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Lucrative loan: Arsenal 'set asking price' for Ramsdale exit
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F23%2F38%2Faaron-ramsdale.JPG "Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale pictured in September 2023")
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to demand as much as £6m to let number two goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale leave the club on loan this summer.
After hitting the ground running at the Emirates in 2021-22 and maintaining his strong performance in 2022-23, a third successive season as Arsenal number one appeared to be on the cards for Ramsdale.
The signing of David Raya on loan from Brentford initially made no difference to the Gunners' goalkeeping situation, but the Spaniard was promoted to number one after the September 2023 international break.
Arteta affirmed multiple times that he did not view either goalkeeper as his first choice, but it quickly became clear that Raya - thought to have been signed on account of his superior footwork - was the established number one.
A Sterling move? Surprise team 'interested' in Chelsea outcast
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fraheem-sterling.jpg "Chelsea's Raheem Sterling on August 11, 2024")
One of Chelsea's Premier League London rivals have reportedly entered the race to sign exiled attacker Raheem Sterling.
The 29-year-old has been ruthlessly banished from the main group under Enzo Maresca, sharing the same fate as a surfeit of other unwanted figures in the Blues' bloated squad.
Sterling was a shock omission from the matchday squad for last weekend's defeat to Manchester City, leading to his team releasing a statement insisting that they wanted "clarity" from the club over his position.
Maresca has made his stance perfectly clear, also not selecting Sterling for the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff against Servette and claiming that he wishes to work with attackers of a different ilk.
The saga ends? Chelsea 'reach agreement' over Lukaku transfer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F22%2F48%2Fromelu-lukaku.JPG "Belgium's Romelu Lukaku pictured before the match on November 27, 2022")
Unwanted Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly on the verge of finally sealing his long-awaited Blues exit, as Napoli have verbally agreed a deal for the Belgium international.
Lukaku's £97.5m return to Stamford Bridge in 2021 has not worked out as intended for either party, and the striker's desire to depart became apparent just a few months into his West London comeback.
The former Manchester United attacker revealed shortly after joining that he wished to go back to Italy and was frustrated with Thomas Tuchel's system, and he has since been loaned back to Serie A on two occasions.
Following moderate success with Inter Milan and Roma during two temporary spells, Lukaku has long been tipped to return to the Italian top flight with Napoli, who are now under the wing of Antonio Conte.
Celtic 'agree' record-breaking sale of in-demand star to Premier League club
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F14%2Fmatt-oriley.JPG "Celtic's Matt O'Riley celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on April 7, 2024")
Brighton & Hove Albion have reached an agreement with Celtic to sign midfielder Matt O'Riley, according to a report.
The 23-year-old was named Celtic's Player of the Year after ending the 2023-24 campaign as the club's joint-top scorer, netting 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
O'Riley has subsequently been the subject of much speculation throughout this summer and has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe.
The Denmark international was wanted by Atletico Madrid in January, but a £20m move to La Liga ultimately failed to materialise and the Spanish club have since turned their attention to other targets, including Conor Gallagher.
Done deal: Man United confirm exit of centre-back to Championship club
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fwill-fish.jpg "Manchester United's Will Fish on July 20, 2024")
Manchester United have announced that centre-back Will Fish has joined Championship outfit Cardiff City on a permanent basis.
The 21-year-old made his first-team debut for the Red Devils in May 2021, and he has recently spent time on loan with Stockport County and Hibernian.
The defender made 45 appearances for Hibernian during the 2023-24 campaign before returning to Old Trafford, and he was involved in his side's preparations for the current season.
However, it has now been confirmed that the defender has made the move to Cardiff for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal with the Welsh team until the summer of 2028.
Ayew ready Foxes? Leicester confirm £8m signing of Premier League attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fjordan-ayew.jpg "Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew celebrates with teammates after scoring on February 24, 2024")
Leicester City have announced the signing of attacker Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace on a permanent deal.
The 32-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Foxes and moves to the King Power Stadium for an initial £5m plus £3m in add-ons.
Ayew departs Crystal Palace after making 212 appearances for the Eagles across all competitions over a six-year period, scoring 23 goals and providing 22 assists.
The Ghana international won Palace's Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards in 2018-19, before scooping the club's Goal of the Season prize with a memorable individual strike against West Ham United the following year.
Brighton 'beat' Arsenal, Man United in race to sign £25.4m defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fferdi-kadioglu.jpg "Fenerbahce's Ferdi Kadioglu during the warm-up on August 6, 2024")
Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly reached an agreement to sign left-back Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce.
