TRANSFER GOSSIP: Kylian Mbappe is prepared to sit out the season to force through Real Madrid move, Chelsea eye Mohammed Kudus and Man United remain steadfast in Rasmus Hojlund pursuit

The new Premier League season is under three weeks away and, with pre-season now in full swing, clubs across the globe are frantically working to put the finishing touches to their squads for 2023-24.

It will be hard to look back on this transfer window as anything other than the Saudi summer, with stars such as Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante choosing to follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s example by moving to the Middle East.

But there’s still been plenty of activity across Europe with Man City signing Mateo Kovacic to replace new Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan, Jude Bellingham earning a £113m move to Real Madrid, Kai Havertz sealing a £65m switch from Chelsea to Arsenal and Mason Mount swapping the Blues for Man United.

Arsenal are making some eye-catching moves in the window having also added West Ham talisman Declan Rice in a £105m deal and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber for £34m.

Meanwhile, Tottenham captain Harry Kane is continuing to attract bids from Bayern Munich.

But what else is happening in the transfer market? Below, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Sunday. 

Chelsea are the latest club to be interested in Ajax and Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus 

The saga over Kylian Mbappe’s future at PSG continues after he was not included in their squad for a pre-season tour of Japan. Real Madrid are still heavily linked with the 24-year-old and it is now thought he is prepared to sit out the whole season without playing if necessary so Los Blancos can snap him up for free next year (Sky Sports).

Chelsea have held talks over a move for Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus. Arsenal and Brighton have also shown an interest in signing the £40million-rated 22-year-old after he rejected an offer of a new contract extension until 2026 from Ajax and expressed a desire to leave (Mail Sport).

The future of Watford forward Ismaila Sarr has been a regular discussion point during recent transfer windows and that is no different this year with Marseille beginning talks for the Senegalese star. He is not thought to be the only target for the Ligue 1 club – who have signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – but negotiations are underway (Fabrizio Romano).

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are growing more and more confident that Wilfried Zaha will extend his deal at the club. The academy product has been linked to several teams all across the globe since his contract officially expired on June 30 but he could well return to Selhurst Park once he completes his recovery from a hamstring injury (The Telegraph). 

It has been a tumultuous summer so far for Fulham with speculation over several key figures such as Joao Palhinha, Aleksandar Mitrovic and boss Marco Silva. The Portuguese coach has now refused to say whether he will remain at Craven Cottage after receiving mega-money offers from Saudi Pro League clubs (The Telegraph).

In better news for Cottagers fans, they have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Calvin Bassey for £18.2m and are in talks to add Mohammed Salisu from Southampton. Centre-back Bassey was willing to stay and fight for his place but Ajax have told the 23-year-old he does not figure in their plans (Mail Sport).

Crystal Palace are believed to be increasingly confident Wilfried Zaha will remain at the club

Meanwhile, Man United remain determined in their pursuit of Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund

However, they are set to face competition in their pursuit to add out-of-favour Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi from Lazio. Hudson-Odoi, 22, has reportedly told the Blues that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in search of first-team football after a season on loan at Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen (Alfredo Pedulla). 

Manchester United remain determined in their pursuit of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund as Erik ten Hag desperately attempts to add a striker. If they can bring in the Dane, focus will then move to a midfielder with Sofyan Amrabat among those linked to the club (Fabrizio Romano).

Elsewhere, United have agreed a deal to sign Darren Fletcher’s sons – Jack and Tyler – from rivals Manchester City for a fee believed to be £1.25m. The pair are regarded as stars of the future and they now look to follow in their father’s footsteps by joining the Red Devils (The Athletic). 

Finally, Jordan Henderson has completed his medical ahead of his highly-controversial £12m move to Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq. The 33-year-old is set to pen a three-year deal with Steven Gerrard’s side (The Athletic).