CHELSEA have made a £50m swoop for Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski after failing to land Erling Haaland, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
And the Blues are also reported to have made an offer for Federico Chiesa of Juventus while allowing Olivier Giroud to leave for AC Milan.
Meanwhile Man City are also in for England captain Kane and reportedly willing to offer the likes of Bernardo Silva in exchange.
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- Kostas Lianos
LOKONGA ARRIVES
Arsenal had a busy day as they signed Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht.
Lokonga joined the Gunners in a £17million deal and is set to offer manager Mikel Arteta more options in midfield.
The north Londoners announced that the player has signed a “long-term” contract.
Lokonga said after his unveiling: “It’s a big move because I have been playing for Anderlecht for 10 years so it’s going to be my first big move to another country.
“It’s a big step, but I feel confident because we have to be. In the football world, you have to feel confident about yourself, but I’m looking to play in this league and I can’t wait to start”
- Thomas Blow
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Callum Hudson-Odoi is staying put at Chelsea to fight for his future.
And that will kill any chance of him moving to Bayern Munich as part of a swap deal with fellow wideman Kingsley Coman, 25.
The Germans have been admirers of Hudson-Odoi for a long time and have even gone public with it.
It led to the England player being handed a new £100,00-a-week contract last year that ties him to Chelsea until 2024.
But despite failing to hold down a regular starting place under new boss Thomas Tuchel last season, Hudson-Odoi, 20, is not interested in leaving his boyhood club.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are playing hardball with Manchester United over England defender Kieran Trippier.
The former Tottenham right-back is wanted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to provide defensive cover at Old Trafford next season.
United are ready to pay around £18million for the ex-Burnley man, 30, but Atletico boss Diego Simeone is in no rush to sell.
So the Old Trafford outfit look like having to raise their offer if they are to land the Bury-born player.
The Spanish champs are still waiting to hear what Trippier wants to do.
And he may need to force the issue if he is to get his dream move back to the Premier League after two years in LaLiga.
And finally, Tottenham are chasing a double swoop for Atalanta stars Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero, according to reports.
Former Juventus chief Fabio Paratici has been hired as director of football by chairman Daniel Levy this summer.
And the Italian is set to use his extensive knowledge of Serie A to aid Spurs’ recruitment.
According to Football London, Tottenham are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Atalanta for Romero and Gollini.
Paratici knows the former well, having signed him for Juventus in 2019, before he joined Atalanta on a two-year loan deal a year later.
His temporary club have the option to make the move permanent for £13.8million this summer, before selling him on for a handsome profit.
- Joe Brophy
CAL-LED OFF
Exclusive by Andy Dillon: Callum Hudson-Odoi is staying put at Chelsea to fight for his future.
And that will kill any chance of him moving to Bayern Munich as part of a swap deal with fellow wideman Kingsley Coman, 25.
The Germans have been admirers of Hudson-Odoi for a long time and have even gone public with it.
It led to the England player being handed a new £100,00-a-week contract last year that ties him to Chelsea until 2024.
But despite failing to hold down a regular starting place under new boss Thomas Tuchel last season, Hudson-Odoi, 20, is not interested in leaving his boyhood club.
- Joe Brophy
PHIL YOUR BOOTS
Arsenal have been handed a boost by reports that former target Philippe Coutinho is not closing in on a move to AC Milan.
- Joe Brophy
PRICE FOR RICE
Declan Rice could cost Chelsea a whopping £100million should the Champions League winners make a move for the England star.
The Athletic claim West Ham are after the megabucks fee from suitors interested in their star with Manchester United and the Blues thought to be keen.
- Joe Brophy
GATTU-NO
Gennaro Guttuso has finally lifted the lid on what happened with his failed appointment as Tottenham manager.
While speaking to Il Messagero, he said: "I had to accept a story that hurts more than any defeat or dismissal, in a moment when we don't want to understand how dangerous the web can be."
What really got under his skin was that he couldn't defend himself against the accusations made on social media that he claims aren't true.
Gattuso added: "It was a huge disappointment, but I wasn't described for the way I am and there was nothing I could do.
"I am sorry I could not defend myself and explain that I am not the person they were talking about in England."
- Joe Brophy
WINGING IT
Everton are interested in signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, according to reports.
