Transfer news LIVE!
Michael Olise will not sign for Chelsea after agreeing a surprise new contract with Crystal Palace, amid the Eagles complaints about the Blues who have now turned their attention to Brennan Johnson. It’s been a mad few days at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea appear to have lost this battle, ahead of Romeo Lavia and Deivid Washington joining. Meanwhile, Lewis Hall is set for a £28million move to Newcastle.
Arsenal are set to push to sign a new defender after Jurrien Timber’s season-threatening injury, with Benjamin Pavard linked with a move to north London, while Ansu Fati has been touted as a target in forward areas. Tottenham are eyeing Evan Ferguson and Gift Orban in their hunt for a striker following Harry Kane’s departure.
Over at Liverpool, Wataru Endo is set to join with a medical today to solve Jurgen Klopp’s midfield crisis. Cheick Doucoure of Crystal Palace is also on their radar too. Sofyan Amrabat is reportedly nearing a move to Manchester United, who are also keen on Pavard. Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Latest transfer headlines
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Arsenal and Man United eye Pavard
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Michael Olise to Chelsea collapses
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Talks to sign Brennan Johnson underway
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Wataru Endo in Liverpool medical after shock deal
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Chelsea agree to sell Lewis Hall to Newcastle
22:43 , Matt Verri
Joao Felix is pushing to join Barcelona this summer, but faces a major obstacle.
Relevo report that Felix, who was on loan at Chelsea for the second-half of last season, only wants to join Barcelona and is not considering other options.
However, it’s claimed elsewhere in Spain that Atletico Madrid have no interest in selling Felix to their LaLiga rivals. Fairly big issue for the 23-year-old.
Pavard boost for Arsenal and Man United
21:45 , Matt Verri
Good news for clubs interested in Benjamin Pavard.
Sky Germany claim that Bayern Munich have decided they are open to selling the Frenchman this summer, but will demand at least €40m plus add-ons. If that valuation is not met, they are willing to lose Pavard for free in 12 months’ time.
Inter Milan are believed to be leading the race for the defender, but there is also reportedly interest from Man United and Arsenal.
Spurs to strengthen up front?
21:00 , Matt Verri
Tottenham could turn to Ernest Nuamah should they opt to sign a striker before the end of the window.
Richarlison is the man currently tasked with replacing Harry Kane up front, but Spurs continue to be linked with a number of forwards.
The Mail claim that Nuamah, who plays for Danish side FC Nordsjaelland, is being considered, and the 19-year-old could be available for £22m.
Medical done for Endo!
20:34 , Matt Verri
Wataru Endo has completed his medical at Liverpool.
The Japanese midfielder will join the Reds for a fee in the region of £16m, as the club look to put their failed pursuits of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo behind them.
20:04 , Matt Verri
Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is a target for Rennes.
The French side are managed by Bruno Genesio, who worked with Ndombele at Lyon, and Le10 Sport claim that he is keen on being reunited with the Spurs outcast.
It’s suggested that a loan could be possible, even though Tottenham would prefer a permanent sale.
Szczesny: Money not the main priority
19:38 , Matt Verri
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has made it clear he has no interest in leaving Juventus to move to Saudi Arabia.
“I have no shortage of money in my life. I prefer cool challenges, and defending the Juventus goal is the coolest challenge I can give myself,” he said.
“I don’t read much about football, but I know a few players have gone there [Saudi Arabia] and I’m not surprised.
“I understand that someone can make such a decision and it seems quite logical. I believe it is worth having other priorities than pursuing money.”
The moment Olise put pen to paper!
19:19 , Matt Verri
Spurs interested in Ferguson move
19:07 , Matt Verri
Tottenham are keen on Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, but a deal this summer looks unlikely.
Spurs have unsurprisingly been linked with a number of forwards since Harry Kane’s departure, with Ferguson believed to be on the club’s shortlist.
However, Brighton CEO Paul Barber has made it clear the club have no desire to sell the 18-year-old.
“In Evan’s case, it’ll be in at least five years’ time,” he told talkSPORT when asked if Ferguson could be sold.
Sanchez attracting Monaco attention
18:58 , Matt Verri
Moncao are interested in signing Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez.
The Telegraph report that the French side have Sanchez on their shortlist, with Spurs willing to sell at the right price.
