ANTONIO RUDIGER has been unveiled as a Real Madrid player following his free transfer from Chelsea.
The German international, who made 202 appearances for the Blues, will don the number 22 shirt at the Bernabeu next season.
Elsewhere, Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is set to complete his medical before a move to Bayern Munich.
Romelu Lukaku nears a return to Inter Milan, however the Italian side's CEO Giuseppe Marotta has warned that there are 'difficulties' in completing the deal.
Elsewhere, West Ham have signed £30m Rennes star Nayef Aguerd on a five-year deal.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
- Joshua Mbu
Good morning footy fans
It was a busy day on Monday with Premier League clubs being busy in the transfer market.
West Ham confirmed the signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd for £30million,
The left-footed defender is "excited" to play for the East London club.
He said: "I was really excited when I heard about West Ham’s interest.
“When I heard about it, I knew I needed to go to the Premier League, because it’s a dream for every player.
“West Ham is a historic Club. I saw a few of their games this year, and I saw the fans and the atmosphere were fantastic, with the bubbles!
“I talked with the manager and he showed me that he was very interested, so it was easy to choose to come to West Ham.”
Over at Stamford Bridge, Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan on loan is being held up by the Italian club’s president.
Chelsea are keen to sort Lukaku’s situation after the club record signing struggled to produce results.
Lukaku played some of his best football at the San Siro, helping Inter win the 2020/21 Scudetto.
However, Inter president Steven Zhang is said to have baulked at proposed loan fee/salary, according to The Athletic.
Arsenal are said to be edging closer to the signing of Gabriel Jesus.
he Gunners previously saw a bid of around £30million for the Brazilian striker rejected.
But Goal report they will go back to Manchester City with an improved offer.
Although it may still not match the champions’ valuation of £50m, the second bid will likely include performance-related add-ons which could bump the overall price up and is expected to be accepted.
- Joshua Mbu
Leeds looking at Traore loan
Leeds have held talks with Wolves over a potential move for Adam Traore.
Football Insider reveal that the Yorkshire club are keen to take the flying forward on loan for the season.
Victor Orta, sporting director at Elland Road, is an admirer of the Spanish international, and was instrumental in signing him for Middlesbrough in 2016.
- Joshua Mbu
Crystal Palace could rival Everton for Winks
Crystal Palace could rival Everton for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks.
The Spurs academy graduate, 26, will be allowed to leave this summer having fallen down the pecking order.
The billionaire, who owns 40 per cent of Palace, also owns Brazilian club Botafogo and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek.
Elsewhere, Spurs received a boost in their pursuit of 23-year-old Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.
They appear ready to sell a defender to balance the books so they can bring in attackers Romelu Lukaku, Paulo Dybala, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
- Joshua Mbu
Midfield revamp recommended
Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has urged the club to revamp the midfield this summer – starting with the sale of Granit Xhaka.
He told Football Insider: “I think we will see a parting of the ways soon.
“Look, Xhaka had a very good season last season. But at the end of the day, Arsenal didn’t get it done.
“The midfield needs to be revamped. There needs to be more speed and goals injected into that midfield.
“The reliance on Granit Xhaka that Arsenal had has to go. There has to be enough midfielders there who can do a job.
“This is probably the last time we could get money for Xhaka realistically.
“He is an international player, a good player but the time has come. If an opportunity comes along I think they should move him on and get younger legs in there.”
- Joshua Mbu
Southampton make Williams approach
Southampton have reportedly approached Liverpool over academy graduate Neco Williams.
However, according to Sky Sports, Fulham are understood to remain the favourites after his successful loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.
There is further interest from Nottingham Forest.
- Joshua Mbu
United Eriksen approach
Manchester United have made a formal approach for soon-to-be free agent Christian Eriksen.
The Dane got his career back on track with Brentford last season after being released by Inter Milan following his collapse at Euro 2020.
Eriksen proved he could still cut it at the top level.
Sky Sports are reporting that United have approached Eriksen’s representatives.
- Joshua Mbu
Mane Bayern Munich medical
Liverpool star Sadio Mane will have his Bayern Munich medical on Thursday.
According to Sky Germany, the Senegal ace will sign a three-year contract.
Bayern saw a bid worth £35million accepted.
- Joshua Mbu
West Ham bid for Broja
West Ham are trying to negotiate a deal for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Southampton, where he impressed.
