ROMELU LUKAKU is close to completing his loan transfer back to Inter Milan after arriving in Italy for a medical.
The Chelsea striker has set his heart on a move back to Serie A after struggling last season at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona are reportedly close to signing Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich for around £43 million this summer.
The Spanish giants have put him top of their transfer list and are doing everything they can to land their man.
Meanwhile, Newcastle's squad overhaul is well underway as they have officially unveiled Sven Botman as a new signing.
And the Magpies aren't the only ones to complete business as AS Monaco have announced former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino as their new striker.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
- Justin Lawrence
Ajax boss 'calm over Bergwijn'
New Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder is remaining composed in his club's pursuit of Tottenham star Steven Bergwijn.
The Dutch side have reportedly agreed personal terms with the winger.
But they still need to work out a fee with Spurs before the transfer's completed.
However, Schreuder isn't allowing the transfer saga to affect him.
He said to Ziggo Sport on Bergwijn: "That has not yet been finalised. [I am] waiting calmly. I focus on the players I do have.
"Those I don’t have, I can’t do anything about that now."
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku arrives in Milan
Romelu Lukaku has arrived in Italy ahead of his transfer to Inter Milan.
The striker is set to undergo his medical on Wednesday before his one-year switch to the Serie A giants is completed.
And the Belgium international was all smiles upon his arrival at Milan airport in footage obtained by Sky Sports.
Lukaku posed for pictures in an Inter scarf and exclaimed: “I’m happy to be back!”, before heading to an awaiting car.
- Justin Lawrence
Bale 'took easy way out'
Gareth Bale took the easy route by joining Los Angeles FC instead of returning to the Premier League.
That's the opinion of Stan Collymore he said to the Mirror: "I’m sure he sat down and thought, ‘Look, going to play full-on at Cardiff against a load of Championship opponents who all want a piece of me or Brentford where they may lose more games than they win, LA instead seems a good halfway house’.
"But I can’t help thinking a player who has won what he has could at least have looked at a Crystal Palace, Brentford or Brighton and said, ‘I still have something to give and I want to show the Premier League what it is’."
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea ‘urged to sign Neymar’
Glen Johnson has urged Chelsea to snap up Neymar amid reports linking the PSG star with the Blues.
Johnson told GGrecon: “He’s one of the best players in the world and a huge brand. I don’t know what the deal would cost but I guess if Neymar’s available then you have to look at it seriously.
“If he’s good enough to help Chelsea then yes. I think he’s got loads to give.
“As long as he can gel in the Premier League, then I think he’d be a massive brand and be one of the most iconic signings of all time.”
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal ‘miss out on Doucoure’
Arsenal have reportedly lost out to Crystal Palace in the transfer chase for Lens star Cheick Doucoure.
The Guardian claims that it is Palace that are winning the race to sign him after they agreed an initial £18million fee with Lens.
Doucoure is now allegedly set to agree a five-year contract at Selhurst Park after agreeing personal terms.
However, they have returned with an improved bid which could potentially end up being worth over £22m depending on performance related add-ons.
The move will come as a bitter blow to Arsenal, who launched a late move earlier this month, but a major boost for Palace boss Patrick Vieira.
- Justin Lawrence
Arsenal ‘lead Martinez race’
Arsenal are in pole position to land Lisandro Martinez despite interest from Man United.
That’s the opinion of football reporter Graeme Bailey who reckons United prefer Pau Torres over Martinez.
Bailey said on the Talking Transfers Podcast: “I think that United are probably looking at Martinez as a defender.
“But I’d put Arsenal in pole position for Martinez.
“I think United may prefer Pau Torres anyway, but the Antony one is different.”
- Justin Lawrence
Thiago Silva’s plea to Neymar
Thiago Silva insists Neymar ‘has to’ join him at Chelsea.
Centre-back Silva wants to re-unite with his Brazil team-mate and ‘super friend’ as PSG look to offload the strike legend.
And former PSG ace Silva, 37, told Brazilian media: “He has to go to Chelsea.
“If it happens, it will be for the best. He needs no comments. And on top of that, he’s a super friend.
“So far, I don’t know anything, but I hope it comes to fruition.”
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea 'plan Raphinha and Sterling swoop'
Chelsea are poised to make Brazilian star Raphinha their first signing under new ownership – and will also make a move for Raheem Sterling this week.
It will cost new chairman Todd Boehly £105MILLION-plus for the glittery pair of wingers.
