A fresh insight into Premier League outfit Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Ajax star Lisandro Martinez has been provided on Sunday.
The name of stopper Martinez has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines on the red half of north London over the course of the week to date.
This comes after the transfer team at Arsenal, altogether out of the blue, were revealed to have tabled an opening offer for the Argentine’s services.
Ajax, for their part, opted to rebuff the proposal, understood to have come in around the €30 million mark.
🚨 Arsenal defensive priority this window is Lisandro Martinez. Wanted for ability to play LCB / LB + 24yo Argentina international said to be keen. Sources indicate ~€30m bid already rejected by #Ajax but #AFC will keep pushing. That & more @TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/OxgBbdOOAo
If the latest word stemming from the media on Sunday is anything to go by, though, then it appears that Mikel Arteta and co. are far from ready to call time on their Martinez pursuit.
As per reliable Argentine journalist Roy Nemer, a follow-up bid is being readied by those in a position of power at Arsenal, keen to test the resolve of their Ajax counterparts.
Such an offer is expected to come in around the €35 million mark, inching ever closer to the alleged demands of the Eredivisie champions.
Arsenal’s keenness to get a deal for Martinez over the line as quickly as possible comes with the 24-year-old also understood to be on the wishlist of a number of rival Premier League clubs.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle are all too keeping a close eye on the situation, ahead of what could prove one of the transfer sagas of the summer.
Welcome to 101‘s daily round-up of the top transfer news and rumours for Sunday, June 19th.
Gossip
Arsenal are prepared to bid again for Lisandro Martinez after seeing their opening offer turned down [Fabrizio Romano]
The Gunners are looking to spend £70m on Martinez and Gabriel Jesus in the coming weeks, with the Brazilian a priority [Daily Mail]
However, there have been no negotiations between Arsenal and Bologna over Aaron Hickey [Fabrizio Romano]
Manchester United made calls to Yves Bissouma before his move to Tottenham, but he was never seen as a serious target [The Athletic]
Tottenham have been told that they will have to pay at least £34m to land centre-back Piero Hincapie [The Sun]
Liverpool want to offer Joe Gomez a new contract, but will have to convince him he is still an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans to do so [Mirror Football]
Manchester United have joined the queue for Hoffenheim defender David Raum, who is also on the radar of Borussia Dortmund [Daily Mail]
Chelsea will move for Raheem Sterling should Romelu Lukaku return to Inter, which is looking increasingly likely [Daily Mail]
Renato Sanches is set to join Paris Saint Germain, despite having agreed personal terms with AC Milan [CalcioMercato]
Ousmane Dembele is open to joining Chelsea, but wants assurances that he will start regularly [The Sun]
Former West Ham striker Marco Arnautovic is Juventus’ favoured option to provide backup for Dusan Vlahovic [Tuttosport]
Bayern Munich are set to unveil Sadio Mane at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday [Mail]
And, after announcing Mane, they want to sign Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig [Fabrizio Romano]
Raphinha will wait as long as possible to see if Barcelona’s interest solidifies, despite interest from the Premier League [Mundo Deportivo]
An update on the ongoing speculation surrounding the name of Tottenham Hotspur star Steven Bergwijn has been provided on Saturday.
Dutch international Bergwijn of course endured an altogether underwhelming campaign last time out.
Sitting behind all of Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, Lucas Moura and January arrival Dejan Kulusevski in the attacking pecking order in north London, he was afforded starts in just four of Spurs’ 38 Premier League fixtures under the combined watch of Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.
In possession of unquestionable talent, it has therefore come as little surprise to see the 24-year-old hotly tipped for a Spurs exit for some time now, with Dutch heavyweights Ajax one club frequently pushed as a potential landing spot in the media.
SPURS HAVE STOLEN IT! 😱
Two goals in two minutes as Steven Bergwijn comes up clutch for Tottenham! 😤
And, if the latest word doing the rounds on Saturday evening is anything to go by, then a move to Amsterdam over the coming weeks appears to be very much on the cards for Bergwijn.
This comes with a fresh insight into the attacker’s future beyond the summer having been provided by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Ajax, it is understood, are continuing to push hard for Bergwijn’s signature, with discussions between all three parties ongoing.
In turn, though a deal is yet to be struck, a transfer is ‘absolutely on’, albeit with those in a position of power at Tottenham only willing to sanction a sale in the case of their valuation being met.
Steven Bergwijn deal between Ajax and Tottenham is absolutely on, all partied are in contact – but it’s not fully agreed yet. 🇳🇱 #THFC
Bergwijn, Ajax priority since January. Tottenham, still open to sell at their conditions. #Ajax
Word stemming from the Spanish media on Saturday suggests that Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati’s injury nightmare may not have come to a definitive end just yet.
