CHELSEA have had a bid for Erling Haaland REJECTED by Borussia Dortmund, according to reports from Germany.
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.
Lionel Messi is on holiday after winning the Copa America with Argentina but has reportedly agreed a five-year new deal with Barcelona.
And Gianluigi Donnarumma has followed the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva in joining PSG from AC Milan.
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- Thomas Blow
ARTETA CALLS SCOTLAND TRIP 'PERFECT'
Mikel Arteta has dubbed Arsenal's trip to Scotland 'perfect' – despite his team failing to win either of their pre-season friendlies.
The Gunners suffered a poor 2-1 loss to Hibernian and needed a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw with Rangers on Saturday afternoon.
But the manager is remaining positive, telling the club's official website: "I think it [the trip] was perfect, even the weather was something that we didn't expect.
"I think KT's [Tierney] been really helpful with that and I think the way we've been treated by the hotel, the staff, the facilities – I think it was a really positive camp."
- Thomas Blow
CLOSER LOOK AT TRIPPIER
Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier is reportedly close to joining Manchester United.
The 30-year-old started his career in Manchester – but not at the Red Devils.
Although his family are believed to be United fans, Trippier came through the ranks at Manchester City.
He never made an appearance for the current Premier League champions, spending time on loan at Barnsley before moving to Burnley in July 2011.
Trippier made an immediate impact at Turf Moor, playing in every Championship game during his debut season.
Burnley won promotion in 2014 and the right-back played all 38 games for the Lancashire club in the Premier League as they were relegated.
Trippier joined Tottenham in June 2015 and it took him a while to break into the team, making just 18 Prem appearances during his first two seasons in North London.
But after Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City he made the right-back position his own, helping Spurs reach the 2019 Champions League final.
Trippier has spent the last two seasons at Atletico, winning LaLiga last term.
- Thomas Blow
CLOSER LOOK AT WHITE
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £50million fee with Brighton for centre-back Ben White.
The 23-year-old joined Brighton’s academy in 2014, making his professional debut two years later in a League Cup match against Southend.
White spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at League Two side Newport, immediately becoming an integral player.
He made 42 league appearances that term, picking up Newport’s Player of the Year award – despite his lack of experience.
White spent time at Peterborough the following season, playing 15 times in League One, before moving on loan to Leeds for the 2019-20 campaign.
The youngster played every game for the West Yorkshire side as they won the Championship, picking up their Young Player of the Year award.
He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year, persuading parent club Brighton to give him a chance in the Premier League last term.
White went on to make 36 Prem appearances, earning Brighton’s Player of the Year award and earning a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
- Thomas Blow
TOP TAT
Italy's Euro 2020 hero Gianluigi Donnarumma has got a tattoo on his arm to commemorate the Azzurri's historic win.
The 22-year-old played a key role in Italy's Euros triumph saving crucial penalty kicks in both the semis and final against Spain and England respectively.
The former AC Milan keeper – who made his professional debut at 16 – wanted some new ink to celebrate his first and most likely not his last international trophy.
The tat of the trophy is located on the shot stoppers left arm.
And Donnarumma showcased his new ink on his Instagram story to the 3.2million who follow him.
- Thomas Blow
TAM FOR KAN
Chelsea have overtaken Manchester City in the race to sign Harry Kane after launching a ‘more appealing’ bid, according to reports.
In the spring, the England captain, 27, stunned Tottenham by revealing he wanted to quit the club this summer.
Kane has since been chased by a host of suitors in a deal expected to be worth around £150million.
City held the early advantage and have been the favourites with the bookies ever since the forward’s announcement.
But Chelsea now have the edge thanks to their overall package, according to The Athletic.
The Blues are believed to be willing to offer a player-plus-cash deal involving outcast striker Tammy Abraham as a like-for-like replacement.
- Thomas Blow
MOUNTAIN MEN
New Brighton signing Kjell Scherpen has become the JOINT-tallest Premier League player ever.
Standing at 6ft 8in, the goalkeeper enters a select group of mighty footballers to ply their trade in England’s top flight.
But who are the other behemoths to kick a ball in the Premier League? And how big was their impact in the beautiful game?
Click here to find out more
- Thomas Blow
LIN OR OUT?
Jesse Lingard is set to stay at Manchester United to fight for his place and could even sign a new contract despite interest from West Ham, according to reports.
The England midfielder, 28, enjoyed a scintillating second-half of the 2020-21 season on loan at the Hammers.
Lingard went from United outcast to a member of the Three Lions set-up in the build-up to Euro 2020 and was unfortunate to miss out on a place at the tournament.
But, buoyed by his strong showing last term, Lingard is leaning towards staying at Old Trafford rather than returning to London, say The Athletic.