Chelsea made contact with Leeds United over Brazilian star Raphinha and quickly agreed to stump up the full asking price of £55m.
The Blues are also this week set to offer £50million for Sterling, 27, who is keen on the move to London.
Arsenal have been chasing the maverick winger for some time but Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was determined not to lose out to his London rivals.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea 'target Napoli ace Koulibaly'
Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Chelsea.
It has been claimed that the Senegal international has been added to Thomas Tuchel's shortlist in his quest to bolster his backline.
Meanwhile, Sevilla star Jules Kounde remains of interest, however they face competition from Barcelona in the race to secure the Frenchman's services.
Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has declared there have been conversations to snap up 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner Koulibaly.
- Kealan Hughes
Transfer round-up
Chelsea are increasingly confident of signing Raphinha, according to The Athletic.
The Blues are believed to be preparing a £55million offer to land the Leeds United winger.
But Chelsea are still hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign Raheem Sterling to go along with the Brazilian star.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have reportedly made an approach for Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia.
The highly-rated left-back is expected to move on from Feyenoord this summer, with several clubs linked with the Netherlands international.
French side Lyon had reportedly reached a verbal agreement over a deal to sign Malacia, who has already played 136 games for Feyenoord at the age of 22.
But that move is now in doubt amid reports Manchester United have entered the race to sign the defender.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims United signalled their interest in Malacia before Lyon could reach a full agreement with Feyenoord.
In other transfer news, Newcastle have agreed a deal in principle for the signing of Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
Botman, who has undergone a medical on Tyneside, has agreed terms on a five year-contract, according to a statement from Newcastle.
The total fee for the defender is in the region of £35m, with Newcastle saying the “formalities of the transfer” will be concluded this week.
- Kealan Hughes
Henderson set for Forest move
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper expects to tie the knot with Dean Henderson next week – once the Manchester United goalie returns from his honeymoon.
Henderson married his girlfriend in Rome last weekend and is currently enjoying the second week of his honeymoon break.
The 25-year-old keeper is expected to return to England this weekend and will then undergo a Forest medical as he closes in on a year-long loan deal with the Premier League newcomers.
Henderson should put pen to paper on the deal early next week before heading for Alicante with his new Forest team-mates for their pre-season training camp in Spain.
- Kealan Hughes
Everton in talks for Winks
Everton are likely to sign Harry Winks regardless of where Richarlison‘s future lies, according to Givemesport.
The Brazilian international is being strongly linked with a move to Tottenham, with a potential swap deal involving Winks under consideration, but Jones is confident the midfielder will end up linking up with ex-teammate Dele Alli, no matter what happens with Richarlison.
According to Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge, Spurs and Everton are in talks over Winks, although the north Londoners are pushing for a permanent transfer, while the Toffees are seeking a loan deal with an option to buy.
Winks has already been told to find a new club by Tottenham and has been valued at around £20m.
Meanwhile, the same outlet state that Spurs are interested in Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, as Conte hopes to provide squad depth ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League next term.
- Kealan Hughes
West Ham bidding to sign Lingard
West Ham United are battling it out with ‘one other club’ as they aim to lure Jesse Lingard to the London Stadium, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan with the Hammers, scoring nine goals and registering a further five assists along the way, and boss David Moyes is vying to seal a reunion.
Lingard’s Manchester United contract is set to expire on Thursday and West Ham are looking to pounce.
According to Sky Sports, the Hammers have already made an offer to the creative midfielder’s representatives and it could offer him a route back into the England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
- Kealan Hughes
Saints shortlist midfielder Josh Brownhill
Southampton are reportedly linked with a move for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
But the recently relegated Claret has two years left to run on his current contract and could cost as much as £15million.
- Kealan Hughes
City open to Sterling sale
Manchester City have told Raheem Sterling: We’ll consider a bid for you.
The Premier League champions want to keep the Chelsea target but know they are facing a losing battle.
Chelsea are this week set to offer £50million for Sterling, 27, who is keen on the move to London.
City are still hoping Sterling will accept a new contract but they will look at accepting the bid providing the price is right.
The England international still has 12 months of his current deal but is concerned about the game time he will get at the Etihad next season.
He could leave as a free agent next year but wants to play as much as possible ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
- Kealan Hughes
Newcastle agree fee for Botman
Newcastle have agreed a deal in principle for the signing of Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
Botman, who has undergone a medical on Tyneside, has agreed terms on a five year-contract, according to a statement from Newcastle.
