LIONEL MESSI helped Argentina reach the final of the Copa America – but is still a free agent as his Barcelona contract situation drags on.
And Chelsea have missed out on a key target with Achraf Hakimi joining PSG.
Hakimi will be joined by Sergio Ramos, who the Spanish press report has joined PSG today.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
ROWE WILL SIGN
Arsenal are reportedly growing in confidence that Emile Smith-Rowe will sign a new contract at the club.
The Gunners midfielder scored four goals and seven assists during 34 appearances last season which has attracted the attention of Aston Villa.
Villa made two bids for the star one of £25million and another of £30m which was knocked back by the Gunners.
And now Mikel Arteta wants to tie the 20-year-old down for the next five years, according to CBS Sport.
Arsenal are feeling confident Smith-Rowe will commit to the clubCredit: Getty NO MESSING
Javier Tebas believes Spain’s top-flight can survive Lionel Messi’s departure should he opt to swap La Liga for another division in Europe.
Reports claim the superstar’s Barcelona future is up in the air due to the club not being able to register new signings after exceeding their wage cap.
The Argentina playmaker is currently out of contract with his most recent Barca deal coming to end on June 30.
And although the Argentinian is one of the world’s most famous football stars, Tebas, 58, believes his exit will not be harmful to the country’s top tier.
The La Liga president said: “Of course we want Messi to stay but when you are running a league you cannot base decisions on individual players or clubs.’
“Ronaldo and Neymar went and we are still here and neither Serie A nor Ligue 1 has grown as they thought it would.
“Economically the Premier League is the best competition in the world and it has done it without Ballon d’Or winners.
“Of course our rivals will be happy if he (Messi) leaves, but let’s see what happens.”
Tebas reckons Barca can survive without MessiCredit: AP KING OF HERTS
Watford are set to sign striker Josh King and throw him a Premier League lifeline.
The Norwegian forward is a free agent after a short spell with Everton following his exit from Bournemouth after they were relegated.
King is keen to join the new boys and comes within their budget as he is willing to accept terms they are imposing on all new signings.
The Hornets have been collecting free agents and loans as they try to build a squad to stay up – and they are also looking to keep the salaries sensible in case they fail.
Watford have already signed former Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, 30, on a free transfer.
They’ve also brought in young Scottish forward Dapo Mebude, 19, following his release from Rangers.
ELLIOTT SIGNS NEW LIVERPOOL DEAL
Harvey Elliott has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on the deal at the AXA Training Centre on Friday to further extend a spell with the Reds that began in the summer of 2019.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Elliott said: “It’s always going to be there throughout the years I’m here. Hopefully it’s going to be a long time.
“There’s always going to be those butterflies whenever you put on the shirt, whenever you go out to train and play, whenever you’re involved in the club there’s always that feeling.
“It’s always a nice feeling when you sign a new contract – especially for your boyhood club.
“Especially for me, being a Red, as well as my family – it’s nice to make them proud and make myself proud. But the hard work carries on.”
KOP CHOP
Ben Davies could be in line for an Anfield exit with Celtic reportedly keen on the Liverpool centre-back.
And the former Preston North End player could end up leaving Merseyside without having played a single game for the Premier League giants.
The Daily Mail claims the Scottish Prem runners-up came close to sealing a £2million agreement with the Cumbria-born ace in January.
This was before their move was thwarted by a surprise bid from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Preston accepted a £500,000 fee plus add-ons, rising to around £1.6m, for their star.
However, Davies appears to have fallen down the pecking order at Anfield with other players including Joel Matip, Fabinho and Nathaniel Williams starting.
RU THE DAY
Arsenal will reportedly press ahead with a move to sign Wolves midfielder Ruben should they fail to tempt Manuel Locatelli into joining.
The Gunners are in talks with Sassuolo over bringing the Italy international to the Emirates having made a formal offer.
Though the player is understood to be keen to remain in Serie A as he longs to join Juventus.
Sassuolo’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali told Sky Italy: “We’re in talks for Locatelli with one club from abroad, and it’s really advanced.
And according to Gianluca Di Marzio, should Arsenal fail to secure Locatelli’s services, Neves will be considered a priority for Mikel Arteta.
WONDERKID SIGNS
Barcelona have reached an agreement with Rapid Wien for Yusuf Demir, reports Fabrizio Romano.
He will Barça B on loan until June 2022 for around £430k – with an option to buy included for £8.5million.
The 18-year-old played 27 games in the Austrian Bundesliga and has represented Austria on one occasion.
RAMOS REFUSAL
Goal reports Premier League champions Manchester City and Arsenal were the two top-flight English sides vying for the centre-back’s signature with rivals around the continent.