The 24-year-old has been the subject of much transfer speculation throughout this summer amid interest from a host of top European clubs.
A recent report claims that Manchester United have made a bid to sign Kadioglu after holding talks with the player's representatives.
The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new left-back as both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been hampered with injuries.
Transfer with a twist? Chelsea outcast 'in talks' over Bournemouth move
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F03%2Fandoni-iraola.jpg "Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola before the match on January 21, 2024")
Out-of-favour Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has supposedly held talks over a loan move to Bournemouth for the 2024-25 season.
The former Athletic Bilbao starlet - who remains the most expensive goalkeeper on the planet - is back at Stamford Bridge after spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Real Madrid.
Los Blancos targeted Kepa after losing Thibaut Courtois to a serious ACL injury, and the Spaniard initially won over Carlo Ancelotti before falling below Andriy Lunin in the pecking order.
Despite his desire to stay at the Bernabeu, Kepa would have been Ancelotti's third choice behind Courtois and Lunin in 2024-25, so the Champions League holders unsurprisingly did not pursue a permanent move.
Done deal: Sevilla confirm signing of 20-year-old Brighton defender
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F33%2Ffabian-hurzeler.jpg "Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler on July 24, 2024")
Sevilla have announced the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Valentin Barco on a season-long loan deal.
The 20-year-old's will spend the 2024-25 campaign with the La Liga outfit, who do not have an option to sign the Argentine on a permanent deal next summer.
Barco joined Brighton in January for around £7.9m from Boca Juniors, having made 35 first-team appearances for the Argentinian club.
The youngster was handed his Premier League debut against Liverpool in March and went on to make seven senior appearances across all competitions in the second half of the 2023-24 season.
Going home: Arsenal attacker 'agrees' loan return to old club
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Ffabgab.jpg "Arsenal's Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Martinelli pictured on July 27, 2024")
Arsenal attacker Fabio Vieira has reportedly agreed to rejoin Porto on loan for the 2024-25 season.
The 24-year-old rose to prominence in his homeland and was supposedly targeted by Manchester United before joining Mikel Arteta's side in a deal worth £29.6m.
Vieira arrived in North London on the back of registering an unparalleled 14 assists in the 2021-22 Primeira Liga season, and he hit the ground running at Arsenal with a fine strike in a 3-0 win over Brentford.
The former Portugal Under-21 international also scored the winning penalty in last year's Community Shield win over Manchester City, but he has failed to make a consistent impression in an Arsenal shirt.
Flying Emirates? Merino pictured at airport ahead of Arsenal move
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F27%2Fmikel-merino_1.jpg "Spain's Mikel Merino celebrates scoring their second goal on July 5, 2024")
Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino has been pictured at a Spanish airport as he prepares to complete his permanent transfer to Arsenal.
The 28-year-old has been targeted by Mikel Arteta for a number of weeks, and following a protracted period of negotiations, a breakthrough was finally reached on Thursday.
The Gunners have reportedly agreed to pay an initial fee of £28.4m for the Euro 2024 winner, who had just one year left on his La Real contract, which could rise to £32.6m through performance-related add-ons.
Merino will become Arsenal's third permanent signing of the summer following David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori, and it is believed that talks with Arteta were key to convincing the midfielder that his future belonged in North London.
Crystal Palace confirm £30m exit of "immense" player to Premier League rival
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Feberechi-eze-joachim-andersen.JPG "Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Joachim Andersen react after the match on August 18, 2024")
Fulham have completed the signing of defender Joachim Andersen from fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace.
The Denmark international has put pen to paper on a five-year deal until 2029 and joins the Cottagers for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth around £30m.
Andersen returns to Craven Cottage having previously spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at the club from Lyon.
The 28-year-old moved to Crystal Palace on a permanent deal the following summer and made 113 appearances for the Eagles across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing six assists.
Arne Slot lifts lid on centre-back future amid exit talks
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F24%2Fliverpool_2.jpg "Arne Slot who has been appointed Liverpool head coach from June 1, the club have announced on June 5, 2024")
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot anticipates that Joe Gomez will stay at the club beyond the transfer deadline, despite ongoing rumours about the defender's future.
The Reds kicked off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign at Portman Road on Saturday afternoon, but Gomez did not travel with the squad.
Several reports suggest that Gomez is contemplating his future on Merseyside, weighing whether now is the right time to pursue a new challenge where he could secure more regular first-team opportunities.
