/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F21%2F37%2Fwelcome-to-sports-mole-transparent-click-area.png "Welcome to Sports Mole")
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Robertson successor? Liverpool 'targeting' Ligue 1 left-back
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fadrien-truffert.jpg "France's Adrien Truffert on July 27, 2024")
Liverpool have reportedly identified Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert as a potential target.
The Merseyside giants have experienced a disappointing transfer window, with the Reds still waiting to make their first addition of the summer.
They looked set to secure the signature of Martin Zubimendi until the Real Sociedad midfielder opted to stay put in La Liga.
Despite experiencing disappointment in their pursuit of Zubimendi, the Reds will still be searching to bring in potential reinforcements ahead of August 30.
Surprise admission: Arteta suggests Arsenal will not strengthen in key position
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F31%2Fmikel-arteta.jpg "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured in July 2024")
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that the club may not recruit a new striker before the summer transfer deadline.
The Gunners have made a couple of signings to their senior side, converting David Raya's loan move into a permanent transfer before recruiting Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal are keen to strengthen their midfield with the addition of Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino and are currently doing their utmost to recruit the Euro 2024 winner.
There has also been the suggestion that Arsenal will look to bolster their forward line, especially with Eddie Nketiah heading towards the exit door.
Transfer U-turn: Postecoglou reveals stance over defender's future
![Ange Postecoglou coach of Tottenham during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, London, July 20th, 2024 [on July 26, 2024]](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/thumbor/0G_Bz8Dt09jSik3ydzrV_L1VwLs=/640x480/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F30%2Fange-postecoglou.jpg "Ange Postecoglou coach of Tottenham during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, London, July 20th, 2024 [on July 26, 2024]")
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Djed Spence will remain with the club despite speculation over his future.
Spence joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in 2022 after he impressed during a promotion-winning loan spell with Nottingham Forest in 2021-22.
After failing to force his way into Antonio Conte's plans, Spence was sent on loan to French side Rennes for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.
Postecoglou's arrival last summer did little to affect Spence's status in the Tottenham squad, leading to him being loaned out to Championship club Leeds United and Serie A outfit Genoa.
Will Real Madrid make more signings before end of transfer window?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F27%2Fcarlo-ancelotti.JPG "Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti on May 8, 2024")
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has once again insisted that "the squad is closed", with Los Blancos not planning to sign any more players before the summer transfer window closes for business.
The capital giants have brought Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to Bernabeu this summer, but they have decided against signing a centre-back or central midfielder despite Nacho's exit and Toni Kroos's retirement.
There have recently been suggestions that Real Madrid could enter the market over the next couple of weeks, but Ancelotti has firmly rejected those claims.
"The squad is closed and now we have to wait 12 days for it to finish. We don't need centre-backs because [David] Alaba will recover soon and properly," the Italian told reporters ahead of Sunday's La Liga contest with Mallorca.
No Gundogan: Why is German missing for Barcelona against Valencia?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F05%2Filkay-gundogan.JPG "Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring against Alaves on February 3, 2024")
Ilkay Gundogan is a notable absentee from the Barcelona squad for Saturday's 2024-25 La Liga opener against Valencia, but it is understood that it is not transfer-related.
There is currently speculation surrounding the Germany international's future, with some reports in Spain claiming that Gundogan could leave Camp Nou before this summer's transfer window closes for business.
However, according to journalist Samuel Marsden, Gundogan is not in the squad against Valencia on Saturday as a precaution, as he suffered a head injury during Barcelona's clash with Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday.
The 33-year-old will therefore be made to wait for his first appearance of the new campaign, and it would be a surprise if he departed before the end of the month despite the recent transfer talk.
Transfers news and rumours today: O'Riley to Atalanta, Nunes to Brentford
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F30%2Fmatt-oriley_1.jpg "Celtic's Matt O'Riley reacts on July 10, 2024")
Celtic are reportedly braced for a fresh bid for Matt O'Riley from Serie A side Atalanta BC.
O'Riley has been heavily linked with a move away after impressing with 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 competitive appearances last season.
The midfielder has attracted interest from Chelsea, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion, but it is Atalanta who have made a considerable effort to secure his signature.
Atalanta have seen multiple bids rejected by Celtic, denting their hopes of signing the 23-year-old this summer.
Cracks appearing? Barcelona's De Jong 'problem' amid Man Utd talk
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Ffrenkie-de-jong_1.jpg "Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong pictured in April 2024")
Barcelona are reportedly worried that Manchester United-linked midfielder Frenkie de Jong is trying to run down the last two years of his contract.
