Transfer news LIVE: Frenkie de Jong deadline set as Chelsea and Brighton agree Marc Cucurella transfer

The new Premier League season gets underway tonight as Arsenal head to Crystal Palace - but transfer business is far from done and several clubs will hope to conclude deals before the weekend fixtures. Chief among them is Chelsea, in the running for at least three players right now, while their dealings with Barcelona could shape much of the rest of the window in England and around Europe.

Frenkie de Jong has had a deadline set for him to decide whether or not he’ll accept a departure from the Camp Nou, with Chelsea and Manchester United both hoping he’ll sign for them, while Bernardo Silva could be the replacement for him if a deal is arranged with Man City. Marcos Alonso could move from Stamford Bridge to Catalunya, but Cesar Azpilicueta won’t be doing so after signing a new deal with the Blues. They’re also chasing Wesley Fofana from Leicester and have agreed the transfer of Marc Cucurella.

The Foxes have already lost goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and midfielder James Maddison is wanted by Newcastle, so they could be busy in the next few weeks with incomings too, while Wolves are trying to sign Hwang Ui-jo to boost their forward line and Leeds want at least one attacker too, with Cody Gakpo and Martin Terrier both linked.

Follow all the latest transfer news, rumours and updates below.

Transfer news LIVE

• FPL: 30 players you should pick this season

• Frenkie de Jong handed 10-day deadline over Barcelona future

• Chelsea and Brighton agree Marc Cucurella transfer

• Blues to also make new bid for £80m Wesley Fofana

• Wolves reject £35m bid from Forest for Gibbs-White

Fulham sign Shane Duffy from Brighton on loan

Friday 5 August 2022 22:08 , Jack Rathborn

Shane Duffy has joined Fulham on a season-long loan, speaking to FFCtv, the 30-year-old said: “I’m delighted. It’s a really exciting challenge for me and the Club, one I’m really looking forward to.”

Tony Khan added: “Shane Duffy is a player with extensive experience in international football and in the Premier League. We’re very pleased that Shane is joining us on loan for this season.

“He’s a formidable and talented defender, and we expect that he’ll be a great fit in Marco’s squad. Come on Fulham!”

Premier League predictions: Our writers predict signing of the season

Friday 5 August 2022 21:50 , Jack Rathborn

Karl Matchett: Cheick Doucoure or Boubacar Kamara. Both add a brilliant holding midfield presence and ball-winning for teams who really needed it last year and are going places. They can elevate those sides and are really smart additions.

Alex Pattle: Darwin Nunez. Given that Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have outperformed the more optimistic expectations at Liverpool, it seems Nunez may just follow in their footsteps.

Michael Jones: Ivan Perisic. Full of experience and versatility, he could help take Spurs to another level under boss Antonio Conte who will utilise him as an attacking wingback.

Jamie Braidwood: Oleksandr Zinchenko. His technical ability is outstanding and, if he gets the chance, I think he has the character to take responsibility of Arsenal’s midfield alongside Martin Odegaard. He showed for Ukraine that he can dominate games and it’s now about doing that in the Premier League.

Kieran Jackson: Jesse Lingard. Much like his loan move to West Ham triggered a reaction, consistent minutes under Steve Cooper will see the ex-Man Utd playmaker as Forest’s focal point, both on the pitch and the terraces. And if he hits the ground running, who knows? Maybe Qatar beckons come November too…

Premier League predictions: Our writers predict signing of the season

Friday 5 August 2022 21:30 , Jack Rathborn

Miguel Delaney: Ivan Perisic, who I think is one of those players who doesn’t just represent exactly what his manager wants, but will have a multiplying effect that makes him inspired.

Richard Jolly: Darwin Nunez. The Community Shield suggested Liverpool’s fine run in the transfer market should continue. But for a value-for-money pick, James Tarkowski on a free transfer for Everton is up there.

Mark Critchley: Cheick Doucoure, Boubacar Kamara and Tyrell Malacia all feel like smart and cheap (or at least cheap-ish) pick-ups. Ivan Perisic is the type of move not every top club would have made but suits Tottenham’s system perfectly.

Ben Burrows: Kalidou Koulibaly. He seems the safest bet of Chelsea’s bevvy of new signings to hit the ground running the best with his experience and leadership qualities sorely needed in the Blues’ backline.

Jack Rathborn: Kalidou Koulibaly. Big shoes to fill in Antonio Rudiger, but has an excellent combination of physicality and composure on the ball and I’d expect the transition to be smooth with compatriot Edouard Mendy between the sticks.

Premier League 2022/23 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more

Friday 5 August 2022 21:10 , Jack Rathborn

The Premier League is back ahead of an unprecedented season with the anticipated pause for the 2022 World Cup.

But there is plenty of intrigue surrounding Manchester City and especially the arrival of Erling Haaland and how he impacts Pep Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool will hope to keep pace to the very end once again, despite the loss of Sadio Mane, with Darwin Nunez adding a different element for Jurgen Klopp.

While there is great uncertainty at the bottom, with Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest hoping to survive after promotion last season.

Our writers predict how the Premier League season will unfold

Jurgen Klopp refuses to rule out signings to alleviate Liverpool’s injury issues

Friday 5 August 2022 20:50 , Jack Rathborn

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has not ruled out dipping into the transfer market to alleviate his current injury problems but admits it is not the solution to a “four-week problem”.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate injured a knee in the friendly against Strasbourg on Sunday which Klopp admits will see the defender out “for a while”.

He joins an injury list which already includes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring), Diogo Jota (thigh), Curtis Jones (calf), second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (groin) and Kostas Tsimikas (knock), with Naby Keita set to resume training on Friday after almost a week out with illness.

Liverpool had already completed their expected business with the arrival of striker Darwin Nunez, whose move from Benfica could eventually end up being a club-record £85million, Fulham teenager Fabio Carvalho for £5m and Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsey for £6.5m.

Jurgen Klopp refuses to rule out signings to alleviate Liverpool’s injury issues

Big money transfers ‘make no sense’ for Southampton, Ralph Hasenhuttl claims

Friday 5 August 2022 20:30 , Jack Rathborn

Ralph Hasenhuttl has insisted big-money signings “make no sense” for Southampton.

Saints have already brought in six recruits ahead of the new campaign, with further additions still being sought.

Manager Hasenhuttl believes spending upwards of £40million on one player remains off Southampton’s agenda however, with the south coast club continuing to focus on young, upwardly mobile targets.

“I’m still of the opinion that £40 or £50million transfers make no sense for us,” said Hasenhuttl. “But we of course want quality, and if it’s young, OK, no problem, take it.

“This is the way we want to go and it’s good that we have done our job so far. But the transfer window is open so long that, if we do something we have enough time to do it.”

Big money transfers ‘make no sense’ for Southampton, Ralph Hasenhuttl claims

Wolves reject third Nottingham Forest offer for ‘important’ Morgan Gibbs-White

Friday 5 August 2022 20:10 , Jack Rathborn

Wolves boss Bruno Lage expects Morgan Gibbs-White to play a key role this season after the club rejected another bid from Nottingham Forest for the midfielder.

