Transfer news LIVE: PSG drop Mbappe bombshell, two Man Utd exits, Arsenal make Partey exit decision
Andre Onana will play under Erik ten Hag again next season after completing his move to Manchester United – while Harry Kane is set to reject a new Tottenham deal
Premier League transfer round-up: Onana seals Manchester United move
• FOOTBALL
KEY EVENTS
• PSG put Mbappe up for sale06:26
• Chelsea confirm Aubameyang departure18:12
• Mane heading to Saudi Arabia
• Liverpool want Verratti06:42
• PSG want Hojlund0
By
Tsuma Brown Football Writer
Another transfer window and yet more news about Kylian Mbappe.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move away from PSG. Now, the French club appear more likely than ever to sell after leaving him out of their pre-season tour.
Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have all been linked so the race is now on to secure his services. Real Madrid still appear to be the front-runners at this stage.
Sticking in England, it appears that clubs in the top-flight are not ready to stop their big spending quite yet. Andre Onana became Man Utd’s second summer signing after Mason Mount, who arrived from Chelsea earlier in the window, and he could be joined by Rasmus Hojlund.
Speaking of Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino is still pushing to sign Moises Caicedo. Brighton want around £100m for the 21-year-old.
Elsewhere, Liverpool could lose their captain after accepting a £12m transfer bid from Saudi side Al-Ettifaq for Jordan Henderson. The England international, 33, has been offered a three-year £700,000-a-week deal by Steven Gerrard’s team.
Finally, Arsenal still want to add more new faces to their squad despite their record-breaking spend so far.
De Zerbi makes Caicedo admission
Chelsea might be on red alert for Moises Caicedo after being told that a swap might tempt Brighton into selling their star midfielder.
Speaking in the United States, where his team is participating in the Premier League Summer Series, he said: “There are two questions. Not only about Caicedo, also about Colwill, and maybe it can be [a swap].
“I would like to play with Caicedo and Colwill together but at the moment I can only speak about Caicedo as Colwill is not one of my players.”
Igor confirms Premier League move
Fiorentina defender Igor has confirmed that he is on the way to the Premier League with a move to Brighton.
He said: “I’ll miss Florence and Fiorentina, this club is special. Thanks to all Fiorentina fans”.
The Seagulls are reportedly closing in on a £15m deal for the Brazilian.
Arteta tight-lipped on Mbappe deal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has remained typically secretive about a potential swoop for PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
Asked about a swoop for the Frenchman, he said: “You know I never talk about players that don’t play for our club. I’m sorry.”
Mbappe has been put up for sale by PSG and will not be going on their pre-season tour.
PSG put Mbappe up for sale
In case you missed the HUGE news, it appears that French giants PSG have put star forward Kylian Mbappe up for sale.
He has been excluded from the club’s pre-season tour of Japan amid speculation linking him with a summer transfer.
Good morning!
Welcome along to Mirror Football’s live transfer blog on Saturday. Let’s get started with a look at the latest transfer news and rumours doing the rounds this weekend.
Mbappe left out of PSG squad
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has been excluded from the club’s pre-season tour of Japan amid speculation linking him with a summer transfer.
Mbappe’s long-term future at the French giants is currently in doubt due to his reluctance to sign a new contract, meaning he would be free to leave the club for nothing next summer.
A number of clubs, including Real Madrid, have since been tipped to make a move for Mbappe, although he has insisted that he plans to stay in Paris for one more year.
It remains to be seen, though, if his stance will change after PSG confirmed that the striker was not part of the squad that will travel to Japan this weekend ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign.
Ten Hag on Maguire’s future
Erik ten Hag has reiterated Harry Maguire’s importance to Manchester United and is hoping the England international will remain at Old Trafford this summer.
Maguire’s future has come under further scrutiny this week after he was axed from his role as club captain, with United confirming on Thursday that Bruno Fernandes had taken that position. Maguire has also not been included in Ten Hag’s five-man ‘leadership group’ ahead of the new campaign.
Despite this, Ten Hag is eager to keep Maguire at the Red Devils and have four centre-backs going into the 2023/24 season. Speaking on the club’s pre-season tour in the United States, Ten Hag hailed Maguire as an “important” player and admitted he is “pleased” to still have him at the club.
“I think everyone can understand that for a player it’s a disappointment but it can work out very good for the team and for Harry,” he said. “He’s an important player, we need four centre-backs minimum you have seen last season we play so many games and we are really pleased to have Harry in our squad.”
Erik ten Hag is hoping to keep Harry Maguire at Manchester United
Al-Nassr to sign Telles
Al-Nassr have all but completed the signing of Manchester United’s Alex Telles, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Telles completed the ‘main’ part of the club’s medicals on Friday and is expected to be confirmed as an Al-Nassr player in the coming days.