The Dutchman has not penned a contract extension with the Blaugrana since October 2020, and his current terms run out in the summer of 2026 amid serious interest from the Red Devils.
In the four years since his most recent renewal, De Jong has been targeted relentlessly by his former Ajax mentor Erik ten Hag, who has repeatedly tried and failed to facilitate a reunion at Old Trafford.
The summer of 2022 saw an extremely long-winded saga involving De Jong and Man United, who apparently agreed a fee with Barcelona at one stage but were given the cold shoulder by the midfielder.
Chelsea 'target' suffers "serious" injury in season opener
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fparis-saint-germain.jpg "Goncalo Ramos leaves the pitch during the Ligue 1 match between Havre AC and Paris Saint Germain on August 8, 2024")
Chelsea may have to look elsewhere for a new striker after their reported transfer target Goncalo Ramos sustained a serious ankle injury in Paris Saint-Germain's opening match of the Ligue 1 season.
The 23-year-old Portugal international scored 11 goals and provided two assists in the French top flight last season and made 40 appearances for Les Parisiens across all competitions.
PSG signed Ramos from Benfica during the January transfer window for a fee of around £57m plus add-ons and handed him a contract that extends until the summer of 2028.
Despite having already made 10 new signings this summer, the Blues continue to be linked with several top strikers, including the likes of Ramos, Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arteta wields the axe as 24-year-old cut from Arsenal squad
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Farskai.JPG "Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their sixth goal with Jakub Kiwior on February 11, 2024")
Arsenal may have dropped a major hint over the future of defender Jakub Kiwior, who was missing from their matchday squad for their opening Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Gunners commenced their quest for top-flight glory with a somewhat nervy 2-0 triumph over Gary O'Neil's side, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka either side of the break.
Mikel Arteta's side had plenty of defending to do in between the two critical moments, but a familiar backline held firm, while goalkeeper David Raya also performed valiantly when called upon.
The Spaniard was protected by a familiar defence of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who got the nod at left-back after a positive pre-season period.
Arsenal 'draw up' three-man striker shortlist
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F22%2F36%2Feddie-nketiah.jpg "Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah pictured on September 8, 2022")
Arsenal have reportedly drawn up a three-man shortlist of strikers to replace Eddie Nketiah before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
The Gunners had made signing a new forward one of their top priorities this summer after coming up agonisingly short of Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title last season.
Mikel Arteta currently has Gabriel Jesus and Nketiah at his disposal but both players had underwhelming seasons in 2023-24, scoring just nine goals between them.
In their opening match of the new league season on Saturday, Arteta opted for Kai Havertz in the number-nine role with both Jesus and Nketiah left on the bench from the off.
Arsenal receive massive Mikel Merino transfer boost amid new offer talks?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fmikemm.jpeg "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino for Emmanuel Petit interview")
Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make an improved offer to sign Mikel Merino after Real Sociedad turned down their opening bid of £21.5m.
Merino had an excellent 2023-24 season, during which he scored five goals and provided three assists in 32 La Liga appearances for La Real.
The 28-year-old was also a standout performer for Spain at Euro 2024, where he scored the winner to knock host nation Germany out of the competition in the quarter-final.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old midfielder for several weeks and made their interest official with an opening offer earlier this week.
Midfield addition: Three signings Man United could make before the deadline
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Ferik-ten-hag.jpg "Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on August 16, 2024")
Manchester United have made four signings during this summer's transfer window, with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arriving to boost the squad.
Yoro is currently on the sidelines due to the fractured metatarsal that he suffered against Arsenal during pre-season, but Zirkzee, De Ligt and Mazraoui all made their debuts for the Red Devils in Friday's 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League.
Man United are expected to sign at least one more player before the end of the transfer window, though, with a new central midfielder wanted by the club.
Here, Sports Mole discusses three potential options for the 20-time English champions, who will be looking to move more players on in the latter stages of the window to make room for new signings.
End of an era? Liverpool man misses Ipswich game as transfer 'considered'
![Liverpool manager Arne Slot pictured in May 2024 [IMAGO]](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/thumbor/9R-pyFlctjQfj9YXi7tOV_3GTlA=/640x480/smart/filters:format(webp)/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F24%2Farne-slot.jpg "Liverpool manager Arne Slot pictured in May 2024 [IMAGO]")
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is reportedly the subject of interest from several clubs in the Premier League.