The Premier League club are also on the verge of bringing Crystal Palace star Andros Townsend to Goodison Park on a free transfer.
According to The Times, Everton have been monitoring McNeil's progress and believe he's worth £25million.
But it's believed Burnley aren't interested in selling the player and would be unlikely to accept just £25m for such a talented prospect.
- Joe Brophy
ARN THE MOVE
Exclusive by Tom Barclay: Villarreal remain frontrunners to sign Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma – despite Premier League interest.
Unai Emery’s Yellow Submarine had a £13million bid rejected for the Dutchman earlier this month.
Villarreal beat Manchester United to win last season’s Europa League.
And SunSport understands the Spanish outfit are still favourites to sign the wantaway Cherries forward.
Danjuma has also been linked to Aston Villa and was interesting Southampton.
- Joe Brophy
ATA BOYS
Tottenham are chasing a double swoop for Atalanta stars Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero, according to reports.
Former Juventus chief Fabio Paratici has been hired as director of football by chairman Daniel Levy this summer.
And the Italian is set to use his extensive knowledge of Serie A to aid Spurs' recruitment.
According to Football London, Tottenham are in 'advanced negotiations' with Atalanta for Romero and Gollini.
Paratici knows the former well, having signed him for Juventus in 2019, before he joined Atalanta on a two-year loan deal a year later.
His temporary club have the option to make the move permanent for £13.8million this summer, before selling him on for a handsome profit.
- Joe Brophy
SARR IT COMING
Chelsea defender Malang Sarr is determined to 'help the team to the top'.
Having trained under Thomas Tuchel in pre-season, he told Chelsea's official website: "It's a pleasure to be here, starting to work, we are working very hard and very well so I'm happy. I have enjoyed being here.
"I have spoken a little bit with the manager, he knows I speak French so we have been talking. I have a good feeling here; everybody is very good with me. I can feel everybody is ambitious here.
"They want to work and they really want us to give the best every day, and that’s a good thing because that’s how I see things. I really want to work hard every day and try to improve in every aspect."
He then added: "I hope to join the team and help the team to the top.
"They finished the season as Kings of Europe. I’m here to help and to let the team stay at the highest level, trying to bring all the good energy and my work to the team.
"I know the club is ambitious and I am ambitious as well, so it’s a perfect match."
- Joe Brophy
LIFE LINE
Tottenham and Wolves could offer Aston Villa flop Pierluigi Gollini a route back into the Premier League this summer.
Both Prem sides have reportedly made offers to Atalanta for the £17million keeper, according to Sports Witness.
Despite Gollini's safe pair of hands leading them to a third placed finish in the Serie A last season, with 10 clean sheets in 25 starts, Atalanta have replaced him with ex-Udinese stopper Juan Musso.
Gian Piero Gasperini wants to revamp his team ahead of the new season and is willing to sacrifice the 26-year-old to cover the cost.
- Joe Brophy
ALISS-DEAL-ON
Alisson is reportedly in the late stages of sealing a contract extension that will see him remain with Liverpool until June 2026.
Football expert Fabrizio Romano claims news of the goalkeeper’s new five-year deal is due to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
It is thought the Reds stopper, 28, will put pen to paper on his new contract once all the relevant details are finalised.
And the Athletic reports Alisson’s compatriot Fabinho is expected to sign a new deal with the side who are due to play Bundesliga outfit Mainz in a pre-season friendly on July 23.
- Joe Brophy
SET IN STONE
Arsenal are reportedly interested in West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Sky Sports News claims the former Manchester United youngster, 28, has emerged as a possible target for Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard is thought to be in the market for a new stopper as doubts grow over Bernd Leno’s Emirates future.
- Joe Brophy
WHITE HOT
Ben White should set his sights higher than Arsenal, Danny Mills reckons.
He told talkSPORT: “The only thing I am surprised at is Ben White has gone to Arsenal.
“Let’s assume that he will be at Arsenal for two or three years at least before he goes somewhere else. I just think he is better than that.
“What is he going to win at Arsenal? League Cup, if he is lucky. Maybe the FA Cup.
“I think he is an exceptional player and I think he is a fantastic signing for Arsenal.
