Transfer news: Liverpool snubbed, Arsenal dealt £25m blow, Man Utd questioned

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Louis Saha has admitted he has doubts over Manchester United's move for Matthijs de Ligt, pointing out the defender's inconsistent performances since his departure from Ajax.

In a conversation with CSDB, Saha expressed his reservations as he explained: "Matthijs de Ligt is a confident player and a leader in his own right, but he has struggled to maintain his form in the years since leaving Ajax.

"Having said that, I think the Premier League is a good fit for him and it will provide him that extra motivation to get back to his very best."

Saha isn't alone in his concerns. Legendary United defender Rio Ferdinand has also aired his doubts regarding De Ligt's potential impact at Old Trafford.

"He's had a lot of injuries, hasn't started many games over the last two or three years and Man United are spending £45-50m on him," Ferdinand explained.

"Is he going to come into Man United and make a difference? I think it's a big ask for him and all eyes are going to be on him.

"Big pressure, big opportunity for him, but there's a lot of uncertainty I think with this signing because of his previous seasons with two big clubs not going as well as we'd have anticipated."

Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi has reportedly snubbed a move to Anfield and will instead remain at Real Sociedad this summer.

At the end of last week, it was suggested that Zubimendi was keen to join Liverpool and the Spaniard believed the move would be special for his career.

But, according to Spanish outlet Relevo, Zubimendi has decided to ignore Liverpool’s siren songs and will continue his career at Sociedad.

Celtic have agreed to pay Norwich up to £9.5million to secure the services of striker Adam Idah, according to Sky Sports. The Scottish Premiership side will pay an initial fee of £8.5m as well as an add-on of £1m, with Norwich inserting a 15 per cent sell-on clause into the deal.

Idah spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic and bagged seven goals in 10 league outings.

Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool transfer target Anthony Gordon that he could be in for a “tasty” reception at Goodison Park if he swaps Newcastle for the Anfield giants. Liverpool are chasing the signature of the 23-year-old England winger less than two years after he joined the Magpies from Everton.

Carragher was asked by Sky Sports about the reception Gordon could expect from Liverpool fans given the fact he used to play for their arch-rivals Everton. And the former defender replied: “It wouldn’t be a problem. It might be tasty at Goodison Park, but he’d be fine.”

Liverpool are reportedly refusing to sell Sepp van den Berg on the cheap with clubs circling for his signature. The 22-year-old was an unused substitute against Las Palmas on Sunday evening as the Reds played back-to-back pre-season friendlies.

Van den Berg has attracted plenty of attention this summer, with a whole host of clubs across Europe believed to be interested in landing him on a permanent deal.

But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have been clear with clubs that they will not accept offers in the region of £8.5million to £10m for Van den Berg as his price tag is £20million.

Arsenal chief Edu may be forced to reassess his summer transfer plans ahead of the new Premier League season as Marseille have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Nketiah had green lighted a deal to join Marseille.

But the Ligue 1 outfit didn’t want to accept the £25.5million package Arsenal had tabled after having other bids rejected. And they have told the Premier League giants that the transfer has now collapsed.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has completed his move to Atletico Madrid. The deal is said to be worth an initial £64.4m, with a further £17.1m expected in add-ons.

By Charlie Parker-Turner

Malick Yalcouye is expected to be sent out on loan by Brighton, Express Sport understands.

The midfielder, who arrived from IFK Gothenburg earlier this summer, has impressed the Seagulls in pre-season but a decision has been made for him to spend the upcoming campaign plying his trade elsewhere.

Championship outfits Luton Town, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday have all registered an interest in signing Yalcouye.

Further loan departures are expected over the coming weeks, with Mark O’Mahony set to depart amid interest from a host of Championship outfits. Andrew Moran and Carl Rushworth also have plenty of loan suitors, though their departures are not expected to materialise until later in the window.

