Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea FC to sign £80m Fofana; Arsenal’s new Tielemans boost; Spurs after FOUR more signings
The new Premier League season begins tonight and Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham remain among of the busiest clubs of the summer window. At Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella has been signed for £62m and Wesley Fofana could soon join him if Thomas Tuchel gets his way, despite a £70m bid being rejected by Leicester. Marcos Alonso, meanwhile, is set to join Barcelona.
Tottenham have made six signings so far this summer and Udinese left-back Destiny Udogie, who is thought to have been personally recommended by one Antonio Conte, is likely to be the seventh in a £21m deal. Conte reportedly wants three more before the end of the window on September 1, with Nicolo Zaniolo, Memphis Depay and Pau Torres all linked.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he is not done, despite spending more than £120m, with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans in mind, with a fresh boost potentially arriving on Friday as the Foxes chase Houssem Aouar. Lucas Paqueta has also been linked with the Gunners. Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours below!
Live updates
Arsenal handed fresh Tielemans boost
Have Arsenal received a fresh boost in their long-running pursuit of Youri Tielemans?
The Gunners remain keen on the Belgian midfielder, who has long since been a key target for Mikel Arteta even after the signing of Fabio Vieira.
Now Leicester could be lining up their replacement for Tielemans, with Foot Mercato in France suggesting that Brendan Rodgers want to sign former Arsenal target Houssem Aouar.
The Foxes have yet to make a single signing so far in this window and have to sell before they buy.
Done deal! West Ham sign Cornet
West Ham have completed the signing of Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet in a £17.5million deal.
The Hammers activated the Ivory Coast international’s release clause earlier this week and he has now been unveiled as David Moyes’ fifth signing of the summer, signing a five-year contract.
He was not registered in time to be considered for a swift debut on Sunday, when West Ham open the new season against reigning champions Manchester City.
“It’s a new step for me to join this big Club and I’m really happy to be here, to be part of the project for the Club. I’m just excited to start,” Cornet said.
“Everyone knows the level here in the Premier League is very high and I want to play here for that, so I’m really happy to be here for the next stage in my career.
“It will be amazing to play in front of 62,500 fans at London Stadium. I played here for Burnley last season and I can’t wait to experience it as a West Ham player.”
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Done deal! Benteke leaves Crystal Palace for MLS
Confirmation from Crystal Palace that Christian Benteke has indeed left Selhurst Park to join DC United in the MLS.
The Belgian striker departs having scored 37 goals in 177 total appearances for Palace over a six-year stint.
He will play under Wayne Rooney across the Atlantic.
“Christian has played a crucial role in this club’s Premier League journey, making an immediate impact after signing and playing a central role in the squad ever since,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.
“He’s someone I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with and he’s shown incredible loyalty staying with the club when he could easily have taken other options. We all wish him all the very best with the next stage of his career.”
Chelsea determined to land No1 target Fofana
More now on Chelsea’s dogged pursuit of Wesley Fofana.
CBS Sports report that the latest offer submitted to Leicester is worth in excess of £70m.
What’s more, it is said that it certainly won’t be the last bid made if it’s turned down.
Fofana is now reportedly Chelsea’s absolute No1 target before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Will the Blues get their man?
Benteke off to DC United
Christian Benteke is on the verge of moving to DC United.
According to MLS reporter Tom Bogert, the Crystal Palace striker will join up with Wayne Rooney in the US, after the two clubs reached an agreement just before the league’s deadline.
Safe to say he won’t be playing against Arsenal tonight…
United giving up hope on De Jong
Manchester United are close to admitting defeat in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
The Times claim that while the club believe he is the perfect player to slot into Erik ten Hag’s midfield, it’s now accepted that he will likely stay at Barcelona, and if he does move it would potentially be to Chelsea.
With those the two most probable outcomes, United are starting to turn their attention to other targets.
Miazga leaves Chelsea for MLS
Chelsea defender Matt Miazga has joined FC Cincinnati in a transfer that ends his six-year stay in west London.
The 27-year-old played just two senior games over his career at Stamford Bridge, which consisted of five loan spells away from the club at Vitesse, Reading, Nantes, Anderlecht and Alaves.
A return to Major League Soccer (MLS) is now secured for the United States international, with the deal completed on the August 5 transfer deadline across the Atlantic.
“I’m really excited to join FC Cincinnati,” said Miazga. “It’s a pleasure to be back in the United States and be able to compete in MLS again.”
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Onana set for Everton medical
Everton look set to win the race to sign Amadou Onana.
The midfielder has been a target for West Ham, who reached an agreement over the fee with Lille.
But Everton have acted quickly, agreeing a £33.7m deal themselves and, according to The Times, Onana will start his medical tomorrow ahead of joining the Toffees.
Roma continue to push for Bailly
Roma’s attempts to bring Eric Bailly to Italy are reportedly stumbling.
According to Roma Giallorossa, Jose Mourinho is keen on the centre-back and an agreement has been reached between the club and Manchester United.
However, personal terms are proving to be an issue, with Bailly’s wage demands holding the deal up as Roma are unable to match his current salary.
‘Dream’ move for Cucurella
A tried and trusted message to the fans from Marc Cucurella.
As with every new signing in the history of football, he has joined the club that as a child he dreamed about playing for.