The new Premier League season is underway and Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham remain among the busiest clubs in the summer window. At Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella has been signed for £62million and Wesley Fofana could soon join him if Thomas Tuchel gets his way, despite Leicester rejecting a £70million offer. Marcos Alonso, meanwhile, is set to join Barcelona.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he is not done with the deal, despite spending over £120m, thinking Leicester’s Youri Tielemans, with a new boost which could happen on Friday as the Foxes pursue Houssem Aouar. Lucas Paqueta has also been linked with the Gunners, who face Manchester United for Cody Gakpo.
Tottenham have made six signings so far this summer and Udinese left-back Destiny Udogie, reportedly personally recommended by a certain Antonio Conte, will become the seventh in a £21million deal after personal terms have been agreed. Conte would want three more before the window ends on September 1, with Nicolo Zaniolo, Memphis Depay and Pau Torres all linked. Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumors below!
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Tottenham accept deal with Udogie
Tottenham are close to completing their seventh signing of a busy summer transfer window.
We reported earlier that they hope to complete a deal for young Italian left-back Destiny Udogie next week, before loaning him to Udinese for the season.
Now Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs have a full agreement on personal terms with the teenager, who will sign a five-year contract in north London.
Man United join Arsenal in Gakpo race
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with the PSV Eindhoven star as they look to continue to strengthen their squad for a top-four battle under Mikel Arteta.
However, the Daily Mirror reports that Erik ten Hag has now added the 23-year-old Dutch winger to his Old Trafford transfer wishlist amid continued uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
Torreira and Mari set for Arsenal exits
A number of exits appear to be looming at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta continues his weeding out of unwanted players.
It is reported that Lucas Torreira is now set to join Galatasaray, having signed a contract at Milan last night.
Arsenal are set to receive €6m/€7m plus bonuses for the Uruguayan, who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, Hellas Verona are vying with fellow Italian club Monza in the race for Pablo Mari, having submitted a permanent transfer offer.
Brentford reach agreement with Damsgaard
Exciting news for Brentford fans.
Mr Romano now reports that a deal has been successfully reached on personal terms with Mikkel Damsgaard.
Brentford saw a £16.7million bid for the 22-year-old accepted by Serie A Sampdoria earlier this week.
Damsgaard is now due to arrive in London next week to sign his contract and undergo a medical.
The Bees have their replacement for Christian Eriksen, it seems. A Dane inside, a Dane outside!
Onana prepares for Everton Medical after Hammers snub
Not the news West Ham wanted to hear.
They now appear to have missed out on Amadou Onana, despite agreeing a £33m deal with Lille last week.
Instead, the Belgium midfielder is on his way to Everton, with a medical scheduled on Merseyside today.
Fabrizio Romano reports the fee is €36m (£30.3m) plus €4m in add-ons and a 20% sell clause.
Everton would then focus on the return of Idrissa Gana Gueye from Paris Saint-Germain.
Alonso says goodbye
Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso has said goodbye to his teammates ahead of his move to Barcelona.
The defender is set to join the Spanish giants next week, with Chelsea signing left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton on Friday.
Spurs are aiming to sign a new deal
Tottenham transfer target Nikola Milenkovic is set to end speculation over his future by signing a new contract at Fiorentina.
According to Gianluca di Marzio, the centre-back is keen to stay put this summer despite interest from Spurs and Juventus.
Spurs remain in the market for a centre-back.
Arsenal gave Tielemans a boost
Leicester are considering Lyonnais Houssem Aouar as a replacement for Arsenal target Youri Tielemans, reports the Sun.
The Belgian is expected to leave Leicester this month and Arsenal are his preferred destination.
Leicester are apparently preparing for their departure by lining up possible replacements.
Chelsea in Fofana’s new candidacy
Chelsea have failed in a new bid for Wesley Fofana, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The offer, which is believed to be in excess of £70million, was rejected by Leicester City, but Chelsea will return with an improved offer.
Tuchel: Chelsea have signed ‘the new Azpilicueta’ in Cucurella
Chelsea have signed ‘the new Cesar Azpilicueta’ in Marc Cucurella, according to Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.
On Friday, Spanish defender Cucurella became the club’s fifth signing in a busy and often chaotic summer transfer window, signing a six-year deal after joining Brighton for a hefty sum of up to £62.5million.
Cucurella’s arrival coincided with a new contract for fellow countryman Cesar Azpilicueta, with the club’s longtime captain Chelsea signing an improved two-year deal until 2024 on Thursday, ending Barcelona’s long-running pursuit to his signature in the process.
There are many parallels between the two players other than just their nationality, primarily the versatility and ability to operate in multiple defensive positions that make them such valuable options for Tuchel, who has lost the services of Andreas Christensen and Antonio. Rudiger on free transfers earlier this summer and then signed Kalidou Koulibaly, with another centre-back on the agenda amid talk of Wesley Fofana from Leicester.
“I’m very excited about what he can bring,” the manager said of the arrival of Cucurella, who could make his early debut for Chelsea in their Premier League opener against Frank Lampard’s Everton at Goodison. Park Saturday night. “He’s a fantastic player, a fantastic guy.
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