Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal confirm two deals, Maguire to Man Utd latest, Neymar fear
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - All the latest rumours and gossip coming out of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Posted Friday, July 26, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Willian contract
Willian has agreed a new one-year addition to his Chelsea contract, Express Sport understands.
The Brazil winger is still yet to return to training with the club after helping his country win the Copa America three weeks ago.
The 30-year-old has been in talks with the club for several months, but has also had interest from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
The Brazil star, who has been at Chelsea since 2013 and had one year left on his current contract, has been handed a new deal with Chelsea taking the decision having been handed a transfer ban by Fifa for the next two windows.
New manager Frank Lampard had initially wanted to assess Willian in pre-season before a decision was made, but the club have moved quickly to seal the deal.
Chelsea have already handed Brazil defender David Luiz a two-year deal this summer, with the Brazilian’s previous deal having been set to expire this summer.
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal announce two deals, Man Utd boss Solskjaer in Maguire demand (Image: GETTY)
Pochettino's Levy response
Mauricio Pochettino says he has no idea about Tottenham's recruitment policy after chairman Daniel Levy suggested earlier today that the club's new mega-money kit deal could be important for the club off of the pitch.
Levy indicated that Spurs may be free to do more deals in the coming years after he announced an eight-year agreement with AIA that is worth £45million a season to Spurs.
Yet Pochettino had little to say when asked about those comments.
He said: “I think first of all I didn't hear the press conference.
"We were in the middle of a meeting and then driving to the stadium.
"I don't know. I cannot comment. In the end he (Levy) is my boss and the chairman.
"I'm never going to give a public opinion about my boss. It's not right for the coach to make some comment about your chairman.
"He's the most important person in the football club and of course my full respect to him.
"My position is to never comment on his press conferences or what he says to you.”
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal confirm two deals, Harry Maguire latest, Barcelona Neymar fear (Image: GETTY)
Nicolas Pepe latest
Manchester United have an agreement with Lille over Nicolas Pepe, reports say.
Manchester United, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton, have been tipped to lure Pepe away from Lille this summer.
The Ivory Coast international is in-demand after a stunning campaign where he scored 22 goals and registered 11 assists from 38 Ligue 1 matches.
And French outlet La Voix du Nord claim that United have an agreement with Lille regarding a potential transfer.
However, it is claimed they are not the only club who have such an agreement. Inter Milan and Napoli have reportedly shook hands on a deal for Pepe.
And it looks as though Napoli could be closing in on a switch.
Carlo Ancelotti recently confirmed: "I've met with Pepe's agents. They were at our hotel.
"It is normal that we would meet to discuss eventual negotiations. It is pointless to hide it with his agents here: we are interested in Pepe. Pepe is a wide attacking player.
"We want to find someone who can play between the lines, without forgetting that Milik is a centre-forward, but also strong with his feet."
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal confirm two deals, Harry Maguire latest, Barcelona Neymar fear (Image: GETTY)
Barcelona's Neymar fear
Barcelona fear Juventus could beat them to PSG star Neymar and pair the Brazilian alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, reports say.
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo say there are concerns at Barcelona that Juventus may swoop in.
The report says there are concerns at Barcelona that PSG may end up shipping him out to another club because of their relationship with the French outfit.
Italy has a new tax regime that benefits Serie A sides because players can pay much less tax over there.
It was one of the reasons why Matthijs de Ligt, who for so long appeared destined to join Barcelona, moved to Turin instead of the Catalan club.
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal announce two deals, Man Utd boss Solskjaer in Maguire demand (Image: REUTERS)
Solskjaer on centre-backs
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was coy on his centre-back options when asked if the signing of a new defender is even more important after Eric Bailly's injury this afternoon.
The Ivorian sustained a nasty-looking knee problem against Tottenham that could sideline him a lengthy amount of time.
Solskjaer said: “We've had six centre-backs rotating - and they've all done well.
"Phil Jone played first three games, so it was his turn to be rested today.
"Marcos Rogo and Chris Smalling took their chance and looked really assured at the back.
"But of course, you're never happy when you get injuries. Let's hope it's not too bad for Eric.”
Solskjaer demands Maguire move
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Ed Woodward he wants Harry Maguire signed as quickly as possible according to reports.
United have been linked with a move for Leicester star Maguire all summer long, with the England international earmarked as the club's priority transfer target for the summer.
The Red Devils wanted the 26-year-old signed a year ago, only for Woodward to tell Jose Mourinho that the player would cost too much.
A year on, and Manchester United are trying to bring Maguire in after a nightmare Premier League campaign that saw them concede 54 goals and finish sixth, behind Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.
And Sky Sports claim United boss Solskjaer has told Woodward he wants Maguire signed as quickly as possible.
That is after Eric Bailly went off injured against Tottenham in a pre-season friendly today.
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal announce two deals, Man Utd boss Solskjaer in Maguire demand (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal announce another
Arsenal have announced their second signing of the day with William Saliba's long-anticipated switch being confirmed.
The 18-year-old defender joins from Saint-Etienne amid interest from across Europe.
