Meanwhile, Arsenal are also working on a deal for Aaron Hickey, according to reports.
Bologna are preparing for life without the player and his most likely destination is the Emirates.
The Gunners will need to pay in excess of £18 million to land him.
Aaron Hickey of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy on 1 May 2022. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Welcome to 101‘s daily round-up of the top transfer news and rumours for Thursday, June 16th.
Gossip
Jurrien Timber is swaying towards staying at Amsterdam rather than making an Old Trafford switch this summer [De Telegraaf]
And while the Red Devils are keen on a move for Anthony, the high price could be off-putting for Erik ten Hag’s side [De Telegraaf]
Chelsea and Manchester United are set to battle it out for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries with the right-back having a reported 40m euro price tag [Gazzetta dello Sport]
Monaco have shown an interest in Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez this summer [Football.London]
Roma are lining up a move for one-time Arsenal target Houssem Aouar, with Lyon keen to strike a deal this summer rather than lose him for free in 12 months [Di Marzio]
Inter Milan are closing in on a return for Romelu Lukaku, in the form of a loan with an obligation to buy [Matteo Morretto]
Thomas Tuchel is trying to keep Cesar Azpilicueta at Chelsea despite interest from Barcelona this summer [Fabrizio Romano]
Arsenal are closing in on Bologna defender Aaron Hickey in an £18m swoop, with the Emirates his most likely destination for next season [The Scotsman]
Meanwhile, the Gunners are expected to sit down with Gabriel Jesus ‘in the coming hours’ in an attempt to thrash out a deal [Caught Offside]
West Ham are keen on a move for England midfielder James Ward-Prowse as David Moyes looks to bolster his midfield [The Mirror]
Yves Bissouma is undergoing a medical ahead of finalising his move to Tottenham this summer [Fabrizio Romano]
Manchester City are set to submit their first bid for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella, with advanced talks expected in the coming days [Fabrizio Romano]
England manager Gareth Southgate has come under a massive bout of criticism after the Three Lions have put in a month of abysmal displays under his leadership, leading the nation’s top boss to speak out regarding the narratives that have begun to build around his tenure as well as the team.
Southgate vows to use criticism as fuel for World Cup amid ‘strange narrative’
This comes in the wake of England being embarrassed in a 4-0 loss at the Molineux last night against Hungary in front of the home support at Wolves’ ground, amounting to the second time in ten days that the national side has been blanked by the Magyars.
It was the fourth consecutive match that England failed to secure three points in during UEFA Nations League play in Group A, with the other two results amounting to a 1-1 draw against Germany in Munich, and a 0-0 draw against Italy, also at the Molineux, seeing England bag just one goal in 360-minutes of football.
England now sits dead last in their Nations League group, and though the World Cup in Qatar is five months away, questions continue to be asked regarding whether or not Southgate is the right man for the job.
Hungary scored four goals from just five shots on target vs England.
“Would it make Qatar sweeter? Well, no, you know, to be successful in Qatar would be sweet whatever happens.”
“Of course, I’ll use it as fuel. Because when you have disappointment and you read negativity and feel the mood, you of course want to fight and prove people wrong. But I’ve done that all my life, so that there’s not an extra incentive because of a night like tonight.”
“I know nights like this can happen. They’re not pleasant. They’re not enjoyable. I’ve seen it with others. But they are the realities of football. I have found the 10 days strange in terms of the narrative, as I found the last Nations League strange because I think the context was clear. And I didn’t agree with everything that was suggested.”
2JBA56D Soccer Football – UEFA Nations League – Group C – Hungary v England – Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary – June 4, 2022, Hungary’s Loïc Nego in action with England’s Mason Mount REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
For a nation tipped as one of the likely favorites in Qatar, England certainly has not looked the part of late after comfortably smashing their World Cup qualifying section before beating both Switzerland (2-1) and Ivory Coast (3-0) in a pair of friendlies back in March.