The 27-year-old played 76 minutes of Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford, coming off the bench after Cristian Romero was forced off with a head injury.
Done deal!
18:25 , Matt Verri
Interesting one…
Troy Deeney has joined Forest Green Rovers as a player-coach, having left Birmingham at the end of last season.
“It’s really exciting to be here,” the 35-year-old told the club’s official website.
“I came to the game on Tuesday and got a real sense of what the club is all about. I’ve always kept an eye on Forest Green anyway and have great admiration for the Chairman and what the club stands for.”
“It’s about the next 10 years, not the next 10 months. This is the start of a new journey and I’m really excited.”
Yorke: Lukaku is good enough for Premier League
17:57 , Matt Verri
Dwight Yorke believes Man United and Tottenham should both be pushing to sign Romelu Lukaku this summer.
Chelsea remain keen on trying to find a buyer for Lukaku, with a move back to Italy among the options considered, but former United striker Yorke believes the Belgian should stay in the Premier League.
“Romelu Lukaku is absolutely still good enough to play for a top-six club,” he told OLBG.
“I think Man United or Tottenham should take Lukaku on a short-term loan deal and agree to pay a certain amount of his wages. As much as people say about Lukaku, he has a very impressive goalscoring record and he doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves.
“If you have a fired-up Lukaku who wants to play for you, he’s a match-winner and a handful for any opponent in the world.”
Race on for Pavard
17:33 , Matt Verri
Manchester United, Arsenal and Inter Milan are all interested in Benjamin Pavard.
GFFN claim that Inter are preparing a bid for the Bayern Munich defender and see him as their top target, while Man United continue to keep tabs on the situation.
It’s believed that an offer in the region of €30m could be enough to land Pavard, who is also linked with Arsenal as they consider a replacement for Jurrien Timber.
Man United not sure Amrabat deal is possible
16:54 , Matt Verri
Manchester United’s summer business could be done, despite the club’s interest in Sofyan Amrabat.
Sky Sports claim that United are concerned about complying with FFP rules and are currently deciding whether it is possible to make a move for the Fiorentina midfielder without selling more players first.
There is a chance that unless there are further departures this summer, United will be unable to make any more signings.
Hodgson: Chelsea’s interest in Olise concerned me
16:23 , Matt Verri
Roy Hodgson has admitted he was worried about Chelsea’s interest in Michael Olise, but hailed a “red letter day” for Crystal Palace after the winger signed a new contract.
Chelsea had activated Olise’s £35million release clause and were expected to agree personal terms with him, only for Steve Parish to take to Instagram to reveal the 21-year-old had agreed a new four-year deal to stay at Selhurst Park.
Palace were frustrated with Chelsea’s attempts to sign Olise, believing his release clause was not straightforward and that the Blues had not met the required conditions.
“It’s the best possible news we could have,” the Palace boss said.
“I had been concerned. It’s always concerning when a club of Chelsea’s stature take interest in a player, and people will suggest that a move to them might be the best bet.
“I had always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that at such a young age his future here is very bright, and we can help him move very quickly on to another level.
15:54 , Marc Mayo
Sky Sports are reporting face-to-face talks this afternoon between Ajax and West Ham technical director Tim Steidten over Mohammed Kudus.
The midfielder is rated in the region of £40m by his club and does want the move.
Arsenal and Chelsea both considered a move for Kudus earlier in the window.
Stuttgart boss speaks out on Wataru Endo exit
15:17 , Marc Mayo
Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness says he’ll find it tough to replace Wataru Endo as the midfielder nears a move to Liverpool.
The Japan international is undergoing a medical on Merseyside ahead of a £15million transfer.
He said: “From the club’s point of view, we speak of an economically good package. From a sporting point of view, of course, I’m not thrilled. Wataru is an important player both athletically and personally.”
Read the full story
Chelsea hold talks to sign Brennan Johnson
14:47 , Marc Mayo
Talks have already been held between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest over a move for Brennan Johnson, writes Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella.
The Welsh striker is valued at £50m by his club but the Blues want to knock that down by around £10m amid interest from Brentford and Tottenham.
Trevoh Chalobah will reject moving to the City Ground in a swap deal after recent interest from Forest, though.
