JOAO CANCELO will return to Manchester City after Bayern Munich decided not to take up their £60million option to buy him.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is on the verge of moving from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid — although both clubs are still haggling over the final fee.
His German side are holding out for £130million and the England midfielder looks certain to land his massive move this week or next.
Elsewhere, Newcastle are hoping to land long-term target James Maddison this summer following Leicester's relegation.
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Follow ALL of the latest transfer updates below…
- By Emillia Hawkins
Wil he go?
Arsenal are understood to be tracking highly rated Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto – but face competition from Manchester City.
The 19-year-old Italian was one of the few bright sparks during a miserable campaign for all involved at Elland Road.
Gnonto racked up four goals and four assists during his debut season for Leeds with his performances earning him call-ups to Roberto Mancini's Italy squad.
According to Italian source Calcio Mercato, Gnonto has admirers in his native Italy with Fiorentina, Sassuolo and Roma all retaining a long-term interest in the winger.
But the Italian publication reports that both Arsenal and Manchester City are now keeping tabs on the winger.
Gnonto was brought in for £10million from Swiss side FC Zurich last summer as part of a recruitment drive that saw Leeds bring in a number of young players with high potential.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Poch-ed Deal
Mauricio Pochettino's first Chelsea transfer is at risk of being hijacked by Manchester United.
The Blues boss is already preparing to put together a side for the 2023-24 season after being appointed on Monday.
Pochettino penned a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge and will officially take over from caretaker manager Frank Lampard on July 1.
The former Tottenham Hotspur gaffer's clear out of the Chelsea squad is now underway, with several players already axed.
As for incomings, Pochettino has highlighted midfield as an area in need of reinforcements during the summer.
Sporting Lisbon star Manuel Ugarte is at the top of his wishlist, with Pochettino understood to be confident a deal can be completed.
However, A Bola now report that United have entered the race to sign the Uruguayan.
The Red Devils' interest could cause an issue for Chelsea, who have already had to contend with a rumoured approach from Paris Saint-Germain.
Although Ugarte is said to favour a move to Stamford Bridge over joining PSG, it is unknown what his stance is on United's interest.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Spurs plot Kulusevski signing
Tottenham are planning to sign Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal when his loan expires next month, according to The Athletic.
Kulusevski joined on an 18-month loan from Juventus in January 2022.
His contract came with an obligation to buy for £31million if he played at least 20 Premier League games this season and Tottenham finished in the top four.
But because the Lilywhites finished outside the top four, the obligation became an option to buy – an option of which Spurs are planning to exercise on a long-term deal for a lower fee.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Keeping in Tuch
Declan Rice has reportedly held a phone call with Thomas Tuchel over a summer move to Bayern Munich.
And further reports claim an initial £95million bid is set to be submitted by the German champions as they look to beat Arsenal to the punch.
West Ham captain and England star Rice is hot property as he approaches the final year of his contract.
Arsenal are thought to be leading the race after narrowly missing out on their first Premier League title in almost two decades.
Manchester United are also monitoring the situation as they mull an attempt to hijack Arsenal’s deal.
However, Bayern have thrown a spanner in the works after making their interest known last week.
Boss Tuchel wanted to bring Rice to Stamford Bridge during his Chelsea days.
And Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the pair held a productive phone call over the weekend, with both sharing a mutual appreciation.
He says Rice is open to joining Bayern, with the Germans now ready to up their pursuit.
But they will have to move quickly, with Arsenal apparently closing in on his signature.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Lerma to leave Bournemouth
Bournemouth have announced the departure of 28-year-old midfielder Jefferson Lerma.
Lerma will become a free agent when his contract expires next month.
Speaking to club media, Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: "Jefferson has made an outstanding contribution to the club over the past five years, but during contract negotiations he has made it clear to us that he seeks a new challenge.
"As both a player and a person, Jefferson has been a key part of our success. While we are naturally disappointed that we won't see him in an AFC Bournemouth shirt again next season, we thank him for his unwavering commitment and wish him all the best."
- By Emillia Hawkins
BREAKING: Brentford announce arrival of Mark Flekken
Brentford have completed the signing of Mark Flekken from Bundesliga side Freiburg.