The attacking midfielder scored nine goals and registered four assists in just 16 games for West Ham – and manager David Moyes is keen to bring him back to the London Stadium on a permanent deal.
However, Man Utd are believed to be holding out for a whopping £30million transfer fee, thanks to Lingard’s red-hot form last season.
West Ham are unwilling to pay that figure for a player who is now in the final year of his contract, seemingly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and already in his prime years.
- Thomas Blow
CAN'T BALE
Gareth Bale will NOT be returning to Tottenham this summer, and faces fight to be registered in Real Madrid's squad next season due to Brexit.
Bale chipped in with 16 goals and three assists across all competitions for Spurs last season, helping them secure a 7th placed finish.
However, Bale's goal-scoring exploits won't earn himself a move back to Tottenham.
BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone has revealed on Twitter that boss Nuno Espirito Santo has squashed any murmurs of a move for the winger.
And according to Spanish outlet AS, Bale also faces a dilemma when he returns to Real Madrid.
The Welshman counts as a non-EU player, and LaLiga clubs are only allowed three non-EU players in their squad – thanks to Brexit.
One of Bale, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo or Militao will not be able to be registered as a result of the rule.
- Thomas Blow
SCHER THING
Brighton have completed the signing of 6ft 8in Ajax goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
And the giant Dutchman has now become the joint-tallest player in Premier League history.
Scherpen, 21, played four times for Ajax last season following Andre Onana’s doping ban.
And he will now challenge Spain international Robert Sanchez for Brighton’s No1 jersey.
The Seagulls were searching for a new stopper after selling Mat Ryan to Real Sociedad.
- Thomas Blow
CREEPING UP
Manchester City have had to shut down a section of their training base for a deep clean after several academy players test positive for Covid-19.
The Citizens' under-18 and under-23 teams were set to travel to Loughborough for a training camp this week.
But five positive Covid cases amongst the academy ranks has thrown their plans up in the air.
According to The Athletic, also on the Daily Mail, the academy building has been shut off for the next ten days to allow it to be deep cleaned.
Youngsters who have tested positive will have to self isolate away from fellow academy players, staff and first team stars, but will be monitored on site.
- Thomas Blow
WILSON NEW NO9
England striker Callum Wilson will wear Newcastle's iconic No9 shirt this coming season.
Joelinton has been sporting the number recently but will now wear No7.
The No9 shirt is the most famous jersey in Newcastle's history, with legends Jackie Milburn, Alan Shearer, Hughie Gallacher and Malcolm Macdonald all achieving success while wearing it.
Wilson told the club's website: "They're both iconic shirts and we're both going to contribute a lot to the team.
"You're playing for the badge on the front ultimately but you're wearing a special number on the back and it's just about doing it justice, playing well and helping the team."
- Thomas Blow
BEAT IT
Dani Alves has ensured he will avoid becoming homesick at the Olympics… by bringing a DRUM to Tokyo.
The veteran defender, 38, was a shock inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming Games.
Click here to read more
- Thomas Blow
FIZZY BUSINESS
Ex-Brazil football star Daniel Carvalho revealed he used to drink EIGHT litres of Coca-Cola a day.
Carvalho – who is more famously known for his spell at Russia side CSKA Moscow – put on weight during his seven-year stint in the Russian capital.
He said in 2013: "I drank six to eight litres of Coca-Cola a day. Now I'm getting better, I practically drink a can a day and look there.
"At 30-years-old, I can't expect me to be as prepared as when I was 20-years-old.
"So, we have to start taking care of ourselves. I had some problems in recent years, which I managed to overcome."
- Thomas Blow
VARANE AND TRIPPIER LATEST
Manchester United are close to completing a double defensive swoop for Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier.
Both deals are all but done with announcements expected towards the end of next week.
United look set to hand Real Madrid a £50million fee for Varane, 28, despite the French international centre-back having just one year left on his Bernabeu contract.
England full-back Trippier, 30, wants the move to Old Trafford after two successful years at Atletico Madrid – and a transfer worth £18m is in the final stages.
- Thomas Blow
MIK WANTS JACK
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish – but Manchester City are still leading the race, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola's champions have long been linked with a £100million move for the England ace.
Man City also want Three Lions captain Harry Kane to move to the Etihad in a £150m deal.
However, The Athletic report Arsenal 'admire' Grealish, 25, along with rivals Tottenham.
It's unlikely either North London club will have the financial clout to sign the attacking midfielder this summer.
On top of that, Grealish is said to be happy at Villa Park and would only consider leaving for Champions League football.
Neither Arsenal nor Spurs are able to offer that in 2021-22.
- Thomas Blow
TORINO TOUCH
Torino's new kit honours their 'eternal friendship' with River Plate after the 1949 Superga tragedy.
The Serie A side unveiled their away strip for the 2021-22 season on Friday.
