Stephan Lichtsteiner joins Arsenal on a free transfer and becomes the first signing for Unai Emery at his new club.
Raphael Honigstein explains why Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos would be an underwhelming addition for Arsenal.
The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow live with our daily blog throughout the summer.
TOP STORY: Arsenal close to defender deal
Arsenal are set to strengthen their defence as they line up a £35 million move for Freiburg centre-back Caglar Soyuncu, reports the Daily Mail.
According to Soyuncu’s agent, Mustafa Dogru, there are “concrete talks” between the player and the Gunners, and “all that remains is for a fee to be agreed.”
The 22-year-old could be partnered at the heart of a new-look Arsenal back line by Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos, as head of recruitment Sven Mislintat looks to equip Unai Emery with the tools to mount a serious Premier League challenge.
Mislintat’s rebuilding plans are also thought to include Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira, who has previously been linked with a move to Juventus.
The combative 22-year-old would certainly add extra quality in midfield, with the Gunners looking to finalise a deal before Torreira links up with Uruguay at the World Cup.
Bale wants Premier League return
Gareth Bale has set his sights on a return to the Premier League if he leaves Real Madrid this summer, claims the Daily Mirror.
Bayern Munich had expressed an interest in the Welsh winger following his devastating cameo in the Champions League final, but he has reportedly turned down a switch to the German champions.
That could be music to the ears of Manchester United, who have made Bale a leading target as they seek to rein in Manchester City at the top of the table.
The 28-year-old is valued at around £100m, but the Independent claims Bale’s future won’t be decided until Real have settled on Zinedine Zidane’s replacement at the Bernabeu.
PSG target Kante
Chelsea could face a tough battle to hold on to N’Golo Kante this summer as Paris Saint-Germain look to bring the midfielder back to Ligue 1, reports the Sun.
New PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of the 27-year-old, who won back-to-back Premier League titles with Leicester and Chelsea in 2016 and 2017.
Tuchel has also made enquiries over the availability of Julian Weigl, whom he coached at Borussia Dortmund, but it’s believed that interest wouldn’t impact on a potential move for Kante.
The France international’s agent has reportedly met PSG sporting director Antero Henrique on more than one occasion over the past month as the two parties look to thrash out a deal before an official bid is submitted.
Tap-ins
– Real Madrid are set to beat Manchester United to the signing of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to Il Messaggero. The Serbia international has been tipped to star at the World Cup following an impressive season in Serie A.
– Liverpool’s hopes of signing Roma goalkeeper Alisson have received a blow after it was reported that the 25-year-old is content to stay in Italy. The Liverpool Echo quotes Brazil goalkeeping coach and World Cup 1994 hero, Taffarel, as saying Alisson is “very happy” with his current situation despite being linked with an £80m switch to Anfield.
– Leicester face stiff competition for Norwich playmaker James Maddison, says the Daily Mirror. The Foxes hope to complete a £25m move for the 21-year-old but will have to beat off rival interest from Fulham and Everton.
– It looks as though Spurs have a free run at Aston Villa star Jack Grealish, with the Chronicle reporting that Newcastle are now unlikely to move for the 22-year-old. Rafa Benitez is known to be a big fan of Grealish, but the midfielder’s £30m price tag may force the Magpies out of a bidding war.
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