Headlined by the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka, the fact that England has managed just a single goal against credible opposition in the form of Germany and Italy, and an underrated Hungary outfit, questions could certainly be asked if Southgate’s tactical schematic will stand the test of time come the World Cup.
Despite that, England still is in the hunt for striking the right tactical balance according to Southgate, who seems unphased by recent criticism and remains confident moving forward.
“…And I think some of the desire to see open play… we saw tonight that you’ve got to have the balance of a team right. And you’ve got to get those decisions right. And with a club, maybe if you’re at the top, and you’ve got a long time working with the players, you can play a more expensive game.”
“But I think even the top teams, they’re bloody good defensively, they’re good on transition, the balance of everything is right. So I think the idea that we can just play lots of attacking players and rely on talent to win matches, it’s not the way it is. And, you know, that was a reminder to myself tonight in the second half that okay, that’s a gamble. You go for a gamble to try to win the game because you think that’s important. But what happened can happen.”
Inter Milan are increasingly confident of landing Romelu Lukaku on a season long loan, just 12 months after they sold him to Chelsea for 100m euros.
The striker became both the Italian side’s record sale and the Blues’ record signing when he made the switch last summer after a prolific season in Serie A. However, he had a torrid time at Stamford Bridge, and by November had already admitted he was longing for a return to Italy.
Come the end of the season, he had registered just 8 Premier League goals, and set a new record for the fewest touches in a game when Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in February.
Now, however, it seems as though his west London nightmare may be coming to an end, with Inter ‘increasingly confident’ of a loan move for the 29 year old, as per the reliable Nizaar Kinsella.
This comes as Chelsea have shown willingness to compromise on what was an initially demanded 25m euro loan fee, with an agreement expected to be struck at a much more reasonable £10m, with Lukaku ‘pushing hard’ for an exit.
Inter are increasingly confident of securing Romelu Lukaku on loan. Tone has changed after Chelsea show willingness to compromise on his exit: https://t.co/YQA5FuugtD#CFC
There is work still to be done, however- Inter Milan offered just £6m in the most recent round of talks, though all parties suggest that they were ‘positive’. It now seems to be a matter of when, not if, a loan deal is struck.
What next for Chelsea?
A move away for Lukaku will see Chelsea looking for a third striker in as many seasons, with both Lukaku and Timo Werner having flattered to deceive. They could make a move for Gabriel Jesus, but that ship may sail if they drag their feet with Arsenal and Tottenham also thought to be keen on the Brazilian and Jesus himself wanting a quick outcome this summer.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their 4th goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on April 23, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Alternatively, they could promote Kai Havertz to their no.1 option to lead the line, and use youth talent Armando Broja as backup following his impressive loan spell with Southampton.
England’s latest international break drew to a close on Tuesday evening in very disappointing fashion.
The Three Lions played four games during June, failing to win a single one and scoring just a solitary goal.
Now, with England having very few games left before the upcoming World Cup in November, 101 have decided to assess England’s current side and decide how close they are to getting a spot at Qatar.
We have also opted to include a few names who did not take part in the current break for various reasons.
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Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford – On the plane
It is quite clear he remains England’s no.1 and Southgate will trust him no matter his club form.
Nick Pope – Airport lounge
There is little competition for England’s third-choice keeper at present, though Pope could lose his place if Dean Henderson has a good start to next season.
Aaron Ramsdale – On the plane
Is almost certainly set to be in Qatar later this year, but his displays in June did little to suggest he should replace Pickford as England’s no.1.
Defenders
Conor Coady – Airport lounge
Probably the worst centre-back on this list, but Southgate is a fan and he can play well in a back-three if England use it.
Marc Guehi – At home
Didn’t do much wrong during the June break but also didn’t do enough to earn Southgate’s favour over someone like Coady.
Harry Maguire – On the plane
As strange as this may sound, Maguire is one of England’s more reliable centre-backs and his ball distribution is key for the Three Lions.
