Transfer news LIVE updates: Arsenal and Man Utd done deals; Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona

TRANSFER news live updates – follow the latest football gossip.
Transfer news LIVE updates: Follow the latest news and gossip

Wednesday June 6

Alderweireld bid
Manchester United have turned their attention to Toby Alderweireld having completed the signing of Fred.

Jose Mourinho is keen to add a dominating centre-back to his side in a bid to catch Manchester City next season.

Manchester United have already agreed the signing of Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk and are closing in on Diogo Dalot.

But now they are looking to bring Alderweireld in from Tottenham to shore up the backline.

Mourinho had problems at centre-back last season with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo all suffering injury problems.

And while Alderweireld had his own problems he is seen as the key to fixing United’s frailties at the back.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic latest
Manchester United will not face stern competition from Juventus in the battle for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

That’s according to Italian transfer guru Tancredi Palmeri, who says Juventus simply cannot afford the Serbia international.

Milinkovic-Savic has emerged as one of the world’s hottest prospects this summer and Jose Mourinho is eager to take him to United.

The Old Trafford gaffer has plenty of cash to spend but faces a battle to convince potential signings that his side are going places.

Juventus, Serie A champions for the past seven years, are keen on Milinkovic-Savic too as they look to finally replace Paul Pogba, who left them for United in 2016.

Palmeri says Juventus will make a go of signing the 23-year-old from Lazio ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

However, he believes their rivals’ £105m (€120m) valuation of Milinkovic-Savic will prevent him from heading to the Allianz Stadium.

“Juve knows that Milinkovic-Savic is the only thing that she really misses, since in all the other roles she is covered, or even doubly covered,” Palmeri wrote for Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web.

“But the Serb has a tag stuck on the collar of €120m, just or exaggerated it is, and Lotito will not be the one who discounts, let alone then Agnelli.

“But Juve does not have the money for Milinkovic-Savic. Not so, not in these conditions.”
De Ligt flirts with United and Barca
Ajax star Matthijs De Ligt has put Manchester United and Barcelona on red alert with his latest comments.

“I’m not in touch with anyone yet,” De Ligt told Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web after Holland’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Monday night. “I’m here with my national team, focused on this.

“Of course, it’s a real honour to be associated with some big clubs but it does not change for me, I just have to continue to play well.

“I hope I can grow as much as possible and that’s why it’s important to play every week at high levels.

“Who would I choose between Juve, Barcelona and United? It’s difficult, they’re all great teams.

“We must think about it, understand what is the best step to do. At the moment I do not know, I’m on vacation and I can think about it.”

Rangers close in
Rangers are closing in on a deal to sign Brighton defender Connor Goldson.

Steven Gerrard has identified the 25-year-old as his top defensive target and hopes to push through a deal in the coming days.

Goldson is understood to be keen on a move and is excited to work alongside Gerrard.

Rangers have offered £3.5m and believe they have done enough to get the deal done.

Brighton are trying to add clauses based on performance but are expected to accept the latest bid.

Goldson will become Rangers’ fourth summer signing after Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield and Jamie Murphy’s move was made permanent.

And Gerrard is also keen on a deal for Liverpool youngster Ovie Ejaria, who should arrive in Glasgow on loan.

Fekir update
Nabil Fekir’s move to Liverpool appears to be moving closer after Lyon made plans involving his replacement.

Fekir is expected to swap Lyon for Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp keen to seal a huge £60million transfer.

The France international, who is currently preparing for the World Cup in Russia, has been coy on any potential deal.

However, Express Sport understands Liverpool are confident of signing Fekir before the competition begins next week.

And French outlet SFR Sport say Lyon are now making plans regarding his replacement.

They report Lyon are preparing to play another Liverpool target, Houssem Aouar, in his position next term.

Aouar is said to be signing a new five-year deal at Lyon.
Why Fred is perfect
Manchester United are getting a “perfect” player in the form of Fred.

That is the resounding verdict of Miguel Cardoso, who coached the Brazilian during his first four years at Shakhtar Donetsk.