Having been at Anfield since 2015, the 27-year-old is one of the longest-serving and most respected members of the dressing room.
As a player who can be deployed all across the backline, Gomez's importance to the squad cannot be understated at a time when Liverpool are yet to sign a new centre-back to replace Joel Matip.
However, partly due to his versatility, Gomez has rarely been a first-choice pick over a sustained period of time, with 38 of his 140 Premier League outings for Liverpool coming from the substitutes' bench.
Interest revived? PL giants 'speaking' to Inacio agent
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Fgoncalo-inacio.JPG "Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio in December 2023.")
Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio.
The Merseyside giants have endured an unproductive transfer window thus far, most notably failing to agree new contracts with several of their key players.
As well as the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah not committing their futures to the club, Arne Slot has also not brought in any fresh faces.
At a time when acquiring a new centre-back and central midfielder are known to be on the shortlist, the situation could change in due course.
Man City face battle to retain hold of key player amid Saudi interest?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F32%2Fpep-guardiola.jpg "Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured on August 10, 2024")
Manchester City are reportedly facing late interest in long-serving defender Kyle Walker.
Pep Guardiola and his squad are currently preparing for the start of their latest Premier League defence, commencing it with a showdown with Chelsea on Sunday.
The Spaniard is currently not working with the level of options that he would like, partly due to a number of players having only recently returned to training ahead their Euro 2024 efforts.
Furthermore, City are currently contemplating how to replace Julian Alvarez, who has completed a previously-unforeseen switch to Atletico Madrid.
Where was Jadon? Ten Hag explains forward's absence from Man United squad
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F31%2Fjadon-sancho.jpg "Manchester United's Jadon Sancho pictured on August 3, 2024")
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that it was a tactical decision to leave Jadon Sancho out of the squad for Friday's Premier League clash against Fulham.
Sancho was a notable absentee from the Red Devils squad in their campaign opener, with Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford starting in the wide areas, and Alejandro Garnacho and Antony the two options off the bench.
Ten Hag said that the Englishman had an ear infection during the week, so he was not at peak fitness, but the Dutchman revealed that he could have selected Sancho.
The manager confirmed that it was a tactical decision to leave the former Manchester City youngster out of the selection, which will only fuel suggestions that the forward will be on his way out before the end of the transfer window.
Transfer news and rumours: Nketiah to Forest, Lacroix to Palace, Benson to Leeds
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F23%2F43%2Feddie-nketiah_1.JPG "Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah celebrates scoring their third goal on October 28, 2023")
Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race for Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah, who is widely expected to leave the Emirates Stadium before this summer's transfer window closes for business.
Bournemouth have been credited with an interest in Nketiah, but the Cherries announced on Friday that they had signed Evanilson from Porto in a club-record deal.
A number of other Premier League clubs are still said to be keen on the Arsenal forward, and according to Sky Sports News, Forest are among them.
The report claims that Forest want competition for Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood in the final third of the field, and Nketiah is viewed as a genuine target for the club.
Desire fulfilled: Highly-rated attacker completes £42.6m transfer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Fdesire-doue.jpg "Rennes Desire Doue pictured in February 2024")
Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of 19-year-old winger Desire Doue frombayern Rennes after fending off a handful of other teams for his signature.
The 19-year-old has joined Luis Enrique's side on a five-year contract until the summer of 2029, and PSG are understood to have paid €50m (£42.6m) to bring him to the Parc des Princes.
Doue was thought to have been the subject of interest from a handful of teams this summer, notably Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to German giants Bayern Munich.
Talk of Doue potentially moving to one of the two North London giants eventually quietened down, leaving Bayern as PSG's main competition, and an intense two-way fight for his services ensued.
Are Man United planning late move for Barca star De Jong?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Ffrenkie-de-jong.jpg "Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong on April 21, 2024")
Manchester United are reportedly not planning to move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong before the end of the transfer window despite the recent speculation.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new midfielder over the next couple of weeks, and there have been claims that the club could revisit a move for De Jong.
Man United spent the majority of Erik ten Hag's first transfer window in charge of the 20-time English champions chasing De Jong, but the Netherlands international made it clear on multiple occasions that he did not want to leave Camp Nou.
Barcelona are believed to be open to letting De Jong leave this summer for financial reasons, although a move is complicated by the fact that the ex-Ajax youngster is still on the sidelines with the ankle injury that he suffered in March.
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