Alexander Isak, Eberechi Eze, Benjamin Sesko and Rodrygo
Targets: Alexander Isak, Eberechi Eze, Benjamin Sesko and Rodrygo
A new week begins in a record-breaking summer window as the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are all working hard on big moves in the transfer market ahead of the start of the new Premier League season. The Gunners have set their sights on Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and are plotting an opening bid worth around £52m, but Tottenham have now been encouraged to trigger his release clause following injury to James Maddison.
Liverpool have had a very busy last few days after finally bid for Alexander Isak, only to promptly end their interest after Newcastle rejected the £110m offer. But a fresh twist has suggested that Liverpool could be ready to launch a second bid, while reports in Spain are linking them with interest in Rodrygo. Tottenham could also rival the Reds for Rodrygo with Heung-min Son is set to join LAFC for around £15m. Joao Palhinha’s loan arrival has been confirmed.
Manchester United and Newcastle's interest in Benjamin Sesko further complicates matters, as Isak will not be allowed to leave unless Eddie Howe is able to sign at least one replacement. Newcastle's £70m Sesko bid has been rejected, and Man Utd are expected to lodge their own. Chelsea's interest in Alejandro Garnacho could aid Man Utd's moves, though the Blues also want Xavi Simons having confirmed the signing of Jorrel Hato. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!
The midfielder will spend the season at Spurs, who will pay the player’s full wages and hold the option of making the move permanent at the end of the season for around £21million.
Palhinha’s arrival provides a quality addition for Spurs head coach Thomas Frank in a problem position, while the cheap nature of the deal frees up funds to be spent elsewhere.
Spurs have already shown they are ready to spend big this summer, having failed to land Morgan Gibbs-White in a £60million deal, and remain interested in bolster their attacking ranks.
Joao Palhinha
SPURSPLAY
United are in a transfer battle with Newcastle to sign Sesko, who is entering “decision time” as talks over his future reach a key stage.
Fabrizio Romano has issued a fresh update on Sesko, saying on his YouTube channel: “We are entering into really important stages. The agent of Sesko is in Leipzig to speak with the player and help with negotiations. It’s decision time.
“Manchester United made clear to RB Leipzig on Saturday night that they will send a bid for Sesko if the player opens the door. They feel he is still deciding; he hasn’t decided to go to Newcastle. Manchester United made new contact with Leipzig.”
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko
He has signed a seven-year deal, and joins as the Blues’ fourth signing of the summer. He follows Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens in moving to west London in this window.
The Dutchman is able to play as both a centre-back and a left-back. Standard Sport understands he has been brought in to provide competition for Marc Cucurella.
At 19, he is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top prospects. Chelsea pipped Arsenal in the race for his signature. He had also been linked with a move to Liverpool after being spotted at Anfield in January.
“I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy.”
Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds have changed their minds after initially ending their interest in the Newcastle striker when their first bid, worth £110million, was rejected on Friday.
It does, however, depend on Newcastle’s stance, and their attempts to sign a replacement amid interest in Benjamin Sesko - more on that shortly - and Goncalo Ramos.
Previous reports stated that Newcastle want £150m to part with their star striker, who is desperate to leave, and Al Hilal’s interest in Darwin Nunez could boost Liverpool’s coffers.
Following James Maddison’s injury on Sunday, which left the midfielder on crutches and onlookers fearing a lengthy lay-off, Spurs are set to step up their bid to sign a new attacking midfielder.
The Gunners are keen to make Eze their next signing, and now journalist Dean Jones says Spurs have been encouraged to trigger the player’s £68million release clause, which expires in 11 days’ time.
Jones, writing for Flashscore, reports that Xavi Simons, Enzo Millot, Kobbie Mainoo, Bilal El-Khannouss, Harvey Elliott, Jack Grealish and Alejandro Garnacho have all also been considered.
Bruno Fernandes has called for further signings at Manchester United after what he labelled a “lazy” performance in their 2-2 draw against Everton.
Fernandes was on the scoresheet, but criticised his side’s display in Atlanta, Georgia, as they were twice pegged back after taking the lead.
The Daily Mail reports that Eddie Howe’s side have the Portugal international on a list of alternatives should they be beaten to Sesko by Manchester United.
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