However, the former LaLiga ace, 35, is reported to have seen the offer from reigning Ligue One champs as one too good to turn down.
It is claimed PSG were willing to agree to his desired deal of £10.3m per season with bonuses boosting his earnings to £13m.
FACE PALM
Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has hinted at a move for Chelsea wing-back Emerson Palmieri.
The Italian is in line to start against England in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday.
Asked about whether Napoli are one of the clubs vying for Emerson’s signature, Spalletti laughed.
He cheekily replied: “I can’t say if I called Emerson to join Napoli or not.
“Maybe yes, maybe it’s happened.”
DE-PAY GONE
Barcelona have cut Memphis Depay’s salary by 30 per cent just weeks after joining the club, according to reports.
The Spanish giants have reportedly exceeded their LaLiga salary cap and have been forced to reduce the Holland international’s wage.
According to Goal, Depay’s annual salary at Barcelona has been reduced from €7million (around £6m) to €5m (around £4.3m).
If the report is to be believed, the 27-year-old’s weekly wage will drop from around £115k to around £82k.
Barcelona reportedly need to cut their costs to operate under a salary cap, despite already agreeing deals with ex-Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia.
LOK AT THAT
Arsenal are on the verge of completing the £17.2million signing of Anderlecht star Albert Sambi Lokonga, according to reports.
According to the BBC, Arsenal are ‘closing in’ on a deal for Lokonga as a replacement.
The Belgium youth international, 21, is expected to pen a five-year deal with the Gunners.
And the final details of his contract are being finalised.
Lokonga is expected to undergo his medical today, with potential further tests tomorrow.
BETTER CALL SAUL
Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez as they line up a £35million offer.
The 26-year-old, who still has five years left to run on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, could be set to depart Spain this summer.
It is understood that despite winning the LaLiga title, Atletico need to sell players due to financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
And according to AS, Diego Simeone’s side are prepared to part ways with Saul, where they are looking for at least £35m.
They claim that the Reds are willing to fork out that fee with Jurgen Klopp desperate to replace Georginio Wijnaldum after the Dutchman departed on a free transfer.
BELL TOLLS
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has reportedly set his sights on joining Inter Milan this summer.
Inter Milan are believed to be keen on securing the Spaniard’s services as a possible replacement for Achraf Hakimi, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain.
And according to Calciomercato, the defender is ready to make the move to Italy after PSG ended their interest in signing him due to Hakimi’s arrival.
Arsenal would be happy to loan Bellerin to Inter, but only if Simone Inzaghi’s side agree to a £17million obligation to buy clause next year.
Though in a blow for Bellerin, the news outlet suggests PSV ace Denzel Dumfries is the Nerazzurri’s No1 target following a superb Euro 2020.
RUMOUR MIL
Chelsea outcast Olivier Giroud is set to sign a two-year deal at AC Milan, according to reports.
The Frenchman struggled for game time last season, making only eight Premier League starts despite Timo Werner’s struggles in front of goal.
Giroud, 34, reportedly wanted to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
But the Blues triggered an option to extend his contract by a year.
According to the Mail, Milan will now pay Giroud’s £1million release clause to secure his signature. And they will fork out around £3m on his salary.
Giroud and Milan are believed to be ironing out the final details regarding his pay structure.
CAM ON THEN
Manchester United are reportedly set to make an official bid to sign Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga.
The 18-year-old has just one year left on his contract, with it understood he has no intention of extending his stay at at Roazhon Park.
It was claimed last week that the Red Devils were eyeing up a £26million bid to lure the teenager to Old Trafford.
Chelsea are another club that are believed to have held talks with his agent Jonathan Barnett, along with LaLiga giants Real Madrid.
And while his priority is to stay in France to join Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal are said to have made him their No1 target.
But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, United are looking to steal a march on their rivals in the race to secure Camavinga’s services by launching an offer.
LET’S SAVIC
Manchester United could have to pay as much as £60million to seal the transfer of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.
The Serbian international has been linked with a move to United for awhile although they’re yet to make a formal bid.
If the Red Devils do go forward an make a swoop for the midfielder, they’ll have to depart with the hefty sum to secure his services, according to Calciomercato.
And Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer’s team will have to brace themselves with a battle with rivals Liverpool who are also said to be tracking the star.
HEY KIDDO
Arsenal youngster Kido Taylor-Hart is reportedly set to sign a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old winger has finally agreed terms on a new deal with the Gunners since entering discussions in March, according to Football London.
He has garnered interest across Europe with his impressive performances over 30 games last season.
The English native has been with the North London club since the age of seven.
JOR IN DEMAND
Jorginho’s agent claims the Italy hero is wanted by other clubs but hopes to open new contract talks with Chelsea.
