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.
But the Blues are reported to have made a shock approach for Eduardo Camavinga of Rennes.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
- Jake Lambourne
SUMMER LOVIN'
With the Euros soon to be over, you can expect a number of players to make the move to the Premier League in high-profile transfers.
Manchester United have already agreed a deal to sign Jadon Sancho for £73million.
And it remains to be seen if the likes of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and James Maddison will be on the move.
- Jake Lambourne
RAY OF LIGHT
Wolves have turned Rayan Ait-Mouri's loan spell from Angers into a permanent move.
The left-back, who has penned a five-year deal at Molineux, appeared in 24 games in the 2020-21 campaign.
Commenting on the move, technical director Scott Sellars said: “We think Rayan is a great signing for the football club.
"He proved last season that he’s a very talented player, with lots of potential – I thought he did well and kicked on towards the end of the season.
"He’s a player who is only going to get better, he’s a good boy, who works hard, and settled in well here."
- Jake Lambourne
AL BE DAMNED
Sunderland have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old, who previously played for Tottenham and Norwich, was a free agent after being released by Huddersfield.
Commenting on his move to link up with boss Lee Johnson, he said: "There were other offers out there.
"But it’s crucial for me to be with a head coach that knows me as a player, and as a person, and has a playing style that suits me.
"“The club speaks for itself – you see the stadium, the training ground, the fans – and I just think this could be a great fit."
- Jake Lambourne
ITALIAN JOB
EXCLUSIVE – Irish wonderkid Kevin Zefi has agreed a move to Inter Milan.
The 16-year-old will move out to Italy in the next few weeks to start pre-season.
Zefi became the youngest goalscorer in League of Ireland history when he netted for current side Shamrock Rovers in September against Longford Town, aged just 15.
He is regarded one of the most exciting talent to come out of Ireland in many years and is being advised by Spurs and Newcastle star Stephen Carr.
Clubs in Germany and Holland were keen but long-term admirers Inter have won the race.
The Nerazzurri tried to do a deal last summer but have now pulled it off and will add Zefi to their Under-19 squad.
- Jake Lambourne
ROWE YOUR BOAT
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.
Reported James Benge tweeted: "Arsenal growing in confidence that they will soon secure a new contract for Emile Smith Rowe.
"It’s expected to be a five-year deal but there are still details to finalise."
- Jake Lambourne
RIP PAUL
Former England star Paul Mariner has tragically passed away at the age of 68.
He played for the likes of Arsenal, Ipswich and Plymouth during a 20-year player career.
Mariner was part of the Tractor Boys' side that memorably won the FA Cup and Uefa Cup.
"An England statement read: "We're sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the #ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68.
"Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs."
- Justin Lawrence
ED FOR THE BRIDGE?
Chelsea have contacted Rennes over Manchester United target Eduardo Camavinga, reports say.
The £26million-rated France midfielder, 18, is thought said to prefer staying in his home country by joining PSG.
But Le Parisien suggest Chelsea have spoken directly to Rennes about him.
Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel hopes to strengthen his engine room after Scotland ace Billy Gilmour switched to promoted Norwich on loan for the season.
Arsenal and Real Madrid have also been linked with three-cap starlet Camavinga, who has just a year left on his contract.
Chelsea reportedly have contacted Rennes over Manchester United target Eduardo CamavingaCredit: Getty - Justin Lawrence
DAVIES TO STAY
Liverpool defender Ben Davies reportedly wants to remain at Anfield this summer.
He's been linked with a move away from Merseyside but has no plans to leave Jurgen Klopp's side.
Davies joined the Reds in last season but failed to notch a single appearance last season.
But despite Celtic and AFC Bournemouth allegedly vying for his talents, the English native will battle it out to earn his place at Liverpool, according to Anfield Watch.
Davies will stay with Liverpool next season reports claimCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail - Justin Lawrence
AOUAR RAID
Tottenham reportedly plan to hijack Arsenal’s move for Lyon ace Houssem Aouar.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners who have allegedly made a £17million bid for the star.
And the Frenchman sent Arsenal fans wild when he was pictured in London fuelling reports he was completing his move.