Read the full story
Liverpool miss out on defender
14:20 , Marc Mayo
Liverpool are about to miss out on another target…
Goncalo Inacio has agreed a new contract at Sporting CP to tie the defender down for the long term.
However, Fabrizio Romano states that a new £51m release clause will be included in the deal – which may keep Liverpool interested in future windows.
New interest in Spurs man
13:50 , Marc Mayo
Monaco have emerged as contenders to sign Davinson Sanchez.
The Colombian defender is up for sale as Tottenham look to trim their squad back before investing in a new striker.
L’Equipe say Monaco and Strasbourg are monitoring the situation after Galatasaray’s £8m bid was rejected.
13:23 , Marc Mayo
Michael Olise’s proposed transfer to Chelsea is off after Steve Parish announced that the winger had signed a new contract at Crystal Palace in a stunning development on Thursday.
Taking to Instagram, Eagles chairman Parish wrote: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce Michael Olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace Football Club and this afternoon signed a new four-year deal with the club.”
Read the full story
How much will Wataru Endo cost?
13:19 , Marc Mayo
As the social media channel Anfield Edition has pointed out, we don’t quite have clarity on the transfer fee being paid by Liverpool in this deal.
Michael Olise stays!
13:06 , Marc Mayo
Crystal Palace have just announced a new contract for Michael Olise!
Huge decision from the young winger to snub Chelsea’s advances.
Chelsea target Brennan Johnson
12:32 , Marc Mayo
What’s that you say, another young player wanted by Chelsea for a huge fee? Don’t mind if I do..!
Brennan Johnson is the Blues’ next target as they seek attacking reinforcements, according to The Guardian.
Nottingham Forest wanted £50m off Brentford when they launched a bid earlier in the summer and that price may have a few more zeroes attached if Chelsea come calling.
The interest comes amid doubts that Michael Olise’s arrival from Crystal Palace may not go through following the Eagles’ complaints over Chelsea conduct.
Why Chelsea are willing to sell Lewis Hall
12:07 , Marc Mayo
Lewis Hall’s move to Newcastle is a big shock, however Cheslea are increasingly open to the idea as Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella writes…
Chelsea need to balance the books for their latest spate of young signings and Hall is said to be a Newcastle fan.
Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Ian Maatsen could also be sold.
Read the full story
Arsenal ponder new defensive signing
11:37 , Marc Mayo
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are monitoring the market for a new defender after losing Jurrien Timber.
The Dutchman requires surgery on an ACL injury.
“We have to be open to react if something happens, not only with an injury but if something happens in the market as well,” Arteta said.
Read the full story
Wataru Endo medical underway
11:12 , Marc Mayo
Liverpool are putting Wataru Endo through his medical as we speak ahead of his £15m move from Stuttgart.
The Japanese midfielder travelled over late last night after the Reds chose him as their new target to fill their gaping hole in the centre of the park.
And Fabrizio Romano reports that Endo’s medical should be wrapped up today.
Chelsea agree to sell Lewis Hall
10:49 , Marc Mayo
Newcastle have had a £28m bid accepted by Chelsea for teenager Lewis Hall.
Telegraph Sport report on a huge development for a player who had been offered a new six-year contract as recently as last week by the Blues, ahead of a planned loan move to Crystal Palace.
But the Magpies look set to add Hall to their plethora of expensive signings with further add-ons inserted into the deal.
Midfielders on Liverpool agenda
10:32 , Marc Mayo
Crystal Palace are fighting off interest from Liverpool in Cheick Doucoure, writes Standard Sport’s Dom Smith.
A new midfielder is high on the Reds’ transfer wish list amid the imminent arrival at Wataru Endo.
Read the full story
Why Santos had to sell Deivid Washington to Chelsea
10:03 , Marc Mayo
Chelsea are due to announce the signing of Deivid Washington imminently and Santos president Andres Rueda has been speaking about the deal.
He describes why he had “no other way” but to cash in on the teenager while detailing the “mandatory” add-ons involved in the £17m deal.
Read the full story
Santi Cazorla returns to Oviedo
09:32 , Marc Mayo
Santi Cazorla has returned to the club he first joined at the age of 11 in an emotional deal that stands to directly benefit the club’s academy.
