Liverpool’s plans for next summer and Sterling at Chelsea
West Ham prepare to win Conference League and jump into top-four
West Ham finished the season in seventh place in the APL and reached the Europa League semi-finals. David Moyes’ team could have hoped for more, but they lacked the depth of their squad. That is something the Hammers are determined to work on this summer. Central defender Naif Aguer from Rennes has already been contracted and minor details of the Areole deal remain to be sorted out. The French goalkeeper spent last season on loan at West Ham and now the Londoners are buying Alfonso from PSG and signing him on a five-year deal.
The fans, of course, are expecting a newcomer to the attacking line-up, especially at the centre-forward position, where Michael Antonio has settled in alone. Based on recent rumours, West Ham have Napoleonic plans. The Hammers’ shortlist includes striker Armando Broja, wingers Jesse Lingard (free agent) and Arnaud Danjuma (Villarreal) and central midfielder James Ward-Praus. If West Ham sign all of these players, they will be obliged to fight for a Champions League trip next season.
Manchester United make life difficult for ten Hague with their slowness
The situation at Manchester United was discussed at length today. The Mancunians have no transfers yet, they only have dreams: they want to sign Frankie de Jong, they tempt Christian Eriksen, they look at the players of Ajax with Erik ten Hag. Incidentally, there is a growing view in the Netherlands that the job at Manchester United will turn out to be a major disappointment for ten Hague. Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kran believes Erik is in for a “terrible pre-season” as MU have not signed a single player and the team is not staffed for big challenges.
Arsenal: three newcomers and Gabriel Jesus in mind
Unlike MJ, Arsenal have reacted strongly in the transfer market to their failure to qualify for the Champions League and their return to the European competition. In June, the Canaries first agreed the transfer of 19-year-old São Paulo winger Marquinhos, then signed Porto’s attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira for €35 million and today closed the deal to acquire US national team goalkeeper Matthew Turner from New England Revolution.
Despite such activity, Arsenal’s main summer transfers are still ahead of them, with an Argentina defender and a Brazilian striker due to arrive in London. From Holland, it is reported that Arsenal are haggling with Ajax for Lysandro Martinez. An agreement has not yet been reached, but the clubs may reach a compromise in further negotiations. Meanwhile, reliable sources confirm that an agreement in principle has been reached between Arsenal and Man City on the transfer of Gabriel Jesus for £45m.
Antonio Conte wants to make Tottenham great
Tottenham are operating in a very professional and grown-up fashion on the transfer market, the influence of Antonio Conte is palpable – he would not take on a project with no future. “Spurs have already signed free agents Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster as well as paying €29m for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissoum. Tottenham do not intend to stop there and today it was reported that the Londoners are preparing a “package offer” to Everton.
Spurs want to sign two players from the Merseyside club – Brazilian striker Risharlison and 21-year-old winger Anthony Gordon, who Tottenham believe is a talented player and the right bet for the future. In addition, Antonio Conte needs another central defender. Clément Lenglé from Barcelona and Josco Guardiola from RB Leipzig are among the candidates. “Tottenham are acting like they want to win some trophy. Why, what if they do?
Chelsea make Man City offer for Raheem Sterling
Petr Cech, Chelsea’s technical director and sporting advisor, has left the club. Minus the legend and plus zero newcomers – not the rosiest balance of new owners so far. “The Blues have featured in various transfer plots but have not yet finalised any deals, although they are in the hunt for a star newcomer right now.
Chelsea are trying to get Raheem Sterling out of Manchester City. “The Citizens are open to dialogue, but have yet to receive an offer that would fully suit them. However, there could be a long game of staring, as Raheem’s contract with City expires next summer and his desire to leave forces the club to act.
Thomas Tuchel has already discussed football matters with Sterling, but money must “talk” first. “Manchester City want £50 million for their player and Chelsea intend to knock down the price. Sterling’s interest is solid, but he is not the only one being considered – strengthening options include Risharlison, who is available to Tottenham, and Ousmane Dembele, whose contract with Barcelona expires this week.
Liverpool make plans for next year
Who has everything planned in advance, it’s the Reds. Liverpool let Sadio Mane leave for Bayern this summer and signed Darwin Nunez at centre-forward. The Merseysiders also completed two ‘growth’ transfers, with 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho and 18-year-old Calvin Ramsey together costing €10m and a tailspin. Liverpool have no transfer priorities left, but there are grand plans for the future.
“Liverpool must be prepared for the possible departure of Mohamed Salah, the club already have a shortlist of candidates to replace the Egyptian. And Jurgen Klopp also wants to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. Guardiola also admires the young Englishman, but Man City take Calvin Phillips and create killer competition in midfield, while Klopp wants to lure Jude with the promise of a place in the starting line-up. Liverpool, however, have a dangerous rival from elsewhere: Real Madrid have also included Bellingham in their transfer plans for 2023.
Manchester City are not just selling, they are also buying
The Citizens could release two players to clubs from the APL’s Big Six: Sterling to Chelsea and Jesus to Arsenal. As Guardiola has said, he does not want disgruntled players in his team. But if you get rid of someone unhappy, you need to sign someone happy. “Manchester City have already roped in Erling Holland and England’s supporting midfielder Calvin Phillips should be the next newcomer. The deal with Leeds is close to being finalised, with the transfer costing the English champions between €45m and €50m.
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