich are looking for a new boss, having sacked David Wagner following a play-off semi-final defeat.
Hoff Thorup, 35, finished fifth with Nordsjaelland this season after qualifying for the Europa Conference League in 2023.