United announced on Tuesday that they have struck an agreement for Fred to become Jose Mourinho’s first signing of the summer.

And they will be eager for him to have a big impact at Old Trafford with Shakhtar receiving quadruple what they paid for the midfielder in 2013.

Cardoso reckons Fred is ideal for what Mourinho is looking for as United attempt to return to the top table of European football.

“He is perfect, perfect,” Cardoso told The Independent. “If Fred needs to fight, he’ll fight. When he needs to play, he plays. He’s very brave, very brave.

“He’s a player with great ambition, that doesn’t have a fear of playing in any situation, any context.

Chelsea surprise swoop
Chelsea are reportedly exploring a deal for West Brom striker Salomon Rondon, but face competition for his signature.

Although there is uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation, the Blues are eager to press ahead with their transfer targets.

And according to the Daily Mirror, the west London outfit are mulling over a shock swoop for Rondon, who has a £16million buyout clause in his current contract.

The Baggies squad looks set to be torn apart following their relegation last season.

The Mirror claim Tottenham and West Ham are both interested in deals, as they seek to improve their firepower.

Jean Michael Seri talks
Chelsea are said to be in advanced talks to sign Nice star Jean Michael Seri and could beat Arsenal to his signature.

Despite Antonio Conte’s future not being resolved, Chelsea are set to push ahead with their transfer targets.

Arsenal have been exploring a deal, and while Unai Emery only has £50m to spend, is supposedly keen to snap him up with midfield an area that has continually been a flaw for the Gunners.

Chelsea are also seriously interested and Seri could be the perfect partner for N’Golo Kane in the middle of the park.

And according to German TV network RTL, the Blues will push ahead with a move even though there is uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation at Stamford Bridge.

Talks, the report adds, are progressing well and are supposedly at an “advanced stage”.

Cillessen opens up
Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has opened up on rumours linking him to Arsenal and Liverpool.

Both Premier League clubs are reported to be interested in signing the shot-stopper with doubts over their current keepers.

Cillessen has a release clause of £52million and has admitted Barcelona will not sell him for anything less, despite having been back-up to Marc-Andre ter Stegen last season.

“I think that I played well in the matches I had in the Copa del Rey,” Cillessen said.

“I need to wait patiently. The only thing I know is that Barcelona won’t sell me.

“Arsenal and Liverpool aren’t bad clubs but if Barcelona say, ‘We love you,’ then I’ll accept their decision and continue there.



Tuesday June 5

Malcolm latest
Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit for Malcom with Liverpool yet to formally make an approach, according to reports.

Malcom has gleaned interest from Jurgen Klopp who wants to make further additions to squad to mount a Premier League title challenge next term.

But according to French paper L’Equipe, the Reds have been ‘silent’ insofar as negotiations go.

Bordeaux are holding out for £44m for a player who is highly sought after.

Although Chelsea appear to be among the frontrunners, the lack of Champions League football could be off putting.

With Liverpool involved in Europe’s premier competition next term, it could prove to be a more attractive destination.

Fred an upgrade
Manchester United’s new signing Fred is an upgrade on both Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, claims Steve Nicol.

Yeah I think so (it was a wise move),” the Liverpool legend told ESPN FC.

“The guy’s a talent and if Brazil do win the World Cup and he plays a major part, then that £50million they’ve paid for him could end up being £60m or even £70m.

“So yes, I think it’s a smart move.

“The guy’s a talent, the guy’s a player, he makes them better.

“He’s better than Fellaini, in my opinion he’s better than Herrera as well. So absolutely an upgrade for United.

“The only thing this guy doesn’t do is score goals really.

“But United, in that position in the middle of the park, are looking for someone to shut things down and when they get the ball, open them up. He does both.”
Hysaj to Chelsea latest
Chelsea could sign Napoli right-back Elseid Hysaj this summer but only if Maurizio Sarri replaces Antonio Conte.

Hysaj featured 45 times for Sarri’s side last term, putting himself on the radar of many European clubs in the meantime.

