Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the latest transfer news (Image: Getty)
We’re now at the point in the summer transfer window where a steady stream of business becomes a frenzy of late activity. Every single one of the Premier League’s major sides is expected to make moves between now and the deadline.
For the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, shedding excess weight from their ranks will be just as important as any last-minute additions. Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to continue their steady squad improvement, and Liverpool are still on the hunt for new manager Arne Slot’s first signing.
Reigning league champions Manchester City won’t be left out of the action as they come to the end of a relatively quiet summer overall, with Ilkay Gundogan closing in on a sensational return from Barcelona.
With all this to delve into and more, follow Express Sport‘s live transfer updates below…
Conor Gallagher to Atleti confirmed
Conor Gallagher’s move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid has finally been officially confirmed after several delays.
The England international signs a five-year contract to join Diego Simeone’s team and has been spotted training with them already.
Gallagher heads to Spain for £36million with every penny of that going down as pure profit in the Blues’ books because he is an academy graduate.
The 24-year-old’s contract had been due to expire at the end of the season.
He leaves Chelsea having made 95 first-team appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists in that time.
Conor Gallagher has completed a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid. We wish Conor the very best as he begins a new chapter in his career. \ud83d\udc99
\u2014 Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 21, 2024
Man City clinch Gundogan and contact Celtic
Manchester City have agreed a one-year deal with Ilkay Gundogan and the German midfielder is all set to re-sign on a free transfer from Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The fast-moving saga has effectively come to an end as Gundogan prepares to reunite with Pep Guardiola after only one year away.
City are also looking to replace Julian Alvarez, and The Athletic claim they have held talks with Celtic over the signing of forward Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kyogo would reportedly be keen on the move but City are yet to decide between the Japanese and another candidate.
Palace send Lacroix bid
Crystal Palace have submitted their opening bid for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Eagles’ offer equates to an initial £10.3million, plus £1.7m in add-ons.
The 24-year-old Frenchman only has one year left on his contract and would be open to leaving Wolfsburg.
Lacroix could arrive at Selhurst Park as a direct replacement for Fulham-bound Joachim Andersen, while fellow centre-back Marc Guehi’s future is also uncertain.
Crystal Palace have opened the bidding for Maxence Lacroix (Image: Getty)
Man Utd eye Serie A star
Manchester United chiefs were at the headquarters of Atalanta this week, according to reports in Italy.
The main purpose of the visit was talks about Rasmus Hojlund’s move between the clubs last summer.
But United are also believed to have asked for information about Atalanta’s Brazilian star, Ederson.
United are in the market for a new midfielder and their top target, Manuel Ugarte, has been slapped with a £51million price tag by Paris Saint-Germain.
Ederson could be a viable alternative.
Newcastle pinpoint Guehi alternatives
Newcastle United are looking at Edmond Tapsoba and Axel Disasi as alternatives to Marc Guehi, according to The Athletic.
The Magpies have seen a total package worth £65million rejected by Crystal Palace as they dig their heels in over Guehi’s future.
And Newcastle are reluctant to up the stakes further.
Palace are on the verge of selling their other starting centre-back, Joachim Andersen, to Fulham, reducing the likelihood of Guehi being allowed to leave in the same window.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Tapsoba and Chelsea’s Disasi are next on Newcastle’s list.
Manuel Ugarte offer
Paris Saint-Germain have offered Manchester United the chance to sign Manuel Ugarte on loan with an obligation to buy him for £51million at the end of the season, according to The Daily Mail.
PSG are desperate to recoup the same fee they paid Sporting for the Uruguayan last summer.
But United are hoping the transfer fee can be lowered to around £42m.
Ugarte is now Erik ten Hag’s top midfield target as a number of other stars on his wish list have recently completed moves elsewhere.
Man Utd are pushing to sign Manuel Ugarte before the transfer deadline (Image: Getty)
Liverpool eye Arsenal hijack
Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Joan Garcia but they are unable to proceed until Aaron Ramsdale departs.
That leaves them susceptible to a late transfer hijack, and according to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are among the rival teams monitoring the Espanyol goalkeeper.
La Liga outfit Girona have also submitted an offer this window for the 23-year-old stopper, who would come in as back-up for David Raya at Arsenal or Alisson Becker at Liverpool.
Four Chelsea deals imminent
It’s all coming to a head at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are expected to announce the signing of Joao Felix today after agreeing a £44.5million permenant deal with Atletico Madrid.
That will pave the way for Conor Gallagher to finally complete his switch in the opposite direction, having flown back to London last week after completing his medical in Spain.
Armando Broja joining Ipswich Town is almost a done deal too, with the newly-promoted side set to fork out £30m for a permanent arrangement after a season-long loan if they avoid relegation.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, focus will then switch to Romelu Lukaku joining Napoli, which ‘all parties feel will happen’.
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to Express Sport‘s Transfer news LIVE!
It’s all happening with just over a week left in the summer transfer window, so strap yourself in for a busy day ahead.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1938607/transfer-news-live-chelsea-liverpool-arsenal-ugarte