And according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Hammers are trying to negotiate a deal for Broja – believed to be in the region of £25million-£30m.
- Joshua Mbu
Boehly to lead transfer charge
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly could take control of transfer business after it was announced Marina Granovskaia would leave.
The Mirror are reporting that Boehly could be the man who’ll try and land Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, as well as Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
Boss Thomas Tuchel desperate to reshape the squad for a title challenge next season.
- Joshua Mbu
Raphinha relaxes on boat in Ibiza
Raphinha has been relaxing on holiday alongside his stunning fiancee Natalia Rodrigues.
The pair are improving their sun tans in Ibiza and took photos together on a boat on Sunday.
Raphinha, 25, appeared to be in a very relaxed mood despite the uncertainty surrounding his future amid links to Arsenal.
Natalia dazzled in a small bikini as she posed next to boyfriend Raphinha on deck.
The Brazilian also took a photo lying next to the Leeds star wearing a sunhat and sunglasses.
Natalia also took a photo of Raphinha which she added to her Instagram stories, captioning the post: “Oh I’m in love” and on another wrote: “My life.”
- Joshua Mbu
Ten Hag plots FIVE transfers
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is planning on making at least five signings this summer, according to reports.
Ten Hag, 52, has a lengthy shortlist but has identified a handful of top targets to help re-build the club, according to Manchester Evening News.
The Dutchman has outlined Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, former Spurs man Christian Eriksen, Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Antony as well as a back-up goalkeeper.
United are interested in De Jong and are “doing everything possible” to bring him to Old Trafford according to the club’s CEO Richard Arnold.
Although it could take a fee of £80million for Barcelona to consider selling him, money is apparently not a consideration this summer with the United budget as big as needed.
Eriksen, 30, made an incredible comeback to football after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 while playing for Denmark.
- Joshua Mbu
Leeds ‘expecting’ Arsenal Raphinha approach
Leeds are expecting Arsenal to make an approach for Brazilian winger Raphinha.
According to The Times, the Gunners are set to launch a £50million bid for the player.
However, Raphinha is attracting interest from a number of top clubs.
Tottenham are also said to be keen, but the player prefers a move to Barcelona.
- Joshua Mbu
Jesus ‘closing in on Arsenal transfer’
Gabriel Jesus is closing in on his Arsenal transfer, according to reports.
The Gunners previously saw a bid of around £30million for the Brazilian striker rejected.
But Goal report they will go back to Manchester City with an improved offer.
Although it may still not match the champions’ valuation of £50m, the second bid will likely include performance-related add-ons which could bump the overall price up and is expected to be accepted.
Jesus, 25, has just one year left on his deal at the Etihad.
And the arrivals of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund and Julian Alvarez from River Plate mean he looks set to be on his way out – the Norwegian even looks set to steal his No9 shirt.
- Joshua Mbu
Aston Villa lead way for Rangers star
Aston Villa continue to lead the way in the pursuit of Ryan Kent – but Manchester United are now hot on their heels.
Sky Bet price the Old Trafford side as 6/1 second favourites to sign the Rangers winger.
Kent was a key factor in the Light Blues' run to the Europa League final last season.
He's previously been linked with Premier League moves, most noticeably when Leeds were heavily linked with a switch last summer.
Kent joined Rangers from Liverpool for just over £7million in 2019 and was a big part of Gers stopping Celtic winning 10-in-a-row under Steven Gerrard.
That relationship with Gerrard stemmed from playing under the Reds legend in the Anfield academy.
And another reunion is the current favourite with Sky Bet, as Aston Villa lead the way at 2/1 in the market.
- Joshua Mbu
Lukaku deal hold up
Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan on loan is being held up by the Italian club’s president.
Chelsea are keen to sort Lukaku’s situation after the club record signing struggled to produce results.
Lukaku played some of his best football at the San Siro, helping Inter win the 2020/21 Scudetto.
However, Inter president Steven Zhang is said to have baulked at proposed loan fee/salary, according to The Athletic.
- Joshua Mbu
Guardiola adamant Silva is going NOWHERE
Pep Guardiola insists Bernardo Silva will be in a Manchester City shirt when they meet Barcelona in a friendly.
Barca are chasing the City ace and yesterday as the August 24 game at the Nou Camp was announced their President Joan Laporta teased City boss Guardiola as to whether Bernardo would be with them.
Guardiola said: "We will bring all our top players to Barcelona.”