Ten Hag issues Greenwood update
Erik ten Hag has once again made it clear that the Manchester United hierarchy will have the final say over whether or not Mason Greenwood has a future at the club, rather than him.
Greenwood, 21, has not played for United since January 2022 and is currently the subject of an internal club investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all criminal charges against Greenwood – one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm – back in February.
When he was questioned over Greenwood’s potential return to the team, he insisted the decision would be made by club executives, although he has shared his views. He said: “It’s a club decision. Of course, I have said my ideas and opinions but it’s a club decision. We all have to accept that.”
Brighton agree Igor deal
Brighton have agreed a deal in principle to sign Igor from Fiorentina, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Brazilian is expected to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of joining for £14.7m plus add-ons, with Igor penning a four-year contract.
Villa set to sign Diaby
Aston Villa is set to sign a five-year deal at Aston Villa as they close in on making him their club record signing.
Villa have agreed to pay around £43m plus add-ones to land the France international
Diaby, 24, had been identified as a leading summer target by Villa boss Unai Emery – and they have had to fight off stiff competition from Al Nassr.
The mega-rich Saudi club rivalled Villa with a huge bid of their own for Diaby – but he has opted to say yes to move to the Premier League.
Chelsea confirm Aubameyang departure
Marseille have signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Chelsea.
Aubameyang, 33, has joined the Ligue 1 side following a year long spell at Stamford Bridge.
Leicester close in on Mavididi
Leicester are closing in on a move to sign Stephy Mavididi from Montpellier.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes are in advanced negotiations over signing the 25-year-old, with personal terms on the verge of being agreed.
Reading sign Wing
Reading have confirmed the signing of Lewis Wing.
The ex-Middlesbrough and Wycombe midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Royals after beating competition from the likes of QPR.
Osimhen contract talks stall
Talks between Napoli and Victor Osimhen over a new contract has slowed due to a dispute over a release clause, according to Sky Italy.
The Nigerian international, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester United, wants a release clause in the region of £104m, while Napoli are pushing for around £173m.
• Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Napoli
Ayr sign McGeady
Scottish side Ayr United have confirmed the arrival of former Premier League star Aiden McGeady.
McGeady was a free agent after leaving Hibernian last month.
Alongside his playing duties, the winger has also taken up the role of technical director.
West Ham eye Arsenal-linked Wahi
Elye Wahi has emerged as a target for West Ham after earlier attracting Arsenal interest.
That’s according to 90min, who suggest the French frontman could replace Michail Antonio if the Jamaica star moves to Saudi Arabia.
Wahi, who scored 19 times in Ligue 1 last term, has also reportedly held talks over a Chelsea move.
Forest make Elanga breakthrough
Nottingham Forest are on the verge of sealing a transfer for Man Utd ace Anthony Elanga.
As per MailSport, Steve Cooper’s side beat off the likes of Everton and West Ham to land the Sweden international’s signature for a fee of £15m.
• Anthony Elanga has rejected a move to Everton
United U-turn on Henderson
Manchester United are expected to change their stance on Dean Henderson’s exit from the club as interest from Nottingham Forest continues to linger.
Initially, the Red Devils were expected to only sanction the goalkeeper’s departure if Forest were to pay a transfer fee and take the England international on a permanent basis. Henderson has flown out to the USA with the rest of the United squad for their pre-season tour, but could soon jet back as Steve Cooper’s side have submitted a proposal to take the ‘keeper on loan.
He spent last term at the City Ground on a season-long loan but saw his campaign cut short with injury. The Manchester Evening News has outlined that Forest approached United over a deal that would see Henderson move on loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent if he made a certain number of appearances next season.
ICYMI – Sadio Mane gets Saudi transfer boost as terms agreed
Sadio Mane has agreed personal terms with Al-Nassr – with the Saudi club’s transfer embargo due to be lifted shortly.
The Senegal international, 31, is poised to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after a difficult campaign at Bayern Munich. Mane joined the Germans from Liverpool a year ago but has struggled to make an impression in Bavaria, scoring just seven Bundesliga goals.
It’s believed Bayern are willing to let Mane leave the club – and he’s keen on a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr still need to agree a transfer fee with Bayern for the Ballon d’Or runner-up, but that isn’t expected to be a problem due to the club’s huge wealth.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, are the majority owners of Al-Nassr. If Mane completes the proposed transfer, he will get the chance to play alongside Ronaldo after their private meeting earlier this year.
Al Ahli still eyeing Partey
Thomas Partey remains a target for Al Ahli, according to The Mail.
The Ghanaian could join Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy at the Saudi club, while Riyad Mahrez is also nearing a move.