Newly-promoted Forest have reportedly made a third offer worth up to £35million for Gibbs-White, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Lage, whose side launch their Premier League campaign at Leeds on Saturday, said: “We reject. He’s an important player for me and for the dynamic. We are building for the future of Wolves.

“We reject because he’s an important player for us. He feels important also, he is happy. The way he’s played and the way he’s worked every day in training showed me that.

Wolves reject third Nottingham Forest offer for ‘important’ Morgan Gibbs-White

Everton set to complete signing of Lille midfielder Amadou Onana

Friday 5 August 2022 19:50 , Jack Rathborn

Everton have agreed a £33.7million deal to sign Lille midfielder Amadou Onana.

It is understood the 20-year-old Belgium international is set for a medical ahead of signing a five-year contract.

He is likely to be in the stands at Goodison Park to watch Saturday’s home game against Chelsea.

Onana will provide a much-needed option in midfield, an area manager Frank Lampard is looking to strengthen further with a deal to bring former Toffees player Idrissa Gana Gueye back from Paris St Germain.

West Ham were also interested in Onana but Everton have beaten their Premier League rivals to his signature.

Everton set to complete signing of Lille midfielder Amadou Onana

West Ham confirm Maxwel Cornet signing

Friday 5 August 2022 19:30 , Jack Rathborn

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Maxwel Cornet.

The 25-year-old joins from Burnley on a five-year deal with a further one-year option for an undisclosed fee.

“It’s a new step for me to join this big Club and I’m really happy to be here, to be part of the project for the Club. I’m just excited to start,” he said.

“Everyone knows the level here in the Premier League is very high and I want to play here for that, so I’m really happy to be here for the next stage in my career.

“It will be amazing to play in front of 62,500 fans at London Stadium. I played here for Burnley last season and I can’t wait to experience it as a West Ham player.”

Barcelona set to seal deal for Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso

Friday 5 August 2022 19:20 , Jack Rathborn

Barcelona now expect to complete the signing of Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso.

Marc Cucurella’s £62million arrival at Chelsea has paved the way for Alonso to make the move back to Spain that he has craved for some months.

Alonso is understood to want to return to his native Spain to be closer to family, and his impending switch will bring down the curtain on six years in west London.

Chelsea are thought to have been understanding of Alonso’s desire to return to Spain, and have long been in dialogue with Barcelona over a deal.

Barcelona set to seal deal for Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso

Pep Guardiola unsure whether Bernardo Silva will stay at Manchester City

Friday 5 August 2022 19:00 , Jack Rathborn

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wants Bernardo Silva to stay at the club but admits he does not know what is going to happen.

The Portugal international has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, though there has been no official bid from the Spanish side.

Guardiola has allowed Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to leave over the close season, but he does not want Silva to join the exodus.

However, the Spaniard knows that it is not just up to him.

“I said many times, my satisfaction training the guys was massive, it was really good. I was comfortable working with Oleks, Raheem, Gabriel, incredible characters that helped us achieve what we achieved,” Guardiola said at his press conference ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola unsure whether Bernardo Silva will stay at Manchester City

Thomas Tuchel responds to Gary Neville’s criticism of Chelsea’s ‘panicky’ transfer window

Friday 5 August 2022 18:40 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas Tuchel has defended Chelsea owner Todd Boehly after Gary Neville accused him of being “panicky” in the summer transfer window.

The Blues have been big players in the market so far with the American, who has taken on the role of sporting director at the club, keen to reshape the playing squad at Stamford Bridge.

Marc Cucurella has become the latest new face through the door, joining from Brighton in a deal understood to be worth £62million.

He follows the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Carney Chukwuemeka in making the move to west London in what has been a busy offseason.

Sky Sports pundit Neville has been critical of some of the decisions being made recently claiming that Boehly was “wandering around a little bit” and being “a bit panicky”.

Thomas Tuchel responds to Gary Neville’s criticism of Chelsea’s ‘panicky’ window

Roy Keane insists Cristiano Ronaldo situation offers Erik ten Hag opportunity to send message

Friday 5 August 2022 18:20 , Jack Rathborn

Roy Keane insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to leave Manchester United offers Erik ten Hag an opportunity to send a message to his squad.

"We don't know about Ronaldo's behaviour,” Keane said. “If he's downed tools, that's unacceptable. I don't think it's a big deal, if you're a manager, trouble comes your way.

“He's got to deal with, he can put a marker down, say to Ronaldo, if he's got takers, United will want money back. If you want to go to Lisbon, off you go.

“Other players will think, short term we'll miss him, but the bigger picture, we're trying to rebuild, United won't be competing for league titles for two or three years.”

Is the Premier League too big to fail or could it fall?

Friday 5 August 2022 18:00 , Karl Matchett

A few months ago, some senior European football figures were in England for a meeting, and talk naturally turned to the “product” the Premier League is. There was admiration, but also aggravation.

A sentiment shared that evening, which is increasingly echoed across the continent, is that England’s elite competition is now “so arrogant” it “would be great if it fell”.

In one sense, you couldn’t have a greater indication of the Premier League’s power than such resentment. There has been satisfaction within Camp Nou at how Barcelona have beaten Chelsea to both Raphinha and Jules Kounde this summer, because that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

To paraphrase The Wire, though, it’s really the other way. And it’s only keeping on down that direction.

As the competition congratulates itself on three decades at the top, it’s never been more important to consider what might come next, writes Miguel Delaney.

Is the Premier League too big to fail or could it fall?

Former Arsenal and Chelsea winger Willian linked with surprise Premier League return

Friday 5 August 2022 17:40 , Karl Matchett

Brazilian winger Willian could be set for a surprise return to the Premier League.

Goal.com report interest from Fulham in signing him from Corinthians, as they look to give Marco Silva the quality and depth he needs in the squad to survive.

The report claims Willian has a clause in his deal allowing him to return to Europe.

Justin Kluivert is another wide target but Harry Wilson is set to miss the opening months of the season injured.

Brendan Rodgers says Leicester will not sell Fofana or Maddison

Friday 5 August 2022 17:20 , Karl Matchett

Leicester City duo James Maddison and Wesley Fofana have been linked with big-money moves away this week to Newcastle and Chelsea respectively, but Brendan Rodgers is adamant they won’t be leaving.

The defender in particular is subject to intense interest and a potential £80m deal, but the Foxes want to keep hold of both.

“These players are not for sale,” he told reporters at a press conference.

“These are very important players to us. We’re in a situation where we need to move some players out but that doesn’t mean getting rid of anyone & everyone and especially not our best assets.”

Wolves reject third Nottingham Forest offer for ‘important’ Morgan Gibbs-White

Friday 5 August 2022 17:00 , Karl Matchett

Wolves boss Bruno Lage expects Morgan Gibbs-White to play a key role this season after the club rejected another bid from Nottingham Forest for the midfielder.

