Transfer targets: Bradley Barcola, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Kenan Yildiz are all on Arsenal’s radar this summer
The summer transfer window officially opens on Monday and Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are all working hard to secure early signings. Arsenal are said to be exploring a dream move for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, having also held talks over Morocco’s World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Gunners are believed to have made an approach for Christos Tzolis as they also target Ander Barrenetxea, with Morgan Rogers and Julian Alvarez among their other high-profile targets.
Arsenal will face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool for PSG’s Bradley Barcola, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli potentially both on the way out. United are leading Arsenal in the race for Mateus Fernandes and also battling hard for Rogers, as well as looking at the likes of Lewis Hall, Antonee Robinson and Tyler Adams. Marcus Rashford’s future remains undecided as Barcelona seek a cheaper return, though Michael Carrick could yet welcome him back to Old Trafford.
Brentford are rivalling Arsenal for Leicester wonderkid Jeremy Monga, while Tottenham are continuing to chase Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho after rejecting Brighton’s bid for Luka Vuskovic as Liverpool eye Yan Diomande and Adam Wharton. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Arsenal hold talks over Ayyoub Bouaddi deal
Ayyoub Bouaddi is the name on the lips of practically every Arsenal fan just at the moment after his impressive start to the World Cup.
The 18-year-old Lille sensation ran the show in midfield for Morocco on Saturday night as they drew 1-1 with Brazil in their Group C opener in New Jersey.
Bouaddi is a player in high demand this summer after shining in Ligue 1 and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano now reports that there has been “direct contact” with both Arsenal and Liverpool, who have each held talks with the player’s agent.
PSG are also said to be long-time admirers of Bouaddi, who it is believed will be available for a fee of around £60m.
Arsenal eye move for 'dream target' Kenan Yildiz
Arsenal are exploring a move for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, reports claim.
The Gunners are on the lookout for statement signings this summer as they look to build upon a phenomenal season in which they ended a 22-year wait for Premier League title glory and also reached the final of the Champions League.
Yildiz, 21, is one high-profile player in their sights, with The Mirror reporting that Mikel Arteta sees him as a “dream target” for the left flank amid growing doubts over the respective Emirates Stadium futures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal have apparently not been put off by Juventus’ £86m asking price, though any deal will have to wait until after the World Cup finals, where Yildiz is a key player for Turkey.
He came on at half-time on Saturday night as Vincenzo Montella’s side surprisingly lost their Group D opener 2-0 to Australia in Vancouver.
Man Utd left-back targets revealed
Manchester United have their eyes on two key left-back targets this summer.
Sky Sports report that they are Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.
The Red Devils need competition for Luke Shaw in that position.
Newcastle value Hall at no less than £60million, while Robinson, in the final two years of his deal in west London, could be available for a cheaper price.
Mourinho names midfield priority
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Morten Hjulmand to reinforce his midfield, according to Defensa Central.
The Dane, who currently plays for Sporting Lisbon, has emerged as an alternative for Mateus Fernandes, the West Ham midfielder, with Manchester United now the frontrunners for his signature.
Hjulmand is reported to have a €80million release clause in his contract in Portugal, and he is also being courted by Atletico Madrid, who have reportedly offered €40m for his services.
Barca open new contract talks
Barcelona have opened new contract talks with Ferran Torres, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spaniard’s current deal at the Nou Camp expires next year, and the La Liga champions have decided to act now to tie him down to fresh terms.
He has often been deployed as a deputy striker in Robert Lewandowski’s absence. but he can also play out wide.
Liverpool eye Diomande alternative
Liverpool have registered an interest in Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure, according to Teamtalk.
The Reds are looking to land a new winger after Mohamed Salah’s exit, and while reports claim that their top target is Yan Diomande, they could look elsewhere in the Bundesliga for an alternative.
That could be Toure, although Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle are also interested.
The Ivorian is valued at around €40million-€50m.
Arsenal open Kone talks
L’Equipe report that Arsenal are considering a move for Manu Kone.
The Roma midfielder could be sold with his side potentially in trouble with UEFA’s financial regulations, meaning that they might need to shift some assets.
A fee of around €40million could be enough to land him, although Inter Milan are also keen on the former Borussia Monchengladbach and Toulouse man.
Barca eye Alvarez alternative
Barcelona are considering former Liverpool star Darwin Nunez as an alternative target to Julian Alvarez.
Mundo Deportivo claim that the Uruguayan, now playing in Saudi Arabia, could be another option for Barca should Alvarez, the in-demand Atletico Madrid striker, prove too expensive.
Barca are in the market for a new striker after Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
Arsenal targeting wingers
Reinforcements out wide are the priority for Arsenal this summer, according to wide reports.
The Gunners are eyeing moves for Bradley Barcola, Christos Tzolis, Morgan Rogers, and Ander Barrenetxea.
Tzolis is perhaps the most advanced, with a deal worth €40million thought to be in touching distance.
Arsenal stance on Lewis-Skelly amid Man Utd interest
Arsenal insist Myles Lewis-Skelly is not for sale despite Teamtalk reporting that Manchester United are interested in the youngster.
The teenager struggled for game time this term but came to the fore late on as the Gunners won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
Now, it is believed that United are monitoring him, but their rivals do not want to sell, with bids over £60million what it could take for them to reconsider.