Saturday's transfer news, rumours and gossip: Man Utd near Aaron Wan-Bissaka move, Arsenal target double defensive deal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United are set to spend big this summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to overhaul his underperforming squad. Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka is top of his transfer wishlist with the two clubs haggling over a fee which could eventually top £50m. They won't be stopping there, however, with Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes another key target.
Elsewhere, the likes of Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich look set to be disappointed in the chase for Matthijs De Ligt with the Ajax captain appearing to be closing in on a move to Juventus.
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
Arsenal are meanwhile set to push on with their first signing of the summer with a bid for Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser set to be lodged. Belgian international Yannick Carrasco is also an option being considered but money could be tight for Unai Emery and Co.
Champions Manchester City don't have any such problems and look set to strengthen an already stacked squad. Leicester City's Harry Maguire could arrive in a club record deal while Atletico Madrid's Rodri and Juve's Joao Cancelo appear near certainties to join him in what looks to be another busy summer at the Etihad.
West Ham want Anthony Martial in exchange for Issa Diop, if any deal is to be done with Manchester United for the centre-half.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have investigated the possibility of signing the 22-year-old, but West Ham have so far shown no willingness to sell.
In initial talks, however, the London club have indicated that they may be willing to do business if Martial comes the other way.
Liverpool are said to be monitoring former player Philippe Coutinho.
The former Liverpool man has endured a miserable year-and-a-half at Barcelona and wants to quit the Camp Nou this summer.
And Le10 Sport say Liverpool remain in the hunt for their former star, with the Brazilian set to be available for far less than the £136m they sold him for two seasons ago.
Coutinho has been linked with a move to Chelsea while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a move.
AC Milan are pushing hard to sign Lucas Torreira from Arsenal this summer.
The Uruguayan impressed in his first season in English football after signing from Sampdoria last summer.
But the 23-year-old struggled to adapt to the lifestyle in London sparking talk of a return to Italy this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport say Milan have offered £35m for his services with Arsenal holding out for closer to £45m.
Manchester United and Crystal Palace are close to an agreement over a fee for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Old Trafford club had initially been hoping to prise the 22-year-old from Selhurst Park for £25m, but Palace have been steadfast in their stance.
However, the Daily Mail report that after lengthy discussions a fee of around £42.5m plus add ons has been agreed to finally get a deal done.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the 21-year-old as key to the rebuild of his squad this summer.
Unai Emery is eyeing up French World Cup-winning centre-backs Samuel Umtiti and Presnel Kimpembe as potential candidates to reinforce his defence.
Emery worked with Kimpembe at PSG and is very keen to reunite with the 23-year-old, according to Le 10 Sport.
PSG would demand a price in the region of £35m, which would virtually wipe out the entirety of Arsenal’s summer transfer budget.
Umtiti has long been eyed by the Gunners, but the 25-year-old’s price tag would outmatch that of Kimpembe’s meaning any move is unlikely, despite Barcelona’s willingness to sell the defender if their asking price is met.
Arsenal are edging closer to a deal for Celtic's Kieran Tierney.
The BBC report that although an initial £15m offer was rejected by the Scottish champions there is optimism on both sides that a deal will be reached.
Personal terms aren't expected to be a problem either.
Unai Emery's summer reshuffle is underway.
Rodrigo Bentancur has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Juventus until 2024.
The 21-year-old Uruguay international made 40 appearances in all competitions last season to help them seal an eighth straight league crown.
"Rodrigo Bentancur has officially extended his Juventus stay by penning a contract , which will tie him to the club until 2024," the club said.
Divock Origi is not going to leave Liverpool this summer.
The Mirror reports that Belgian forward Origi will be going nowhere in this transfer window, even though this runs the risk that Liverpool will lose him for free next year.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a remarkable renaissance at the club last year, producing at crucial times in the Premier League and Champions League.
The forward is understood to want more first-team football in the long term, but is prepared to spend another season with the European champions.
Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez has emerged as a target to bolster Arsenal’s attack.
That's according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish giants are open to selling industrial winger as part over Zinedine Zidane’s summer overhaul having completed the signing of Eden Hazard.
Ryan Sessegnon could leave Fulham for just £500,000 next summer.
The England U21 starlet is a long-time target for Tottenham but with only a year left on his current contract a number of foreign clubs are circling.
The Sun say Sessegnon is ready to talk to Inter Milan in January about a transfer at the end of next season where the Italians would only have to pay half a million in compensation.
Spurs remain keen this summer with the relegated Cottagers holding out for in the region of £35m.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments