Football transfers: Lisandro Martinez shares Dubai holiday clip
The summer transfer window is developing at a relentless rate, with top sides from around Europe pulling out all the stops to strengthen ahead of the new season. Imminent moves are expected at Tottenham and Manchester United, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also attempting to pull strings as fans, managers and owners battle with the fear of getting left behind.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already had a productive summer, delivering Antonio Conte three new faces and getting to work on more. As of Thursday, the Lilywhites are believed to be closing in on Barcelona's Clement Lenglet and Everton's Richarlison, which would sew up a hefty portion of their transfer business earlier than most.
Arsenal and Man Utd are two sides who may have hoped for more progress based on the amount of recruits needed, and they are both trying to remedy that by chasing the same player. Ajax's Lisandro Martinez is the star in question, and a bidding war seems to have taken hold as the figures creep closer to the Dutch side's asking price.
And Thursday could see yet more twists and turns involving Leeds United winger Raphinha. Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal are all believed to be in contention to sign the Brazilian, who is yet to make up his mind on where to go next.
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Daniel Levy, Lisandro Martinez and Raphinha are all central to the latest transfer drama (Image: GETTY)
AC Milan boardroom boost could give Chelsea financial windfall in Raheem Sterling pursuit
AC Milan legend and director of football Paulo Maldini signed a new contract on Thursday evening, allowing the club to press forward in their transfer activities for the suimmer.
And that could see Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech depart the club to fund a move for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
Tuttomercato states that Milan are already intensifying their negotiations with the Blues over a potential deal for the out-of-favour Moroccan.
And with Chelsea aiming to complete a £100million double deal for Sterling and Leeds hero Raphinha, the fee would give them a windfall just when they need it the most.
PSG confirm signing of Portuguese star Man Utd held interest in
Not so much an arrival in the Premier League, but Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of Vitinha - ultimately killing off any potential interest Manchester United had in his services.
News broke two weeks ago that the Red Devils were in the market for the former Wolves loanee, who had a £35million release clause at Porto.
However, the announcement now means that United must turn their attention to other targets in midfield alongside the ever-closer arrival of Frenkie de Jong.
Richarlison deal 'done' with Tottenham set to announce signing soon
Everton star Richarlison has reportedly completed his move from the Toffees to Tottenham in a £55million bid, which could reach £60m with add-ons, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Brazilian has been at Goodison Park for the past four years, becoming a fan favourite for his mad antics, ability to take games by the horn and passion.
However, with Tottenham's Champions League status being confirmed last month, the opportunity was too good to pass up for the star who had an eleventh-hour bid from Chelsea.
The Blues didn't wish to match Tottenham's bid and thus the former Watford star looks set to join Antonio Conte's men.
Richarlison could be announced as a Tottenham player on Friday. (Image: GETTY)
Celtic set to make double swoop as former loan star returns
Celtic announced the signing of Alexandro Bernabei on Thursday morning in a swoop from Argentine side Lanus as they continue to add to their squad ahead of the season - and are set to add more with loan star Jota, according to the Daily Mail.
Bernabei joined from the Argentine capital for a fee of around £3.75million, with the 21-year-old signing a five-year deal.
Jota has been willed by supporters to sign for the club permanently after capturing their hearts last season with Celtic's reclaimation of the Scottish Premiership title.
And the report states that the club have opted to exercise his £6.25m clause after a successful year under Ange Postecoglou.
Lisandro Martinez chooses his next move with 'hopes pinned on top club'
Lisandro Martinez's role in his tug-of-war battle between Manchester United and Arsenal could play a huge part in determining his future, with reports claiming that the Ajax star prefers a move to Old Trafford.
Martinez played at Ajax under Erik ten Hag before the Dutchman's move to United at the start of pre-season, but had previously been linked with a move to the Gunners as they looked to enhance their defensive prowess.
Yet according to Telegraaf, Martinez has his hopes pinned on United, who he sees as a 'top club' - whilst also being high on Ten Hag's wishliist.
Developments are expected to be seen over the next two days as the Argentine looks for an exit from the Eredivisie.
Chelsea's talks for Matthijs de Ligt 'progressing' as two stars could be used in swap deal
Chelsea's talks to sign Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt are reportedly progressing alongside a bid to offer Nathan Ake a return to Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Telegraph.
De Ligt is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League, whilst Juventus have softened their £102million valuation on the Dutchman which has made a prospective transfer more realistic.
Another key aspect of the deal is that Chelsea are willing to allow Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner as pawns in a bid to bring the total price of the move down.
And that could have serious implications for Sevilla, with central defender and long-term Chelsea target Jules Kounde more likely to stay in Spain - though the club saw his potential sale to the Blues as 'essential' to their business this summer.
Matthijs de Ligt could become a Chelsea player sometime soon (Image: GETTY)
Just when you thought that the transfer saga that has clouded over Raphinha's future had been resolved, the Leeds star's imminent move to Chelsea has taken another twist with Barcelona reportedly making an 11th-hour bid for his services.
The Blues agreed a deal with Jesse Marsch's men earlier this week in a bid worth over £55million, although personal terms have yet to be agreed.
This has given other clubs a glimmer of hope with the move yet to be wrapped up by new owner Todd Boehly.
And according to reports, Barcelona have made a last-gasp bid after the Brazilian requested the Blaugrana have more time to complete a deal for him.
Chelsea leave Sevilla chiefs 'uneasy' over Jules Kounde transfer chase
It's no big secret that Chelsea are in the hunt for a defender this summer given that the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left Thomas Tuchel threacbare at the back this summer.
But despite strenuous links to Jules Kounde over the past 12 months, a deal has yet to be pursued for the in-demand Frenchman.
That has left Sevilla officlals in the dark over a potential move, according to Marca, with the sale of their key asset 'essential' to any summer business.
And with links for Matthijs de Ligt, Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake picking up pace, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be done for the former Bordeaux star.
Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer claims that he has still not decided where his next club will be, and reinforced the importance of Champions League football.
Tottenham have been heavily linked over the past few weeks, and could add him to a growing crop of defenders if they fend off rival interest from Inter Milan.
"Where will I go to play? I’m talking about it with my agent and at the moment there is nothing defined," he said. "We are talking. I don’t know if I will stay in Italy or go abroad. The only fundamental thing is to play the next Champions League and this is important to continue to grow. It will all be defined in the next few days, in the next few weeks."
Spurs are also believed to be closing in on a loan deal for Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet.
Everton rejected an eleventh-hour player-plus-cash deal from Chelsea for Brazilian forward Richarlison, according to The Telegraph.
The Toffees star is instead poised to join Tottenham, with his medical being conducted in Brazil this afternoon.
Everton maintained their stance throughout, in that they would only sell the 25-year-old in a lucrative cash-only deal that can bail them out of financial trouble.
The Chelsea player on offer has not been specified, and Everton are set to pocket an initial £50million from the sale.
Richarlison is poised to be unveiled as a Tottenham player (Image: GETTY)
Express Sport understands that David Moyes and the West Ham board are in disagreement over who to sign between Arnaut Danjuma and Jesse Lingard.
The boss, who worked with Lingard during a short-term loan spell in 2020/21, would favour a move for the out-of-contract Manchester United star, while the board prefer the idea of swooping for Danjuma.
Lingard would be available for free this summer, but would also command significant wages. Meanwhile, Danjuma's signature comes with a £38million price tag but he may accept a smaller pay packet.
Manchester City are set to complete their second permanent signing of the summer this week, according to The Daily Mail, with Kalvin Phillips poised to complete his medical on Friday.
The boyhood Leeds United fan is thought to be keen on working under Pep Guardiola, who orchestrated another Premier League title win with the Sky Blues last term.
Whites fans may wince at the financial aspects of the £45million deal, given that they will have expected to bank significantly more for their midfield maestro.
Liverpool's touted move for Adrien Rabiot could see Juventus ask for one of two Reds stars in return.
Calciomercato claim that either Naby Keita or Roberto Firmino could be introduced into negotiations for the French midfielder, with Juve interested in both.
Massimiliano Allegri may look to replace the outgoing Paulo Dybala this summer, and Firmino fits a similar profile. Keita, conversely, would arrive as Paul Pogba's midfield partner in crime.
Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he kept in contact with Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi while at Chelsea last season. He also kept his house in Italy, suggesting that he felt as though a return to the San Siro was always on the cards.
"It's like coming home," he told the club's official website. "My family and I were so happy here thanks to the people, the fans and my team-mates. From the first day I arrived here, everyone helped me settle in. I'm very happy. I kept my home here when I went to England, so that means something. I'm pleased to be back and now I can't wait to get out there with my team-mates."
Romelu Lukaku spent two prolific seasons at Inter between 2019 and 2021 (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United could unveil Frenkie de Jong at Old Trafford this weekend, according to Sky Sports Germany.
"Update De Jong: Ten Hag wanted him, he will get him!" explained journalist Florian Plettenberg. "The deal is in the final stages. De Jong is on verge to join #MUFC! Been told that de Jong could be presented at the weekend. But it’s not 100 % safe right now. There are plans to present him in the stadium."
Erik ten Hag made the Barcelona midfielder a key target at the start of the summer, and a deal totalling £73million could soon be made official.
Tottenham are closing in on Richarlison and Clement Lenglet, and Express Sport understands that negotiations for Middlesbrough's Djed Spence are ongoing too.
Right-back has become a priority position due to progress made in other areas of the squad, and Spence excelled last term on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Time is of the essence though, with Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder keen to bank the money and get to work on putting together a promotion-chasing side.
It seems that Bayern Munich aren't bluffing when they say that they expect Robert Lewandowski to see out his contract in Bavaria.
A third bid of around £39million from Barcelona has been rejected, according to Bild, which will come as a crushing blow for the Catalan side.
Lewandowski has not been shy in voicing his desire to leave Bayern, with Barcelona his preferred option. His comments over the past few weeks suggest that things could get ugly if the German giants do not play ball.
The future of Leeds United winger Raphinha is anyone's guess amid a transfer saga that has already seen plenty of twists and turns.
Weeks ago, the Brazilian reached a personal terms agreement with Barcelona, who subsequently distanced themselves from the deal due to the player's hefty price tag.
Arsenal then looked to be in pole position, before Chelsea steamed in to agree an initial £55million fee with the Whites.
Yesterday, it emerged that Barca were back in the fold after Deco, Raphinha's agent, had lunch with the club's bigwigs to try and thrash out an agreement.
It remains to be seen who will make the next move...
Things have moved quickly since Arsenal's opening £26million bid for versatile Ajax star Lisandro Martinez.
Already, The Sun claim that the bidding has advanced to £34m as the Gunners attempt to fend off rival interest from Manchester United.
talkSPORT had claimed that the Red Devils were preparing a bid of £40m, which comes perilously close to Ajax's valuation of the Argentine, and United also have the distinct advantage of boasting Erik ten Hag, with whom Martinez won the league last term.
With more twists and turns inevitable, it remains to be seen how this one develops.
Lisandro Martinez has perked the interest of Arsenal and Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is wasting no time this summer, and he could be on the verge of granting Antonio Conte two more signings.
Gianluca Di Marzio claims that a loan arrangement with Barcelona for Clement Lenglet is already a done deal, and the finer details are currently being ironed out.
Meanwhile, a personal terms agreement has already been reached for Richarlison, with a full agreement described as a 'matter of time' by Fabrizio Romano.
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