This past season, of course, proved one to forget for youngster Ansu.
This came as the gifted attacker managed to string together a paltry three La Liga starts, owing to a host of injury issues, largely in his hamstrings.
Nevertheless, Ansu’s form when on the pitch remained hugely impressive, with the 19-year-old having racked up a none-too-shabby six goals across all competitions across the campaign’s length.
In turn, upon Ansu taking to the pitch in some capacity in each of Barca’s last five La Liga outings of the term, the widespread hope was that he was Spanish international was out of the woods when it comes to fitness, primed to explode back onto the world football scene in 2022/23.
BILBAO, SPAIN – JANUARY 20: Ansu Fati during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Athletic de Bilbao v FC Barcelona at the Estadio San Mames on January 20, 2022 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
It will therefore no doubt come as a major concern for the Blaugrana faithful to hear that, on Saturday, fresh fears have begun to spread regarding Ansu’s long-term prospects.
The info comes courtesy of Achraf Ben Ayad, generally regarded as on the money when it comes to ongoings at the Camp Nou.
And, unfortunately, it has been suggested that the teenage talent remains some way off competing at the highest level.
This comes with many at the Camp Nou understood to be of the opinion that Ansu made a mistake in turning down the opportunity to have his latest hamstring issue repaired via surgery.
It now remains to be seen whether the decision does indeed prove detrimental to the winger’s prospects moving forward.
Ansu Fati is still not yet ready to compete at the highest level. In fact, he is far from ready. Barcelona think Fati made a big mistake by not undergoing surgery.
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has admitted that he is hoping for a new start under new boss Erik ten Hag, following an awful maiden season with the Red Devils.
Varane joined the club in August 2021, but injury restricted him to just 22 Premier League appearances as Manchester United registered one of their worst ever Premier League campaigns, conceding as many goals as relegated Burnley.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: New signing, Raphael Varane of Manchester United is introduced to fans on the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford on August 14, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images,)
Now, with Ten Hag at the wheel, the World Cup winner is hoping for a big improvement.
“It’s a new season, it’s a new start, so everyone is excited to know about the new manager”, he told the Manchester United website.
“Obviously, we want to do well and win every game so, for this, we’ll have to prepare for the new season, and I think it’s important for us to train hard and be ready”.
“We want to be ready for the new season,”
“We need to work very hard and there will be a lot of training sessions, and a lot of games, so I think it will be interesting and a great moment to work very hard and to prepare for the season.”
Ten Hag growing frustrated?
As per the Athletic, ‘murmurings have begun that Erik ten Hag is starting to get a little frustrated’ at his side’s lack of transfer dealings, with deals for Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen seemingly stalling as other clubs continue to do shrewd business.
United and Chelsea are the only two sides of the big six that have not completed a transfer this summer, with the Red Devils perhaps the most in need of new additions following their sixth-placed finish.
With six or eight new signings required at Old Trafford, it seems as though business will need to pick up soon should they be able to improve on their disappointing 21/22 season.
Welcome to 101‘s daily round-up of the top transfer news and rumours for Saturday, June 18th.
Gossip
Christian Eriksen would prefer to stay in London, handing Tottenham the advantage in the chase for his signature [The Athletic]
Nottingham Forest have a verbal agreement in place for Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate [Sky Sports Germany]
Steve Cooper’s side are also keen on a move for former Liverpool talent Taiwo Awoniyi, who has a 20m euro release clause [Sky Germany]
Arsenal’s signing of Fabio Vieira will not cool their interest in Youri Tielemans, despite reports to the contrary [Fabrizio Romano]
Destiny Udogie is likely to stay at Udinese this summer, despite links with Tottenham, Juventus and Inter Milan [Fabrizio Romano]
Real Madrid will look to sign Erling Haaland in 2024, when his 150m euro release clause kicks in [Diario AS]
Portuguese midfielder Vitinha is set to sign for Paris Saint Germain after they activated his release clause, despite Premier League interest [Fabrizio Romano]
Manchester United still expect to sign Frenkie de Jong in the coming weeks [The Athletic]
Meanwhile, murmurings have begun that Erik ten Hag is starting to get a little frustrated, just a month into the job at Old Trafford [The Athletic]
Arsenal have joined the race for Lisandro Martinez, having already seen an opening offer turned down [The Athletic]
Chelsea are keen on a swap deal that would see Milan Skriniar head to San Siro in exchange for Romelu Lukaku [Daily Mail]
Nottingham Forest have admitted defeat in their chase for Djed Spence, leaving Spurs free to sign the defender [Northern Echo]
Neymar has no desire to leave PSG this summer, despite his sale being an option for the club [Marca]
West Ham United are set to announce the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window at any moment, according to reports.