Newly-promoted Forest have reportedly made a third offer worth up to £35million for Gibbs-White, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Lage, whose side launch their Premier League campaign at Leeds on Saturday, said: “We reject. He’s an important player for me and for the dynamic. We are building for the future of Wolves.

“We reject because he’s an important player for us. He feels important also, he is happy. The way he’s played and the way he’s worked every day in training showed me that.”

Wolves reject third Nottingham Forest offer for ‘important’ Morgan Gibbs-White

Premier League 2022/23 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more

Friday 5 August 2022 16:40 , Karl Matchett

The Premier League is back ahead of an unprecedented season with the anticipated pause for the 2022 World Cup.

But there is plenty of intrigue surrounding Manchester City and especially the arrival of Erling Haaland and how he impacts Pep Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool will hope to keep pace to the very end once again, despite the loss of Sadio Mane, with Darwin Nunez adding a different element for Jurgen Klopp.

While there is great uncertainty at the bottom, with Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest hoping to survive after promotion last season.

Here, our writers make their predictions for a season like no other before:

Our writers predict how the Premier League season will unfold

Newcastle haven’t got ‘free rein’ in transfer window, Eddie Howe claims

Friday 5 August 2022 16:20 , Karl Matchett

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has insisted the club will operate under spending restrictions for “years” despite the wealth of its Saudi-backed owners.

“We haven’t got the free rein, the free hand that maybe has been perceived in the media, that we can go and sign whoever we want and pay extortionate fees and wages.

“We’re not in that position and I don’t think we will be for some period of time. We’re having to be creative and smart and try to make the right additions with the financial restraints that we have.”

Newcastle haven’t got ‘free rein’ in transfer window, Eddie Howe claims

Guardiola wants Bernardo Silva to stay at Man City

Friday 5 August 2022 16:00 , Karl Matchett

Bernardo Silva is widely linked with Barcelona right now as the replacement they want if Frenkie de Jong departs - but Pep Guardiola is still hoping his Portuguese playmaker stays. And, at present, he says there are no offers in for him anyway.

“I want Bernardo to stay, 100%. But at the same time if he wants to leave, has an offer and the clubs have an agreement, it’s common sense,” he said in a press conference.

“This is the reality. He’s an important player for me, he’s really special, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. As far as I know Man City didn’t get any offer.”

Harry Wilson to miss opening months of season with Fulham

Friday 5 August 2022 15:40 , Karl Matchett

Not a good start to the season for Fulham, who already have a small enough squad.

Key winger Harry Wilson will be out until at least September and probably longer.

The signing of Justin Kluivert looks even more important to get over the line now.

Colwill joins Brighton on loan from Chelsea

Friday 5 August 2022 15:25 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has gone on loan to Brighton.

This was discussed between the clubs along with the transfer for Marc Cucurella, which was sealed earlier today.

He’ll spend the 22/23 campaign with the Seagulls after Chelsea refused to include him as a permanent sale in the deal for the Spaniard.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag happy with transfer work

Friday 5 August 2022 15:20 , Karl Matchett

Erik ten Hag is apparently satisfied with the summer work of Man United and has not used his first pre-match Premier League press conference to urge his club to make more additions.

“I am happy with the squad, I am happy with the signings up until now,” he said on Friday. “We are working all together. I am happy with the current squad and we need the right players.

“As we saw in pre-season, we did pretty well [in midfield]. We have a good team.”

United have lost Pogba, Lingard and Matic from the middle of the park without any replacements, as they await a decision from Frenkie de Jong over his future.

Crystal Palace want Ilaix Moriba from RB Leipzig

Friday 5 August 2022 15:00 , Karl Matchett

Crystal Palace have already added to their midfield this summer with the signing of Cheick Doucoure, but more could be on the way.

French media outlet Footmercato say Ilaix Moriba is the new name they want, with the former Barcelona midfielder not yet breaking into the RB Leipzig side.

Moriba had a loan spell with Valencia last term but it’s Patrick Vieira who has already been in touch to try and convince him to switch to the Premier League.

Wolves turn down £35m bid for Gibbs-White

Friday 5 August 2022 14:51 , Karl Matchett

Morgan Gibbs-White look as though he’ll be staying at Wolves this season after impressing on loan last year - though it’s not for lack of interest.

The Guardian report that Nottingham Forest have just had a club-record bid of £35m turned down for the attacking midfielder, with head coach Bruno Lage saying he is key to his plans and ready to feature against Leeds.

William Carvalho remains a Forest target, the report also adds.

Premier League remains stacked in favour of the big six status quo

Friday 5 August 2022 14:20 , Richard Jolly

Selhurst Park. The final day of the 2021-22 season. Bruno Fernandes spins on his heels and inexplicably volleys a throw-in back in the direction of his own goal. Wilfried Zaha bursts towards the ball, using his upper body strength to hold off Diogo Dalot, then dribbles inside and sends a low drive towards the bottom left-hand corner. It is the only goal of Manchester United’s twelfth defeat of the season. Their goal difference is now a good, round zero. Their points total is their lowest during the Premier League era. Ask anyone and it is their worst season since relegation in 1973-74. Their final position, though, is sixth.

This time last year on the eve of a new top-flight campaign, there was a theory that the era of a Premier League’s big six was coming to an end, if it had not ended already. The big six were certainly no longer synonymous with the top six, at least. Arsenal’s back to back eighth-place finishes had broken three years of big six dominance between 2017 and 2020. Tottenham Hotspur had also dropped into seventh in 2020-21 too, as Leicester City and West Ham gatecrashed the party to finish fifth and sixth respectively and qualify for the Europa League.

But just a year on, the status quo has been restored. The top of last season’s Premier League table had an all too familiar and all too predictable look to it. Despite Tottenham and Arsenal picking up where they left off and starting the campaign slowly, despite talk of a growing middle class ready to challenge the old order, and despite arguably the biggest and certainly the most successful club of the Premier League era having their worst season for a generation, the big six was the top six once again. Reports of their death had been greatly exaggerated.

The death of the Premier League’s big six was greatly exaggerated

Everton and West Ham battle for £33m Amadou Onana

Friday 5 August 2022 14:00 , Karl Matchett

Everton and West Ham are the two teams hoping to convince Amadou Onana to sign for them, but the Toffees have made the bigger offer to the player.

The Lille midfielder was first targeted by the Hammers but they have not agreed terms with him, report the Times, with Everton then submitting their own £33m bid in a hope that he signs for head coach Frank Lampard’s current club rather than his very first one as a player.

Idriss Gueye is also a target for Everton and they are considering a bid for Wolves defender Conor Coady, the report claims. A loan deal is possible for him, while Lampard must also find a new forward with Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured and Soloman Rondon suspended to start the season.

