MANCHESTER CITY fans are set to have the perfect Monday as the Premier League champions have officially UNVEILED Erling Haaland as a signing.
The Norwegian talisman put pen to paper in Manchester on May, 10 and he will now help Pep Guardiola try to finally bring a Champions League trophy to the Etihad.
Meanwhile, Bayern are closing in on a sensational swoop for Sadio Mane as personal terms are reportedly set to be agreed soon.
Mane’s priority has always been to join the German giants which has provided a pathway for Benfica ace Darwin Nunez to join Liverpool.
And Nunez’ medical is expected to be completed at some point today according to reports.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
Haaland makes Mahrez joke
Erling Haaland has hilariously joked that Riyad Mahrez convinced him to join Manchester City.
Last year, a clip emerged of the pair partying in Mykonos during their summer breaks.
And Mahrez responded to the clip at the time with the comment: “Agent Mahrez on duty 🕵️🏻♂️😂😂😂.”
He then quickly followed that up by adding: “(just having fun calm down 😂💙).”
Arsenal confirm first summer signing
Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos.
The Gunners have confirmed that the 19-year-old has penned a “long-term contract” after joining from Sao Paulo.
Arsenal’s technical director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while.
“At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future.
“We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us.”
Marcelo won’t retire
Ex-Real Madrid ace Marcelo has revealed he won’t retire after leaving the La Liga giants.
And he’s ready to go up against his former team-mates despite spending a chunk of his career with Los Blancos.
Marcelo said: “I won’t retire, not now.
“I feel I can still play. Facing Real Madrid won’t be a problem. I’m a big Madridista but I’m also a big professional.”
Arsenal face transfer battle
Arsenal face stiff competition from AC Milan in the pursuit of Marco Asensio, reports claim.
Milan are determined to bring the Real Madrid striker to Italy this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
And Milan’s director Paolo Maldini has directly contacted Real boss Carlo Ancelotti in order to make Asensio’s move to the Serie A happen, the report adds.
However, Milan will hope a move can get done soon as Man United along with the Gunners also want Asensio.
Man United target speaks
Man United tried to pip Bayern Munich for the signing of Bayern Munich ace Ryan Gravenberch.
Gravenberch revealed to Telegraaf: “Manchester United is a very big and nice club.
“But I already had such a good feeling with Bayern and I had given them my word”
Departing Marcelo gets Real emotional
Brazilian star Marcelo has bid an emotional goodbye to Real Madrid – but says he has no plans to retire just yet.
The 34-year-old confirmed his departure from the Bernabeu after 15 years with a press conference that moved Carlo Ancelotti and Raul to tears.
However, the Real legend says he would have no issues in facing his former colleagues in the future.
“I won’t retire, not now. I feel I can still play,” Marcelo said.
“Facing Real Madrid? It won’t be a problem. I’m a big Madridista, but I’m also a big professional.”
The left-back moves on as Los Blancos’ most-decorated player of all time, having won 25 trophies during his time in the Spanish capital.
No official move for Antony
Erik ten Hag is said to have made Ajax winger Antony his number one transfer target – but any discussions regarding a move for the Brazilian have so far been internal between those at Old Trafford.
Transfers guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that there is certainly a genuine interest in the player from the Red Devils, and rumours suggest an offer of £43m is imminent.
However, Antony’s brother – Emerson Santos – has dismissed those reports that state negotiations are much further down the line as ‘fake news’.
The 22-year-old scored 12 goals and recorded ten assists in 33 appearances for the Amsterdam club last season.
Nat’s magic! Cherries pick Phillips
Premier League newcomers Bournemouth have contacted Liverpool about the possibility of taking Nat Phillips on loan for a second successive season.
The south coast outfit brought in the centre-back back in January, and he ended up playing a key role as the Cherries finished second in the Championship behind Fulham.
And now Scott Parker wants the 25-year-old to return to the Vitality to help them secure their status in the top-flight.