Oviedo have signed the former Arsenal favourite on a season-long contract, following his stint in Qatar with Al Sadd.
The Spanish Segunda Division team will pay Cazorla, 38, the lowest wage allowed on a pro deal in the league reportedly worth in the region of £1,200-a-week.
Furthermore, the winger has ceded all image rights to his new club and agreed a deal that will see 10 per cent of the proceeds from all shirt sales bearing his name donated to the Oviedo academy.
Read the full story
West Ham to battle Chelsea over Elye Wahi deal
08:55 , George Flood
Are Chelsea and West Ham about to battle it out for Elye Wahi?
The Montpellier striker, formerly on the radar at Arsenal, has been a target at Stamford Bridge all summer and Standard Sport reported yesterday that talks were still ongoing between the two clubs over the £30m-rated France Under-21 international.
But they could now face stern competition from London rivals West Ham, whom The Guardian say are seriously considering a move of their own for Wahi after offloading Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta.
The report adds that the Hammers also want Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou as well as ex-Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, with talks also held over Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus as Manchester City chase Lucas Paqueta.
Fulham weigh up Balogun bid as Tottenham links persist
08:13 , George Flood
Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun is still a key name to watch in the last couple of weeks of the summer transfer window.
The USA striker remains a hot property despite missing the start of the season with a foot injury, having starred on loan with French club Reims last term.
His 22 goals in 39 appearances for them has put Balogun firmly on the transfer radar of a number of clubs, with Arsenal seemingly willing to cash in for around £50m.
The Tottenham links are still persisting this morning, while the Daily Mail report that Fulham are weighing up a bid for his services as they prepare to sell attacking talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
They add that Fulham also want Benfica defender Morato and Manchester United’s Eric Bailly.
Liverpool still want Gravenberch and Kone after Endo deal
07:54 , George Flood
Wataru Endo is certainly not the only player on Liverpool’s updated midfield transfer shortlist of course.
The Reds continue to be linked with plenty of other rumoured targets including Cheick Doucoure, Joao Palhinha, Kalvin Phillips, Khephren Thuram, Andre Trindade and many more.
According to the latest reports from Christian Falk of German outlet Bild, Liverpool also remain in the chase for Bayern Munich’s Dutch international Ryan Gravenberch.
He adds that another of their earlier summer targets could also be quickly revisited in the form of Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone.
Newcastle working to sign Chelsea’s Lewis Hall
07:38 , George Flood
Chelsea are also set to sanction a slew of further player exits to balance the books amid their ongoing big-money recruitment drive.
Standard Sport reported yesterday that Hakim Ziyech’s imminent move to Galatasaray will kick off another round of sales, with the Blues willing to offload Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen and Malang Sarr. They could also loan out Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu.
One player most fans don’t want to lose is versatile academy graduate Lewis Hall, who made quite an impression after getting a first-team run under Frank Lampard last term.
The England Under-21 international had looked poised to move to Crystal Palace on loan, though that deal seems to have stalled.
Instead Newcastle are now said to be working on signing Hall as an alternative to Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, according to The Athletic, with the player favouring a permanent exit over a loan despite only recently agreeing a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
David Ornstein says Chelsea would demand a £35m fee and hefty sell-on clause if they were to part with him on a full-time basis.
Man United face Liverpool battle over Amrabat
07:17 , George Flood
Liverpool may also now rival Manchester United for the signing of Sofyan Amrabat.
Fiorentina’s highly-rated Moroccan midfielder has been reported as a key target for Erik ten Hag all summer, though it seems that an official bid for his services has yet to materialise.
That could now open the door for Liverpool, who Fabrizio Romano says have asked to be informed on the conditions of any deal.
We wait and see if the Reds do plan to properly hijack any move by their fiercest rivals for Amrabat.
Wataru Endo set for Liverpool medical as shock deal agreed
07:11 , George Flood
Liverpool are set to complete a shock deal for Wataru Endo, reports claim.
The Reds have been scrambling for midfield alternatives of late after missing out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea in quick succession.
Liverpool had been strongly linked with Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure as well as reportedly considering the likes of Joao Palhinha, Kalvin Phillips and Khephren Thuram, though Endo has now emerged as a surprise No1 target.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, a deal worth £15.3m has now been agreed with Stuttgart over the 30-year-old Japan international, who has also settled on personal terms.