The total fee for the defender is in the region of £35m, with Newcastle saying the "formalities of the transfer" will be concluded this week.
- Kealan Hughes
LAFC sign Carlos Vela
Los Angeles FC announced today that the club has re-signed forward Carlos Vela as a Designated Player through the 2023 season.
The 2019 MLS MVP and current league record holder for most goals scored in a season, Vela leads LAFC this season with six goals and three assists in 15 games.
Vela arrives a day after LAFC signed Gareth Bale.
LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said: “Carlos has been an integral piece of LAFC’s success on and off the field since the beginning.
“Carlos has proved that he is one of the top players this league has ever seen, and we are thrilled to have him continue to lead our Club as we attempt to win more trophies this season and beyond.”
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea hopeful of Raphinha deal
Chelsea are increasingly confident of signing Raphinha, according to The Athletic.
The Blues are believed to be preparing a £55million offer to land the Leeds United winger.
But Chelsea are still hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign Raheem Sterling to go along with the Brazilian star.
- Kealan Hughes
Palace close in on midfielder
Crystal Palace are closing on the signing of Mali’s midfielder Cheick Doucouré after agreeing an initial £18m fee.
The 22-year-old emerged as one of Patrick Vieira’s key targets after excelling in Ligue 1 last season as Lens finished seventh, with Doucouré expected to agree a five-year contract at Selhurst Park after agreeing personal terms.
Palace had an initial £14m offer rejected last week but returned with an improved bid potentially worth more than £22m.
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea rival Spurs for Ake
Tottenham Hotspur target Nathan Ake is open to leaving Manchester City for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to The Telegraph.
The Telegraph have reported that Chelsea are ‘optimistic’ of reaching an agreement with Premier League rivals Manchester City over the transfer of Netherlands international central defender Ake.
The defender himself is ‘open to the prospect of a return to Stamford Bridge’, according to the report, which has added that Chelsea and Premier League champions City have held positive talks over a potential transfer of the 27-year-old.
It was only earlier today that 90min reported that Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Ake.
- Kealan Hughes
West Ham plot Tielemans transfer
West Ham are set to make an ambitious move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer after his move to Arsenal went cold, according to The Mirror.
The Belgian is entering the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium and had been expected to leave the club with the Gunners leading the charge for his signature, before they signed Fabio Vieira from Porto instead.
Now with the player’s future still up in the air, David Moyes is ready to step in and make a move for the 25-year-old to try and bolster his squad ahead of the new season.
- Kealan Hughes
Origi poised to join Milan
Liverpool cult hero Divock Origi has touched down in Italy ahead of his free transfer to AC Milan.
The Belgium striker jetted into the world’s fashion capital on Tuesday afternoon.
And Origi will undergo vigorous medical tests before penning a long-term deal with the Serie A champions.
Fans greeted the star as he arrived at Milan’s training ground in a white BMW jeep.
And Origi is now set to become the club’s first summer signing after his Reds contract expired this month.
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea issued hands off warning
According to Transfermarkt, RB Leipzig have informed Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea that they will not be selling Josko Gvardiol this summer.
Gvardiol has been a revelation in the Bundesliga since his move to Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb 12 months ago and the 20-year-old is reportedly one of the names on Tottenham’s wishlist for a left-sided centre-back this summer.
Croatian publication Sportske Novosti reported last week that despite Spurs remaining keen on the young defender, he is expected to remain at the Red Bull Arena for one more season.
The report claimed that the centre-back could sign a contract extension with Leipzig that is likely to include a release clause of well over £42.9million, which can be activated next summer.
- Kealan Hughes
Man Utd close on De Jong
Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to Sky Sports News.
The clubs have a "broad agreement" on the fee – believed to be £56million plus performance-related add-ons.
Discussions continue over the finer details of the deal and there is still work to do but there appears an increased confidence a deal can be struck.
Personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea make Ousmane Dembele offer
According to L’Equipe, Chelsea have offered Ousmane Dembele a contract as they aim to bring the Liverpool target to the Premier League.
The £287,000-a-week man has days remaining on his contract with Barcelona, and as of now, no agreement has been found in regards to a renewal.
Spanish outlet SPORT claimed that Liverpool were monitoring the Frenchman, but now, L’Equipe believe Chelsea have sent Dembele a contract as the Blues aim to take advantage of his situation.
L'Equipe report the winger’s representatives were in Barcelona on Monday to hold one final discussion over a fresh contract, with the 25-year-old open to staying.
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