It was initially thought that Liverpool may be willing to allow Phillips to depart permanently, but reports last week suggested those at Anfield still see him as a long-term replacement to Joel Matip.
Lewandowski agrees deal with Barca
Robert Lewandowski is poised to put pen to paper on a £175,000-per-week deal at Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 33-year-old will sign a three-year contract with the Catalans worth £27m.
Paris Saint-Germain had threatened to hijack the deal at the eleventh hour, but the Polish superstar is said to be loyal to the LaLiga giants.
The move will speak the end of Lewandowski’s eight years at Bayern Munich, during which time he has scored as astonishing 344 times in 374 appearances.
Poch wants Premier League return
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be axed as manager of Paris Saint-Germain imminently – but is already planning for a return to the Premier League.
The Telegraph report that the Argentine is keen to coach again in England’s top-flight, and wants to get back in the game as soon as possible.
Pochettino was favourite for the Manchester United job for several months until the emergence of Erik ten Hag, and was also linked with a return to former club Tottenham prior to Antonio Conte’s appointment.
Fulham pushing hard for Leno
Newly-promoted Fulham are in talks to sign goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Arsenal.
The German stopper is widely expected to leave the Emirates this summer, having fallen behind Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order, and following the arrival of back-up Matt Turner.
However, Leno’s agent Joannis Koukoutrigas believes that his player should still be considered Arsenal’s number one and could yet remain in North London.
Bild journalist Tobi Altschaffl reports Koukoutrigas as saying: “He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player.
“For me personally, Bernd is also the clear number one at Arsenal – with all due respect to the competitors.
“Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status. But as I said, for me he is the number one at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”
United could flee from Frenkie
Manchester United are prepared to walk away from a move to sign Frenkie de Jong unless Barcelona lower their valuation.
A deal appeared imminent last week when De Jong revealed that he was excited by the prospect of a reunion with his former boss Erik ten Hag.
However, the two clubs now appear some way off in their agreement of a transfer fee for the 25-year-old.
Reports suggest that the Catalans are holding out for €100m while the Red Devils are reluctant to pay more than €70m.
And now sources close to United have revealed that the Premier League club are considering alternatives to the midfielder.
No Ings-tention of selling striker
Aston Villa have ‘no intention’ of selling Danny Ings, report Sky Sports News.
The 29-year-old striker has been linked with a move to both Manchester United and Leeds United since the end of the season.
However, Steven Gerrard has dismissed the rumours, and indicated that Ings remains an integral part of his squad.
The forward arrived at Villa Park from Southampton for £25m a year ago, and scored seven goals in 31 appearances.
Den deal? United track Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries is the latest Dutchman to be linked with Manchester United, according to report.
The Inter Milan right-back is a target for the Red Devils, and the Serie A side are supposedly ready to sell.
It’s a position that the Red Devils are aiming to strengthen with neither Aaron Wan-Bissaka not Diogo Dalot seen as the long-term answer.
The 26-year-old is renowned for his attacking threat, and scored five goals during his debut season at the San Siro last term.
Alonso ‘confirms plans’ to leave
Marcos Alonso has reiterated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Spaniard is desperate to depart Chelsea in order to join Barcelona.
The left-back has already agreed personal terms with the LaLiga giants, and it’s now up to the club to agree a fee with Chelsea.
Alonso, 31, has scored 29 goals and provided 23 assists in 212 appearances for the Blues.
Matic arrives at Stadio Olimpico
Nemanja Matic is in Italy today to finalise his move to Roma.
The Serbian midfielder revealed in April that he would be leaving Manchester United following the expiry of his contract.
The 33-year-old is due to link up again with Jose Mourinho, who he played under at both Chelsea and United.
Matic made 189 appearances during five years at Old Trafford,
Erling can excel at City
Erling Haaland has joined the right club in order to fulfil his ambitions.
That’s according to Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain.