Endo will apparently have a medical today ahead of sealing his switch to Anfield.
Chelsea to complete Lavia, Olise and Washington deals
07:01 , George Flood
Chelsea remain the busiest club in the transfer market by far just at the moment.
British record £115m deal for Moises Caicedo now firmly in the bag, they are set to follow up that major signing with a TRIPLE deal over the coming days.
Romeo Lavia underwent a medical at Cobham yesterday after an initial £53m fee – potentially rising to £58m with add-ons – was agreed with Southampton for the Belgian midfielder on Tuesday night.
The same is also true of young Brazilian striker Deivid Washington, who is set to join from Santos in a deal worth £17m, with Chelsea set to decide whether or not he will be loaned straight out to partner club Strasbourg in France.
The Blues are also set to sign Michael Olise after triggering his £35m release clause, insisting their approach for the winger has been entirely above board amid reports that Crystal Palace are unhappy about their conduct over the deal.
Olise will also need to pass a medical of course and is currently sidelined with a hamstring tear.
Arsenal and Tottenham ‘on alert’ over Ansu Fati
06:55 , George Flood
A fierce battle could well be brewing between some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs over Ansu Fati.
The Spain starlet has rather fallen out of favour under Xavi at Barcelona, used only as a late substitute on Sunday night as the reigning LaLiga champions began their title defence with a feisty goalless draw at Getafe.
Now reports in Spain suggest that La Masia graduate Fati has decided to leave Barca, where he remains under contract until at least 2027.
According to the Daily Mail this has put all of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United on red alert over the 20-year-old forward, who remains such an intriguing young talent.
Moises Caicedo to take Gianfranco Zola’s iconic number 25 shirt number
Wednesday 16 August 2023 16:56 , Jonathan Gorrie
Chelsea have confirmed record signing Moises Caicedo will take the club’s No.25 shirt number.
The number has sentimental value at Stamford Bridge, with the last incumbent being the iconic Gianfranco Zola.
Despite a vast array of big money signings in the years since the Italian left west London in 2003, no one has taken the shirt, though it is the number Caicedo wore at Brighton.
Read the full story here!
Arsenal face decision with Timber out
Wednesday 16 August 2023 16:08 , Matt Verri
Will Arsenal be forced into the transfer window?
It has been confirmed that Jurrien Timber suffered a serious knee injury in the Gunners’ opening Premier League match of the season, leaving them with big decisions to make before the end of the window.
“Further to detailed assessments with consultant specialists since Saturday, we can confirm that Jurrien has sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” the club said in a statement.
“Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time.
“The support and expertise from our medical team and everyone at the club will now be focussed on Jurrien’s rehabilitation programme, to ensure he recovers well and is back playing as soon as possible.”
Risk from Boehly’s huge spending
Wednesday 16 August 2023 15:30 , Matt Verri
As Chelsea close in on breaking the £1billion barrier under Todd Boehly, there is still no obvious end to the excess in sight.
By the time they next play, the Blues might have made a new signing for every working day this week, with Moises Caicedo already through the door for a British-record £115million from Brighton and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise close to following. They are also targeting a back-up goalkeeper and another forward.
The numbers are staggering, and the signing of Lavia, who will cost an initial £53m, will take Boehly’s spending on midfielders alone past £300m, also considering the deals for Enzo Fernandez, Lesley Ugochukwu and Andrey Santos. In total, Boehly has spent more at Chelsea than the whole of La Liga in the same period.
Click here for Dan Kilpatrick’s full piece!
Mitrovic closing in on Saudi move
Wednesday 16 August 2023 15:05 , Matt Verri
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s move to Al Hilal is expected to be completed imminently.
The Saudi side were unsuccessful in their attempts to sign the striker earlier this summer, with Fulham holding firm.
But Fabrizio Romano reports that Mitrovic is set to get the move he wants, with personal terms agreed and the forward now just waiting for Fulham to sign off on the transfer.
Gravenberch on Liverpool’s radar
Wednesday 16 August 2023 14:37 , Matt Verri
Liverpool remain interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Foot Mercato report that the Reds are ready to make a move for the 21-year-old, as their attempts to strengthen in the middle of the park continue.