Igor has been the subject of enquiries from AC Milan, Leicester City and Bologna but the Brazilian remains happy at the Amex Stadium. He has been ruled out of the last few pre-season matches through injury.

Real Sociedad have reportedly told Martin Zubimendi that he must trigger his own release clause if he is to leave his boyhood club this summer.

According to The Times, Sociedad are desperate to retain the services of their academy product and have told Zubimendi of their strict demands for a deal to go ahead.

They have informed the 25-year-old that he must trigger his own release clause, worth £51million, if he is to leave the club. The process would involve Zubimendi personally travelling to the La Liga offices in Madrid to inform them of his decision.

Zubimendi is mulling over where his future lies, having snubbed transfer approaches in years gone by – notably from Arsenal – in favour of remaining at the club he has played for since he was 12.

Sociedad are therefore cracking up the pressure on their No. 4 in the hope of persuading him to remain at the club.

Newcastle have now tabled their third bid for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, reports Sky Sports.

The increased offer is now being considered by the Eagles after further talks were held over the weekend.

Eddie Howe is keen to acquire the services of Guehi, who is valued at £65million by Palace, and confidence is growing that an agreement will be reached.

Three Premier League clubs have reportedly shortlisted Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips as a target.

The England international has emerged with credit from pre-season in a centre-back role, but his future lies away from the Etihad Stadium nonetheless.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Everton, Fulham and Ipswich Town are looking at Phillips.

City are hoping to offload the ex-Leeds United star permanently but are also willing to entertain loan offers.

Tottenham have announced that Mikey Moore has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The playmaker turned 17 on Sunday has come through the ranks at Spurs and now finds himself on the cusp of Ange Postecoglou’s first team.

An unnamed Premier League club is looking to pounce on Chelsea’s blunder to sign Samu Omorodion, reports Mirror Sport.

The forward was expected to head to Stamford Bridge this summer but a deal is now considered ‘dead’ after it collapsed on Sunday evening. Problems arose between the clubs and on the player side despite his medical being completed.

Omorodion will now entertain talks with his new suitor, with further talks scheduled for today.

Problems have reportedly arisen in Kurt Zouma’s medical with Shabab Al-Ahli.

According to Sky Sports Germany, the West Ham defender is still in Dubai as he waits for a solution to be found.

The Hammers and Shabab Al-Ahli are now in negotiations to resolve the situation, with Zouma already deemed surplus to requirements by new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.

Julian Alvarez is set to complete his medical with Atletico Madrid imminently, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Argentina international made it no secret that he was keen to leave Manchester City this summer, and an agreement with Atletico was eventually agreed.

Chelsea remain locked in talks with the Spanish side over their deal for Conor Gallagher, with a ‘solution’ being discussed after Samu Omorodion’s move collapsed.

Newcastle are ‘optimistic’ about their pursuit of Marc Guehi, reports iNews.

The Magpies are said to have held ‘positive’ talks with Crystal Palace recently and the variation in their valuations of the England international has been bridged significantly.

There is said to be just a difference of £10million in what Newcastle are willing to pay for the Palace star and what Oliver Glasner’s side deems a suitable offer.

A bid in the region of £55m is therefore the middle ground that Newcastle are expected to explore, with add-ons taking the fee closer to Palace’s asking price likely to see them strike an agreement.

Manchester United have scheduled a meeting today to discuss the future of Victor Lindelof, according to the Daily Mail.

The Red Devils are set to discuss their recruitment plans for the remainder of the transfer window, as well as those who could be offloaded to cut the size of the squad and raise funds.

Lindelof is among those who have been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, and interest is said to be growing in the Sweden international.

Chelsea are reportedly in talks to re-sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese international spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign at Stamford Bridge, and a return is now on the cards for the forward.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Atletico are discussing the possibility of Felix being involved in Conor Gallagher’s move to the La Liga.