John Stones – On the plane
A poor June that saw him sent off vs Hungary. However, he is a favourite of Southgate and has impressed for England previously.
Fikayo Tomori – Airport lounge
Showed signs of quality during the break. Is staking a claim to become England’s third-choice centre-back behind Stones and Maguire.
Ben White – At home
Was called up to England’s latest squad but then missed out due to injury. As a result, the likes of Tomori and Coady are ahead of him in the pecking order.
Kieran Trippier – On the plane
One of Southgate’s favourites who can also be used as a left-back if needed.
Kyle Walker – On the plane
Has been England’s main right-back for some time now and his pace also allows England to use a three-back formation despite the lack of speed Maguire and Stones have.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Airport lounge
Has a chance of being taken to Qatar simply because of his Liverpool form, but he is yet to set the world alight for England.
Reece James – On the plane
James is unlikely to be England’s starting right-back this summer as Southgate does tend to stick with his favourites. But the Chelsea man showed he can be used at left-back vs Hungary and has shown for his club he can also fill the Kyle Walker role in a back-three, making him a very valuable squad player.
James Justin – At home
Wasn’t terrible during England’s latest games but they simply have too many right-backs.
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham – On the plane
Offered a different dimension to England’s midfield when he was introduced off the bench vs Germany. Is a serious talent and should be considered to fill the role next to Declan Rice, which would allow him to get forward and provide England with an extra attacking threat.
Conor Gallagher – At home
Gallagher wasn’t bad for England this month, but he did little of note and there are already too many midfielders Southgate prefers ahead of him. His game time next season also remains up in the air.
Kalvin Phillips – On the plane
Has impressed for England in the past at major tournaments and is expected to partner Rice in midfield.
Jordan Henderson – On the plane
Henderson wasn’t included in the June squad because Southgate said he knew everything he needs to know about the midfielder. But his experience and leadership is something Southgate will no doubt look to bring to Qatar.
Declan Rice – On the plane
Will be England’s holding midfielder at the 2022 World Cup.
James Ward-Prowse – Airport lounge
Did little of note during England’s latest set of fixtures but he stands a chance of going to Qatar simply because Southgate likes him.
Mason Mount – On the plane
Another favourite of Southgate who is sure to be included in the squad. Mount showed signs of quality in the recent break, but lacked the creativity needed to set up the likes of Kane and Sterling.
Forwards
Jarrod Bowen – Airport lounge
Had a decent debut for England but was unable to shine too much in an out-of-form side. His involvement at Qatar largely depends on how bad certain other players are next season.
Marcus Rashford – At home
Was not included in the June squad and will have to have a great start to next campaign to warrant a place in Qatar.
Jadon Sancho – Airport lounge
Was also left at home but stands more of a chance than Rashford of featuring at the World Cup due to England’s lack of options on the right.
Phil Foden – On the plane
Hardly featured this month due to injury, but the Manchester City forward offers the drive and creativity England lacked vs the likes of Hungary and Italy.
Jack Grealish – On the plane
Grealish was fairly average for England this month, but he did show patches of quality, including coming off the bench vs Germany and setting up Kane for what should have been an equaliser if not for a great save from Manuel Neuer. It would be stupid to leave someone with his match-winning quality at home, even if he doesn’t start games.
Bukayo Saka – Airport lounge
Saka did look to be a nailed-on pick for the 2022 World Cup, but he wasn’t great this month and could lose his place if the likes of Sancho and Rashford start next season well.
Raheem Sterling – On the plane
Was one of England’s best players at Euro 2020 and is one of the few players outside of Kane who scores for the Three Lions on a regular basis.
Harry Kane – On the plane
Only a major injury would keep England’s captain and top-scorer from being at Qatar 2022.