On Haaland’s unveiling, Begiristain said: “We have been monitoring Erling for several years now, so we are delighted to bring him here to Manchester City.
“He is a huge talent and has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last few seasons. His goalscoring record is exceptional and his performances at Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League in particular have proved he can succeed at the highest level.
“Erling has everything we want in a striker, and we are certain he will excel in this squad and this system.
“His rise has been remarkable, but he is still only 21. His best years are ahead of him, and we are confident he can get even better working with Pep.
“This is a very exciting signing for our club, and I am sure our fans will enjoy watching Erling perform in this team.”
Hot-shot Haaland’s goalscoring record
Erling Haaland arrives at Manchester City with a reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in world football – and it’s easy to see why.
At 21 years of age, his numbers are phenomenal. The Norwegian has netted 135 times in club football, and has a further 20 goals for his country.
- Norway: 21 caps, 20 goals.
- Borussia Dortmund: 89 apps, 86 goals.
- RB Salzburg: 27 apps, 29 goals.
- Molde: 50 apps, 20 goals.
Haaland speaks after joining City
Erling Haaland has spoken for the first time after his move to Manchester City was confirmed.
The 21-year-old striker said: “This is a proud day for me and my family. I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons.
“You can’t help but admire their style of play, it’s exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me.
“There are so many world-class players in this squad and Pep is one of the greatest managers of all-time, so I believe I am in the right place to fulfil my ambitions.
I want to score goals, win trophies, and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here. This is a great move for me, and I can’t wait to get started in pre-season.
Erling Haaland
Credit: mancity.com Breaking: City confirm Haaland signing
Manchester City have this morning confirmed the signing of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
The striker has penned a five-year deal with the Premier League champions that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2027.
Norwegian international Haaland continues his family’a association with the City, following in the footsteps of his father, Alfie, who captained the Cityzens two decades ago.
Take a seat, City fans
It seems like there’s news coming from the Etihad.
Sofa, so good.
Dembele deal edging even closer
Ousmane Dembele will soon be unveiled as a Chelsea player.
That’s according to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sports Witness), who report that ‘everything seems to indicate’ that the Barcelona forward will soon be moving to Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at the Nou Camp this summer, and will depart on a free transfer – just five years after joining for €105m.
The Frenchman’s time with the LaLiga giants has been hampered by injuries; in 149 appearances in all competitions, he scored 32 goals and provided 34 assists.
Maitland-Niles heading for Forest
Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has emerged as a transfer target for newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old looks set to finally leave the Emirates on a permanent basis after loan spells away at Roma and West Bromwich Albion.
And Steve Cooper’s Forest are considering an offer that would keep the England international in the Premier League.
Though traditionally a midfielder, Maitland-Niles has excelled as a right wing-back in the past, and could be seen as the ideal replacement for Djed Spence.
Spence starred for Forest on loan from Middlesbrough last season, but looks set to join Tottenham instead of opting for a return to the City Ground.
Breakdown of Liverpool’s Nunez deal
Portuguese media outlet Record have supposedly revealed the details of the add-ons that could make the transfer of Darwin Nunez the biggest in Liverpool’s history.
The newspaper report that the Reds will pay Benfica an initial €75m, followed by a further €5m once he has played ten games for the club.
Should Nunez go on to make 60 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s team then another €10m will be due.
The final €10m rests on collective and individual milestones achieved during the forward’s time at Anfield.
Should Liverpool end up paying the full €100m – approximately £85m – then it will eclipse the club record £75m that they paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018.
Breaking: Blackburn to appoint Tomasson
Blackburn Rovers are expected to announce Jon Dahl Tomasson as their new manager in the next 48 hours, Sky Sports News have revealed.
The former Newcastle and Denmark striker will join the Championship club later this month.
The news comes after Rovers revealed they are to part company with current boss Tony Mowbray after five years in charge.
Tomasson will arrive after a successful spell at Malmo, with whom he won successive Swedish Allsvenskan titles.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
