Transfer targets: Antonee Robinson, Julian Alvarez and Bruno Guimaraes
The summer window is entering its final weeks as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all step up their push for new signings. Arsenal will announce the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes today, while they are said to have made a shock enquiry over Cristian Romero and agreed personal terms with Julian Alvarez after Vinicius Jr signed a new contract at Real Madrid.
Manchester United are moving for Antonee Robinson after signing wonderkid Cristian Orozco and could hijack Liverpool over Ibrahim Mbaye, while Chelsea have finalised their deal for Pep Chavarria with several departures now looming. Liverpool hope to sign both Mbaye and Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, while they may also swoop for Djed Spence and rival Arsenal for Ezri Konsa.
Tottenham are stepping up their pursuit of Cody Gakpo as they also push for Savinho and agree a new deal with Micky van de Ven, while Rodri has chosen Barcelona over Real Madrid in a blockbuster switch as Manchester City chase Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Latest transfer news and rumours
Rodri chooses Barcelona over Real Madrid move
Rodri wants to join Barcelona over Real Madrid this summer, it has been confirmed.
The LaLiga arch-rivals are battling it out for the signature of the Manchester City star, who underwent a minor back procedure after winning the World Cup Golden Ball following Spain’s triumph in North America.
Madrid had opened talks with Manchester City over Rodri last month, with Barcelona’s interest then emerging earlier this week with an agreement over personal terms reportedly already reached.
Spanish outlet El Larguero has now quoted the Ballon d’Or winner’s agent Pablo Barquero as saying: “Out of respect for Madrid, as they have been class, Rodri informed them that his decision is to join Barca.”
Cristian Romero’s Tottenham centre-back partner Micky van de Ven is definitely staying put despite interest from Barcelona and others.
News emerged earlier this week that the Dutch defender had entered into contract talks with Spurs, who have already agreed new deals with the likes of Pedro Porro and Antonin Kinsky this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, an agreement has now been reached between Tottenham and Van de Ven on a new long-term contract that includes a salary increase, with a sale never considered in this window.
The BBC have reported that it’s a five-year deal, insisting that Van de Ven was considering his future at Spurs before the arrival of manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Atletico Madrid are now said to be plotting a fresh bid for Cristian Romero.
Despite a shock approach from Arsenal and talks with Inter Milan, Atleti have long since been considered as the Argentine’s most likely next destination with a summer exit from Tottenham appearing now almost certain.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Atletico are preparing a new offer for Romero, with negotiations under way on both the club and player side.
Romero wants to join Atletico, where he would play under compatriot Diego Simeone.
Manchester United may consider a bid for Antonee Robinson this month, reports claim.
Michael Carrick is on the lookout for a new left-back before the transfer window closes on September 1 as he seeks a long-term successor to the 31-year-old Luke Shaw, who is into the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford.
United had been keen on Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal, though neither of those deals look possible in this window.
talkSPORT claims that could lead the Red Devils to move for Fulham’s Robinson, who impressed at the World Cup with the USA.
Arsenal will announce the signing of Bruno Guimaraes today.
The Brazil midfielder is understood to have passed a medical and signed a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are paying around £75m to land Guimaraes from Newcastle, though it is understood that fee could rise as high as £80m.
Guimaraes is expected to take the No39 shirt in north London - the number he has worn throughout his club career so far.
Manchester United are exploring alternative transfer targets to Lewis Hall.
Spanish outlet AS claim Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas is being monitored.
However, United could face competition from Barcelona for the promising defender.
Mundo Deportivo go further be claiming that Man Utd are ready to trigger Jorge Salinas’ €16million (£13.7m) release clause.
The report claims that Man Utd scouts were impressed by Salinas’s performances during the Under-19 European Champonships, with Spain one with the player at regular at left-back.
Salinas, who can also play at centre-back, has three years to run on his contract at Racing.
Pep Chavarria set for Chelsea medical as deal agreed
Chelsea have finalised their signing of Pep Chavarria.
After protracted negotiations, an agreement was reached with Conference League finalists Rayo Vallecano earlier this week over the Spanish left-back believed to be worth an initial £16.3m plus add-ons.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chavarria will travel to undergo a medical today and sign a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United have completed the signing of Cristian Orozco.
The highly-rated Colombian midfielder, 18, officially finalised his switch from Fortaleza CEIF on Thursday for a fee of around £850,000.
Orozco will initially join United’s academy setup, but will no doubt be eyeing a fast track through into Michael Carrick’s first-team squad.
Tottenham are close to reaching an agreement with Micky van de Ven over a new long-term contract.
According to widespread reports, the 25-year-old is set to become the third first-team player, after Pedro Porro and Antonin Kinsky to commit his future to Spurs.
Spurs have long hoped to tie Van de Ven down to longer terms, despite his current deal running out in 2029, though the club’s domestic struggles threatened to see him look to leave.
But Van de Ven is now expected to pen an extension which would put him in line with the club’s highest earners.
Arsenal remain in pursuit of Ezri Konsa.
In addition to bolstering in both midfield and attack, the reigning Premier League champions are also in need of defensive reinforcements amid injuries to the likes of William Saliba and Jurrien Timber - as seen by last night’s concerning 3-1 pre-season friendly defeat by Real Betis in Dublin.
Versatile England centre-back Konsa has been a target throughout the summer window so far, with the Daily Mail now reporting that Aston Villa are braced for a new offer from Arsenal after their previous approach fell some way short of a £60m valuation.