Flekken has penned a four-year contract with the Bees.
He will become Brentford's first choice goalkeeper following the departure of David Raya, who is set to leave this summer.
Thomas Frank said: "We’re very happy to have signed Mark.
"He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group. He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.
"He was a big part of the team there and now he’s coming to us and will hopefully make the group better and the team better. He’s a very good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution is very impressive."
- By Emillia Hawkins
Beck for Good
Lionel Messi has received an astonishing transfer offer from Saudi Arabia worth around £1bn, according to reports.
Foot Mercato claim that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner could double Cristiano Ronaldo's Middle Eastern salary if he agrees to the move.
That deal would see him and Ronado renew their rivalry as Messi would line up for Al Hilal against Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
However, Messi is said to prefer a move to Barcelona and the La Liga champions are said to have enlisted the help of David Beckham to lure the Argentina captain.
According to L'Equipe, Barca are considering a plan which would see Beckham-owned Inter Miami sign the star before loaning him to Spain.
Messi's loan would last for either six or 18 months before the star would move permanently to the MLS.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Smith Rowe to STAY at Arsenal
Arsenal have no intention of letting Emile Smith Rowe depart this summer, according to The Athletic.
The 22-year-old, who has a contract until 2026, remains an important part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Canc-el culture
Joao Cancelo will be sent back to Manchester City after Bayern Munich decided not to take up their £60million option to buy him in a boost for Arsenal.
The German giants negotiated the clause when they signed the Portugal international on loan for the rest of the season in January.
Cancelo, 29, helped Bayern win the Bundesliga at the weekend but has had a mixed spell at the Allianz Arena.
And the decision has been taken by boss Thomas Tuchel and the club not to extend his stay in Bavaria.
City chief Pep Guardiola gave him the green light to move after the defender lost his starting place and made his feelings known.
Cancelo’s chances of forcing his way back into the reckoning at the Etihad appear slim as the side have coped well without him.
Barcelona are keen on the ex-Juventus man but Treble-chasing City may have to drop their asking price to get rid of him.
Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also states that Arsenal are lining up a shock swoop for the defender.
He claims that Barca have had “genuine interest since January” in Cancelo but any potential move “depends on FFP”.
However, he added that “Arsenal appreciate Cancelo” and that “he’s one of the names in the list” of potential targets for boss Mikel Arteta.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Benfica 'to tempt' Di Maria back
Benfica want to sign Angel Di Maria on a free transfer this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The 35-year-old will become a free agent next month and several clubs are understood to be interested in signing him.
But Benfica are determined to bring him back to Lisbon.
Di Maria spent three years with the Eagles before joining Real Madrid in 2010.
- By Emillia Hawkins
Fernandes urges Portugal teammate to join Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes has urged Goncalo Ramos to join him at Manchester United.
Ramos, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford after bursting onto the International stage at the Qatar World Cup following a hat-trick in the Round of 16.
The Benfica ace has enjoyed a stellar year at club level too.
However, Portugal team-mate Fernandes has backed Ramos to thrive in the Premier League, declaring "he has all the qualities" needed to play in England's top flight.
Speaking to A Bola, the Red Devils vice-captain said: "The best always come in handy, be it Gonçalo or another player.
"He has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say Premier League I also mean Manchester United.
"I think he could become a great reference in the coming years, but it's still not in my hands to be sports director…
"Gonçalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League, he is very intense, presses very well and is very good inside the area."
- By Emillia Hawkins
Liverpool REJECT Fabio Carvalho bid
Liverpool have rejected an opening bid from RB Leipzig for midfielder Fabio Carvalho, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds are reluctant to let him leave on a permanent transfer, but they could be persuaded if a buy-back clause is included in a deal.
- By Tony Robertson
Good morning footy fans
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is set to join Real Madrid, although both clubs are still haggling over the final fee.
Dortmund are holding out for £130million and Bellingham looks certain to land his big move this week or the next.
The deal would include £105m up front with £25m in add-ons and is a major increase on the £30m the Bundesliga giants paid the midfielder three years ago.