However, they could face competition from Manchester United, with it claimed that Gravenberch would prefer the move to Old Trafford.
Lyon sign Crystal Palace defender Jake O’Brien
Wednesday 16 August 2023 14:18 , George Flood
Lyon have signed defender Jake O’Brien from Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Belgian side RWD Molenbeek, where he won promotion to the top-flight.
In signing for Lyon, he becomes the first Irishman in over two decades to join Ligue 1 in France.
Lyon’s American owner John Textor is also a minority shareholder at Palace, and O’Brien’s move marks the first business done between the two clubs.
Read the full article here
Arsenal enter talks over Nuno Tavares exit
Wednesday 16 August 2023 14:16 , George Flood
Arsenal have entered talks with Nottingham Forest as they try to offload left-back Nuno Tavares.
The Gunners signed the Portuguese defender from Benfica in 2021 for a fee of £8million.
After a run of games in the first team, he soon lost his starting berth under Mikel Arteta to Kieran Tierney.
Tavares spent last season on loan at Marseille. But despite impressing in France, Arsenal would consider selling him now if the right offer came up.
Read the full story here
Hakim Ziyech exit to spark new wave of Chelsea sales
Wednesday 16 August 2023 13:48 , George Flood
Chelsea are set to begin the second round of their summer clear out after agreeing a deal in principle with Galatasaray for Hakim Ziyech.
The Moroccan winger is expected to head to Turkey for a medical on Wednesday despite Paris Saint-Germain reigniting their interest as Chelsea ready another set of player sales.
Ziyech wasn’t given a squad number and had been training away from Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad with Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who have interest from Juventus and Fulham respectively.
The trio hope to exit Stamford Bridge during the course of a week in which Chelsea have taken their spending on new players to a record £1billion across the first three transfer windows under the Boehly-Clearlake ownership.
Read the full story here
West Ham in talks over signing Konstantinos Mavropanos
Wednesday 16 August 2023 12:34 , George Flood
West Ham are in talks over a deal to sign former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos after a move for Harry Maguire collapsed.
Mavropanos currently plays for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, having left the Gunners to join the German club on a permanent deal last summer on the back of two successful loan spells.
The Greek international made only eight first-team appearances during his time in north London and is thought to come as a recommendation from new Hammers technical director Tim Steidten, who joined the club this summer having previously worked in Germany at Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen.
The Hammers’ need for a centre-back is not urgent but manager David Moyes remains determined to strengthen his options in the position, with first-choice pair Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd both injury-prone and the Scot also likely to play a back three at times this season.
Read the full story here
Romeo Lavia and Deivid Washington set for Chelsea medicals today
Wednesday 16 August 2023 12:32 , George Flood
Romeo Lavia and Deivid Washington will both complete medicals at Chelsea on Wednesday.
Belgium midfielder Lavia is due at Cobham after a £53million deal was agreed with Southampton on Tuesday night, with a further £5m potentially payable in add-ons.
Santos striker Washington, meanwhile, will cost an initial £13m with another £4m possibly due in add-ons and he is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will now weigh up whether or not to send the Brazilian teenager on loan to Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, who are part of a newly-built multi-club model under parent company BlueCo.
Read the full story here
Liverpool step up bid for Cheick Doucoure
Wednesday 16 August 2023 11:53 , George Flood
Liverpool are said to be stepping up their bid for Cheick Doucoure.
It had been reported over the past couple of days that the Crystal Palace star featured on a six-strong shortlist of new midfield options after the Reds missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
According to The Independent, Liverpool are now ramping up interest in Doucoure, having also looked at Fulham’s Joao Paulinha and Nice’s Khephren Thuram.
It is said that Doucoure wants the move with personal terms not an issue, with his price tag potentially under £60m. However, it is pointed out that Palace have concerns over losing too many kep players in the same window, with long-time talisman Wilfried Zaha now at Galatasaray and Michael Olise set to join Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia to undergo Chelsea medical today
Wednesday 16 August 2023 11:40 , George Flood
Romeo Lavia will undergo a medical at Chelsea today ahead of his £58m transfer from Southampton.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who adds that Santos striker Deivid Washington is also completing some final medical tests this afternoon.