Tottenham set to sign £21m left-back Destiny Udogie

Friday 5 August 2022 13:45 , Karl Matchett

Tottenham are back in the market and adding another wing-back to Antonio Conte’s ever-growing collection.

This time it’s Udinese flier Destiny Udogie, a £21m soon-to-be signing according to the Telegraph, who the Italian manager will potentially let leave on loan for the 22/23 campaign - possibly back to Udinese or another Serie A team.

He has been tipped for an Italy call-up and the 19-year-old will be the seventh signing of Spurs’ summer if he arrives.

Time for Mikel Arteta to deliver Champions League after Arsenal’s two-year refit

Friday 5 August 2022 13:30 , Karl Matchett

Away from Stamford Bridge, the Premier League party begins tonight. Arsenal head to Crystal Palace and Mikel Arteta has spent heavily again - which means expectations are increased. Rich Jolly delves into the Gunners’ upcoming campaign:

It was a reminder of the standards in Arsene Wenger’s days. Not, albeit, from the season when they were Invincibles, even though it came from the most distinguished of the Invincibles. But, overshadowed by some of Mikel Arteta’s stranger antics, Thierry Henry popped up on the All Or Nothing documentary to say: “Let’s not hide from the fact this is Arsenal. You have to make top four.”

Which, until his last two seasons, Wenger invariably did. But, after 20 consecutive top-four finishes, Arsenal have now come fifth, sixth or even eighth in each of the last six campaigns. They have become stalwarts not of the top four, but the second four.

Time for Mikel Arteta to deliver Champions League after Arsenal’s two-year refit

Maxwel Cornet set for West Ham medical

Friday 5 August 2022 13:15 , Karl Matchett

Three or four Premier League clubs have been keen on Maxwel Cornet this summer, after his impressive time with Burnley last year despite their relegation.

He has a £17.5m release clause and it appears West Ham are the only ones willing to pay it in full and up front, so they are closest to signing him.

The Mail claim he’s having a medical with the Hammers before the weekend, before joining the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio as part of David Moyes’ attacking options.

Fulham seek double arrivals of Justin Kluivert and Shane Duffy

Friday 5 August 2022 13:00 , Karl Matchett

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been vocal about a lack of signings this summer and today it appears the club are trying to do something about it. Might all be a bit late for the opening game against Liverpool, mind.

In any case, Shane Duffy is in, signed as a loan arrival from Brighton as confirmed by the club within the last few minutes, while a permanent deal is being arranged for Justin Kluivert.

The Roma winger has been out on loan the past two years and could do with a settled home now to let his talent shine through more consistently - the Cottagers are set to pay around £8m according to reports.

Duffy is on a season-long loan with no option to buy expected in the deal.

“I’m delighted. It’s a really exciting challenge for me and the Club, one I’m really looking forward to,” he said upon signing.

Chelsea ‘step up’ Wesley Fofana pursuit in deal worth over £80m

Friday 5 August 2022 12:45 , Karl Matchett

Wesley Fofana remains Chelsea’s No1 centre-back target, report the Evening Standard, with Leicester unwilling negotiators.

A long-term contract and the French defender’s incredible potential means a deal could reach above £80m, states the report, which would be a new world record transfer for a defender - currently also a Leicester sale, from when Harry Maguire moved to Man United.

Signing Cucurella and Fofana would take their spending well past the £200m mark this summer.

Chelsea confirm Marc Cucurella transfer in £62m deal from Brighton

Friday 5 August 2022 12:30 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea have completed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Brighton in a deal that could rise to around £62million.

The Spanish defender becomes Chelsea’s fifth signing of the summer and takes their total spending under new owner Todd Boehly to over £150m.

Chelsea moved to sign Cucurella, who arrived at Brighton for £15m just last season, after Manchester City refused to meet the asking price for the 24-year-old.

Chelsea academy prospect Levi Colwill moves in the other direction on a season-long loan after the Blues were insistent that the 19-year-old would not leave on a permanent deal.

Full details here:

Chelsea confirm Marc Cucurella transfer in £62m deal from Brighton

Chelsea and Brighton agree Marc Cucurella transfer

Friday 5 August 2022 12:20 , Karl Matchett

Update: That was quick. All terms agreed between the clubs officially...and a stupendously petty announcement from Chelsea, mirroring (or mimicking) Brighton’s rebuttal of the same earlier this week.

Cucurella is very nearly a Blue.

Marc Cucurella close to Chelsea move in £62m transfer

Friday 5 August 2022 12:14 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea are in a race against time to get Marc Cucurella signed and over the line before the weekend, with Thomas Tuchel all but confirming the transfer in his press conference.

“It’s not done yet. I don’t want to say I know nothing about it but the paperwork is in process and we hope to get it done before [this afternoon]. Marc is a terrific player,” he said.

The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella reports that he could train with the Blues later today if it’s all confirmed in time.

Frenkie de Jong given deadline over Barcelona exit

Friday 5 August 2022 12:04 , Karl Matchett

Frenkie de Jong is maybe the biggest domino which has to fall first, sparking a line of transfers this summer. Man City, Chelsea and Man United at the very least will be affected by it, with others perhaps feeling the effects thereafter.

The Mirror report that the Dutch midfielder has been given a 10-day deadline by Barcelona to decide whether he will either leave the club or drastically reduce his salary to stay - the two options handed to his agents by the Catalan club.

It is not particularly clear at this time what the Spanish side will do if De Jong opts for unlisted option No3, of course, which is to stick to his guns and tell them to pay what he is owed if they want him to leave.

The Red Devils have been waiting all summer for the other two parties to clear up their differences, while Chelsea are suggested in some quarters as De Jong’s preferred landing spot.

All eyes return to the Premier League ahead of season like no other

Friday 5 August 2022 12:00 , Karl Matchett

When Erling Haaland and his camp were assessing where to move next, he watched a lot of Manchester City and Real Madrid to see how he might fit in. The discussion, however, kept coming back to one main debate. LaLiga’s comparative lack of intensity was appealing because a few years in Spain at this age would be hugely beneficial to Haaland’s ambitions of a 20-year top-level career. On the other hand, that lessened intensity is part consequence of the recent decline of the league, which led to Madrid’s offer being lower than City’s. It articulated an obvious truth.

The Premier League is the place to be, especially for a burgeoning megastar. It brings the most eyes.

Haaland’s decision has also pushed the Premier League itself to an even greater level of status, as it now reaches its 30th anniversary. It is no longer just the most competitive league, the most watched, or the most wealthy. It is, as a result of all that, the most attractive. An English club, even if one owned by an emirate, has beaten one of the Spanish giants to a player everyone wanted. That was unthinkable for most of the Premier League’s history.

Miguel Delaney on the monster that is the Premier League:

All eyes return to the Premier League ahead of season like no other

Fantasy Premier League tips: 30 players you should pick this season

Friday 5 August 2022 11:55 , Karl Matchett

Before your favourite players get that big move this summer, it might be worth putting them in your fantasy team while they are associated with other clubs - got to maximise those limits!

