Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all active players in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The Gunners have been linked with a surprise swoop for Franck Kessie amid Barcelona’s issues, as they battle several clubs for Yeremy Pino. Sandro Tonali looks to be staying put but Pepe, Lucas Paqueta and Youri Tielemans all remain on Arsenal’s radar, with Manchester United also keen on young striker Codgy Gakpo.
Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Frenkie de Jong but must first persuade the Dutch midfielder to end his Barcelona stint. Another potentially arriving from the Camp Nou is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while Wesley Fofana remains a key target in defence. Milan Skriniar could prove the centre-back’s ideal alternative.
In north London, Tottenham look to have failed with a bid for Nicolo Zaniolo but Destiny Udogie is set for a medical. Player sales are now key for Antonio Conte. Stay tuned with Standard Sport for all the latest transfer market updates!
Live updates
Arsenal linked with surprise Kessie swoop
Barcelona’s financial difficulties could hand Arsenal a golden opportunity to sign a former target.
Franck Kessie has a big admirer in Edu, according to football.london, and may be about to jump ship from the Camp Nou.
ESPN report on the new signing’s ability to terminate his Barcelona deal THIS MONTH following his arrival in the summer.
That is because the Blaugrana’s financial issues have prevented them from registering Kessie as a LaLiga player before the weekend’s game against Rayo Vallecano.
The Ivorian therefore could trigger a clause in his contract to move on – opening up the way for Arsenal to pounce.
Several clubs in Pino talks
Several Premier League clubs are in talks to sign Yeremy Pino.
Arsenal are said to lead the race for the Villarreal talent, who has four caps for Spain, according to El Periodico Mediterraneo.
Despite holding a £67m release clause, the winger may be available for as little as £33m.
Tottenham invite Udogie for medical
Destiny Udogie is due in London next week for a medical.
Sky Sport Italia detail Tottenham’s plans to seal the Italian left-back on a long-term deal for an initial fee of £15m, rising to £20m through add-ons.
Udogie will remain with Udinese for the new campaign and arrive at Spurs next summer.
Man City to sign new left-back
Manchester City are set to sign Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The left-back is going to cost around £10million after a season in Belgium which saw him score six goals and add 11 assists.
The 21-year-old, who is essentially a replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko, could head on loan to Girona in La Liga.
Man United step up Rodriguez bid
Manchester United have made contact with Real Betis over signing defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez.
The 28-year-old is expected to command a fee of around £20 million and the deal, 90min reports, is separate to the one being worked on for Adrien Rabiot.
Arsenal close in on Pino
Arsenal are set to agree a deal worth £33m for Yeremi Pino, according to AS.
Mikel Arteta has been looking for an alternative to Raphinha, who snubbed the Gunners’ advances in favour of Barcelona.
And Pinto is that man, claim reports in France, with Villarreal ready to cash in on the winger this summer.
Arsenal see Milenkovic rejected
Talking of Fiorentina, Arsenal have reported seen a bid for Nikola Milenkovic rejected.
That’s according to Firenze Viola, who claim the Gunners are looking at the 24-year-old Serbian in a cut-price deal.
La Viola will stand firm, though, having already turned down a bid from Sevilla.
Fiorentina pull out of Lo Celso race
Fiorentina have pulled out of the race to sign Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham.
The Argentine midfielder is one of several fringe players Antonio Conte is keen to move on in the final weeks of the transfer window but Fiorentina will not be one such avenue after Viola sporting director Daniel Prade made clear his stance on the player.
He told reporters: “We have never talked to Tottenham [about Lo Celso], there is really nothing.”
Read more here!
Chelsea close in on De Jong
Chelsea are hopeful of agreeing a deal with Barcelona to Frenkie de Jong, talkSPORT reports.
Manchester United are facing up to an embarrassing end to their months-long pursuit with the Blues hijacking a move for their top transfer target.
De Jong is still owed £17million in unpaid wages by Barcelona, which complicates any move, but Chelsea remain in talks to sign the player.
Inter prepare for Skriniar exit
Inter Milan are preparing for the exit of Chelsea and PSG target Milan Skriniar by sounding out Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.
That’s according to FootMercato, who add that the defender is likely to cost around £20million.
Skriniar is expected to command a fee of three times that.
