Football transfer rumours: Philippe Coutinho to sign for Arsenal?
Having successfully tightened up Arsenal’s previously flimsy defence, Mikel Arteta is seeking to boost his attacking options for next season. The current question seems to be whether the Gunners will sign former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, Willian from Chelsea, or perhaps even both of the Brazilian internationals. Coutinho, on loan at Bayern Munich, has said he wants to return to the Premier League.
Related: Casemiro: 'Even today I get a little nervous talking to Zidane'
Some sports news outlets say Arsenal’s move for Coutinho is already at an advanced stage, and that Arteta has big plans for the former Liverpool forward. Others are claiming Arsenal have already chosen to “snub” Coutinho, even rejecting a season-long loan deal, and plan to bring in Willian instead. Kia Joorabchian acts as agent for both players, so getting a deal done for both would no doubt suit him.
It wouldn’t be a transfer gossip update without mention of Jadon Sancho: on Wednesday night, Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke poured cold water on the idea that a much-hyped transfer to Manchester United is merely moments away. In fact, far from talks being at an advanced stage, he claimed there has so far been no contact between the clubs about a possible move at all.
“So far there has been no contact between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United in terms of Sancho,” he was quoted as saying. “I assume that Jadon will go to the training camp on Monday and play with us for the coming season.” So much for the recent claims that Sancho has agreed personal terms at Old Trafford. Time will tell.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Ben Chilwell has reportedly hit the rocks so the south-west Londoners are instead trying to sign Sergio Reguilón from Real Madrid. You won’t believe this, but some are even claiming that talks with Reguilón are at an advanced stage.
Elsewhere, it is reported that Antonio Rüdiger, Timo Werner and even Michael Ballack are all trying to “help along” the Blues’ efforts to snare Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen. Rüdiger and Werner both play for Germany with Havertz while Ballack, of course, is a dual Leverkusen and Chelsea legend. If he can’t advance those talks, who can?
As we reported yesterday, Crystal Palace are battling with Aston Villa to sign the Brentford striker Ollie Watkins and have also offered a contract to Ryan Fraser, who is a free agent after leaving Bournemouth. Promoted Fulham are also in the market to sign Scotland winger Fraser.
Speaking of Bournemouth, John Terry is widely reported to be on the Cherries’ radar after Eddie Howe’s departure. He is at the very least on their shortlist for the managerial vacancy.
Related: Martial strikes late against Lask then United finally offload Alexis Sánchez
Serge Aurier is going to leave Tottenham with AC Milan and Monaco both keen to secure his services while Saïd Benrahma – who missed out on promotion to the Premier League with Brentford on Tuesday night – is attracting admiring glances from the powers that be at what we can only call Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Over on the continent, James Rodríguez is rumoured to be lining up a move from Real Madrid to city rivals Atlético. “I have no idea whether he will end up coming,” said Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo. “Talks are at an un-advanced stage,” he didn’t add.