Mark Critchley has 30 names you should be seriously considering this term.

For context, he’s won the sportsdesk league about 300 years in a row now, you should probably heed his advice.

Fantasy Premier League tips: 30 players you should pick this season

Football transfer rumours: Chelsea consider record bid for defender Wesley Fofana

Friday 5 August 2022 11:50 , Karl Matchett

Welcome to Friday’s edition of the Independent’s live coverage of transfer news and rumours around the Premier League and beyond! We’ll start with the round-up of the online and in print news:

Chelsea are mulling a record-breaking offer for 21-year-old Leicester defender Wesley Fofana after having an initial £60million bid rejected, according to the Daily Mail. The paper writes the Blues are willing to go beyond £80m – the record fee for a defender set in 2019 when Leicester sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United.

The Mirror adds that Thomas Tuchel is also eyeing 33-year-old Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose team are reportedly willing to see him go.

More here on Marc Cucurella, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Maxwel Cornet and more:

Chelsea ‘consider’ record-bid for defender Wesley Fofana

Azpilicueta signs new Chelsea contract

Thursday 4 August 2022 19:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly: “We are so happy that Cesar is staying at Chelsea for a minimum of two more years. We are thrilled with our captain showing his exemplary commitment and leadership yet again. There is still so much to do together.”

Azpilicueta signs new Chelsea contract

Thursday 4 August 2022 19:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Cesar Azpilicueta: “I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home. It is almost 10 years since I first arrived and joined the club so I really feel the love and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands.“I would like to say thank you to Mr Todd [Boehly] and Mr Behdad [Eghbali] for giving me the opportunity to keep my journey at this amazing club and I am really looking forward to continuing our adventure. I am a really proud captain and I hope we can share many good memories together.”

Azpilicueta signs new Chelsea contract

Thursday 4 August 2022 19:35 , Jamie Braidwood

There it is! As reported earlier, Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new two-year deal with Cheslea.

Done deal! PSG sign Renato Sanches

Thursday 4 August 2022 18:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of Renato Sanches from Lille on a five-year deal. He joins Vitinha, Nordi Mukiele, Hugo Ekitiké in arriving at the club this summer - definitely a change of profile under sporting director Luis Campos.

Scott Parker urging promoted Bournemouth to embrace Premier League challenge

Thursday 4 August 2022 18:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Scott Parker says Bournemouth must embrace the challenge of the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s opener against Aston Villa.

Parker last week warned the south-coast club are “way short of where we need to be” following a quiet summer in the transfer market and a host of departures.

“My head and the team’s head is solely on Saturday,” he told a press conference.

“We’re going into the biggest league in the world and we worked tirelessly last year to be in this position.

“We need to bring a fighting spirit and a real determination on the weekend if we want to get something out of the game.

“As I said, us as a group of players, along with the fans, the staff, the owner and everyone else, it’s something we all wanted last year and we need to embrace that.”

Scott Parker urging promoted Bournemouth to embrace Premier League challenge

Manchester United loan Alex Telles to Sevilla

Thursday 4 August 2022 18:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester United left-back Alex Telles has completed a season-long loan switch to Sevilla.

The 29-year-old joined the Old Trafford giants from Porto in October 2020 and made 50 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

Telles has mostly played back-up to Luke Shaw and was pushed further down the pecking order by the summer arrival of Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia.

Brandon Williams has also returned to the club after spending last season at Norwich and Telles has joined Sevilla on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.

Alex Telles leaves Manchester United for Sevilla on season-long loan

Fulham move for Justin Kluivert

Thursday 4 August 2022 18:00 , Karl Matchett

Rumours in Italy are linking promoted side Fulham with a £7m deal for Justin Kluivert.

The former Ajax teenage prodigy has struggled for consistency since leaving the Eredivisie, having spells with Roma, Leipzig and Nice, while Torino have also been interested this summer.

Fulham want to add more pace and firepower in the attack, with Marco Silva saying far greater numbers are needed in the squad overall.

Arsenal set to miss out on midfielder Arthur Melo

Thursday 4 August 2022 17:45 , Karl Matchett

Arsenal have been linked with Arthur Melo for some time but it appears they will miss out on the Brazilian.

Valencia are now favourites to land the Juventus man, who is set for a switch after falling out of favour in Italy.

Juventus might then look to land Chelsea midfielder Jorginho as a replacement, though Leandro Paredes is also a target.

Mikel Arteta backs Gabriel Jesus to be a hit at Arsenal amid pre-season excitement

Thursday 4 August 2022 17:30 , Karl Matchett

Mikel Arteta has backed the contagious mentality of Gabriel Jesus to help Arsenal have a successful season.

“When you bring top players from top clubs and they’ve been extremely successful over the years, there is expectation,” said Arteta. “The role that Gabi has here is going to be very different to the role that Gabi had in his previous club.

“That needs some adaptation and time and we are all surprised with how quickly he’s done it, but we have to share that responsibility. He’s a tremendous talent with a mentality that is so contagious and he’s going to give us a lot, but it’s a team at the end of the day.

“We are all enthusiastic. We had the pre-season we wanted, it was well organised, we had good results, good preparation and good performances. But now the ball starts to roll tomorrow evening in a completely different context and against a Premier League team and we know what to expect there.

“It’s true we have a high level of energy and ambition to have a successful season and we have to show that on the pitch tomorrow night.”

Mikel Arteta backs Gabriel Jesus to be a hit at Arsenal amid pre-season excitement

Azpilicueta signs new Chelsea contract - reports

Thursday 4 August 2022 17:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has agreed a new two-year deal with the club, according to several reports tonight, putting to bed any speculation that he would leave Stamford Bridge and join Barcelona this summer.

The defender, 32, will remain part of Thomas Tuchel’s side this season and potentially beyond, if reports tonight are to be believed. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has emerged as a key figure in the talks after refusing to let the Spaniard leave the club.

Spurs in talks for Udogie

Thursday 4 August 2022 17:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Tottenham have opened talks with Udinese over Italian left-back Destiny Udogie.

Reports in Italy say the expectation is for a loan initially, with an option to buy for Spurs, as Antonio Conte continues to rebuild his squad.

Udogie comes personally recommended by the boss, who is also open to immediately signing the defender and then loaning him back to Serie A for another campaign with Udinese.

Tottenham still long way off competing for Premier League title, Antonio Conte claims

Thursday 4 August 2022 16:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Antonio Conte believes Tottenham Hotspur are moving in the right direction after a busy summer transfer window but warned they cannot yet focus on closing the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool.

“I think we’re going in the right direction but you know very well you need to have a bit of patience,” Conte said. “We know that in England it is difficult to fight to win but we want to try to be competitive, to try to improve on last season and this is our target. If you ask me about City or Liverpool, my answer is we are talking about two of the best clubs in the world that are working with the same coaches for seven years.

