Express Sport brings you all the latest
With the 2024/25 Premier League campaign starting this month, clubs will be pushing to accelerate their transfer plans ahead of what promises to be an incredibly competitive season.
Teams at both ends of the table have already strengthened, with Manchester United and Chelsea the busiest of the ‘Big Six’ clubs so far. North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal have also dipped into the market as well with defensive acquisitions.
In contrast, Liverpool and Manchester City are yet to make their move, though Arne Slot’s side appear to be preparing themselves for a late spending spree amid rumours Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo potentially departing.
Express Sport provides LIVE transfer updates and gossip below…
Barcelona table Olmo bid after striking agreement
Barcelona have reportedly tabled a £52million offer for RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo.
The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bundesliga this summer, with a host of Premier League outfits interested.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Olmo ‘strongly’ wants to join Barcelona though and he has now agreed on a six-year deal with the Catalan giants.
The La Liga outfit have sent a £52m offer to secure the signature of the playmaker, though it remains to be seen whether the bid is accepted.
Man United receive new McTominay bid
Fulham have reportedly submitted a third bid for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
According to Manchester Evening News, the new offer is worth £23million which still falls short of the Red Devils’ valuation.
United are willing to part ways with the Scotland international if they receive an offer in the region of £30m. Erik ten Hag views McTominay as an ‘important squad player’ and would like to retain the services of the midfielder but his contract expiring next summer may force the Red Devils’ hand.
Scott McTominay is among Fulham’s top targets this summer
Al Ittihad make decision on De Bruyne pursuit
Al Ittihad have reportedly cooled their interest in Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
According to Rudy Galetti, Al Ittihad have decided to ‘withdraw’ from the race to sign the ex-Wolfsburg star. The Saudi outfit believe that City’s price tag for the 33-year-old is ‘too high’ as they were hopeful of striking a cut-price deal to acquire his services.
De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, which sparked belief in Saudi that he would be available for a reasonable fee.
However, City are not keen to part ways with their No. 17 and opted not to reduce their asking price for their skipper despite his contractual situation, prompting Al-Ittihad to review their pursuit and decide to strengthen in other departments.
Brighton confirm sale of club legend
Brighton have confirmed the departure of Pascal Gross, who has joined Borussia Dortmund on a two-year deal.
The Germany international was granted his move after it became clear that he wanted to join his boyhood side and compete in the Champions League next season.
Gross joined the Seagulls in 2017 for £3million and went on to make 228 appearances for the club, playing a pivotal role in their progress from being relegation-contenders to competing in the Europa League.
Thank you, Pascal. \ud83d\udc99\ud83e\udd0d The German is leaving Albion to join his boyhood club Borussia Dortmund for undisclosed terms. \ud83e\udd1d
\u2014 Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 1, 2024
West Ham hoping to secure cut-price Man Utd deal
West Ham United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Manchester United to acquire the services of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
According to The Sun, the Hammers are hopeful they can secure a £10m swoop for the United right-back after it became clear that he does not feature in Erik ten Hag’s long-term plans.
However, Wan-Bissaka’s wage demands could prove problematic to completing a deal and talks are ongoing to attempt to resolve the situation.
Chelsea have ‘agreement in principle’ with Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ with Chelsea for Conor Gallagher, reports talkSPORT.
The La Liga outfit have struck a deal worth £33million plus add-ons for the midfielder.
Gallagher is yet to agree on personal terms with Atletico but is said to be interested by the project and working under Diego Simeone.
Chelsea had previously quoted £50m to their academy product’s suitors after he rejected a fresh three-year contract at Stamford Bridge – a proposal which he is said to have snubbed for the second time earlier this week.
Tottenham continue to monitor the situation of the midfielder though it remains to be seen whether they attempt to hijack the deal.
Arsenal ‘closing in’ on midfield signing
Arsenal are reportedly ‘closing in’ on the signing of Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal ‘in excess’ of £25million is being discussed and talks are ongoing in the hope of striking an agreement.
Merino has already agreed on personal terms with the Gunners as the midfielder is keen to join the Emirates Stadium outfit ahead of next season.
Mikel Arteta has already bolstered his ranks with the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1930638/Transfer-news-LIVE-Arsenal-Chelsea-Man-Utd-Conor-Gallagher