Partey has joined up with Arsenal’s squad in the US, and could be in line to feature in the club’s remaining friendlies if no exit is agreed.
Ten Hag heaps praise on Onana
Erik ten Hag has hailed the signing of Andre Onana.
“Nowadays, football demands good playing from the back, out-playing qualities, and that is a quality Andre has. You need both and you need to cover both areas. So yeah, we’re happy, of course,” he told MUTV.
“I think with his physical presence and also with his personality, he is so keen on winning. He’s so, so eager to win trophies and he will help the team and he will help the squad to get to higher levels.”
Maguire latest
Raphael Varane has backed Erik ten Hag’s decision to strip Harry Maguire of the Manchester United captaincy and hand it to Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes was confirmed as the Red Devils’ new permanent skipper on Thursday, with Varane having won the armband in their opening two games of pre-season.
Maguire announced he had been stood down from the role by Ten Hag on Sunday.
The news came as little surprise, with the England international having plummeted down the pecking order last season.
United boss Ten Hag did not tell his squad who would be taking on the armband before his meeting with Maguire.
Klopp discusses future
Jurgen Klopp claims it would be a “great honour” to become the Germany manager – but wants to respect his contract with Liverpool.
Current boss Hansi Flick is in danger of losing his job after winning just half of his 24 games in charge.
Germany were knocked out of last year’s World Cup in Qatar during the group stage and suffered a round-of-16 exit to England at Euro 2020.
Redmond joins Burnley
Nathan Redmond has joined Burnley.
The former Southampton winger, 29, was a free agent after leaving Besiktas earlier this summer.
He said: “I always had aspirations to play again in the Premier League.
“Burnley’s project matches with my ambitions.
“The management team feel like they can enhance my game more and see the value I can bring on and off the field.
“It feels like a perfect match.”
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany added: “Nathan brings a wealth of experience from playing in the Premier League and more recently from his time in Turkey where he’s been outstanding.
“We’re looking forward to playing a big part in his next chapter.
“He’s got a great work ethic, plenty of skill and a willingness to continue learning.
“He also brings his personality and character to this football club which will benefit the younger players here.”
De Gea rejects Inter switch
David de Gea has turned down the chance to replace Andre Onana at Inter Milan.
Ironically, Onana has succeeded De Gea as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice goalkeeper after completing a £47.2million transfer to Manchester United.
The Cameroon international, 27, has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months.
It’s believed Inter have responded to Onana’s exit by making De Gea an offer, but the Spaniard wants to return to his homeland.
The 32-year-old hasn’t played in LaLiga since completing a transfer from Atletico Madrid to United 12 years ago.
Amrabat transfer latest
Fiorentina have rubbished reports they have received an official bid from Manchester United for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
Amrabat, who came through at Utrecht when Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag was in charge, has been linked with a reunion with his former manager.
United aren’t the only Premier League club linked with the Serie A star, though.
Liverpool are also in the mix for the 26-year-old as they look for reinforcements amid the loss of several midfielders themselves.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho both look destined for the Saudi Pro League, following the departures of others including James Milner, but Fiorentina are yet to receive a concrete bid for Amrabat.
Khadra leaving Brighton
Brighton winger Reda Khadra has joined French side Reims for an undisclosed fee.
Brighton’s technical director David Weir said: “This is great move for all parties, but most of all Reda as it gives him the opportunity of regular football.
“We would like to thank him for his time here with us and wish him well for the future.”
Mane heading to Saudi Arabia
Sadio Mane has agreed personal terms with Al-Nassr – with the Saudi club’s transfer embargo due to be lifted shortly.
The Senegal international, 31, is poised to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after a difficult campaign at Bayern Munich.
Mane joined the Germans from Liverpool a year ago but has struggled to make an impression in Bavaria, scoring just seven Bundesliga goals.
It’s believed Bayern are willing to let Mane leave the club – and he’s keen on a move to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Nassr still need to agree a transfer fee with Bayern for the Ballon d’Or runner-up, but that isn’t expected to be a problem due to the club’s huge wealth.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, are the majority owners of Al-Nassr.
If Mane completes the proposed transfer, he will get the chance to play alongside Ronaldo after their private meeting earlier this year.
Hojlund to Man Utd update
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has conceded that Rasmus Hojlund is likely to leave for Manchester United.
The striker has attracted the eye of Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag after he was priced out of a move for top target Harry Kane.
Now, having signed Andre Onana on Thursday, the Dutchman is pushing for a fresh bid for Hojlund.
The Dane only arrived at Atalanta last summer, scoring nine goals in Serie A, but now United are ready to tempt the Italian side into selling.
And Gasperini has admitted he has no idea if he will be able to keep hold of the striker, though did insist any sale should be for no less than £70m.
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