TRANSFER GOSSIP: Chelsea target Paulo Dybala ‘agrees new deal at Roma’, while Inter and AC Milan are ‘battling to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun’
The new Premier League season is just two weeks away, with champions Manchester City set to face Burnley at Turf Moor on August 11 in the first game of the campaign.
With the season fast approaching, teams are stepping up their preparations and looking to get their transfer business done quickly.
Thursday’s main transfer news saw Jordan Henderson finally complete his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, ending his 12-year stay at Liverpool.
And we are likely to see many more eye-catching signings over the coming days.
Below, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Friday.
Paulo Dybala is set to sign a new contract at Roma, dealing Chelsea a blow in their pursuit of the forward. The Blues have been linked with Dybala this summer, but he will put pen to paper on a deal to keep him at Roma until 2026. (Tuttomercatoweb)
Inter Milan and AC Milan are battling for the signature of Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun. The two Italian giants are both keen on the Gunners star, who is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Inter emerging as the frontrunners to land the 22-year-old. (The Independent)
Brighton have rejected an £80m bid from Chelsea for midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Blues have been pursuing Caicedo through the summer window, but are yet to meet Brighton’s valuation of the Ecuadorian. (Mail Sport)
Bayern Munich have David de Gea and Brentford’s David Raya on their list of goalkeeping targets. De Gea is currently considering his next move after leaving Manchester United earlier this month. (The Times)
Southampton have turned down a £25m bid from West Ham for midfielder James Ward-Prowse. The Hammers are looking to replace Declan Rice following his move to Arsenal and made the offer for Ward-Prowse earlier this week, but it has been rejected by the Championship club. (The Sun)
Fulham have made a £4.5m bid for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. The 22-year-old is keen to leave Chelsea this summer to play more first-team football, and could be set for a short trip across west London to join Marco Silva’s men. (Mail Sport)
Chelsea are leading Arsenal in the race for Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus. The £40m-rated star has offers on the table from both London clubs, but the total package from Chelsea is believed to be more convincing, as things stand. (The Independent)
Manchester City have been given until August 12 to conclude a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. The German club want £86m to allow Gvardiol to leave, and want his future sorted before the start of the season. (Mail Sport)
Chelsea have had a £24m bid rejected for Montpellier forward Elye Wahi. The Blues are hoping to finalise a deal for Wahi that would initially see him join partner club Strasbourg on loan. (The Evening Standard)
Calvin Bassey is set to undergo a medical at Fulham ahead of his £18.2m move from Ajax. Bassey only joined Ajax last summer, but looks set to return to the UK after previously impressing at Rangers. (Mail Sport)