“Now they are in my opinion in a position that is very difficult for the others to close the gap but we have to do this. Also because (to catch) a City and Liverpool, you have to spend £100million for six players, they go and spend that for one player or two player £100million and this is the difference.

“You have to run behind and they stay in front of you but you know very well they deserve to stay there because they work very well to have the same coach and to back the coach, Klopp, Guardiola and (Thomas) Tuchel and they deserve this.

“To become a strong team you need to have stability and a vision. The idea has to be very clear and then you will see you go step by step and try to reduce this gap.”

Tottenham still long way off competing for Premier League title, Antonio Conte claims

Chelsea do not want to sell Azpilicueta to Barcelona

Thursday 4 August 2022 16:30 , Karl Matchett

The Times are reporting that Barcelona might not get one of their many transfer targets this summer - not because they cannot finance the deals, but simply because Chelsea don’t want to sell.

Cesar Azpilicueta has a year left on his deal and was expected to depart back to Spain, but Todd Boehly has seemingly told the club captain that with so much change at Stamford Bridge, he can’t afford to offload one of his most experienced leaders.

That could have a knock-on effect with Man United having been keen to sign Serginio Dest according to reports recently.

Alex Telles joins Sevilla on loan from Man United

Thursday 4 August 2022 16:15 , Karl Matchett

Done deal! Sevilla have confirmed the arrival of Alex Telles, with the left-back signing on loan from Manchester United.

The Brazilian was unable to really establish himself as a starter for the Red Devils and was third in line for the position this term.

He’s now at the Sanchez Pizjuan for the 22/23 season and there’s not expected to be any buy option included in the switch.

Wolves in talks over striker Hwang Ui-Jo

Thursday 4 August 2022 16:00 , Karl Matchett

Bordeaux and Wolves are in talks over South Korean striker Hwang Ui-Jo, with the Premier League club hoping to land him in the next week.

The 29-year-old is seen as a good option to fill the void left by Raul Jimenez’s injury, after the French club were relegated to Ligue 2 for this year.

Hwang has 47 caps for the national team, the same as Wolves’ own South Korean forward, Hwang Hee-chan.

Leeds target was wanted by four other Premier League clubs

Thursday 4 August 2022 15:45 , Karl Matchett

It wasn’t just Leeds who were in the running for Belgian attacker Charles De Ketalaere.

HLN report that four other top flight clubs in England were keen, but despite Leeds moving first it was Serie A which was the chosen destination.

“West Ham, Newcastle, Arsenal and Leicester were among the Premier League clubs that were following Charles De Ketelaere, but only Leeds and AC Milan made a bid,” Kristof Terreur notes.

“His agents [said] ‘Leeds was financially the best option for all parties, but Charles wanted to go to AC Milan.’”

Arteta says Arsenal have more transfer business ahead

Thursday 4 August 2022 15:30 , Karl Matchett

Arsenal have been busy already but have more to do, says manager Mikel Arteta.

“We are really active as you can see with ins and outs. Everything is still open it’s a long window. It’s incredible how much business the club has already done. It’s not gonna stop,” he says.

No real confirmation of whether that’s new signings or just more players leaving, but still work to do for himself and Edu, clearly.

Barcelona facing struggle to sell players who want paying in full

Thursday 4 August 2022 15:15 , Karl Matchett

Shocking news: Players want to be paid the amount owed them. It’s not just with Frenkie de Jong that Barcelona are going to struggle to offload, but now Martin Braithwaite too, reports Sport.

The issue, of course, is that De Jong and his Danish teammate want paying in full per the terms of their contracts, with Barcelona trying to convince them to give up sections of their salaries and depart for pastures new.

Joan Laporta needs to save that money from the salaries, as well as bring in the fees from the actual sales, and Barca may be unable to register all their new signings if the unwanted players don’t depart - minus the money owed to them.

Corinthians ‘keeping an eye’ on Cristiano Ronaldo situation

Thursday 4 August 2022 15:00 , Karl Matchett

An unexpected and unlikely looking move, but Corinthians president Duilio Alves is hoping Cristiano Ronaldo fancies a huge change of scenery.

“It’s true, I’m dreaming big. This is Corinthians! Aren’t Willian and Renato Augusto here?” Alves told Ulissescast, as reported by Eurosport.

“In football everything is possible, and I have the obligation to do my best for Corinthians.

“Is it possible? I don’t know. We haven’t tried yet, we haven’t looked into it, but we are keeping an eye on it. Imagine if he suddenly wants to play in Brazil.”

Sadly, Corinthians have roughly the same chances of winning the Uefa Champions League as Man United this year, which appears to be what Ronaldo is most in search of.

Nottingham Forest to make renewed approach for Morgan Gibbs-White

Thursday 4 August 2022 14:45 , Karl Matchett

Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White seems to be much in demand, other than at his own club, who have loaned him out for the past couple of years and don’t seem to be able to find a role for him.

It’s Nottingham Forest who are still most keen, having had a bid turned down earlier this summer, but they’re set to go back with another improved offer, say Sky Sports.

Their last bid was around £25m and it’s set to be increased, but Wolves are unwilling sellers with two years left on his deal.

European transfers: Wijnaldum, Torreira, Moukoko and more

Thursday 4 August 2022 14:30 , Karl Matchett

Here’s a round up of European-based transfers going on today, according to media from Spain, Germany, Italy and beyond:

• Gini Wijnaldum is close to finalising his loan move from PSG to Roma, with an option to buy included

• Lucas Torreira will decide which club to join from Arsenal “in a short time”, with Galatasaray presenting the “best offer” according to his agent

• Jordan Veretout is heading from Roma to Marseille despite fans campaigning against his signing

• AC Milan have been offered Tanguy Ndombele from Spurs but may prefer to sign their youngster Pape Sarr

• Alex Meret is set for a move on loan to Spezia, with Napoli set to sign Kepa from Chelsea in goal instead

• Youssoufa Moukoko is undecided over signing a new contract with Borussia Dortmund, with his current deal over in a year

• Nice, Mallorca and Salernitana are all keen to sign out of favour Villarreal attacker Boulaye Dia

West Ham agree to meet Maxwel Cornet release clause

Thursday 4 August 2022 14:15 , Karl Matchett

Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet could be on his way to the London Stadium.

TalkSport say West Ham United have “seen off interest from Newcastle, Everton and Forest” to land the attacker, though that appears to be more because they are willing to activate his release clause rather than any sporting, financial or sweet-talking reasons.

The Hammers have agreed to pay the £17.5m clause up front, which none of the others were willing to do, making them the “most likely” landing spot for Cornet.

Nottingham Forest want three more signings including Jizz Hornkamp

Thursday 4 August 2022 14:00 , Karl Matchett

More deals in the pipeline for Nottingham Forest. Steve Cooper is hoping to land Dutch forward Jizz Hornkamp as another striker to call upon this season, after he impressed last year at Willem II.

The Athletic say he is among “several targets identified” to provide cover and competition to club record signing Taiwo Awoniyi.