The 27-year-old is Liverpool's longest-serving player having moved to Anfield in 2015 and has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, who are looking to bolster their defensive options before the transfer deadline.
"A complete surprise" - Guardiola reacts to Gundogan's Man City return
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Filkay-gundogan-pep-guardiola.jpg "Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan pictured with manager Pep Guardiola during training on June 9, 2023")
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that it was a "complete surprise" to learn of Ilkay Gundogan's desire to re-join the club, but he is delighted to welcome the midfielder back to the Etihad Stadium.
Gundogan was Guardiola's first signing as Man City manager in the summer of 2016 and spent seven hugely successful seasons at the Etihad before moving to Barcelona in June 2023.
The 33-year-old played 51 times for the Catalan giants last season, but their financial troubles ultimately led to his departure from Camp Nou and swift return to Man City on a free transfer.
Gundogan arrives back at Man City where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League in his first spell, scoring 60 goals in 304 appearances.
Will Real Madrid enter the transfer market before the deadline?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F19%2Fcarlo-ancelotti.jpg "Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti during the press conference on May 7, 2024")
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated that his club will not be making any new signings in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
Los Blancos are currently three midfielders down on last season, as Toni Kroos retired at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, while Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham are both out until the end of September due to injuries.
Nacho also left on a free transfer over the summer, while Real Madrid have allowed Mario Martin to join Real Valladolid on loan for the rest of the campaign despite their midfield issues.
Real Madrid's two signings this summer have been attacking ones, with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick moving to Bernabeu, but Ancelotti has ruled out any further acquisitions, insisting that Aurelien Tchouameni can drop back into the middle of defence while David Alaba recovers.
Man United-linked midfielder 'left out' of PSG squad for second consecutive match
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F29%2Ferik-ten-hag_5.jpg "Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the match on July 20, 2024")
Manchester United's priority transfer target Manuel Ugarte has reportedly been left out of Paris Saint-Germain's squad for a second match in a row amid rumours that he is close to finalising a move to Old Trafford.
It has been a busy summer for the Red Devils, who have splashed close to £150m to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad after a poor 2023-24 Premier League season.
United have already signed Leny Yoro from Lille, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and Bayern Munich duo Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui over the last two months.
The Uruguay international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for several weeks now and it seems that he may now be closer than ever to leaving the French capital.
Eddie Howe breaks silence on England international's Newcastle future
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fnewcastle-united_1.jpg "Eddie Howe Newcastle United, Head Coach at the post-match press conference on August 20, 2024")
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted he cannot guarantee that Kieran Trippier will remain at St James' Park beyond the current transfer window.
The England international became the first signing of the Saudi-backed era on Tyneside when he joined the Magpies in January 2022.
However, he is no longer a guaranteed starter for Howe's side this season and was an unused substitute in Newcastle's 1-0 victory over Southampton last weekend.
Additionally, Trippier was told last week that he will no longer be captaining the side in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles, with the armband being handed to Bruno Guimaraes.
Transfer news and rumours today: Tottenham loan exit, Hummels to Real Sociedad
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fashley-phillips.jpg "Tottenham Hotspur's Ashley Phillips pictured on July 17, 2024")
Ashley Phillips has become the latest Tottenham Hotspur youngster to leave the club on loan this summer, joining Stoke City in the Championship for the 2024-25 season.
The 19-year-old joined the Lilywhites from Blackburn Rovers last year and spent the second half of 2023-24 on loan at Plymouth Argyle, where he established himself as a key player.
Phillips was involved in Spurs' pre-season campaign under Ange Postecoglou, but he is yet to make his competitive first-team debut, finding himself behind Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin in the pecking order.
Tottenham still feel that Phillips can have a bright future at the club, but the teenager has now joined Stoke in search of regular minutes in 2024-25, telling the Potters website: "I'm really excited to be at Stoke City and can't wait to get started.
"We are on it" - Arteta confirms Arsenal contract discussions
/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 manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he and club are "on it" when it comes to discussions over a new contract at the Emirates.
The Spaniard has now entered the final year of his agreement with the three-time Premier League champions, and his work in North London has apparently caught the eye of two of his former clubs.
Barcelona were heavily linked with a move for Arteta last season after Xavi initially announced his desire to step down, but the Arsenal boss slammed untrue rumours that he was prepared to leave Arsenal for the Catalan giants.
Barca instead opted for Hansi Flick following a farce in which Xavi performed a U-turn only to be sacked weeks later, while Manchester City are believed to be eyeing Arteta as a possible Pep Guardiola successor.