Samu Omorodion was set to join the Blues but his move has now collapsed, prompting the two outfits to discuss alternative options as they do not want Gallagher’s transfer to collapse as well. Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico also hinges on an agreement being reached.

Manchester United-bound Matthijs De Ligt has been filmed at Munich Airport as he prepares to fly to England.

The Bayern Munich defender is set to join the Red Devils on a contract until 2029, with his medical scheduled for later today.

Noussair Mazraoui is also expected to fly to Manchester today after United saw a bid for his services accepted by Bayern last week.

Chelsea's proposed transfer for Samu Omorodion has fallen through, as per The Athletic. 

A deal had been agreed with Atletico Madrid, but issues surrounding the contract means it has now fallen through. 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will complete his West Ham United medical on Monday, as per Dharmesh Sheth. 

The right-back is subject to interest from the capital club, with Wan-Bissaka poised to call time on his five-year stint at Manchester United. 

Bruno Fernandes' new Manchester United contract could be signed, sealed and delivered as early as next week. 

As per Fabrizio Romano, the United skipper is poised to pen a new deal with the Red Devil outfit. 

It's also claimed by Romano that United will hold a plus one year clause too.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could call upon a secret weapon in Lesley Ugochukwu this season. 

Ugochukwu netted off the bench in Chelsea's final pre-season fixture against Inter Milan - the second time he'd done so this summer.

Ugochukwu joined Chelsea last summer for around £23million. 

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka's transfer to West Ham United has reportedly hit a stumbling block, as per Dharmesh Sheth.

It's reported the West Ham-bound right-back's medical, which was set for 4pm, has since been delayed. 

However, it is still expected the transfer will be completed in the coming days.

Chelsea have announced the £54million signing of Pedro Neto. 

The Blues confirmed the deal at half-time of their pre-season friendly against Inter Milan. 

Neto joins Chelsea from Wolves having netted two goals in 20 Premier League appearances last season. 

Johan Bakayoko has insisted he won't leave PSV Eindhoven for a 'mid-table' Premier League club. 

Speaking to ESPN, the Dutch winger offered a coy update on his future. 

Bakayoko has been linked with a move to England, but he's adamant he'll only leave PSV for a team in the Champions League. 

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have reportedly already said their goodbyes to their Bayern Munich teammates.

According to Sky Germany, the defensive duo are expected to undergo their medicals at Carrington on Monday.

They will then sign five-year United contracts, with the option of a further 12 months.

Fulham have made a £20million bid for Crystal Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen.

According to The Athletic, talks between the two clubs are ongoing, with Palace seeking closer to £40m.

Marco Silva is eyeing reinforcements after the departures of Tosin Adaraioyo and Tim Ream.

Andersen spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Fulham before joining Palace the following summer.

Bruno Fernandes has reportedly agreed to a new Manchester United contract, ending speculation about his future.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Fernandes will sign a fresh deal before the August 30 summer transfer deadline.

It is set to run until 2027, with the option of a further year, and will lift the 29-year-old among United's top earners.

Ivan Toney is reportedly the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brentford man is among the strikers being considered by Saudi Pro League clubs before the transfer deadline.

Al Ahli are said to be one of the sides targeting a swoop for Toney, who is assessing his options.

Former Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be set for a surprise move to the Championship this summer.

According to The Sun, Sheffield United have moved to sign the 30-year-old on loan from Turkish giants Besiktas.

And it's claimed that Oxlade-Chamberlain could be open to dropping into the second tier of English football.

The report adds that Besiktas are willing to offload him in the coming weeks after appointing Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager.

Tottenham Hotspur's latest signing, Dominic Solanke, has already started striking up a relationship with James Maddison.

Solanke completed a £65million move to Spurs on Saturday, ending a successful spell at AFC Bournemouth.

And Spurs have posted a video on X showing the 26-year-old reconnecting with Maddison ahead of their link-up this season.

Fulham are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos.

According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the two clubs have entered an advanced stage, with work left to do on the payment structure and personal terms.