Tammy Abraham – On the plane
Pressed well during his outing vs Italy and is expected to play back-up to Kane later this year barring a serious drop in form or a major resurgence from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which seems unlikely.
Frenkie de Jong has dealt Manchester United a huge blow in their hopes of landing him this summer.
For much of the 2022 summer transfer window, Manchester United have been heavily linked with Frenkie de Jong.
Various reports have been produced on United’s interest in the FC Barcelona man, but the reliable David Orenstein did confirm earlier on Tuesday that De Jong was the Red Devils’ summer priority:
🚨 Man Utd understood to have made an offer to Christian Eriksen & are among the clubs interested in signing him. 30yo Denmark playmaker a free agent after Brentford contract ended. #MUFC summer priority remains De Jong but other options too @TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/mY3YGlEfME
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Now, however, De Jong has all but confirmed he has little interest in moving to Manchester United.
De Jong’s Netherlands faced off with Wales on Tuesday evening in a Nations League tie, winning 3-2 to go three points clear atop of their group with two games to play.
Following the match, De Jong was asked about interest from Manchester United and went on to state he is at the biggest club in the world and feels fine there: “You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player. But I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and I feel fine there. So there’s no news.”
Frenkie De Jong: “You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player. But I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and I feel fine there. So there’s no news.”
Four in, eight out: Tottenham’s transfer plans post-Bissouma revealed
Tottenham appear to be closing in on their third signing of the summer transfer window.
The Lilywhites have already secured the services of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on free transfers and now, as 101covered earlier on Tuesday, Tottenham are looking to sign Brighton central midfielder Yves Bissouma for £25m.
A decent price for a proven Premier League talent that will provide Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg some much-needed competition next season.
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However, despite seemingly having wrapped up their third deal of the summer, Spurs do not look to be anywhere close to done in the market.
This comes with it reported that Antonio Conte wants four more signings this summer – two defenders, a creative midfielder and a forward – to arrive before the club’s pre-season tour to South Korea in mid-July.
It is added that Spurs are ‘quietly confident’ of securing the return of Christian Eriksen on a free transfer and are also interested in Everton striker Richarlison.
Said players would take care of the creative midfielder and striker spots, leaving Tottenham to sign two more defenders.
One of those defenders is expected to be a left-footed centre-back to compete with Ben Davies on the left of Tottenham’s back-three.
Pau Torres of Villarreal and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan have been the two names most heavily linked for that role.
Elsewhere, it is believed that Conte is eyeing quite the clear-out this summer. The Italian wants to offload around eight players, including Sergio Reguilon, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.
Bergwijn has received interest from Ajax, whilst Lo Celso could be used in a deal to bring Pau Torres to north London.
Chelsea have learned how much they would have to pay to land Wolves wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, according to reports in Spain.
The Blues switched to a back five once Thomas Tuchel took over in January of 2021 and have used Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso as their main left-wing-backs since then.
However, Chilwell spent a large part of last season out injured whilst Alonso fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel towards the end of 2021/22, with the German even opting to use Malang Sarr – a natural centre-back – at left-back over Alonso.
So, it is not too surprising to see Chelsea linked with several new wing-backs so far this month.
One of which has been Wolves’ Ait-Nouri, with it reported by Sport that the defender is valued at €15m:
According to Sport, Wolves LWB and Chelsea target Rayan Aït-Nouri is valued at €15m.
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Ait-Nouri first joined Wolves in October of 2020 from French side SCO Angers.
The young defender was signed on a season-long loan from Angers, but he has since made his move a permanent one.
Wolves are believed to have paid €11m to the French outfit for Nouri in July of last year.
During his first season at the club, Nouri, and Wolves as a squad, did not play their best football. However, since Bruno Lage arrived this past summer, Nouri has improved a great deal.
The young Frenchman cemented himself as Wolves’ main left-wing-back in a back-five.
During his stint in the first-team, Nouri also helped Wolves earn one of the best defensive records in the English top-flight last season, with only the top-four sides letting in fewer goals across 2021/22.