And with the playmaker currently very much in vogue, Jorginho’s representative Joao Santos says the 29-year-old is looking to hold negotiations with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
Santos told Radio Marte: “Today Jorginho’s valuation is around €50 million (£42.8m). If a team arrives… obviously he has made it to many finals.”
And asked about interest from rival teams, he added: “Yes, but our first thought is to speak to Marina Granovskaia about the renewal.
“This is certainly a very important moment in his career, he has been waiting for it for 20 years.”
SAVED BY SARRI
Maurizio Sarri has reportedly told his new club Lazio that he wants to bring Arsenal ace Lucas Torreira to Italy this summer.
The Uruguayan spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid after being declared surplus to requirements at the Emirates.
He is still not expected to be a part of the plans at Arsenal this season and Mikel Arteta will be happy to sanction his move away from the club.
But ex-Chelsea boss Sarri will have a fight on his hands to sign Torreira as Serie A rivals Fiorentina also want the midfielder, according to Calciomercato.
GIROUD MOVE
Oliver Giroud is reportedly on his way to AC Milan from Chelsea in a deal worth £1.7million.
The Frenchman is set to be en-route to Italy to complete his medical before the deal is finalised, according to Sky Sports.
The striker signed a new one-year deal at Chelsea last summer and last month the club took up an option to extend it by a further 12 months.
He’s scored 39 goals in 119 appearances during his time at Stamford Bridge, winning three major trophies, including the Champions League title in May.
Giroud is reportedly on his way to AC MilanCredit: Getty TELLI TURNED OFF
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Manuel Locatelli look like they could be crushed amid reports of Juventus moving ahead in the race for the star.
Tuttosport claims Massimo Allegri wants a deal for the player to be struck between the Turin giants and Sassuolo.
And it is thought the Mapei Stadium midfielder, 23, who has been one of Italy’s best performers at the Euros, would prefer a move to the Old Lady.
Tuttosport claims Juventus, who finished fourth in Italy’s top-flight, may be open to putting forward a cash-plus-player proposal.
It is thought the club, who re-appointed Allegri as manager after sacking Andre Pirlo, could be willing to offer Radu Dragusin or Nicolo Fagioli as part of a deal.
And Tuttosport suggests Locatelli, who has also been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, has been eyeing a Juve move for a year.
Arsenal target Locatelli reportedly has his heart set on a move to JuveCredit: Getty
JOACH POACH
Man United are reportedly weighing up a bid for Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.
United have identified Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane as one their top defensive targets this summer.
But if unable to prise him away from the Bernabeu, the Red Devils see Andersen as their Plan B, Mercato report.
The 25-year-old impressed on loan at Fulham during the 2020-21 campaign, making 31 Premier League appearances.
He was also on centre-back duty for Denmark at Euro 2020 before they crashed out to England in the semi-finals yesterday.
Andersen has three years left to run on his contract with Lyon, but it is thought that the Ligue 1 side would be willing to sell him for around £25.8million this summer.
LOC STOCK
ARSENAL have received a boost in their reported pursuit of Manuel Locatelli after Sassuolo confirmed transfer talks with a ‘club from abroad’.
However, Arsenal are thought to face a transfer battle with Juventus for the playmaker.
Max Allegri has reportedly identified Locatelli as the man to help Juve regain their Serie A crown.
But the Gunners have been boosted by confirmation from Sassuolo that the Turin giants are yet to open talks due to financial problems.
And instead, Sassuolo are in negotiations with an unnamed foreign side.
Club chief Giovanni Carnevali told Sky Italy: “We’re in talks for Locatelli with one club from abroad, and it’s really advanced.
“We’re going to meet with Juventus in the next few days, but there are no negotiations yet.”
Locatelli could be on his way to ArsenalCredit: Getty WHITE PRICE
Arsenal have reportedly submitted a £54million bid to sign Brighton ace Ben White.
They’ve already had two bids slapped down by Brighton but feel this could be the offer to get their man.
The Gunners third proposal is £48m up-front plus another £6m in performance-related bonuses, according to the Transfer Window Podcast.
Brighton who want £50m plus for White have yet to respond to Arsenal’s new and improved offer.
The Gunners have reportedly made a new bid for WhiteCredit: PA GUID THE WAY
Arsenal are reportedly yet to make a formal offer for transfer target Guido Rodriguez.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Real Betis star but haven’t made any advances, according to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo.
Mikel Arteta has his sights set on bringing Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga to The Emirates.
But Argentinian maestro Rodriguez is thought the be an alternative option if the Lokonga deal falls through.
The Gunners are said to be interested in Rodriguez but haven’t made a formal offer for the Betis starCredit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