And it features a white shirt complete with a red sash from the left shoulder to the right hip – just like the iconic River Plate design.
Click here to find out more about the new kit
- Thomas Blow
SHOW AND TELL
Jose Mourinho has reportedly been blocked in his attempt to sign Alex Telles on loan from old club Manchester United.
The Brazilian left-back only arrived at Old Trafford in a £15.3million deal from Porto last summer.
England Euro 2020 hero Luke Shaw’s sensational performances in that position meant he only featured nine times in the Premier League.
Meanwhile Mourinho, who began his reign at Roma with an impressive 10-0 victory, is looking for a temporary fix to his full-back problem.
Leonardo Spinazzola is a regular in that role but he faces several months on the sidelines after he picked up an injury playing for Italy at the Euros.
According to Sky Sports Italia, the Special One had identified Telles and approached his old employers about taking him on loan.
But United have allegedly flat out rejected it as they want to offload the defender permanently.
- Thomas Blow
GREAT TO SEE JIM
Raul Jimenez was named in Wolves' starting XI for their pre-season clash against Crewe in the striker's first game following a horror fractured skull eight months ago.
The Mexican forward, 30, required oxygen after losing consciousness following a sickening clash of heads with then-Arsenal star David Luiz in November 2020.
Click here to read more
- Thomas Blow
AU DEAR
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had a woeful afternoon in front of goal against Rangers, missing three great opportunities.
His poor display has left Arsenal fans fearing for the worst, with the Gunners winless in two games against Scottish opposition.
Goal's Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts tried to be optimistic about Aubameyang on Twitter, highlighting the fact that he's finding himself in good positions to score.
But one Gunners fan responded saying Aubameyang has picked up where he left off last season.
The supporter tweeted: "What's worrying is Auba has picked up where he left off last season. Not scoring a lot."
Click here to read more
Credit: The Sun - Thomas Blow
FEELING SAUCY
Leonardo Bonucci has trolled England again, this time taking to Instagram to pose with a bowl of pasta alongside his pal and centre-back partner Giorgio Chiellini.
The 34-year-old Juventus star played a key role for Italy in the Euro 2020 final win against England at Wembley, scoring the equaliser in the 67th minute to cancel out Luke Shaw's early opener.
Click here to read more
- Thomas Blow
GUNNERS FAIL TO BEAT RANGERS
Arsenal twice came from behind to earn a draw against Scottish champions Rangers at Ibrox.
New signing Nuno Taveres and sub Eddie Nketiah were on target in front of 2000 fans in Glasgow.
Leon Balogun and sub Cedric Itten scored for the home side in a competitive encounter.
Arsenal’s side had almost £200m-worth of quality in the starting line-up, with £72m Pepe and £45m Thomas Partey joining Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Arteta’s opening line-up.
Click here to read the match report
- Thomas Blow
BRU-NO REST FOR THE WICKED
Bruno Fernandes has cut his summer holiday short to train with former club Boavista ahead of the 2021-22 season.
The Manchester United star, 26, endured a tough Euro 2020 campaign with Portugal.
Fernandes managed just 206 minutes across four games, failing to score or register an assist, as his nation were knocked out in the last 16 at the hands of Belgium.
The attacking midfielder was granted an extended leave by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer due to his participation in the tournament.
But Fernandes, keen to regain his match sharpness, has returned to his old club to undertake some drills.
He played for Boavista's youth team from 2004 until 2012 having joined at the age of nine.
Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes cuts holiday short to train with former club Boavista ahead of new season
- Thomas Blow
LOVE TATT
An Italian superfan has got Giorgio Chiellini's cynical tug tattooed on his arm following their Euro 2020 triumph.
The veteran centre-back famously took a yellow card when he yanked back Bukayo Saka in last Sunday's final.
Click here to read more
- Thomas Blow
DARLOW BLOW
Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow has tested positive for Covid-19 and will have to isolate for ten days.
The Magpies' other two stoppers Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman will also have to lock themselves away having been identified as close contacts.
With No 1 keeper Martin Dubravka injured, the Toon have been plunged into a goalkeeping crisis just 24 hours before their two pre-season friendlies scheduled for Sunday.
The North East side face York City – where they will send the first team – and Harrogate Town – who will now face Newcastle's Under-23s.
With his first FOUR goalkeepers out of action, Steve Bruce faces having to play inexperienced 20-year-old Daniel Langley in the first team.
- Thomas Blow
PSG STRUGGLE IN FRIENDLY
Paris Saint-Germain could manage only a 2-2 draw in their pre-season friendly with third-tier side Chambly.
There were goals for Argentine striker Mauro Icardi and teenager Xavi Simons, formerly of Barcelona's academy.
Here's the 18-year-old's impressive finish…
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