by The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you the latest rumors, news, departures and of course completed deals!
TOP STORY: Zubimendi rejects Liverpool
Real Sociedad midfielder and alleged Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi has rejected an offer from Liverpool, according to Relevo.
The report reveals that while Liverpool were willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause, a transfer is unlikely after the Spanish international failed to agree terms with the Premier League giants.
Liverpool have been looking to expand their options in midfield, with new manager Arne Slot testing Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai as defensive midfielders during preseason, but Zubimendi was reportedly the Reds’ preferred option for the role.
After losing Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid at the beginning of the transfer period, The Real did not want to see any more key players leave the club and for now, that wish appears to have been granted. Arsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi, however, and the LALIGA side will no doubt have to fend off further interest in their talisman between now and deadline day.
Paper gossip
– Chelsea have made progress in securing a contract for the Napoli striker Victor Osimhenaccording to TeamTalk. It is reported that the Nigerian international remains Chelsea’s main target for the rest of the transfer window as talks between Napoli and the Blues are ongoing. Chelsea are likely to include two players in the deal, either Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah or Cesare Casadei join in the forward movement Romelu Lukaku in possible change.
– Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all in the hunt for a deal for the aforementioned Chelsea defender Chalobah, Football Insider suspects. The 25-year-old has been identified by Chelsea as a player who can leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window, with Chalobah not training with the first team as the Blues want to offload him.
– AFC Bournemouth has identified Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah as a possible replacement for Dominic Solanke, reveals Fabrizio Romano. Following Solanke’s move to Spurs, Bournemouth are desperately looking for more striker options to replace the 26-year-old. Talks are reported to have taken place after Marseille’s move for Nketiah fell through. Arsenal are apparently ready to part ways with the 25-year-old, who is said to be desperate to become a first-team regular.
– Newcastle United have made a third offer for the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhireports Keith Downie of Sky Sports. The England international is valued at £65 million, with Newcastle’s offer said to be around £50 million. However, the Magpies are looking for a compromise with Palace as the transfer window enters its final weeks.
– Charlotte FC are trying to complete a deal for the Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almironsaid Fabrizio Romano. However, it is reported that a deal will not come easily – and time is not on their side, with only two days of the MLS transfer window remaining.