Saliba will return to the French club on loan for next season as expected.
Unai Emery said: “We’re delighted William is joining us. Many teams wanted him but he decided he wanted to come to us and be part of our future.
"He will stay in France next season for more experience and then we look forward to him joining our group.”
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal announce two deals, Man Utd boss Solskjaer in Maguire demand (Image: GETTY)
Ceballos speaks
Dani Ceballos has spoken for the first time since completing his season-long loan switch from Real Madrid to Arsenal.
He told Arsenal's official website: "I’m really proud to be able to wear this shirt. I’m joining an historic Premier League side and it’s a step forward in my career.
"I knew I had the confidence of the coach, which was very important for me from the start.
"I was aware of the responsibility that wearing this shirt entails and it was a tremendously proud moment when I decided to join Arsenal.
"The coach was the turning point in terms of me joining this massive club. He’s a Spanish coach and he knows me from my time at other clubs.
"I’m really happy to be able to help Arsenal achieve our objectives."
Nicolas Pepe talks
Manchester United have not held talks with Liverpool-linked Nicolas Pepe, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The 24-year-old Ivorian winger has been linked with both Premier League clubs as well as Arsenal but the MEN say the Red Devils have not contacted Lille about the player.
Pepe scored 23 times last season and has been touted for an exit at the cost of around £70million.
Lille president Gerard Lopez told French newspaper La Voix du Nord this week: “In terms of departures and arrivals, if a player leaves, we will go and get what we need.
"For Nico, it is almost done and he could have left last summer.
"It is true that there are big offers and big clubs in for him, so I think [he will leave].
"Aside from that, you never know in football."
Transfer news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes to Man Utd SHOCK U-turn, Arsenal announcement (Image: GETTY)
Ceballos announced
Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid.
The Gunners have signed the Spanish midfielder on a season-long loan deal and he will wear the No 8 shirt at the Emirates.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery said: “We’re excited to see Dani join us. He is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision.”
Transfer news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes to Man Utd SHOCK U-turn, Arsenal announcement (Image: GETTY)
Tottenham to keep spending
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has insisted improving the squad is now the club’s main focus following their move to their new stadium.
"We have embarked in recent years on two major capital projects, which I think in the long term will be of great benefit to the club,” Levy said following the announcement of the club’s new eight-year shirt sponsorship with AIA, which is said to be worth £30million and £40million-a-season.
"We will now continue wherever we can to improve the team.
"Now it’s [time] to continue to find ways to not only improve the commercial aspects of the club but also the football and continue to be a success.”
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal are keen to spend (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd exit?
Eric Bailly is fearing Harry Maguire’s arrival at Manchester United.
United have been chasing the defender’s signature for the duration of the summer.
Leicester are holding out for a minimum of £80million and won’t part company with the 26-year-old unless their valuation is met.
There is growing confidence at Old Trafford that they’ll be able to prize Maguire from the Midlands club’s clutches before the transfer window closes on August 8.
And according to the Metro, Maguire’s potential arrival at the Theatre of Dreams has left Bailly fearing for his place in the squad.
They claim Bailly is wary of his future as Maguire’s potential addition to the squad would leave United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with seven centre-backs at his disposal.
Zaha stance on Everton move
Wilfried Zaha could be tempted by a move to Everton during the summer’s transfer window, the Evening Standard claim.
The Crystal Palace forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal, but the Gunners have failed to negotiate a deal.
Zaha is hoping for a move away from Selhurst Park before the start of the new season, and could be tempted by a move to Goodison.
Zaha’s preferred destination is still the Emirates Stadium, as he supported Arsenal when he was a youngster.
But he could decide to move to Everton if Arsenal fail to negotiate with the Palace hierarchy.
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd want Fernandes (Image: GETTY)
‘Dani Ceballos doesn’t help them’
Arsenal do not need to sign Dani Ceballos and must look to improve their defence instead, says ESPN FC pundit and legendary Liverpool full-back Steve Nicol.
Ceballos is in London to complete a season-long loan move to Arsenal.
However, Nicol does not believe the right areas are being targeted by the north London side in the transfer market.
"I’ve got to say, when I’m looking at Arsenal, I’m thinking ‘right, they need to strengthen, no question’,” Nicol said.
"But their problems are all defensive, at the back and in the middle of the park. And when you’ve already got Mesut Ozil, why are you going out and getting Dani Ceballos? Dani Ceballos doesn’t help them in that department.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Done Deal - Ayew signs
Crystal Palace have completed the permanent signing of Ghana forward Jordan Ayew from Swansea.
Ayew, 27, spent last season on loan at the Eagles and will return to Selhurst Park having agreed a three-year deal with the club.
He leaves Swansea for an undisclosed fee having originally moved to south Wales in 2017.
Ayew scored one goal in 20 Premier League games for Palace last season and is looking forward to playing for the club again heading into the new campaign.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Done Deal - Lookman signs
Ademola Lookman has completed a permanent transfer from Everton to RB Leipzig.
Lookman spent the second half of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at the Bundesliga club but returned to Goodison Park last season.