24-year-old Hornkamp scored four times in the Eredivisie last season after only joining in January.

Two more signings in addition to a new forward are still in Forest’s plans, the report claims.

Steve Cooper faces twin challenge after Nottingham Forest’s summer of excess

Thursday 4 August 2022 13:45 , Karl Matchett

After a 23-year absence from the top table of English football, Nottingham Forest won’t be able to point to the excuses of a Norwich City or a West Brom if their stay only lasts a single season. Where the Canaries opted for financial prudence, Forest have been outlandish in their spending. Where the Baggies kept faith with many who saw them promoted, the Reds have made wholesale changes to the squad.

It’s a bold (and partly necessary) move from those both in the ownership and management groups, with the official tally currently standing at 21 departures (including youngsters, loans and out of contract players released) and a current net expenditure of around £80m, with more to come.

Karl Matchett looks ahead to the Reds’ return to the top flight after a busy summer in the transfer market.

Steve Cooper faces twin challenge after Nottingham Forest’s summer of excess

Chelsea sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in £20m deal

Thursday 4 August 2022 13:30 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who was part of the England side that won the Under-19 European Championship this summer, moves to Stamford Bridge having decided against signing an extension to his Villa contract, which was due to expire next summer.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard left the midfielder out of the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and he had been training with the under-23s. Gerrard was understood to have put a £20million price tag on the player.

Chukwuemeka, who turns 19 in October, made his first-team debut in May 2021 and last season made 14 appearances but just two of them were Premier League starts.

He said of his switch to Stamford Bridge: “It’s been quite hectic but I couldn’t get Chelsea out of my head the last few days so I’m just happy and relieved that it’s all done.”

More on the Chukwuemeka signing:

Chelsea sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa in £20m deal

Man United have two Frenkie de Jong alternatives - but neither are available

Thursday 4 August 2022 13:15 , Karl Matchett

Manchester United face at least three barriers in signing Erik ten Hag’s first-choice transfer this summer, midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

First, is his finance-based stand-off with current club Barcelona. Second is the suggestion from some areas that he is not too keen on a move to Old Trafford anyway, a point of view United are not in agreement with. And third is that Chelsea are also in the running and keen to land him too, and have Champions League football to offer.

So, alternatives are a sensible solution - but neither of the two names at the top of the list are available this summer, report the Athletic. They name Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and West Ham’s Declan Rice as the preferred other options for United, but moves for either one would have to wait until next year.

Wolves and Everton to fight over Batshuayi

Thursday 4 August 2022 13:00 , Karl Matchett

Michy Batshuayi still plays for Chelsea. That’s the first piece of insight. He hasn’t actually played there since 19/20 though.

Loan spells in Germany, Spain, south London and Turkey have ranged between good and dreadful, but another temporary stint beckons for the 28-year-old Belgian, with Wolves and Everton both reportedly keen.

He has one year left on his contract and is not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans, say Sky. Wolves are also considering Bordeaux striker Ui-jo Hwang.

Barcelona agree terms with Bernardo Silva for transfer

Thursday 4 August 2022 12:45 , Karl Matchett

We know by now that Bernardo Silva is Barcelona’s widely reported target to replace Frenkie de Jong, if the Dutch schemer departs the Camp Nou.

The Mail now update that story by reporting “personal terms between club and player are already all-but agreed”, though there’s no evidence that City and Barca have undergone talks to set a price tag.

Barcelona are hoping that offloading De Jong, and signing Silva, would present similar transfer fees, with the dramatic saving coming in salary earnings - with De Jong in line for up to €45m across the next two years, compared with around €20m for Silva.

Man United plan more talks for Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko

Thursday 4 August 2022 12:30 , Karl Matchett

Manchester United are still struggling to get the numbers through the door Erik ten Hag wants.

More talks are planned over RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko, reports the Athletic, but even so his pricetag is viewed as prohibitive and the Austrian club do not want to sell as they apparently feel he can reach similar heights to Erling Haaland.

It has also emerged United turned down the chance to sign Sesko for £2.5m three years ago, with his pricetag now standing around at least the £50m mark.

Stuttgart’s Sasa Kalajdzic has also been linked.

The Premier League’s title rivals are chasing a new magic number

Thursday 4 August 2022 12:15 , Karl Matchett

Liverpool had just got proof their brilliant pursuit of Manchester City was doomed. “We were close but in the end not close enough,” Jurgen Klopp reflected on the final day of the season. Again. The 2018-19 campaign had already given them the bittersweet distinction of being England’s greatest runners-up. Then “97 points” almost became a catchphrase at Anfield. Three years on. Klopp said: “92 points is obviously crazy.”

It is, and yet it is also the norm. It is the joint eighth biggest total in Premier League history and the other side to finish with 92, Manchester United in 1993-94, did so from 42 matches, not 38. Go on points per game and seven of the eight highest tallies have been posted in the last six seasons, all by teams managed by Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte or Klopp.

The one exception was Jose Mourinho’s 95 in his debut season with Chelsea. Yet since 2016, 95 – or 94.83, to be precise – is the average recorded by Premier League champions.

Rich Jolly looks ahead at another season of relentlessness for those chasing the title.

94.83: The Premier League’s new magic number

Chelsea bid for Wes Fofana rejected by Leicester

Thursday 4 August 2022 12:00 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea are having a lot of offers sent back and forth today, it seems.

Aubameyang, Cucurella, now Fofana too - and Chukwuemeka is already done.

Leicester aren’t playing ball though and L’Equipe say the Foxes have turned down a bid of £60m for Wesley Fofana, but the centre-back is keen on the switch so the Blues will push on with another enquiry soon. A deal of more than £200k a week is expected for the rapid and talented youngster, if they can convince Brendan Rodgers’ team to sell.

Everton target Coady and look to beat West Ham to Onana

Thursday 4 August 2022 11:45 , Karl Matchett

A couple of unexpected turns from Everton, as they look to suddenly splash out: first up, the Mail report that they have matched West Ham’s bid for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana. The young Belgian was reportedly in talks with the Hammers yesterday but they have been unwilling to match his wage demands so far - and now the Toffees are looking to make use of that.

He’s a one-cap Belgium senior international and the report claims Everton are offering better personal terms.

In addition, Everton are being again linked with Wolves centre-back Conor Coady, with manager Frank Lampard personally keen on the 29-year-old, who was early in his career a Liverpool academy prospect.

Bournemouth close in on signing Barcelona goalkeeper Neto

Thursday 4 August 2022 11:30 , Karl Matchett

Brazilian goalkeeper Neto could be set to swap Barcelona for Bournemouth after positive talks between the two clubs.

The experienced stopper is on huge wages for a second-choice option at the Camp Nou so would presumably be taking a big pay cut to head to the Cherries, but talks were held on Wednesday night according to the Mail and he’s expected to sign over the weekend.

