United sign Martinez in £55.3m deal
Manchester United have confirmed that the club have reached an agreement with Ajax over a £55.3million deal for Lisandro Martinez. The 24-year-old Argentina centre-back, who flew into the UK on Friday to complete the transfer, still needs to undergo a medical and obtain a visa. United will pay an initial £46.8m plus £8.5m in add-ons, making Martinez the second most expensive defender in the club’s history after Harry Maguire.
Barcelona confirm deal for Lewandowski
Barcelona have reached an “agreement in principle” with Bayern Munich to sign Poland striker Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old told the German champions last month that he wishes to leave. Barca say the deal is “dependent on the player passing a medical and contracts being signed”. The 33-year-old said farewell to his Bayern Munich team-mates on Saturday after the Bundesliga champions agreed in principle to a £42.5m deal.
Arsenal close in on £35m Zinchenko swoop
Manchester City defender Oleksander Zinchenko is expected to join Arsenal for around £35million at the start of next week. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem for the Ukraine international who will become Arsenal’s fifth summer signing. His departure will accelerate City’s bid for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella.
Tottenham set wrap up £12.5m Djed Spence
Tottenham will confirm the signing of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough for £12.5m after he underwent a medical on Friday. Spurs have been in talks over Spence for much of the summer but have now finally come to an agreement – with the fee rising to £20m with bonuses.
The England Under-21 full back impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League.
United ‘willing to wait for Frenkie de Jong’
Manchester United are ready to wait until the final day of the summer transfer window to sign Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, according to reports. The Dutch star is Erik ten Hag’s top target as he looks to overhaul his squad after a hugely disappointing season. And as reported by the Mirror, Ten Hag, 52, is not giving up and is willing to hold out until the last second to sign the gifted central midfielder. Frenkie de Jong has travelled with Barcelona for pre-season in Miami.
Bernardo Silva not for sale
Manchester City have no intention of selling Bernardo Silva this summer, reports say, despite a rumoured move to Barcelona. The 27-year-old midfielder joined the Etihad club in 2017 and has since won an astonishing eight major trophies in five years.
He played 35 times in City’s Premier League winning side last year and was named in the PFA team of the year.
De Ligt eager to join Bayern
Oliver Kahn has claimed that Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt is eager to sign for Bayern Munich. Kahn, who is the CEO of Bayern, suggested that the player is keen to complete a move that has been long in the making. According to reports, talks have already taken place between the two clubs.
PSG sign Hugo Ekitike on loan
Paris St-Germain have signed Reims striker Hugo Ekitike on a season-long loan w
ith an option to buy. According to L’Equipe, PSG agreed to sign the 20-year-old outright for 36m euros (£30.6m) but an issue between Ekitike and Reims meant a permanent deal could not be done at this time. Ekitike scored 11 times in his first full season in the Reims first team.
Newcastle United were in talks over signing the France Under-20s striker but were unable to agree a deal.
Dybala, Lingard on Roma radar
Roma coach Jose Mourinho is keen to complete the signing of 28-year-old Argentina striker Paulo Dybala, who is a free agent after leaving Juventus, or move on to a potential deal with England midfielder Jesse Lingard, with the 29-year-old also a free agent after leaving Manchester United.
Galtier: Decision over Neymar not in my hands
New PSG boss Christophe Galtier has admitted that he is keen to keep Neymar at the club, but insisted the final decision does not solely rest in his hands. Galtier replaced the sacked Mauricio Pochettino in the hot seat, and quickly laid down the law to his squad by saying those not in his plans will be sold. However, superstar Neymar is likely to feature heavily again next season – although where he will be playing his football will be down to the hierarchy.
Southampton £40m price-tag on Kyle Walker-Peters
Southampton have slapped a £40million price-tag on full back Kyle Walker-Peters amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs. Frank Lampard’s Everton are said to be leading the race for his signature after his contract negotiations with the Saints came to a stand-still. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are still hopeful of retaining the 25-year-old and have upped Walker-Peter’s transfer value in an attempt to deter suitors.