The 31-year-old centre-back joined Villa in 2022, but his stay in English football has been marred by injury.

Liverpool reportedly told Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to make a decision on his future at the weekend as they attempt to lure him to Anfield.

According to local outlet Noticias de Gipuzk, the Reds have informed their priority transfer target that they won't wait for him in their push to bolster Arne Slot's midfield.

They are said to have concerns over the doubts that Zubimendi has been showing over a La Real exit while his current club fight to retain his services.

The report adds that the La Liga outfit are waiting for Liverpool to enter talks over a transfer fee. They are demanding that his £51m release clause be paid in full.

Manchester United are reportedly planning to complete the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui tomorrow.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Bayern Munich duo have been booked in for medicals at Carrington.

De Ligt is joining for an initial £39million plus £4m in add-ons, while Mazraoui will cost £13m plus £4m in add-ons.

Sky Sports report that Aaron Wan-Bissaka will travel to London for his West Ham United medical this morning ahead of a £15m switch.

Manchester United are set to offer Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui five-year contracts ahead of their Old Trafford arrivals, as per Fabrizio Romano. 

The duo are on the verge of completing a switch from Bayern Munich, with Romano reporting the deals should be wrapped up by Monday. 

United take on Fulham in the opening game of the Premier League campaign on Friday. 

Tottenham Hotspur dropped a potential hint about Giovani Lo Celso's future by leaving him out of their matchday squad for today's pre-season friendly with Bayern Munich. 

Spurs, who went on to lose the game 3-2, didn't include the Argentine in their squad, amid links of a move away from the north London outfit. 

Lo Celso signed for Tottenham in a deal worth £55million from Real Betis in 2019.

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Man City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed his future has already been decided. 

The Brazil international had been linked to a Saudi Arabian switch, but Ederson told ESPN Brasil he's going nowhere. 

Speaking after City's Community Shield win over Manchester United, he said: "The decision has been made. I will stay at Manchester City this season. 

“I spoke to Pep and it was crucial… I’m happy to stay, fully focused on winning more titles here”.

Enzo Maresca's pre-season preparations have been thrown into jeopardy after Reece James picked up yet another injury.

As per The Athletic, the right-back felt discomfort in his hamstring following the Blues' pre-season tour of the States. 

James was set to miss the start of the season through suspension but could be forced out for even longer if the injury is deemed serious. 

Pep Guardiola has thrown his weight behind youngster James McAtee, revealing he pushed hard to keep him at the club this summer. 

McAtee spent last season out on loan at Sheffield United, but the City boss insisted the City hierarchy didn't repeat the feat this time around. 

Speaking after the Community Shield win over Manchester United, Guardiola added: "I said to Txiki [Begiristain] I don't want to loan him and I don't want to sell him because I need his specific ability in small spaces."

Pedro Neto is one step closer to being named a Chelsea player after the winger reportedly passed his medical. 

Chelsea agreed a £54million fee with Wolves for the forward, with Neto set to join the Blues ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. 

Neto scored two goals and registered nine assists in 20 appearances for Wolves in the Premier League last season. 

Chelsea have begun the process of cutting down their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season. 

Bashir Humphreys is expected to leave the club in the coming days, as per Fabrizio Romano. 

It's reported both Leeds United and Burnley are currently exploring a deal for the 21-year-old. 

Liverpool have agreed to sell Fabio Carvalho to Brentford, as per Fabrizio Romano. 

The Portuguese ace will undergo a medical at the west London outfit in the coming days. 

And it's believed Liverpool will receive a fee in the region of £20million for the attacker. 

It's a hefty chunk of profit on the £5m Liverpool spent on him two years ago. 

Manchester United have agreed a £60million double deal for Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

According to The Athletic, De Ligt is set to undergo a medical at Carrington ahead of a transfer worth £39m plus £4m in add-ons.