Both deals should be announced after that as the Blues’ latest huge summer spending drive continues.
Meanwhile, Romano says that Hakim Ziyech will also undergo his own medical at Galatasaray after Chelsea agreed a deal with the Turkish giants.
Chelsea insist Michael Olise approach above board
Wednesday 16 August 2023 11:35 , George Flood
Chelsea insist their approach for Michael Olise has been above board, following reports that Crystal Palace are unhappy over concerns the winger may have been “tapped up”.
Olise is closing in on a move to Chelsea after the Blues activated his release clause with an offer of around £35million.
Chelsea are also finalising a move for Romeo Lavia after agreeing a £53m deal, plus £5m in add-ons, for the Southampton midfielder.
Olise is expected to be out until at least the end of September with a hamstring injury, and the 21-year-old’s move will depend on him passing a medical.
Read the full story here
Tottenham in talks with Lazio over Hugo Lloris deal
Wednesday 16 August 2023 10:58 , George Flood
Tottenham are in talks with Lazio over the departure of former club captain Hugo Lloris.
Spurs would ideally like a fee for Lloris, who still has a year remaining on a two-year contract agreed last summer, but the Italian club are pushing to sign him on a free transfer.
The 36-year-old confirmed at the end of last season that he would like a fresh challenge after 11 seasons with Tottenham.
He has been replaced in the squad by Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and succeeded as club captain by Heung-min Son.
Read the article in full here
Mitrovic confident over Neymar link-up after new Saudi bid
Wednesday 16 August 2023 10:28 , George Flood
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is increasingly confident that he will get his big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal have made an improved bid of £46million for Mitrovic and there are hopes that Fulham will accept the offer.
Mitrovic is in line to more than triple his £120,000-a-week wages in the Middle East.
Fulham have been reluctant to lose the Serbian striker but the latest offer from Al-Hilal is close to their asking price.
Al-Hilal are ready to pay the entire transfer fee up front, which would give Fulham funds to sign a replacement before the end of the summer window.
Read the story in full here
Deivid Washington to Chelsea update
Wednesday 16 August 2023 10:15 , George Flood
Another update now on Chelsea’s move for young star Deivid Washington.
The Athletic’s Simon Johnson reports that the Brazilian striker, 18, has not yet signed his long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, contrary to earlier reports, but that it is considered a formality at this stage that he will do so soon.
He adds that no decision over a potential immediate loan move has yet been taken by Chelsea, with Ligue 1 club Strasbourg an obvious leading contender due to their partnership with the Blues.
But it sounds like there are other sides in the mix too.
Chelsea agree Hakim Ziyech deal with Galatasaray
Wednesday 16 August 2023 09:32 , George Flood
Chelsea have agreed a deal with Galatasaray for the sale of Hakim Ziyech, Nizaar Kinsella reports.
The Blues are hopeful that this transfer doesn’t fall through after previous trouble trying to offload the Moroccan winger, with a proposed switch to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr collapsing in June.
Ziyech also saw a proposed loan move to Paris Saint-Germain scuppered on deadline day back in the January window.
Arsenal receive Nottingham Forest bid for Nuno Tavares
Wednesday 16 August 2023 09:29 , George Flood
Arsenal’s Nuno Tavares could be about to reunite with former Gunners team-mate Matt Turner at Nottingham Forest.
American international Turner swapped the Emirates Stadium for the City Ground last week on a four-year contract as Arsenal moved for Brentford’s David Raya as upgraded competition for No1 Aaron Ramsdale, facing a swift reunion with his ex-employers on Premier League opening weekend.
Now he could be joined in the East Midlands by Tavares, with Fabrizio Romano reporting this morning that Forest have submitted an official bid for the Portuguese as Steve Cooper targets a new full-back option.
Tavares joined Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 but has made just 28 appearances across all competitions and spent last season on loan in France with Marseille.
Liverpool consider Palhinha, Doucoure, Amrabat and Phillips
Wednesday 16 August 2023 09:04 , George Flood
Chelsea’s deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have left transfer rivals Liverpool red-faced and scrambling for midfield alternatives before the deadline.
The Reds are still desperate for further reinforcements in the middle of the park after the earlier summer arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, having lost both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia to follow the exits of the likes of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Liverpool have now drawn up a new shortlist of midfield options according to the Daily Mail, which includes Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Cheick Doucoure at Crystal Palace.
