Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to Standard Sport. The transfer is reported to be worth around £75m to £80m, with an end in sight to the summer's most protracted saga. Guimaraes is due back at Newcastle for pre-season today before the squad flies to La Manga for a training camp under new boss Matthias Jaissle, who is replacing Eddie Howe.
The Gunners are also said to be closing in on a shock defender signing to compensate for the back injury suffered by William Saliba, although the identity of the player remains unknown, according to ESPN Brazil. Arsenal have not given up on Vinicius Junior or Julian Alvarez and are said to be about to make a surprise defender signing, having reportedly been offered Maxi Araujo. They also welcome two new wonderkids in Axel Donczew and Mylo Bernard.
Premier League rivals busy
Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Igor Thiago and are also believed to be pondering a bid for Lewis Hall following Eddie Howe's abrupt exit from Newcastle, where Matthias Jaissle will take over this weekend. Chelsea are set to confirm the arrivals of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck after unveiling Maxence Lacroix. Liverpool are stepping up their big-money pursuit of Bradley Barcola amid new links to Japan star Kaishu Sano.
Roberto De Zerbi has hinted at a shock imminent "bomba" transfer for Tottenham, seemingly separate from their move for Savinho. Manchester City look set to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi and Geronimo Rulli, though they could well lose Rodri to Real Madrid.
More transfer news and rumours
Harvey Elliott says he is desperate to win back his place at Liverpool after a dismal loan spell at Aston Villa, which he insists he does not regret. He spent last season at Villa Park but found himself in no man's land as he was left out of Unai Emery's plans and Liverpool refused to cut his loan short. He made just nine appearances over the course of the season, but still picked up a Europa League winners' medal at the end of the season. Elliott has now returned to Liverpool and has featured in both of the club's pre-season matches under Andoni Iraola. He remains unsure, though, whether his future lies at Anfield or elsewhere. He told reporters: "I'm not too sure yet [if he fits into Iraola's plan]. That's a conversation for me to have more in detail with him. Right now I'm just thinking about making sure I'm physically and mentally 100 per cent, and trying to impress on the pitch," he said.
Real Madrid have completed a deal to sign Carlos Espi from Levante. The striker's release clause has been triggered by Los Blancos, with the move worth €25m (£21.4m). He has already undergone a medical.
A consortium led by former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley is in talks to buy 25 per cent of West Ham, according to BBC Sport. The group are open to becoming majority shareholders but are presently only interested in a smaller stake, and have secured global investment.
Joelinton is keen to leave Newcastle this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The 29-year-old Brazilian is reported to be keen on a move to Saudi Arabia, though he is yet to receive an offer. The report adds Guimaraes' exit from the club is 'more likely than not'.
Chelsea have reopened talks with Crystal Palace for Adam Wharton, per reports in France. The 22-year-old is expected to cost at least £85m and has been earmarked as a priority target by Xabi Alonso. The Blues likely need to sell before they can attempt to sign him.
Inter Milan have signed John Stones on a two-year deal after he left Manchester City as a free agent.
Mamadou Sangare is set to undergo a Brentford medical on Friday ahead of completing a transfer from Lens. The Bees appear to have beaten Crystal Palace to the Malian's signature, with the move reportedly worth around £40m. He will serve as a replacement for Jordan Henderson.
Marcos Senesi has been pictured in Tottenham clobber for the first time after reporting to Hotspur Way for pre-season training.
Steve Parish has bid farewell to Maxence Lacroix after his Chelsea move was confirmed. "Max has been fantastic since he came to the club, being a huge part of our trophy winning seasons and building a special bond with everyone at the club and the supporters. Thank you Max, for everything, and all the very best for the next phase of your career. As outstanding a figure off the pitch as he has been on it, we are all grateful to him for the role he has played over the last two seasons, and – although we are sad to bid him farewell – we do so wishing him the very best for the future."