Once Aaron Wan-Bissaka completes his £15m move to West Ham United, Mazraoui will be free to become the fourth signing of the INEOS era.

He will land at Old Trafford for an initial £13m plus £4m in add-ons.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke!

The 26-year-old - who scored 19 Premier League goals last season - joins in a £65million deal, signing a six-year contract.

Julian Alvarez will complete his transfer to Atletico Madrid on Monday, according to reports.

Relevo claim that the Manchester City forward will arrive in Spain tomorrow afternoon before signing his contract a day later.

Atletico agreed an £82million fee earlier this month.

West Ham United have announced the signing of Jean-Clair Todibo!

The OGC Nice centre-back joins on a season-long loan with a £34m buy option.

He is Julen Lopetegui's seventh summer signing.

Todibo said: "It feels like the right time to be coming to West Ham, in the heart of London, with an amazing, passionate fan-base.

"I’m so excited to pull on the West Ham shirt, and play at the London Stadium in the Premier League."

Newcastle United have reportedly suffered the latest blow in their pursuit of a new winger this summer.

The Magpies have been linked with Jarrod Bowen and Pedro Neto, but the former looks set to stay at West Ham United and the latter is leaving Wolves for Chelsea in a £54million deal.

According to HITC, another of Eddie Howe's targets, Nico Gonzalez, is also about to be off the table.

It's claimed that the Fiorentina winger is closing in on a move to Serie A rivals Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy.

A double dose of exciting West Ham news for you...

The Hammers are reportedly in advanced talks with Manchester United over the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

According to Sky Germany, the 26-year-old right-back has agreed personal terms on a contract until 2030.

West Ham and United are said to plan on finalising a deal today, which will open the door for Noussair Mazraoui's Old Trafford arrival.

Jean-Clair Todibo is expected to complete his summer transfer to West Ham United today.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten flew to Nice on Thursday after learning Juventus were struggling to seal a deal.

And the Hammers have reportedly secured a season-long loan with a £34million buy option.

Todibo is said to have already signed his contract, with an official announcement all that's left.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted that the club aren't done in the summer transfer window.

Troyes winger Savinho is Man City's sole arrival so far, arriving from the French sister club for around £30m.

But Guardiola has lost Julian Alvarez, while Rodri is an injury doubt at the start of the season, and he is open to opportunities in the market.

"We will see the chances at the end of the market if a club needs to sell more than now for example so I don’t know," Guardiola explained.

"Coming to the market now and knowing that we make a good transfer in terms of finances with Julian, people are waiting with the red carpet waiting to say come, come here and that is why you have to see what happens.

"Because the club has done well in the past. Many players didn’t come because the club didn’t pay what the other club wanted for that player. The club will continue to do what is fair."

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly completed the signing of AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

According to The Athletic, Solanke signed a five-year contract at Spurs overnight after completing his medical on Friday.

The 26-year-old's £65million fee is a record sale for Bournemouth and record signing for Tottenham.

Official confirmation is expected today.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto will have a medical at Chelsea ahead of completing a £54million transfer in the coming days.

According to multiple reports, Chelsea have struck a deal with Wolves after seeing two previous bids rejected.

They first offered David Datro Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah as part of a player-plus-cash deal before tabling a straight cash bid.

Neto's arrival will send Enzo Maresca's summer spending over £200m and add to his huge squad.

Manchester United are reportedly in talks over signing former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso on a free transfer this summer.

According to El Sevillista, in a report backed up by Fabrizio Romano, United have initiated contact with Hermoso.

The 29-year-old reportedly wants a £5.1million annual salary, with talks underway over a potential three-year contract.

He can cover at centre-back and left-back and represents a high-value option that would allow United to commit more of their budget elsewhere.

Good morning!

Welcome to another day of transfer news LIVE on Express Sport, with plenty set to go down between now and August 30.

Stay tuned throughout your Saturday for all the latest updates.