“I am just a little bit surprised that Manchester United, who are looking for a centre-half, haven’t come in for him.”
- Joe Brophy
ON THE MEND
Manchester City are reportedly keen on bringing Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Nuno Mendes to the Eithad this summer.
But despite the 19-year-old being one of Europe's hottest prospects, City don't reckon he's worth the £43million that Lisbon want for him.
- Joe Brophy
MORE ON LOKONGA
Mikel Arteta has hailed the arrival of Albert Sambi Lokonga at Arsenal.
He told the club’s website: “Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development.
“He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.
“We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence.”
- Joe Brophy
FINE ART
A first look at Albert Sambi Lokonga wearing Arsenal’s strip for next season.
- Kostas Lianos
LOKONGA TEASE
Albert Sambi Lokonga shared a cryptic message on social media.
Lokonga replaced his profile pic on Instagram with an hourglass hinting that it is only a matter of time until he is officially announced by Arsenal.
The midfielder looks set to move to the Emirates after an impressive campaign with Anderlecht.
More below:
INSTAGRAM - Kostas Lianos
LOKONGA HINT
Anderlecht dropped a huge hint about Albert Sambi Lokonga’s future.
Lokonga looks set to move to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will hope he adds some firepower in midfield.
Anderlecht shared a post, which they later removed, bidding farewell to the Belgian.
Check it out:
- Kostas Lianos
ATLETICO STANCE
Atletico Madrid are not willing to give away Kieran Trippier during the summer transfer window.
That is according to AS, who claim that Atletico aren’t keen to letting Trippier join Manchester United or any other club for that matter.
As it stands, the England international is not for sale and can only go if he hands in a formal transfer request.
Reports suggest the full-back is nevertheless interested in returning to the Premier League
- Kostas Lianos
LOKONGA ANNOUNCEMENT
Arsenal are very close to announcing Albert Sambi Lokonga.
That is according to Football London, who report it is just a matter of time until Lokonga officially joins the Gunners.
The midfielder stood out last season with Anderlecht as he made 37 appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been desperately looking for someone to team up with Thomas Partey in the middle of the park
- Kostas Lianos
VARANE CLOSE
Manchester United are getting closer to signing Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane.
That is according to the Manchester Evening News, who report that United are ‘inching closer every day’ towards finalising a deal for Varane.
Talks have been very productive and the centre-back expects to join the Red Devils this summer.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for a top defender to link up with Harry Maguire at the back
- Kostas Lianos
STILL WAIT-INGS
Southampton star Danny Ings is holding out for an offer from Manchester United or Manchester City.
Ings has been on fire at Saints and was recently linked with a move to City in the summer.
According to talkSPORT, the centre-forward is keen to move to a bigger club but there have been no offers yet.
However, the England international still has his sights set on United and the Citizens
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
XHAKA PRICE TAG
Arsenal have told Roma that they will not accept any bids below €20million (£17.1 m) for Granit Xhaka.
That is according to Il Tempo, who claim that the Giallorossi remain very keen on Xhaka after his impressive displays at Euro 2020 with Switzerland.
The Serie A outfit are reportedly close to matching the Gunners’ evaluation for the midfielder.
Newly-appointed manager Jose Mourinho is waiting for the official sales of Robin Olsen and Justin Kluivert to Lille and Nice respectively
- Kostas Lianos
YOU KANE DO THAT
Harry Kane would "tarnish" his reputation if he refused to join Tottenham in pre-season training.
That is according to Former Crystal Palace ace Darren Ambrose, who responded to a recent report suggesting that Kane's team-mates are worried that the star striker won't link up with them in a bid to force a move away.
Ambrose told talkSPORT: "You should always return, you’re under contract.
“A gentleman’s agreement means nothing, absolutely nothing – particularly if Daniel Levy is like we know he is, he’s notoriously hard to deal with. He’d have said everything to get Kane to sign the contract initially.
“He’s Tottenham’s main man and idolised by the supporters. I think he’ll tarnish any reputation and anything he brings to Tottenham by doing this.
“He’s the England captain as well. I honestly can’t see him not turning up. I don’t know him personally but he seems like such a professional guy.
“If he refused and Daniel Levy doesn’t get the offer or money that he wants, he could just say: ‘Don’t come back in then’"
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