Manchester United target Sofyan Amrabat, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Khephren Thuram of Nice are also apparently being considered.
Arsenal face new rival in Aymeric Laporte chase
Wednesday 16 August 2023 08:47 , George Flood
If Arsenal are going to make any move for Aymeric Laporte, then it appears that time is very much of the essence.
The Gunners are once again being linked with the Spanish international defender – bumped further down the Etihad pecking order by the arrival of Josko Gvardiol – as they seek a replacement for injured summer signing Jurrien Timber.
However, the Daily Mail are now reporting that City have since accepted an undisclosed bid for Laporte, 29, from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Laporte is currently in Athens as City prepare to face Sevilla in the Uefa Super Cup tonight.
Man City plot new bids for Lucas Paqueta and Jeremy Doku
Wednesday 16 August 2023 08:28 , George Flood
Manchester City are also making significant moves as we edge closer to the summer transfer deadline.
Last season’s Treble winners also wanted Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, but now look to have lost out to Chelsea in that particular race.
Fabrizio Romano reports they are plotting a new bid for Rennes’ Belgian winger Jeremy Doku instead, with a fresh offer also in the works for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Manchester United eye first Sofyan Amrabat bid
Wednesday 16 August 2023 08:09 , George Flood
Manchester United may be about to finally make their move for Sofyan Amrabat.
Fiorentina’s highly-rated Moroccan international, one of the stars of the winter World Cup in Qatar, has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford all summer as Erik ten Hag ponders more midfield upgrades after the £60m arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea.
Progress has been slow so far, but Florence-based publication La Nazione says that an official offer from United for Amrabat may now be forthcoming. Watch this space!
Arsenal eye Aymeric Laporte as Timber replacement
Wednesday 16 August 2023 08:07 , George Flood
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be looking to raid former club Manchester City once again for Aymeric Laporte.
The Gunners manager, a former assistant to Pep Guardiola at the Etihad of course, has already signed the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko in north London.
Fabrizio Romano told CaughtOffside that Arsenal looked at Aymeric Laporte earlier in the summer and still like him as they seek a potential replacement for versatile new signing Jurrien Timber, who is said to be facing a lengthy spell out with a knee injury suffered on his Premier League debut last weekend.
However, he says that City do not want to sell another player to their main title rivals.
Chelsea set to announce Deivid Washington signing
Wednesday 16 August 2023 08:01 , George Flood
It’s set to be a triple transfer celebration at Chelsea this week – well, quadruple if you count Moises Caicedo.
As well as Michael Olise and Romeo Lavia following the Ecuador midfielder to Stamford Bridge, Deivid Washington is also now definitely on the way.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano says the Brazilian forward, 18, has now signed a long-term contract as a Chelsea player and passed a medical.
The Blues have agreed to pay Santos €16m up front plus €4m in add-ons, with an official announcement expected soon.
Crystal Palace unhappy with Chelsea over Michael Olise
Wednesday 16 August 2023 07:56 , George Flood
Also on his way to Chelsea is Michael Olise, who wants to return to Stamford Bridge after having his £35m release clause activated at Crystal Palace.
But new reports suggest that the Eagles are not exactly happy with the deal.
The Daily Mail claim that Palace have been aggravated by Chelsea’s conduct during the course of the summer saga in terms of transfer etiquette and have let them know as much.
However, the report also states that Chelsea are comfortable with how they have acted over Olise as their spending under new ownership nears the £1billion mark from just three windows.
Romeo Lavia set for Chelsea medical
Wednesday 16 August 2023 07:50 , George Flood
Romeo Lavia is set to undergo a medical at Chelsea this week.
The big-spending Blues are going into transfer overdrive again at the moment, quickly following up their British-record £115million deal for Moises Caicedo with the signing of another top young midfield talent.
Standard Sport reported last night that Chelsea had also now beaten Liverpool to Lavia, agreeing an initial £53m fee with Southampton that could rise to £58m with add-ons.
The 19-year-old Belgium international has already agreed personal terms and will undergo a medical this week ahead of becoming the latest high-profile recruit for Mauricio Pochettino’s rebuild.
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