LIONEL MESSI helped Argentina reach the semi-finals of the Copa America – but is still a free agent as his Barcelona contract situation drags on.
Elsewhere, Toby Alderweireld is set to leave Tottenham and Erling Haaland remains a summer transfer target for Chelsea.
Meanwhile Spurs are also set to battle Barcelona for the signing of Lorenzo Insigne, according to reports.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
‘I’M CONCERNED’
Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has vowed to ‘remain a Gunner no matter what’ amid links with a move to Marseille.
The Frenchman also revealed he is ‘concerned’ at Arsenal’s ‘failure’ last season.
Guendouzi, 22, spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Hertha Berlin after falling out with boss Mikel Arteta.
He hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in June 2020 where he grabbed Neal Maupay’s throat.
With just one year left on his contract at the Emirates, Arsenal are understood to be keen to offload the midfielder to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Guendouzi is believed to have already agreed personal terms with Marseille as he looks to head back to his native country after departing Lorient in 2018.
RON MORE YEAR
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent has asked his current employers to extend his contract, according to reports.
The 36-year-old has been linked with a move after the Italian giants failed to retain their Serie A crown last term.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo’s representative Jorge Mendes has asked Juve to extend his existing deal to 2023.
Premier League giants United are believed to have been exploring the possibility of bringing the club legend back to Old Trafford.
EV SOME OF THAT
Everton have confirmed that work will begin on their new 53,000 seater stadium on July 26.
The Toffees are planning to say an emotional farewell to Goodison Park at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
They have today confirmed that they will take possession of their new Bramley-Moore Dock site later this month on July 26.
And they also revealed that the first phase of building the state-of-the-art ground will begin that very same day.
Contractors Laing O’Rourke will start by preparing the Dock Site for the build, while also repairing and preserving the Grade II listed dock wall.
RAPH AND READY
Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has ‘given his word’ that he wants to join Manchester United this summer, according to reports.
The Frenchman, 28, has played for the Spanish giants for a decade.
But with just one year remaining on his contract, the towering defender wants to try something new.
The Red Devils finally wrapped up the £73million signing of Jadon Sancho this week.
And club chiefs want to follow up the statement purchase by recruiting Varane.
According to Spanish paper Sport, the feeling is mutual, with Varane eager to join Man United and telling them as much.
BUSQ-A RHYMES
Sergio Busquets is reportedly ‘tempted’ by a move to the MLS.
But the veteran midfielder plans on staying at Barcelona this summer.
Fabrizio Romano claims various American sides have made offers to sign Busquets, 32, when his Euros adventure with Spain ends.
It was reported last month that Busquets was one of 18 players made available for transfer by Barcelona.
It is no secret the Catalans are heavily in debt and desperate to cut costs.
And that has prompted a number of MLS clubs to make bids for Busquets.
MAN ABOUT TOWN
Andros Townsend has joked ‘maybe Lionel Messi’ will replace him at Crystal Palace.
The winger was asked about his future at Selhurst Park after his contract expired.
Townsend, who is out of contract along with Barcelona star Messi, told talkSPORT: “But we’re the same position. So, effectively, Palace could be looking at Messi to replace me!”
The 29-year-old is in the dark about his future but has not ruled out staying at Palace.
Townsend said: “It looks nice, very nice, but the fact it’s July 3, pre-season has started and I’m sat in a basement with you, I’m probably no nearer to knowing about my future, to be honest.
“I’m out of contract. From July 1, I’m no longer a Palace player.”
ONES PHAR US
Plucky Egyptian side Pharco FC want to sign iconic right-back Dani Alves and open talks with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Owner of the newly-promoted side Shreen Helmy is full of ambition having broken into Egypt’s top flight.
Helmy may be hopeful of signing Alves, 38 – who is currently playing for boyhood club Sao Paulo in Brazil.
But he is not deluded enough to expect Messi, 34, to play for his team – instead wanting to work with him on a charity initiative.
Helmy told he told ElHadath AlYoum: “I am working on bringing Dani Alves from Sao Paulo because we can benefit from his experience.
“I have met Alves and he told me he wanted to play with Sao Paulo since he was 8 years old, and I think I can bring him to the Egyptian Premier League.”
SHAW THING
Manchester United are ready to reward Luke Shaw with a new contract, according to reports.
The left-back enjoyed a fine season at Old Trafford and has continued his form into the Euros.
Shaw’s current deal expires in 2023 with the option of an extra year.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes a new and improved deal will soon be on the table.
LOR & ORDER
Tottenham and Barcelona are interested in signing Napoli skipper Lorenzo Insigne, according to reports.
Both clubs are believed to have contacted the player’s agent as he’s yet to agree a long-term deal at the Serie A club.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is struggling to persuade Insigne to commit his future to the club.
The 30-year-old was born in Naples and came through the ranks at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, receiving the captaincy in February 2019.
He’s played more than 300 league games for the club, winning two Italian Cups and helping the team finish fifth in Serie A last term.
Insigne has always remained loyal to the Italian side but has just a year left on his existing deal and reportedly wants a pay rise.
SANCH-NO DISTRACTIONS
Jadon Sancho insists he is fully focused on England – despite his £73million transfer to Manchester United.
The winger, 21, was handed a shock start as the Three Lions crushed Ukraine 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020 barely 48 hours after his Old Trafford switch was announced.
Sancho was one of the stars of the show with a strong performance, despite only featuring for six minutes in the tournament prior to his Rome display.
And speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, he confirmed his sole attention is on all matters Three Lions with a semi-final against Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday.
The ex-Manchester City youngster said: “To be fair, I don’t want to talk about Manchester United.
“Right now I just want to focus on England.
“I’ve just been focusing on myself while I’ve been at England. I’ve always been ready if I needed to come on.”