The Erik ten Hag regime at Manchester United could set itself up to get off to an unexpected surprise this summer after the Red Devils have tabled a formal offer for Danish international star Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen, 30, is available on a free transfer after his one-year deal with Thomas Frank’s Brentford was not extended and has been previously linked with interest from former club Tottenham but United could be set to swoop in to secure the services of the Ajax academy graduate.
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United has tabled a contract offer and is one of a cadre of clubs that are vying for the services of Eriksen, who has made a sensational return to football after suffering a serious cardiac event during Denmark’s Euro 2020 clash with Finland last summer.
🚨 Man Utd understood to have made an offer to Christian Eriksen & are among the clubs interested in signing him. 30yo Denmark playmaker a free agent after Brentford contract ended. #MUFC summer priority remains De Jong but other options too @TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/mY3YGlEfME
Since his return to the Premier League during the second half of the 2021-22 season with Brentford, Eriksen was a standout performer under Frank and an expected chief architect in the creative engine room for the Bees and managed to add one goal and four assists in his eleven appearances this season.
Eriksen also made a sensational return to international football on the back of his club form as well, scoring for Kasper Hjulmand’s De Rød-Hvide against both Serbia and the Netherlands during the March international break.
Though United has been hot on the trail of Barcelona’s Dutch midfield star Frenkie de Jong this summer in a bid to reunite the central figure with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, a move for Eriksen would add a wealth of creative talent under the Dutch manager to the already creative outlet that is Bruno Fernandes.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Christian Eriksen of Brentford acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Brentford and Burnley at Brentford Community Stadium on March 12, 2022 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
But a move for Eriksen by United could be warranted after the club has lost Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard this summer on free transfers.
It is unclear if Eriksen will opt for Tottenham over United after the official approach has been levied by the Red Devils, but according to Eriksen, Champions League football is not a vital component when it comes to his next port of call.
When speaking with Viaplay (cited by Fabrizio Romano), Eriksen’s statement could offer a boost to United’s attempt at bringing him to the northwest of England; “I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision. I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”
Word stemming from the media on Monday evening points towards Premier League outfit Fulham’s attempts to land Shakhtar Donetsk star Manor Solomon being firmly back on track.
For those not aware, it was, at one point, viewed as something of a formality that gifted attacker Solomon was primed for a summer switch to Craven Cottage.
The 22-year-old is understood to have been identified as the ideal replacement for the outbound Fabio Carvalho, set to take his talents to Anfield with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool ahead of the new season.
On the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Fulham, in turn, quickly swooped to strike a deal worth around £7 million with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Multiple outlets went as far as to state that the transfer was therefore as good as done, with the Cottagers set to add proven attacking quality to their ranks ahead of a season back in the top-flight of English football.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 21: Manor Solomon of Shakhtar Donetsk celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B stage match between Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 21, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
In turn, it came as a major blow for all associated with the club when, out of the blue, word was forthcoming that Fulham’s Solomon swoop was on the verge of complete collapse.
Owing to a series of unforeseen ‘issues’, negotiations between the two clubs were brought to a standstill, opening the door for rival suitors to pounce.
As alluded to above, though, evidently, such efforts on the part of fellow interested parties to have positioned themselves in the race for the Israeli have come up short.
This comes with a fresh twist in the tale having now been confirmed, and Solomon’s Craven Cottage switch very much back on the table.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the recruitment team in west London are ‘getting closer’ to finally pushing a deal with Shakhtar over the line.
Figures of €7.5 million, followed by a 15% sell on clause, are touted as being discussed, with the transfer, in turn, ‘back on track and advanced’.
Fulham are now getting closer to sign Manor Solomon after deal collapsed few weeks ago. It was almost done for €7.5m + 15% sell on clause from Shakhtar, now back on track and advanced. ⚪️🇮🇱 #FulhamFC
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