"Even Bernardo?" Laporta asked.
"Bernardo Silva and ten more!" Guardiola replied.
- Joshua Mbu
Moyes on Aguerd
David Moyes is a happy Hammer after securing his first signing of the summer.
The Hammers bought Nayef Aguerd from Rennes for £30million.
Aguerd is a left-sided defender with an impressive passing range and blistering speed.
On Aguerd, Moyes said: "I am delighted to welcome Nayef to West Ham United.
"We have tracked his progress for some time and I’m very pleased that we have been able to complete the signing.
“He’s a great addition that will add to our defensive options.
“I have been really impressed with Nayef’s character and attitude during our discussions. He has a great desire to improve and be successful.
“I am sure he will fit in very well to the environment we have at Rush Green.”
- Joshua Mbu
New Hammer Aguerd speaks
Nayef Aguerd has joined West Ham on a five-year deal.
After confirming his switch to the London Stadium, he said: “I was really excited when I heard about West Ham’s interest.
“When I heard about it, I knew I needed to go to the Premier League, because it’s a dream for every player.
“West Ham is a historic Club. I saw a few of their games this year, and I saw the fans and the atmosphere were fantastic, with the bubbles!
“I talked with the manager and he showed me that he was very interested, so it was easy to choose to come to West Ham.”
- Sam Dymond
Toffees moving in for Zin
Everton are preparing a bid for Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to Goal.
Frank Lampard wants to bring the Ukrainian to Goodison Park with a new role in mind.
The Toffees boss intends to field Zinchenko in central midfield – where he often plays for his country – rather than his more accustomed left-back position.
West Ham are also interested in the 25-year-old, but Everton hope that Vitalii Mykolenko – an international teammate mate of Zinchenko – can help swing a deal in their favour.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Spence to Spurs?
Tottenham have today announced the signing of Spence – only it's Drew Spence, who has joined the women's team.
However, it's highly likely that Spurs bring in a second Spence before the window slams shut on September 1.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Red Devils’ Evanilson bid rejected
Manchester United have had a €60m bid rejected for Porto star Evanilson, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese paper claims that the Red Devils have seen their opening offer for the striker swiftly dismissed by the Primeira Liga champions.
Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in another young striker to learn from Cristiano Ronaldo, and has identified the Brazilian ace as his top target.
The 22-year-old has netted 25 goals in 70 games for Porto, and help them to a league and cup double last season.
However, Evanilson’s club may be willing to do business if Paris Saint-Germain give up in their pursuit of Porto teammate Vitinha.
- Sam Dymond
Gunners getting close to Jesus
Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus, according to Goal.
They believe a structured deal – eventually worth City’s asking price £50m – could be announced in the coming days.
It is thought that Tottenham’s recent interest is of little threat to Arsenal’s hopes of landing the striker as his wants assurances of first team football.
- Sam Dymond
Marotta: Lukaku deal has difficulties
Romelu Lukaku's return to the San Siro is edging closer, but Inter Milan's chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has warned that the deal is not without its complications.
Reports suggest that the Belgian will re-sign for the Nerazzurri initially on a season-long loan thought to be worth around £10m.
However, Marotta has today sought to manage expectations of Inter fans, telling them that any deal has to be financially right for the Serie A club.
He said: "It's a feasible path, but there are some difficulties and we need to evaluate whether there's a chance to make it.
"We won't announce Lukaku's return today."
- Sam Dymond
Rudiger unveiled at Real Madrid
Antonio Rudiger has been officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player following his free transfer from Chelsea.
The centre-back made 202 appearances for the Blues during five years with the club.
The German defender will wear number 22 at the Bernabeu next season.
- Sam Dymond
Pep talk suggests Bernardo exit
Pep Guardiola 'thinks' Bernardo Silva will remain at Manchester City next season – although stated that he would not stand in the way of any player's desire to leave.
The City coach did his best to dodge the cheeky question from Barcelona president Joan Laporta while both men were giving a press conference to announce a charity match between the two clubs.
Responding to the subject of the midfielder's future, Guardiola replied: "As of today, in my opinion, I think Bernardo Silva will continue with us next season. Our goal, as a club, is for him to stay with us."
However, he added: "As I have always said, I don’t like to keep players that are unhappy."
Barca boss Xavi has identified Bernardo as his main target to replace the Manchester United-bound Frenkie De Jong.
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