NEW TARGETS
Exclusive: Newcastle look like they will move out Swedish right-back Emil Krafth because his first-team chances will probably be limited.
Krafth, 26, had the chance to go in the January window but wanted to stay on.
However, he could drop even further down the list as boss Steve Bruce looks for new faces.
Newcastle have been wading through their target list after a couple of relatively quiet years in the market.
And a remarkable 44 names were discussed at a recent scouts meeting.
The Toon will also look to free up some more space from their books by releasing forgotten man Henri Saivet.
UNDER SIGNS
Marseille have completed the loan signing of Roma winger Cengiz Under.
The Turkey international spent last season on loan at FA Cup winners Leicester City.
But failed to impress.
POG TOP
Man Utd want to tie midfielder Paul Pogba down to a new deal.
The France international is entering the final year of his contract and will be able to make pre-agreements with clubs from January.
But if Pogba does sign a new deal keeping him at Old Trafford, he would most likely become the top earner at the club – leapfrogging De Gea.
The wages of Manchester United’s current players QUITE FRANK
Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt have made a bi for AC Milan talent Jens Petter Hauge.
The bid is believed to be in the region of 7m/8m Euros, according to Fabrizio Romano.
However, AC Milan want more money for the player.
Frankfurt have also completed all of the relevant paperwork to sign Rafael Santos Borre, who will join as a free agent.
NOT SO BAD
Brighton’s Mat Ryan is close to joining Spanish side Real Sociedad, according to Sky Sports.
The goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Premier League big boys Arsenal.
But failed to impress enough to earn himself a permanent transfer to north London.
Personal terms have been agreed, and a medical is due to be completed next week.
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
OPTION TO BUY
Marseille will have an option to buy in William Saliba’s loan deal, according to reports.
The Arsenal defender is set to move back to France after failing to make a single first team appearance.
And with the Gunners planning on bringing in Brighton’s Ben White for a rumoured £50m, Saliba’s minutes in north London look limited.
According to L’Equipe, Marseille, will have an option to buy for the young defender.
And Marseille could pick Saliba up for less than £10m if they choose to make the deal permanent.
BREAKING: PALACE ANNOUNCE VIEIRA
Crystal Palace have announced Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira as their new manager.
The Frenchman has signed a contract keeping him at the club until 2024.
LOAN RANGER
Old Trafford outcast Donny van de Beek could have a pivotal role in Manchester United’s bid to land Raphael Varane, writes PHIL THOMAS.
United have held initial talks with Real Madrid about signing the French centre-back, who would cost around £50million.
But Real are also keen on taking Van de Beek, 24, to the Bernabeu on a year-long loan, with a commitment to buy 12 months down the line.
And United believe that gives them a key bargaining tool in their pursuit of Varane, who tops their list of centre-back targets.
Varane, 28, has one more season left on his deal and can sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
As much as the Spanish giants would love to keep him, they also do not want to lose him on a free — especially as they are in such a cash-strapped state at the moment.
So United are more likely to play ball over Van de Beek, if it gives them a little wriggle room in signing Varane, who is also on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar.
PAT’S BACK
Patrick Vieira will be the new Crystal Palace manager, agreeing to a three-year deal.
NOT GUNNER RETURN
It looks like Martin Odegaard will not return to the Emirates next season.
But the Real Madrid winger expressed his gratitude to Arsenal on Instagram.
He captioned a post of him playing for the Gunners; “Arsenal , thank you so much for these 6 months.
“My time with the Arsenal family will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I wanna thank everyone in and around the club for the way you made me feel like a part of the family since the first day.
“Special thanks to the fans, even without you guys at the stadium for the majority of the season, I felt you with me at all times.
“A huge thank you to the boss and his staff for everything I’ve learned during my stay.
“Thank you also to all my teammates for such a great time on and off the pitch. Will miss you all.
“Thank you, gunners family. Always in my heart.”
BRIGHTON EYE JAMES
Brighton are exploring the possibility of signing Dan James from Man Utd.
James had a tough season for the Red Devils, struggling to break into the first team.
And with game time limited, James could be temped to move down south.
According to SunSport’s Alan Nixon, Brighton boss Graham Potter wants to nab James – who he’s managed before – and Joe Rodon from Tottenham.
THAT DOES THE TRICK
Wolves have pulled off the signing of Francisco Trincao from Barcelona.
The highly rated Portuguese winger will join the Premier League outfit on loan for the 2021-22 season.
What a signing.
SAM’S THE MAN
Arsenal have identified West Brom and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as a transfer target.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal have been put off by Sheffield United’s high valuation of Aaron Ramsdale.
And the Gunners have now switched their attention to Johnstone who could be available for less than £20m
The Blades were demanding upwards of £35m to sign Ramsdale, putting off any interest.
Ramsdale (left) and Johnstone (right)Credit: GETTY IMAGES ‘ONE OF THE PLAYERS’ OF EURO 2020
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has praised potential Arsenal target Raheem Sterling as “one of the players” of Euro 2020.
Sterling has scored three goals for England and set up Harry Kane’s opener yesterday night.
Wright said: “Raheem Sterling is one of the players of the tournament.
“He finds Harry Kane with a brilliant pass (for the opening goal).
“He comes inside. We need players who can run with the ball, progress the ball, into Harry Kane who can take our half-chances. That’s a half-chance.”
GUNNERS FAN
West Ham will have to move fast to sign Antonin Barak from Hellas Verona.
The attacking midfielder is a life-long Arsenal fan, and that could be problematic.
He told Gazzetta dello Sport in 2017: “I was and still am an Arsenal fan.
“I know that I need to develop, and it doesn’t bother me where I end up, we’ll see.
“In Europe, Arsenal and Barcelona appeal to me.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