The player primed to link up with the capital club ahead of next season? Nayef Aguerd.
Central defender Aguerd has long been tipped to take his talents to the London Stadium, with the interest of David Moyes and co. having first come to the fore in the media a full 12 months ago.
The 26-year-old’s stellar ensuing campaign with Stade Rennais has in turn only seen the will of the Irons to push a deal over the line increase, with precisely that now understood to be on the verge of completion.
As per the reliable Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Aguerd’s West Ham switch ‘should be announced early next week’.
This comes after the respective powers that be at the London Stadium and Roazhon Park struck an agreement for a fee in the region of £30 million.
Nayef Aguerd’s move to West Ham should be announced early next week. Fee is around £30m. Positive early move for David Moyes as he identified a left-sided centre back as a priority this summer #whufc
Elsewhere on the West Ham front, Moyes and co. are also understood to be on the lookout for reinforcements in the attacking third.
And one such player, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, to have been identified as a potential addition to the Hammers’ frontline for the 2022/23 campaign comes in the form of Sassuolo star Giacomo Raspadori.
The 22-year-old, also on the radar of Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan, is said to boast a similar price-tag to Aguerd, in the region of €30 million.
Soon-to-be ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba has provided an insight into the key factors behind his public fallout with one-time head coach Jose Mourinho.
It has of course long been common knowledge that the coming weeks are set to prove French international Pogba’s last on the books of United.
This comes with the gifted midfielder’s contract due to expire at the end of the month, after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on the terms of a new deal through next season and beyond.
Pogba, in turn, is primed to take his talents back to Italy, linking up with Serie A giants Juventus as a free agent for the 2nd time in his career.
Paul Pogba will sign his contract with Juventus at the beginning of July, the expectation into the club is now clear. Final details are being discussed but verbal agreement is in place for his return. ⚪️⚫️🇫🇷 #Juventus
And, evidently, the 29-year-old’s latest departure from Old Trafford is set to come with some altogether considerable bad blood remaining between the two parties.
This past Thursday, a series of quotes attributed to Pogba as part of his new Amazon feature, ‘The Pogmentary’, caused quite the stir across Man United’s fanbase.
This came as the Frenchman confirmed his intention ‘to show Manchester United that they made a mistake’ in allowing him to move on.
And now, as alluded to above, a fresh round of comments on Pogba’s part have seen the midfielder take his place centre stage in the headlines once more.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Paul Pogba leaves the field through injury during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on April 19, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Providing an insight into his widely publicised fallout with former boss Jose Mourinho, Pogba revealed that the lingering issues between the pair, as far as he is concerned, came about as a result of the actions of the Portuguese tactician.
“It started when I got injured. I said I was going to Miami to do rehabilitation,” Pogba began.
“A paparazzi took a photo of Zulay [Pogba’s wife] and me. Jose sent the picture to Mino [Raiola]. I didn’t like that at all. He said he’s on holiday when we are working like [expletive].
“I told Mourinho are you serious? I’m injured. I train three times a day here. Who do you think I am? It was new to me to have an issue with my coach.”
Premier League outfit Aston Villa have, on Friday, been tipped to launch an outlandish swoop for soon-to-be free agent Gareth Bale.
The Claret and Blue, of course, have taken their place front and centre in the English football headlines for several weeks now.
This comes with those in a position of power at Villa Park having evidently come to the conclusion that the club’s 14th place finish in the Premier League this past season proved some way off expectations.
In turn, a major recruitment drive has been kicked into gear, to reinforce Steven Gerrard’s ranks ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
To this point, despite the summer window having only technically swung open late last week, the Villans have closed deals for all of Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and shot-stopper Robin Olsen.
Aston Villa is delighted to confirm the transfer of Diego Carlos from Sevilla FC for an undisclosed fee! ✅
Teenage Rangers prodigy Rory Wilson, who racked up an eye-watering 49 goals at youth level last season, is also understood to be on the verge of a Villa Park switch.
As alluded to above, though, Gerrard and co. appear far from ready to rest on their laurels.
This comes with the Birmingham-based outfit now understood to be expressing an interest in a potential 6th summer signing, in the form of Gareth Bale.
As per a report from The Guardian, Villa are one of a number of Premier League clubs ‘keeping an eye’ on the iconic Welshman, with a view to next season.
This of course comes with Bale set to be available as a free agent come the end of the month, upon the expiration of his contract with Real Madrid.
Also understood to be in the race for the veteran winger are both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
It now remains to be seen whether Bale himself would be interested in the prospect of linking up with Steven Gerrard’s increasingly talent-packed squad.
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