Premier League transfer gossip and rumours
Pepe to be a Gunner
Arsenal are expected to officially unveil Nicolas Pepe today after pictures of him wearing a Gunners shirt were leaked online.
The Sun publishes a photo of the former Lille winger proudly posing in a red and white shirt, and the paper says the £72m move is a done deal.
The Ivorian spent yesterday at the Gunners’ multi-million pound Colney training complex, and the 24-year-old is tipped to face the press this week.
Tierney deal close
Arsenal are also closing in on Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney. The Gunners have restructured their £25m offer for the 22-year-old Scotland international. (Daily Mail)
United chase Umtiti
Manchester United have their “sights set on” Samuel Umtiti. United’s transfer guru, Ed Woodward, has “given up” on trying to prise Harry Maguire from Leicester City, and will instead seek to lure the 25-year-old Umtiti from Barcelona. One sticking point, however, could be the fee, with reports that United value the defender at £46m, £9m less than Barca’s estimation. (Daily Express)
Dybala talks begin
Manchester United are in talks with Juventus over the signing of Paulo Dybala. Juve are prepared to let the Argentine leave as they are keen on United striker Romelu Lukaku. Belgium forward Lukaku is said to be happy to join Juve, but talks with Dybala are at an early stage. No bid has yet been made and any deal could depend on Dybala agreeing a switch to Old Trafford. (BBC Sport)
Mustafi not moving
The father and agent of Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi has scotched rumours suggesting his son could be poised to leave the Emirates in the near future. Mustafi, who moved to Arsenal in the summer of 2016 from Valencia in a £35m deal, has in recent weeks been linked to the likes of Roma and Monaco. But his dad Kujtim said: “It’s news to me. There’s nothing in it. There has been no contact with Roma or any other Italian club.” (Daily Mirror)
Kean to Everton
Moise Kean is reportedly set to fly into Merseyside today to undergo a medical ahead of signing a deal with Everton. It’s claimed that the Toffees and Juventus have “agreed a deal” for the 19-year-old sensation. The Italian striker will earn £2.75m a year, while Everton will hand over an initial sum of £29m for Kean, “but the fee could rise to around £37million with add-ons”. (talkSPORT)
Milan eye Lovren
AC Milan are to “revive their interest” in Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren after holding a meeting with the player’s agent. The Italian press claim that Milan are anxious to bring the Croatian centre-back to the San Siro for this season, and although the Reds are reluctant to sell, officials from the Serie A club met have with one of Lovren’s representatives. (Daily Mirror)
Rose to remain a Lilywhite?
Tottenham beat Real Madrid last night in the latest meaningless pre-season friendly, and afterwards Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was asked about rumours linking left-back Danny Rose with a move to Newcastle. “Danny Rose like another 25 or 26 players are here and are my players,” snapped Pochettino. “I don’t know what I need to say because I was very clear in the past.” According to reports, Rose has decided against a move north and will stay at Spurs. (Daily Express)
Rennes move for Koscielny
According to reports French club Rennes are making another move to sign Laurent Koscielny from Arsenal. Rennes want the defender on a free transfer but Arsenal want a fee for the 33-year-old. (Sky Sports)
Heaton off to Villa
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set to move to Premier League new boys Aston Villa. It’s reported a fee between £8m and £9m has been agreed for the 33-year-old, who is expected to have a medical today. (Sky Sports)