Done deal: Man City confirm transfer for "exceptional midfielder"
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F32%2Fpep-guardiola_1.jpg "Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after winning the Community Shield on August 10, 2024")
Manchester City have re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona, with the German returning to the Etihad Stadium on an initial contract until June 2025.
The 33-year-old left Man City on a free transfer to join Barcelona last year, and he made 51 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and registering 14 assists in the process.
However, financial reasons have led to his departure from the Catalan giants, with the club under pressure to remove some salaries from their budget in order to register new signings, including Dani Olmo.
Man City moved quickly to secure a return for Gundogan, who scored 60 goals and registered 38 assists in his 304 appearances for the Premier League champions during his first spell at the club.
Gundogan hints at reason for Barcelona exit in personal statement
/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 has confirmed that he is leaving Barcelona, with the experienced midfielder returning to Manchester City on a contract until June 2025.
The 33-year-old decided against signing a contract renewal with Man City last summer in order to join Barcelona on a free transfer, and he made 51 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and registering 14 assists in the process.
Gundogan had been set for another campaign at Barcelona, but he was left out of the squad for the team's 2024-25 La Liga opener against Valencia last weekend.
The midfielder has now confirmed that he is leaving Hansi Flick's side and said 'financial reasons' have played a part in his departure, with Barcelona needing to remove salaries from their budget in order to register new signings.
Transfer news and rumours today: Ayew to Leicester, Faye to Rennes, Wissa latest
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F23%2F14%2Fjordan-ayew.jpg "Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew celebrates scoring their second goal with Jeffrey Schlupp on April 9, 2023")
Leicester City have reportedly come to an agreement with Crystal Palace over a deal for Jordan Ayew.
There has recently been speculation surrounding the 32-year-old's future, with Leicester believed to have made him one of their top targets in the latter stages of the transfer window.
According to the South London Press, the Foxes, who drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League opener, have now come to an agreement with Palace over a deal.
The report claims that Steve Cooper's side are set to pay £8m for Ayew, who is also thought to have been on the radar of a number of Saudi Arabian clubs during the summer market.
Eye-catching switch: European giants 'exploring' deal for Man United's Sancho
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fjadon-sancho.jpeg "Manchester United's Jadon Sancho on August 10, 2024")
Juventus reportedly have 'a firm interest' in Jadon Sancho, with the Old Lady currently exploring what is required to sign the Manchester United attacker before the end of the transfer window.
The Italian giants were linked with Sancho earlier this summer, but their interest appeared to cool once Sancho had held clear-the-air discussions with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.
Sancho was involved in Man United's preparations for the new campaign and then featured off the bench in the Community Shield on August 10, but he was not in the squad for last week's Premier League opener with Fulham.
Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the ex-Man City youngster, who has only managed 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.
Man United, Wolves 'in negotiations' for Brazil international
/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 and Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly in line to battle it out for a Brazil international previously linked with another Premier League side.
The Red Devils and Wolves can each claim to have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window thus far, particularly the former who have spent in excess of £150m.
However, both clubs are expected to conduct business before the August 30 deadline as they bid to improve on their efforts from 2023-24.
From United's perspective, they have been heavily linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who may arrive at Old Trafford on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
Cut-price exit: Man United 'willing' to sell unsettled star for £5m
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fchristian-eriksen-antony.jpeg "Manchester United's Christian Eriksen and Antony on April 23, 2024")
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to let Christian Eriksen leave Old Trafford for just £5m in the final week of the summer transfer window.
The 32-year-old is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford this summer, and a number of clubs are believed to have made contact with Man United to discuss a move before the end of the transfer market.
According to Football Insider, such is the club's desire to move him on, offers in the region of £5m would be accepted, with the Denmark international's time at Old Trafford set to come to an end in the near future.
The report claims that Man United's desire to remove Eriksen's salary from their wage budget means that they are prepared to sell him for a cut-price fee over the next seven days.
Could Man United sign unwanted Chelsea man before transfer deadline?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F34%2Fben-chilwell-raheem-sterling.jpeg "Chelsea's Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling on September 13, 2022")
Manchester United have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell before this summer's transfer window closes for business.
The left-back is not in the plans of new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, so he is set to leave Stamford Bridge over the next week, with a number of clubs said to be monitoring the situation.
According to talkSPORT, Man United have been offered the chance to sign the Englishman, who has made 106 appearances for the Blues since his arrival from Leicester City in August 2020.
Marc Cucurella will be Chelsea's number one left-back this season, with Maresca recently confirming that Chilwell has been informed he is surplus to requirements.
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