Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham continue to push for major new signings as the transfer window heats up with the new Premier League season now less than a week away. Chelsea are hunting for new defenders, with Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana top of Thomas Tuchel’s list after missing out on Jules Kounde to Barcelona. Milan Skriniar and Benjamin Pavard are also of interest.
Arsenal continue to be linked with Yourri Tielemans as they push to sign a player and James Maddison remains of interest, with Mikel Arteta hinting at further signings. Nuno Tavares has joined Marseille on loan.
Tottenham are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Nicolo Zaniolo, with the final pre-season friendly against Roma in Israel offering the perfect opportunity for Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici to strike a deal for the Italy international. Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip with Standard Sport’s live blog below!
Live updates
Chelsea line up Gvardiol swap bid
Chelsea are trying to agree a swap deal with RB Leipzig for Josko Gvardiol, which includes cash and Timo Werner.
The defender is high on Thomas Tuchel’s list, along with Wesley Fofana and, further down, Benjamin Pavard, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Gvardiol is considered not for sale by Leipzig.
Rodon to have Rennes medical
Tottenham defender Joe Rodon is in France to complete his loan move to Rennes.
He is due to undergo a medical before signing a season-long deal.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Ligue 1 side will have an option to sign him for €20million.
Arsenal’s mystery targets
It appears that the signing Mikel Arteta most wants is a new winger.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, but the identity remains a mystery.
Central options Lucas Paqueta and Youri Tielemans are targets but there have been no negotiations with clubs and will monitor for the wing.
ICYMI: Arteta wants more signings
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are not finished in the transfer market.
The Gunners have already bought five new players for around £120million and the manager is hopeful of doing more business.
He said: “We are still hoping to do something else if the market allows us to do that. You have seen some movement in the as few days as well.
“We want to get the perfect balance and the plan we wanted from the beginning. Whether we accomplish that or not is another story.”
Chelsea get all-clear to sign Pavard
Bayern Munich have put Benjamin Pavard up for sale, with the defender offered to Chelsea.
The arrivals of both Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt is likely to see the France international’s minutes reduced and he has been told he can find a new club.
Bild report that Manchester United are also interested in the defender.
Chelsea to announce third signing
Chelsea are expected to confirm the signing of Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina soon.
The deal has been in the works for some time, initiated by Petr Cech who has since left the club, and according to ESPN, the 18-year-old is set to join for around £13m.
Real Madrid were also interested but Chelsea have won the race with Slonina now traveling to London to complete the deal before returning to Chicago on loan until January.
One final bid for De Jong
Manchester United are gearing up to make one final offer in an attempt to lure Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
That’ according to Sport, who claim United are prepared to make the per week among their top earners on a deal worth £450,000.
United have agreed a fee with De Jong but the player remains unconvinced over the plus, while Barca owe him around £15m in deferred wages – which will also need to be resolved.
good morning
We’re back up and running and we start with an update on Frenkie de Jong.
Stay tuned.
Tedesco refuses to discuss Werner links
RB Leipzig manager Domenico Tedesco has been asked about rumours linking his club with a move for Chelsea’s Timo Werner.
The German side have been linked with Werner, as have Newcastle, and Tedesco remained coy on the subject.
He said: “Timo Werner isn’t my player, isn’t our player. He is a player from FC Chelsea.
“Therefore, I have a clear opinion on this. To not express myself, to not position myself on players, who aren’t part of our club, who aren’t under contract in our club.
“In my opinion, that’s a matter of respect. That’s an important principle, which I set up for me.”
Napoli in for Kepa
Napoli are in talks with Chelsea over a loan move for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Athletic report that an agreement between the two clubs is expected to be reached in the next few days, as Kepa looks set to move to Italy.
.