However the 21-year-old is no longer part of boss Marco Silva's plans and the deal reportedly worth in the region of £22.5 million has been agreed.
Lookman was considered one of the game's best young prospects when he moved to Everton from Charlton in an £11million deal in 2017.
Dean Henderson deal agreed
Dean Henderson’s long-anticipated move to Sheffield United will be confirmed this week.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim the goalkeeper’s return to Bramall Lane has been agreed.
England’s Under-21 goalkeeper will return on a season-long loan to help the Blades fight against relegation.
The Red Devils didn’t want to allow Henderson to leave while contract negotiations with first-choice stopper David de Gea were ongoing.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal come knocking… again
Arsenal are interested in a second Real Madrid player.
With Dani Ceballos’ set to join the Gunners on a season-long loan - Unai Emery is targeting forward Mariano Diaz.
Diaz didn’t feature in the International Champions Cup draw with Arsenal on Tuesday - and Zinedine Zidane would be happy to offload him.
Now, reports in Spain claim Arsenal have made an enquiry for the 25-year-old, who could be available for £18million.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Paul Pogba to Real Madrid
Real Madrid will accelerate their pursuit of Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
That’s according to Marca, who claim Pogba has already told Galacticos manager Zinedine Zidane he would like to join him at the Bernabeu.
It’s said that Zidane would love to sign Pogba and club president Florentino Perez will do whatever he can to keep the 47-year-old happy.
The Red Devils want £150million but Perez is hopeful that - with the help of Pogba himself - they can get a deal over the line.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Sean Longstaff staying
Sean Longstaff will not be joining Manchester United this summer.
The Red Devils are interested in the talented 21-year-old Newcastle midfielder, who is valued at a staggering £50million.
But Toon boss Steve Bruce is confident Longstaff will remain at St James’ Park for the 2019/2020 campaign.
"We don't want to sell our best young players, that's for sure," Bruce said. "So that won't happen. I'm very confident [Longstaff will stay]."
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Paulo Dybala blow
Tottenham have opened talks with Juventus to sign striker Paulo Dybala.
The Evening Standard claim Mauricio Pochettino’s side could break their transfer record, which currently stands at £65million for Tanguy Ndombele, to sign the Argentine.
It’s claimed Juventus value Dybala, 25, at £80million.
Manchester United had been linked with Dybala, who would supposedly ‘not reject an offer’ from the Old Trafford side.
But it looks as though Spurs could win the battle for his signature.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Dani Alves to Manchester City
Dani Alves has been backed to join Premier League champions Manchester City on a one-year deal, because of his relationship with Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City and Arsenal are believed to be the two frontrunners for the 36-year-old, who was reportedly earning north of £200,000-per-week.
But ESPN FC pundit Steve Nicol believes that Alves should snub a move to Arsenal in order to reunite with Guardiola at the Etihad.
"There’s the connection with Pep, so he’s going to be happy in the dressing room,” Nicol said. “There won’t be any problems with it.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Kieran Tierney latest
Arsenal are “only a couple of million pounds” away from striking a deal for Celtic defender Kieran Tierney.
The Gunners are looking to sign the Scottish international but their £45million transfer budget is proving difficult to navigate.
Unai Emery’s side lodged two bids - the second worth up to £25million - for the Scotland left-back but saw both dismissed by Parkhead chiefs.
But the deal could still be alive.
Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol tweeted: “Difference between what Arsenal are offering for Kieran Tierney and what Celtic want is “only a couple of million pounds”. Player is happy at Celtic but would like the chance to speak to Arsenal if deal can be agreed.”
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Bruno Fernandes blow
Manchester United are unlikely to sign Bruno Fernandes.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim the speculation has been driven from Portugal rather than inside Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old was on target and provided an assist during Wednesday's 2-2 friendly draw against Liverpool.
And despite Sporting Lisbon manager Marcel Keizer revealing afterwards that his £62million-rated playmaker could leave this summer - Sky Sports say it’s unlikely to be Manchester United who secure his signature.
Transfer News: Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona gossip (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal announcements
Arsenal are expected to announce the signings of Dani Ceballos and William Saliba today, according to The Sun.
Ceballos is due to sign on a season-long loan agreement having landed and completed a medical at Arsenal’s training centre.
The 22-year-old is highly-regarded at the Bernabeu and helped the Spain Under-21 side to the Euro 2019 title earlier in the summer.
Saliba, an 18-year-old defender, is expected to join from Ligue 1 in a deal worth £27million but then return to Saint-Etienne on loan for the 2019/20 campaign.
Philippe Coutinho deal not possible
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the speculation suggesting Philippe Coutinho could be in line for a returning to Anfield from Barcelona during this transfer window.
The Liverpool manager believes Philippe Coutinho would be a welcome addition to any team in the world but he admits the Reds could not afford to fund such a transfer this summer.
"In general, Phil Coutinho helps each team in the world, still -- 100%," Klopp told ESPN FC. "It's not about that.
"I like Phil, I think he's a fantastic footballer and all that stuff, but it would be a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big-money signing and it's not our year for that. It's just not possible.”
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