Arsenal handed Barcola boost as PSG relax stance
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly relaxed their transfer stance on Bradley Barcola, amid reports Arsenal have scouted the France star at the World Cup. The Gunners are said to have made Barcola a summer target as they look to sign a left winger, with Morgan Rogers and Christos Tzolis also high up Mikel Arteta's wishlist. Having initially ruled out any sale of Barcola, it is now being reported that the French giants could be tempted into selling for the right price. The Athletic report that Barcola appears reluctant to sign a new deal as he looks to start more games next season. Fresh reports suggest that figures in excess of the £116m Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson may be considered. It comes following a report by BBC Sport that Arsenal have received encouragement that a deal could be possible. The same report adds that the Gunners planned to scout Barcola during France's 3-0 win over Sweden, in which the winger scored Les Bleus' second goal.
Tonali flies in for Tottenham medical
BBC Sport report that Sandro Tonali will fly to London from Milan today to undergo a medical with Tottenham and finalise his £100million move from Newcastle. Standard Sport understands that the Italian international is set to sign a long-term contract to join Roberto De Zerbi's side. It is understood that Tottenham will pay £92.5m up front plus a further £7.5m in potential add-ons based around multiple Champions League qualifications, taking the deal to £100m if all bonuses are met. Mateus Fernandes is said to have completed his medical on Wednesday. Official confirmation of the two deals should be imminent.
Man Utd explore 'dream signing' as new transfer shortlist revealed
Manchester United have reportedly lined up five alternative targets, including Alex Scott, after losing out on Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham. Michael Carrick and INEOS have moved on quickly from the West Ham man, and are said to be turning attentions to Bournemouth's Scott, Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund and France star Aurelien Tchouameni. Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Fulham's Sander Berge are also on the Red Devils' radar as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of their return to Champions League football. Scott is high on United's list, according to Ben Jacobs, but the Cherries are extremely reluctant to sell as they look to instead extend the midfielder's contract, which currently runs until 2028. They are said to value Scott at around £80m. Man Utd also retain interest in Baleba and Berge, while Sandro Tonali is appreciated but is in advanced talks over a move to Spurs.
Chelsea announce £47m Palestra signing
Marco Palestra has revealed his excitement to play under 'one of the best managers in the world' as his signing was announced by Chelsea. Standard Sport understands the versatile right-back has joined the Blues from Atalanta for a package that comes to £47million. Palestra is contracted to 2033 and Chelsea see him as a signing who can go straight into Xabi Alonso's starting lineup if needed. Inter Milan were favourites to sign the 21-year-old until Chelsea joined the race and hijacked the deal last week by offering a package and wages that Inter could not match. His salary will include bonus incentives. Chelsea appreciate Palestra's ability to play right wing-back, right-back and to deputise on the left flank when needed.
Deal agreed: Vuskovic to Brighton
Tottenham have accepted an offer from Brighton for highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic. Standard Sport understands the deal is worth an overall package of £50million, which works out to be £46m up front and £4m in very achievable add-ons. Furthermore, Spurs have agreed to a 20% sell-on clause as well as matching rights.
Rashford Man United career not over
Marcus Rashford could be reintegrated into Michael Carrick's first-team plans, Teamtalk report. The England forward, 28, was keen on departing Old Trafford this summer, but their £40m price tag may see him remain at his boyhood club. Rashford was on loan at Barcelona last season, where he scored 14 goals and assisted 14 goals. But Barca's £69m signing of Anthony Gordon saw them curtail any plans to bid for Rashford. Rumours of Spurs wanting the Man United man have also been swirling around in recent days, amid their early-window transfer spree. But if none of these materialise, United are figuring out ways he can contribute to the first-team next season.
Barcelona president confirms Alvarez bid
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken about his club's interest in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez for the first time. The Camp Nou side were rumoured to be Alvarez's preferred destination amid enquiries from Arsenal and Real Madrid, but Laporta has confirmed Barca made a bid for the Argentina forward. Laporta said: 'We've spoken with Atlético de Madrid and Deco (Barcelona sporting director) sent an offer. We know the player has wanted to come since before playing for Manchester City. I spoke with Gil Marin (Atletico's CEO), who told me that in principle they did not plan to sell. The offer is firm and we will maintain it. We will not be at the expense of what Atlético de Madrid says. We have a great relationship with Atleti. The offer will remain in force and could be made, but it is not unlimited in time. Atlético says that they do not sell because they had no alternative; now if they have an alternative, we will see.' Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City for £81.5m in 2024. His current contract expires in 2030.
Lille demand £86m for wonderkid Bouaddi
Lille want £86m for Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi, talkSport report. The midfielder, 18, has been the subject of rumours of interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester City. Now, reports are suggesting Lille want almost £90m for him, but are willing to reduce the price if a buying club agrees to Bouaddi remaining with Lille for the 2026/27 season. He only made his Morocco debut in the pre-World Cup friendlies, but has now started most of their games, including the knockout win over the Netherlands. He played for France at age group levels up to u21s, but switched his allegiance to the north African team in May, after Didier Deschamps did not include him in Les Bleus' World Cup squad.
Van Dijk could depart for Turkish giants
Virgil van Dijk is set to depart Liverpool this summer, according to a Turkish news outlet. The reports suggest Galatasaray have held positive talks with the Dutch defender, 34, whose contract runs out in a year. The Anfield side confirmed the signing of central defender Jeremy Jacquet today, but lost Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer this month, who joined Real Madrid. Van Dijk joined Liverpool for £75m in January 2018, helping them lift two league titles and the Champions League. He is widely regarded as one of the most transformative signings in Premier League history.