The 19-year-old has favoured a move to Real rather than Manchester City and Liverpool, who withdrew because they could not afford him.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are battling Newcastle for Leicester stars James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, reports SunSport's Tom Barclay.
Maddison and Barnes are set to leave the Foxes following Sunday’s relegation and while other clubs are in the hunt for the pair, SunSport understands Spurs and the Magpies are pushing hardest.
Both are expected to command fees of around £40m, with Maddison out of contract at the end of next season.
However, Leicester would hope any kind of bidding war would drive up their price further.
The now Championship outfit would prefer quicker sales so they can put any cash raised towards rebuilding their squad for next season.
Maddison has been a long-term target for both Newcastle and Tottenham, with the former having an offer turned down last summer.
And Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino has started to wield the axe on his bloated squad.
Joao Felix has gone back to Atletico Madrid after Pochettino decided against making his loan move a permanent deal.
Denis Zakaria also joined the Blues on loan from Juventus, but he is returning to his parent club as well to "assess his options".
Ruben Loftus-Cheek may be heading to AC Milan, who are willing to pay about £20m for his signature.
And Dujon Sterling has joined Rangers after agreeing a four-year deal with the Scottish giants.
Finally, West Ham star Declan Rice has held a phone call with Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel over a summer move to Germany.
An initial £95m bid is set to be submitted by Bayern as they look to beat Arsenal for Rice's signature.
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the midfielder and Tuchel held a productive phone call over the weekend, with both sharing a mutual appreciation.
Plettenberg adds that the England international is open to joining the Bavarians, with the Germans now ready to up their pursuit.
But the Bundesliga champions will have to move quickly as the Gunners are apparently closing in on the 24-year-old's signature.
- By Kostas Lianos
Harry Kane Exclusive
Tottenham stat Harry Kane will stay in North London for a final season if he cannot get a move to Manchester United, reports SunSport’s Tom Barclay.
Kane has no intention of going abroad while he is just 48 goals away from breaking Alan Shearer’s historic Premier League record tally of 260.
Spurs are more open to selling the centre-forward to a foreign club than a top-flight rival with Bayern Munich huge admirers.
But the England international sees United as the only viable Prem option as he is not willing to risk his reputation with fans by moving to arch- rivals Chelsea or Arsenal.
Newcastle are not in a position to spend more than £100million on one player, despite their Saudi riches, whereas Liverpool and Manchester City are not in the market for a striker.
SunSport understand Kane wants a switch to Old Trafford or he will run down his deal and leave for free next year.
- By Kostas Lianos
William Saliba Exclusive
Arsenal are struggling to sort out a new deal with William Saliba, reports SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Saliba only has a year remaining on his current £40,000-a-week contract and the Gunners are desperate to secure his services on a long-term basis.
The North Londoners are ready to offer the 22-year-old £120,000 per week to be their defensive rock.
But Arsenal have been shocked by the demands being made by the centre-back’s camp and are currently nowhere near reaching an agreement.
Mikel Arteta’s side fears that Paris Saint-Germain will pay the France international whatever it takes to lure him to the Parc des Princes.
Arteta insists that Saliba is a crucial part of his long-term plans and has no intention of selling him.
- By Kostas Lianos
Maur exits at Chelsea
Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino has started to wield the axe on his bloated squad.
Joao Felix has been sent back to Atletico Madrid after Pochettino decided against making his loan move a permanent deal.
Denis Zakaria also joined the Blues on loan from Juventus but he will be returning to his parent club as well to "assess his options".
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be heading to AC Milan, who are willing to pay about £20million for his signature.
Dujon Sterling has joined Rangers after a agreeing a four-year deal with the Scottish giants.
- By Kostas Lianos
Keep in Tuch
West Ham star Declan Rice has held a phone call with Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel over a summer move to Germany.
An initial £95million bid is set to be submitted by Bayern as they look to beat Arsenal for Rice's signature.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the midfielder and Tuchel held a productive phone call over the weekend, with both sharing a mutual appreciation.
Plettenberg claims the England international is open to joining the Bavarians, with the Germans now ready to up their pursuit.
But the Bundesliga champions will have to move quickly, with the Gunners apparently closing in on the 24-year-old's signature.
