Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in the Premier League on Thursday, July 23.
Thursday morning's Premier League transfer talk news roundup:
Wigan Athletic confirm Jensen Weir's move to Brighton & Hove Albion
© Reuters
Wigan have confirmed the sale of academy graduate Jensen Weir to Brighton as the club seeks to raise much-needed funds after being placed in administration.
The 18-year-old midfielder featured in four first-team games for the club, who have been relegated to League One subject to a successful appeal against the 12-point penalty applied for entering administration.
Administrator Gerald Krasner said on Wednesday a player sale had been completed and was close to being announced, and that the money raised will mean staff can be paid in full for June.
We can confirm that midfielder @jensenweir has completed his permanent transfer to @OfficialBHAFC.
Academy Manager, Gregor Rioch | "On and off the field, Jensen has been an outstanding academy graduate throughout his time at Wigan Athletic."#wafc 🔵⚪️💚
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) July 23, 2020
"On and off the field, Jensen has been an outstanding academy graduate throughout his time at Wigan Athletic," Wigan academy manager Gregor Rioch said.
"From being the club's youngest ever first-team player at just 15 years of age to captaining his country at youth level, he has shown outstanding promise to reach the very top level. Jensen has become a great leader and role model for other academy players to follow.
"Whilst we are going through the most difficult period of the club's history, it is well documented that the sale of Jensen will allow us time to hopefully build a new future.
"With this in mind, Jensen won't necessarily be remembered by our supporters for his few appearances on the pitch but for a vital moment towards the club's survival."
The club are pressing ahead with an appeal against the 12-point penalty, with the hearing to be held on July 31. They are doing so even though they will bear the legal costs of both sides, win or lose, which Krasner said could be as high as £500,000.
Administrators announced on Wednesday that a preferred bidder had been identified to take over the club.
The bidder must confirm by noon on Thursday that the funds for the acquisition are being held by their lawyers, and also provide a £100,000 bond which will be kept by the administrators to cover legal costs if the bidder withdraws.
If those criteria are met, contracts would be exchanged on July 31 with the deal then subject to the bidder passing the English Football League's owners' and directors' test.
It was announced that the club had been placed in administration on July 1, less than a month after a change of ownership.
Next Leader Fund took control of the club in June, replacing the International Entertainment Corporation which had been owners since November 2018.
The owner of the Next Leader Fund, Au Yeung Wai Kay, has agreed to be interviewed by the administrators as part of their investigation into what happened at the club.
Arsenal 'optimistic of signing Chelsea forward Willian'
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly optimistic about their chances of signing Chelsea forward Willian at the end of the season.
The Brazil international is set to leave Stamford Bridge following a breakdown in talks over a new deal.
Willian is out of contract this summer and is holding out for a three-year extension, which Chelsea are unwilling to offer him.
However, the 31-year-old revealed earlier this week that remaining with the Blues, where he has spent the past seven years, is his preferred option.
Despite Willian's comments, ESPN Brasil reporter Bruno Vicari claims that Arsenal are still confident they will have the former Shakhtar Donetsk player in their squad come the end of the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be monitoring Willian's situation, with the Brazilian making clear his desire to stay in London.
More transfer news from Premier League:
Report: Manchester United keen on Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye emerges as a rumoured summer transfer target for Manchester United. Read more.
Arsenal 'told to pay £36m for Porto midfielder Danilo Pereira'
Rumoured Arsenal target Danilo Pereira is available for £36m, according to a report. Read more.
Report: Liverpool pushing for Victor Osimhen deal
A report claims that Premier League champions Liverpool are in the running to sign Nigeria international Victor Osimhen from Lille. Read more.
Valencia planning Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Silva moves?
A report claims that Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Manchester City legend David Silva are wanted by La Liga club Valencia. Read more.
Tottenham Hotspur 'confident of signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg'
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly remain confident about signing Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, despite interest from Everton. Read more.
Borussia Dortmund identify Milot Rashica as replacement for Jadon Sancho?
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly keen on signing Werder Bremen playmaker Milot Rashica as a potential replacement for Manchester United target Jadon Sancho. Read more.
Arsenal to rival Manchester City for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz?
Arsenal are reportedly considering whether to launch a summer bid for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is also interesting former club Manchester City. Read more.
Said Benrahma "flattered" by Arsenal, Chelsea links
Brentford attacker Said Benrahma says that he is "flattered" to be linked with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Read more.
Arsenal 'readying £250,000-a-week Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang offer'
Arsenal prepare to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a new £250,000-a-week contract, according to a report. Read more.
Manchester United to rival Chelsea for £109m Jan Oblak?
Manchester United could battle Chelsea for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, according to a report. Read more.
Manchester City, Manchester United handed Milan Skriniar boost?
Inter Milan would be willing to sell Milan Skriniar - linked with Manchester City and Manchester United - this summer for £50m, according to a report. Read more.
Tottenham Hotspur 'eyeing £15m deal for Son Heung-min's South Korea teammate'
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly learn that they will need to come up with a bid of £15m to sign Beijing Guoan centre-back Kim Min-jae. Read more.
Manchester United 'given boost in Jadon Sancho pursuit'
Manchester United are handed a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund attacker Jadon Sancho, according to a report. Read more.
Manchester United, Roma 'still struggling to agree Chris Smalling deal'
Manchester United and Roma are still reportedly £5.5m apart in their valuations of central defender Chris Smalling. Read more.
Tottenham 'lining up £14.5m offer for Lucas Vazquez'
Tottenham Hotspur prepare a £14.5m offer for Real Madrid attacker Lucas Vazquez, according to a report. Read more.
Kai Havertz to ask for Chelsea move this week?
Kai Havertz will make it clear to Bayer Leverkusen this week that he wants to join Chelsea, according to a report. Read more.
Relegated Norwich sign Polish winger Przemyslaw Placheta
The Canaries have been quick to bolster the squad for next season back in the Championship. Read more.
Chelsea submit a £23m offer for Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, according to a report. Read more.
Chelsea 'to make formal Kai Havertz bid once Champions League qualification is secure'
Chelsea will make an official offer for Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz once they have secured Champions League qualification, according to a report. Read more.
Manchester City 'win the race for Ferran Torres'
Manchester City beat a number of clubs to the signature of Valencia attacker Ferran Torres, according to a report. Read more.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'still hopeful of Barcelona move'
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang still wants to join Barcelona this summer, according to a report. Read more.
