The transfer window is heating up nicely as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham all compete for a number of early summer signings. Arsenal are leading the way at the moment after reportedly confirming their plan for a new Declan Rice bid amid a fierce battle with Manchester City, while they are also plotting an imminent fresh offer for Jurrien Timber at Ajax.
The Gunners are also rumoured to have reached an initial agreement with Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as Kai Havertz prepares to undergo a medical this weekend. Nicolas Jackson will do likewise at Chelsea, who have held positive talks over the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
Manchester United have seen a third bid for Mason Mount rejected with Chelsea proposing an intriguing counter-offer, with talks ongoing over Andre Onana. Tottenham are about to sign Guglielmo Vicario and are eyeing defenders Gleison Bremer and Edmond Tapsoba amid a key boost in the race for James Maddison, with talks also now said to be held over Micky van de Ven at Wolfsburg. Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Live updates
Tottenham and Liverpool target Van de Ven ‘open’ to move
So Tottenham are now rivalling Liverpool for the signing of Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven, with talks already said to be underway.
Here’s a reminder of what the Dutch Under-21 international recently said about a potential switch to the Premier League…
“Of course I heard of Liverpool links and I know they’ve been following me in the past,” he said. “That’s it. Of course. Liverpool is a great club.
“There’s a chance for me to leave this summer. If a nice club with good plan arrives… I’d be open.”
Fulham eye cut-price deal for Joshua Brenet
Fulham are monitoring the availability of FC Twente defender Joshua Brenet, who is also attracting interest from Burnley.
The 29-year-old right-back looks set to leave the Dutch club with just one year left on his current contract and a clause that could see him walk away for just £1m, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
Fulham also face further competition for his services from three of the biggest clubs in Turkey in Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Istanbul Basaksehir.
Brenet’s availability could be useful to Marco Silva, who considered a move for the two-time Netherlands international late last summer.
Andre Onana changes agents in Man United bid
An interesting update on Andre Onana now.
The Inter Milan goalkeeper has emerged as Manchester United’s No1 option to replace David de Gea, with contact made over a move worth around £50m with Chelsea’s interest having now cooled.
According to the Daily Mail, Onana – who worked closely with Erik ten Hag at Ajax – has now changed agents in a bid to secure a switch to Old Trafford this summer.
United are also said to be keen on Diogo Costa at Porto, Brentford’s David Raya and Anderlecht’s Bart Verbruggen, with De Gea’s future remaining in severe doubt with no contract extension.
Tottenham hold talks over Micky van de Ven
Another seemingly new name on the Tottenham transfer radar now.
Spurs have already held talks over Wolfburg’s Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old has also been linked with Liverpool and is said to be on Tottenham’s defensive shortlist, along with the likes of Gleison Bremer at Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmund Tapsoba and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.
Kai Havertz set for Arsenal medical
The Chelsea-bound Nicolas Jackson is not the only player undergoing a medical in London this weekend.
Kai Havertz is also poised to have his checks at Arsenal.
The Gunners have agreed a £65m deal with Chelsea for the German international, who could be unveiled as Mikel Arteta’s newest recruit early next week.
Tottenham want Gleison Bremer
Tottenham are pressing ahead with their transfer plans under new boss Ange Postecoglou.
Having secured the services of former Juventus loanee Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal, attentions now appear to be turning towards their defensive unit.
Spurs are on the verge of signing Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli, while The Telegraph report that they are also now eyeing a possible move for Brazil centre-back Gleison Bremer at Juventus.
Chelsea present Man United with Mount counter-offer
Chelsea have presented Manchester United with an intriguing counter-offer over Mason Mount.
United tabled a third offer for the England midfielder yesterday worth around £55m.
It was styled as a final ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ bid, with the Red Devils said to be prepared to walk away from talks if it was not successful.
But Standard Sport understands the offer was rejected, with Chelsea instead proposing a deal worth an initial £58m plus £7m in add-ons.
They also offered to meet in person with United in order to get negotiations over the line. We’ll see what the response is from Old Trafford today…
Arsenal to table new Jurrien Timber bid
Arsenal’s transfer plans certainly don’t begin and end with just Declan Rice.
The Gunners could splurge £200m on strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad for another Premier League title push next term, with Ajax defender Jurrien Timber also firmly in their sights.
Arsenal have already seen one bid for the Dutch international rejected, though Fabrizio Romano reports that a second offer is now being prepared.
He says the proposal will be tabled soon, having already got the green light from Timber himself. It seems that Arteta is very keen on the deal personally.
Chelsea medical today for Nicolas Jackson
Speaking of Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson is due to undergo his medical at the club today.
The Senegal forward is set to move to Stamford Bridge following his promising form in LaLiga, with talks still ongoing yesterday with Villarreal over the exact payment structure of a transfer worth around £30m.
Jackson is believed to have agreed a long-term contract with Chelsea as he follows French striker Christopher Nkunku to west London.
Chelsea handed Moises Caicedo boost
Chelsea look to have been handed an encouraging boost in the race for Moises Caicedo.
The Ecuador international is incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino’s No1 target to boost his midfield options amid a summer exodus at Stamford Bridge.
Standard Sport understands that Chelsea are making good progress in their attempts to sign Caicedo following positive talks with Brighton.
The 21-year-old wants to join the Blues and is ready to agree personal terms.
Chelsea have already had a £60m bid for Caicedo rebuffed and Brighton may hold out for closer to £100m, through manager Roberto De Zerbi has a gentleman’s agreement with the player that he will be allowed to leave if their valuation is met.