Meanwhile, the Mirror report a bid is already set to arrive from Bayern.
- By Kostas Lianos
The Neym game
Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar wants to join Manchester United and refuses to leave the French champions for any other club this summer.
According to Foot Mercato, the 31-year-old accepts he has no future with PSG.
The Brazil international is now fully focused on securing a switch to Old Trafford.
According to L’Equipe, United were already in advanced talks with PSG over a move for the 31-year-old star.
- By Kostas Lianos
Marco Asensio on the move
Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio is closing in on a shock move to Aston Villa.
Asensio is out of contract at the end of the season and hasn't put pen to paper on a new deal with Real.
The forward has been frustrated at a lack of playing time under manager Carlo Ancelotti and doesn't expect that to change if he agrees on fresh terms.
The Spain international has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, while both Arsenal and AC Milan hold interest.
According to Marca, however, the 27-year-old could be playing under Unai Emery at Villa next season.
- By Kostas Lianos
Chelsea summer clear-out
Chelsea new manager Mauricio Pochettino has begun his summer clear-out with Denis Zakaria and Dujon Sterling leaving Stamford Bridge.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Zakaria will return to Juventus after his loan stint ended and "assess his options".
Sterling, on the other hand, has joined Rangers after a agreeing a four-year deal with the Scottish giants.
- By Kostas Lianos
Fulham transfer target Exclusive
Fulham are working on a £2million deal for Farul Constanta teenage sensation Andrei Borza, reports SunSport's Jordan Davies.
SunSport understands the Cottagers have had scouts monitoring Borza, 17, and feel now is the time to bring him to west London to further develop his potential.
The left-back signed his first professional contract with Farul last summer, expiring in 2026, and Fulham’s main concern in sealing the deal as soon as possible amid interest from PSV Eindhoven.
The Romania Under-20 international is a product of the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, named after Farul’s current owner who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
It is believed Borza would be loaned out next season with a view to getting him more first team experience in one of Europe’s top five divisions.
- By Kostas Lianos
Neymar's Pep talk
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola called Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar to enquire about his intentions with his future in doubt ahead of the summer transfer window.
The forward's season was curtailed by injury and he has frustrated PSG with some of his behaviour, such as attending the Monaco Grand Prix while his team-mates celebrated winning Ligue 1.
Guardiola is keen to know exactly what the Brazil international is thinking ahead of the summer transfer window and called up for a chat, according to L'Equipe.
The report, though, adds that the 31-year-old is unlikely to move to the Etihad, despite the Spanish tactician's recent interest in his wellbeing.
- By Kostas Lianos
Maddison and Barnes Exlusive
Tottenham are battling Newcastle for Leicester stars James Maddison AND Harvey Barnes, reports SunSport's Tom Barclay.
Maddison and Barnes are set to leave King Power Stadium following Sunday’s relegation and while other clubs are in the hunt for the pair, SunSport understands Spurs and the Magpies are pushing hardest.
Both are expected to command fees of around £40million, with Maddison out of contract at the end of next season.
Though the Foxes would hope any kind of bidding war would drive up their price further.
Leicester would prefer quicker sales so they can put any cash raised towards rebuilding their squad to take on the Championship next season.
Maddison has been a long-term target for both Newcastle and Tottenham, with the former having a bid turned down last summer.
- By Kostas Lianos
Bellingham on the move
Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham is set to join Real Madrid although both clubs are still haggling over the final fee.
Dortmund are holding out for £130million and Bellingham looks certain to land his massive move this week or the next.
The deal would include £105m up front with £25m in add-ons and is a huge increase on the £30m the Bundesliga giants paid the midfielder three years ago.
The 19-year-old has favoured a move to Real rather than Manchester City or even Liverpool, who withdrew because they could not afford him.
- By Alex Smith
Smith Rowe to stay
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe will reportedly stay at the Emirates beyond the transfer window.
The 22-year-old struggled for minutes this season after an injury-hit campaign.
But Mikel Arteta has no plans to let him go despite potential interest from other sides.
The attacking midfielder’s deal does not run out until 2026.
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