The duo have worked together for six years at both Napoli and Empoli.

And Hysaj’s agent, Mario Giuffredi, claims if Sarri wants to continue his long-running relationship with the right-back, a move could be on the cards.

“He has a €50m release clause,” he told RadioCRC.

“I think only Premier League clubs can afford him, so his fate depends on Sarri,”

“If the Tuscan Coach was to move to England, he could want [Hysaj].

“Therefore, Hysaj could follow him.”

“Failing that, it would be very difficult to see Hysaj away from Napoli.”

Dalot deal done
Manchester United have completed their second signing of the day, according to reports.

Jose Mourinho has wrapped up another transfer by completing the signing of Porto star Diogo Dalot.

The 19-year-old has finalised his medical at Carrington and an official announcement is expected soon, according to Manchester-based journalist Craig Norwood.

“Diogo Dalot to Manchester United is done,” he tweeted.

“The 19-year-old has complete his medical and agreed personal terms.

“Official club announcement in due course.”

Fred done deal
Fred will join Manchester United this summer, the Red Devils have confirmed.

United announced on their website this afternoon that an agreement has been reached with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign the Brazil international this summer.

The Red Devils say they will announce the deal in the near future.

Miralem Pjanic snub
Manchester City have had a £44m bid for Miralem Pjanic rejected by Juventus.

According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, City are keen to snap up Pjanic, who Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sign, and offered £44m for his services.

That bid was immediately knocked back by Juve.

Tuttosport claim the reason Juventus rejected City’s offer was to do with sourcing a replacement for Pjanic.

It is said that while Juve would be open to selling their midfield maestro, buying someone to fill in would cost considerably more.
Stephan Lichtsteiner interview

Arsenal’s newest recruit gave a lengthy interview on the club’s official website. Below are a few extracts from the Q&A.

On how it felt to join Arsenal…

It’s a great moment. It’s a great for me after Juventus to come to Arsenal and have this big challenge to make big things happen with this big club.

On what attracted him to Arsenal…

There is a project. There is a project to come back into the Champions League. I think it’s hard to see a club like Arsenal not playing in the Champions League. If you see the players, if you see the club, the stadium… it’s the project, the big opportunity to get back to the highest level.

On head coach Unai Emery…

He’s a very good coach who’s won a lot of titles, especially the Europa League that we play in this year. He’s a coach who knows what he wants and a coach who also progresses the players, and also old players like me. You never stop learning and this is very important. I’m really positive that we will do great things.

Done Deal: Arsenal sign Stephan Lichtsteiner
Arsenal have announced the signing of Switzerland defender Stephan Lichtsteiner from Juventus.

The Swiss international, 34, arrives at the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer from Serie A champions Juventus and represents Unai Emery’s first signing since succeeding Arsene Wenger.

Lichtsteiner will wear the number 12 shirt for the Gunners and provide serious competition for Hector Bellerin at right-back.

Head coach Unai Emery said: “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”
Marouane Fellaini suspended

Bookmakers Betway have suspended their odds on Marouane Fellaini joining Arsenal from Manchester United.

The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month and will be able to walk away for nothing, and Betway think Unai Emery has already secured the midfielder’s services.

Betway’s Alan Alger said: “Marouane Fellaini has struggled to hold down a starting berth in the Manchester United line-up in recent seasons and the Belgian is set to become a free agent on June 30.

“Arsenal had emerged as the front-runners to sign the 30-year-old and were backed into even-money to bring the midfielder to the Emirates, before heightened betting activity today, running in line with reports a deal is close to being agreed, meant we’ve had to suspend betting on him making the switch to Unai Emery’s new side.”

David de Gea pressure
Real Madrid are threatening Manchester United star David De Gea by eyeing a deal for Liverpool target Alisson, it has been claimed.

The Champions League winners want Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea to be their No 1, despite a deal falling through in 2015.

Real Madrid’s interest, however, has remained with Florentino Perez a known admirer.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon say that, in order to put the United star under pressure, they are considering Roma’s Alisson.

Source:www.express.co.uk