But their North London rivals Tottenham are allegedly lining up a last-gasp offer to steal Aouar from under Arsenal noses, according to The Express.
Spurs reportedly want to sign Arseanl target AouarCredit: Getty
- Justin Lawrence
DALOT SHOP
AC Milan reportedly want to bring back Diogo Dalot from Man United for another season.
The Portuguese full-back spent last term with Milan and the Serie A giants are keen for him to be with them again, according the Sempremilan.
He played 21 games and scored a goal in the process with the Rossoneri.
But Milan boss Stefano Pioli also has reportedly has his eyes on Tottenham star Serge Aurier if he can’t get Dalot this time round, Sempremilan claim.
Milan want to bring back Dalot next seasonCredit: AFP or licensors - Justin Lawrence
PETIT FLEET
Ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit thinks his old club needs to make at-least five new signings this summer.
And each of the five need to possess quality and character the Frenchman reckons.
In an interview with the Metro, Petit said: “If Arsenal want to be competitive again.
“They need at least five players with both talent and character.”
Petit wants Arsenal to sign at-least five players this summerCredit: Getty – Contributor - Justin Lawrence
STAYING RON
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will STAY at Juventus beyond the summer, according to team-mate Danilo.
The 36-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain – but now seems set to stay in Turin for another season.
According to Goal, Juventus defender Danilo told the press: "Having him in the team is important for us because he brings an avalanche of goals.
"He's a dear friend, we've known each other since Real Madrid.
"He'll still be with us next season."
Danilo reckons Ronaldo will be at Juve next seasonCredit: Getty - Justin Lawrence
GUNNER WHITE
Ben White has reportedly told his England team-mates that he expects to be at Arsenal next season.
The Brighton defender’s proposed £50million switch to the Gunners is all but complete, according to multiple reports.
The Gunners faced competition from Everton for White’s signature, but the 23-year-old has his eyes on a move to the Emirates, journalist Peter O’Rourke has claimed.
Speaking on the Football Terrace podcast, he said: “Ben White really wants this move even though there was a bit of late interest from Everton.
“The defender has his heart set on a move to the Emirates, I think he wants to stay down south predominantly as well so that puts Arsenal in a real good position to finalise this move.”
“He’s been telling some of his England teammates that the deal is pretty much done. He expects to be an Arsenal player at the start of next season.”
White reportedly wants to move to ArsenalCredit: Getty - Justin Lawrence
CHONG’S GONE
Birmingham City have announced that they’ve completed the loan signing of Tahith Chong from Manchester United.
The Dutch winger will join the Midlands side on a season long loan.
It’s the 21-year-old’s third stint on loan as he spent two different spells last season with Werder Bremen and Club Brugge.
Chong will remain at Old Trafford for pre-season before heading to the Blues in time for the start of the new Championship season.
Chong has joined Birmingham on a season-long loanCredit: PA - Justin Lawrence
MADDISON BOOST
Arsenal’s pursuit of James Maddison has reportedly been given a boost by his club Leicester City.
The Foxes are said to be interested in signing Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, according to The Mirror.
And if the rumours prove to be true, Coutinho’s arrival at the King Power Stadium could open the door for Maddison’s departure.
Barca are said to open to selling Coutinho for as little as £20million to raise funds, The Mirror claim.
If the Brazilian attacking midfielder does make a switch to Foxes, it would see him link back up with old boss Brendan Rodgers who he played under at Liverpool.
Arsenal could land Maddison if the Foxes manage to sign CoutinhoCredit: Reuters
- Justin Lawrence
COST OF CRIS
Manchester United will reportedly have to pull out some mega-bucks to sign Cristian Romero from Atlanta.
The Daily Star allege that Atlanta won’t take no less than £52million for the defender.
And as-well as a hefty price, United have to deal with Tottenham who are also interested in Romero.
Although the Argentinian will cost an arm and a leg, the Serie A side are open to doing business for him if they stand to make a profit.
Romero will cost United an excessive amountCredit: EPA - Justin Lawrence
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 - Justin Lawrence
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 - Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
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."
- Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
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.
- Kealan Hughes
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."
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