Separately, Bournemouth are also enquiring over Feyenoord defender Marcos Senesi as they look to add to Scott Parker’s options and fight against relegation in their first campaign back in the top flight.

Erik ten Hag’s encouraging start undermined by Manchester United’s familiar problems

Thursday 4 August 2022 11:15 , Karl Matchett

From all of the noise that Manchester United’s summer has produced, there is something that is coming through with encouraging clarity - and it is really the most important element of all.

That is the general admiration of Erik ten Hag’s coaching.

Players are enjoying the work, and the sense of an idea coming together. There is imagination and improvement. There is clarity and - above all - authority.

It says a lot in itself there have been no negative leaks.

A cynical view of that might be this is the sort of thing that always happens with a new manager, of course, but the more salient point is that the level of coaching is not something this United squad have experienced. Ten Hag marks an undeniable break with recent history. He is the first managerial appointment since Sir Alex Ferguson retired that is both on an upward curve in his career and at the forefront of the game’s methods.

Miguel Delaney on the task facing Ten Hag:

Erik ten Hag’s encouraging start undermined by Manchester United’s familiar problems

Kasper Schmeichel’s picturesque goodbye to Leicester

Thursday 4 August 2022 11:11 , Karl Matchett

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is leaving Leicester for Ligue 1, having spent over a decade at the KP Stadium, winning the league and FA Cup along the way.

He has waved goodbye to the fans with a thread of memories and photos on Twitter, completing his switch to Nice yesterday evening.

Leeds chase Ismaila Sarr to fill Raphinha void

Thursday 4 August 2022 11:00 , Karl Matchett

Leeds are keen to sign at least one and as many as three attackers before the transfer window shuts, according to reports in the Express.

Ismaila Sarr is a £25m target with relegated Watford willing sellers, while the attacker is also keen on a top-flight return.

Elsewhere though, Jesse Marsch’s side are looking at Rennes attacker Martin Terrier, briefly linked with Liverpool recently, and PSV wide man Cody Gakpo.

The latter has been mentioned in conjunction with Arsenal as well as Liverpool, but is intent on winning a spot in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad, so may opt against a transfer this summer.

Chelsea confirm signing of Carney Chukwuemeka

Thursday 4 August 2022 10:56 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea have confirmed the capture of Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa.

A deal for the midfielder was agreed a couple of days ago, with the youngster only having one year left on his contract at Villa Park and having been left out of Steven Gerrard’s pre-season plans as he opted against signing a new one.

Chelsea open talks for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer

Thursday 4 August 2022 10:45 , Karl Matchett

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only left Arsenal for Barcelona in January, but Chelsea want to quickly bring him back to the Premier League.

Several outlets have reported that the Blues are anywhere from “considering” a move to having already “opened talks” with his camp, as Thomas Tuchel looks to boost his attacking options and replace Romelu Lukaku, who went back to Inter Milan earlier this summer.

Aubameyang and Tuchel worked together at Dortmund but fell out of favour at Arsenal before his switch to LaLiga, where he scored 13 times across the second half of last term to help Barca into the Champions League. The Camp Nou side signed Robert Lewandowski as a new No9 for this season.

Chelsea to challenge Manchester United for Frenkie de Jong after opening talks with Barcelona

Thursday 4 August 2022 10:30 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea are in discussion with Barcelona over the transfer of Frenkie de Jong, with the London club now looking the likeliest club to sign the midfielder. Manchester United are currently weighing up whether to continue their interest in the signing.

The Old Trafford hierarchy had agreed a deal in principle with Barcelona a month ago, but the Catalan club have become frustrated with its progress, especially as the player himself has proved obstinate over both the issue of €17m in deferred wages and the very fact he is being forced out.

While there have been repeated claims from Spain that is most bluntly down to the fact he does not want to go to United, there has been a strong belief within Old Trafford that he is willing to come.

De Jong has naturally been speaking to his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, and is close to him, but that may be trumped by the fact Chelsea are a London-based club in the Champions League. United have effectively been caught in a dispute between club and player, but one that has now seen Barcelona get increasingly alert to the fact time is running out to get players off the books in order to register new signings.

Chelsea look to beat Man United to Frenkie de Jong after opening talks with Barcelona

Man City starlet heads on loan to Sheffield United

Thursday 4 August 2022 10:19 , Karl Matchett

Sheffield United have won the race to land Man City’s James McAtee on loan this season.

Leeds and Nottingham Forest had been widely linked with him, with City only keen to send him out to a side who could show a real plan for gametime for the youngster.

‘The biggest show in town’: All eyes return to the Premier League ahead of season like no other

Thursday 4 August 2022 10:03 , Karl Matchett

The Premier League is back tomorrow, don’t you know! Chief football writer Miguel Delaney has the big season preview ahead of 2022/23:

When Erling Haaland and his camp were assessing where to move next, he watched a lot of Manchester City and Real Madrid to see how he might fit in. The discussion, however, kept coming back to one main debate. LaLiga’s comparative lack of intensity was appealing because a few years in Spain at this age would be hugely beneficial to Haaland’s ambitions of a 20-year top-level career. On the other hand, that lessened intensity is a part consequence of the recent decline of the league, which led to Madrid’s offer being lower than City’s. It articulated an obvious truth.

The Premier League is the place to be, especially for a burgeoning megastar. It brings the most eyes.

All eyes return to the Premier League ahead of season like no other

Rumour roundup: Frenkie de Jong ‘prefers’ Chelsea transfer over Manchester United

Thursday 4 August 2022 09:55 , Karl Matchett

To get started, let’s look around the online and print media to see which stories are focused on today:

Metro reports Frenkie de Jong, who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, would prefer to relocate to West London and join Chelsea rather than sign for Manchester United. Barcelona recently agreed a fee with United for the Dutch midfielder, 25, but the Red Devils have so far been unable to convince him to move to the north west.

The Blues are understood to be willing to offer Leicester defender Wesley Fofana a hefty pay rise. The Mail reports Chelsea want to pay the 21-year-old £200,000 per week to play for them, but the Foxes are not keen to let him go after he signed a new five-year deal in March.

More here on Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Cristiano Ronaldo:

Frenkie de Jong ‘prefers’ Chelsea transfer over Manchester United

Marc Cucurella: Chelsea closing in on £52.5m transfer for Brighton defender

Thursday 4 August 2022 09:47 , Karl Matchett

Chelsea are close to completing a £52.5million deal for Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella.

The Blues are thought to have signalled their intent to pay the big-money fee Brighton had held out for, inching the west Londoners close to completing the 24-year-old’s signing.

Brighton are understood to be pushing hard towards a separate deal for Chelsea’s highly-rated centre-back Levi Colwill.

Talks between the two clubs are understood to be ongoing over whether the deal for the 19-year-old would be a loan a permanent transfer.

The Cucurella and Colwill deals are completely separate, but it is thought both may have to be signed off for either move to be completed.

Chelsea closing in on £52.5m Marc Cucurella signing from Brighton