Arsenal’s busy transfer window looks set to continue as they move on from their disappointment in not signing Vinicius Jr. They are hunting alternatives in the forward line with Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola on their list but defensive reinforcements may yet come in the form of Cristian Romero. The Tottenham captain is rumoured to leave Spurs this summer and is eyeing up a switch to their closest rivals.
Meanwhile, Rodri looks set to leave Manchester City amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. The World Cup winning captain is into the final year of his contract and favours a move to Barca – who are considering a second bid after an initial offer of £38m was rejected.
Elswhere, Liverpool, also hold an interest in Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and have lined up his teammate Ibrahim Mbaye in what could be a double swoop for Andoni Iraola’s side. That comes after the Reds secured much-needed defender help with ex-Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo set for a loan deal with an option to buy.
Finally, Man Utd are still searching for a left-back with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall seemingly off the table they instead turned their interest on the likes of Antonee Robinson, Jorge Salinas and Joaquin Seys.
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Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of all the latest transfer news and gossip.
The start of the Premier League season is quickly approaching and teams are trying to finalise their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd all look to be busy shoring up the needed reinforcements but how will they each fare once the action begins in a couple of weeks’ time?
We’ll have all the latest news throughout the day so stick with us…
Marcus Rashford to be given new shirt number
Marcus Rashford will be given the No 14 shirt number by Manchester United as a statement of intent to include him in next season’s plans, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Mikel Arteta says Bruno Guimaraes can take Arsenal to ‘next level’
“I’m delighted to have him,” Mikel Arteta said after Arsenal’s pre-season loss to Borussia Dortmund, where Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the fans.
“We see very clearly – especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground – the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club. And that’s the ambition that we need.
“We want to go to the next level and are very, very much convinced that we’re going to need players with such a personality, desire and character to push everybody inside the organisation to go even higher.”
Six goals in two games: How much of a concern is Arsenal’s defence?
Arsenal suffered a second consecutive pre-season defeat ahead of the start of their Premier League title defence as clinical Borussia Dortmund won the Emirates Cup with a 3-2 victory in north London.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the Arsenal fans before kick-off and there was a party atmosphere as the Gunners returned to the Emirates for the first time since lifting the Premier League title in May.
Julian Alvarez not for sale
Diego Simeone has confirmed Atletico Madrid’s stance on Julian Alvarez amid interest from Arsenal: he is not for sale.
“The situation is very clear,” the Argentine told a press conference.
“The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.
“From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things.”
Arsenal outgoings – could Zubimendi be on the move?
With Arsenal splashing £75m on Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Arteta may be required to sanction some sales.
That has led Mundo Deportivo to report that Martin Zubimendi, who only joined Arsenal last year, could leave the club, but only if a potential suitor matches their £77m asking price.
Meanwhile, West Ham are exploring a move for Reiss Nelson who has entered the final year of his contract, as per Sky Sports.
Another Chelsea-Strasbourg loan on the horizon
Filip Jorgensen is set to move to Strasbourg on loan, according to Sky Sports, becoming the latest Chelsea player to make that jump to the Alsace sister club.
Aston Villa in talks for Palhinha – but face competition from Newcastle?
Aston Villa transfer chief Damian Viadagany has confirmed the club are in talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.
He told Bild: “We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement.
“If something should happen, it is always on the basis of the great respect we feel for FC Bayern.
“We are friendly clubs; our relationship with Max Eberl (Bayern’s director of sport), Christoph Freund (Bayern sporting director) and all other responsible persons is excellent.
“Therefore, I cannot and do not want to comment on any further details.”
This comes amid reports that Newcastle are also keen on the Portuguese midfielder, who was on loan at Tottenham last term, joining Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on the list of potential Bruno Guimaraes replacements.
Palace getting busy
As well as potentially signing Dwight McNeil in a swap deal, Crystal Palace are interested in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Torino winger Alieu Njie, according to Sky Sports.
Youssef Chermiti stretchered off amid Galatasaray interest
News emerged before Rangers’ clash with Hibernian on Sunday that Galatasaray had seen a bid rejected for striker Youssef Chermiti, with the Gers unwilling to sell.
However, the Turkish side’s pursuit of Chermiti may now be over after he was stretchered off in that game.
