Manchester United are set to reject an audacious approach from Galatasaray for their captain Bruno Fernandes. The Turkish club are determined to sign a star this summer and are lining up a comprehensive financial package for the 31-year-old midfielder, but United’s stance is that Fernandes is not for sale. Fernandes has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford, but there is an option to extend for another year, and the Portuguese would not be allowed to leave in the week before the season starts.
Elsewhere, Manchester City have entered advanced talks to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85m and are also still interested Enzo Fernandez, despite missing Chelsea’s deadline for offers. City will sell Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to Barcelona in a deal worth up to £65m after finally accepting the advances of the Spanish champions. Bouaddi could be followed by Fernandez if City submit an offer of £120m, but Chelsea want the midfielder’s future to be resolved before their opening game of the season this weekend.
Bradley Barcola was left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s squad for the French Super Cup in a boost to Liverpool and Arsenal’s chances of signing the France international winger. Barcola was also an unused substitute in PSG’s Super Cup win over Aston Villa on Wednesday. The European champions were set to demand £145m for the 23-year-old but Liverpool are prepared to play the long-game as they bid to negotiate a price as Andoni Iraola targets a new winger. Arsenal, meanwhile, are in the market for a marquee attacking signing.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals below
ICYMI: Martin Odegaard ready to get back to his best at Arsenal
Martin Odegaard has described how last season’s struggle with injury has made him stronger.
Odegaard lifted the Premier League trophy in May – his first silverware since he joined Arsenal in 2021 – but it was often a difficult campaign on a personal note with knee, shoulder and muscle problems limiting his role.
The Norway midfielder made just 16 league starts and missed the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, a defeat Arsenal avenged on Sunday by winning the Community Shield season curtain-raiser 3-0.
Chelsea outline new Enzo Fernandez deadline
Chelsea want to resolve Enzo Fernandez’s future before their opening game of the Premier League season.
Talks are ongoing with the Argentina international, with Manchester City interested in signing the midfielder after agreeing to sell Rodri to Barcelona.
Chelsea had set a deadline of Friday for bids Fernandez, but that passed without City submitting an offer.
Fernandez was then booed by some Chelsea fans as he made his first appearance at Stamford Bridge since the summer.
Chelsea play Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, with the transfer window closing the following Tuesday on 1 September.
City have entered “advanced talks” to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for around £85m.
But they are set to sell Tijjani Reijnders for £51m and Enzo Maresca is keen to reunite with Fernandez as he continues City’s midfield rebuild.
ICYMI: Manchester United to reject Galatasaray approach for Bruno Fernandes
Galatasaray are preparing an audacious bid to sign Bruno Fernandes but the Manchester United captain is not for sale at any price.
The Turkish club are determined to sign a star this summer, following a busy transfer window for their rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas, and are lining up a comprehensive financial package for the 31-year-old midfielder.
United’s stance is that Fernandes is not for sale. United will return to the Champions League this season after Fernandes broke the record for Premier League assists last campaign.
ICYMI: Liverpool and Arsenal get Bradley Barcola boost as winger left out of PSG squad
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique refused to discuss Bradley Barcola’s future after the Liverpool and Arsenal target was left out of their squad to play Lens in the French Super Cup last night.
Following the 1-0 defeat, Enrique said: “I’ll talk about the situation after the transfer window has passed”. Barcola was also an unused substitute in PSG’s win over Aston Villa in the European Super Cup on Wednesday.
Ibrahim Mbaye was also absent from the PSG squad against Lens. Liverpool expressed an interest in signing Mbaye earlier this summer, while both Liverpool and Arsenal are hoping to talk PSG down from their asking price.
Liverpool are prepared to pay £100m for the 23-year-old, but PSG have set their asking price at £145m. Liverpool are hopeful that they can continue to negotiate with PSG before the deadline.
Manchester City into ‘advanced talks’ with Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City have now entered “advanced talks” to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for around £85m.
Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at this summer’s World Cup and the Lille midfield has agreed personal terms with City.
The departure of Rodri to Barcelona has accelerated City’s interest after there were suggestions that he would arrive at the Etihad next year.
City are also interested in signing Enzo Fernandez, despite missing Chelsea’s Friday deadline to submit a bid for the Argentina international.
City have already undergone major changes in midfield this summer, spending £116m on Elliot Anderson, while agreeing a deal to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadisah.
Enzo Maresca was asked about Bouaddi following Manchester City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday and said that when it comes to new signings the “sooner the better”.
“He’s still a Lille player,” Maresca said. “But any new signing, any new player, for sure as soon as they arrive it’s better. Because we’re going to start the Premier League in one week.
“If they start to work with us as soon as possible, it’s better if they can also understand the way we need to play.”
How Rodri defined a Manchester City era as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders
Farewell, then, to Rodri – Richard Jolly writes on a player who defined Pep Guardiola’s best Manchester City sides.
Rodri says it is a ‘dream’ to play for Barcelona after arriving in city
Rodri arrived in Barcelona a little early as he nears completion of a move from Manchester City. “Very happy to arrive. There have been some very intense days, but I’m happy that everything has been resolved,” he said. “For me it’s a dream to play for Barcelona. I’m excited about being with my teammates, many of them I already know. Now it’s time to get to work and give my best.”
Harry Maguire wants Marcus Rashford to stay at Manchester United
Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for Manchester United in 20 months after returning to Michael Carrick’s side for their final pre-season fixture against AC Milan, but his Old Trafford future remains unclear.
He could yet be involved in United’s Premier League opener against Hull City on Saturday, with Carrick calling Rashford “our player” and saying it was “exciting” to have him back.
It was reported in May that United’s preference was to sell Rashford, who has two years remaining on his contract. Rashford wanted to stay at Barcelona but they opted against exercising their option to buy.
“Obviously the transfer window is still open. As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure,” defender Harry Maguire said after the loss to Milan.
“You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He’s a huge threat. I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that playing against him `and playing with him in training is going to help us.”
New Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli details vision after succeeding Steve Clarke
New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli believes the passion surrounding Scottish football aligns seamlessly with his philosophy.
The former Belgium international has been tasked with building upon Steve Clarke’s record of qualifying for three major tournaments.
Clarke stepped down following the World Cup after failing to inspire fans during the bulk of those tournament experiences, but Pocognoli stressed he will respect the heritage of his predecessor in terms of personnel and identity.
However, the 39-year-old, who guided Union Saint-Gilloise to their first Belgian title in 39 years, is also intent on imprinting his personality onto the squad.
“For me it’s an exciting challenge because I never go through a challenge where I can’t feel the connection. Scotland is a passionate country for football, I’m passionate.”
Juventus agree Guglielmo Vicario deal – but what about Emiliano Martinez?
Tottenham have accepted a season-long loan offer with option to buy from Juventus for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is set to return to Italy after two seasons at Spurs.
Tottenham will go into the new season with Antonin Kinsky as their No. 1 after his impressive end to last season, with Roberto De Zerbi approving Vicario’s departure.
Juventus, meanwhile, moved to compete a deal for the Italian Vicario after talks with Aston Villa to sign Emiliano Martinez broke down last night, amid conerns surrounding Martinez due to a finger injury.
Martinez is no longer the No 1 choice at Aston Villa after Unai Emery’s side beat Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Japan international goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
