HERE’S YOUR DAILY dose of transfer gossip as the madness of the summer transfer window continues and who better to guide us through the latest wheelin’ and dealin’s than ‘Arry himself.
Just don’t use the words wheelin’ or dealin’, alright?
Dum deal: Newcastle are reportedly close to making their first signing of the summer after PSV Eindhoven left Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum out of their squad for a pre-season friendly. The 24-year-old’s representatives are said have held talks with Newcastle in the last few days and the club are hopeful of finalising a £15m move.
Got their Gueye: Aston Villa are expected to complete the £9m signing of Idrissa Gueye from Lille this week. The highly-rated Senegalese midfielder has already agreed personal terms and had a medical at the club. As soon as Gueye gets his work permit, he will be confirmed as Villa’s second signing of the summer window.
On Song: West Ham hope to confirm the capture of Alex Song this week. They are understood to have reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign the 27-year-old on a permanent basis. The Cameroon international was in the stands at Upton Park last Thursday for their Europa League qualifier.
Legal Threat: Southampton are expecting to beat Spurs to the signing of defender Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid, after the Spanish club failed to cancel their buy-out clause in time. Spurs reportedly had a bid accepted for Alderweireld, who spent last season on loan at St.Mary’s, but will now move to Southampton after they threatened legal action.
Not about the money: According to the Telegraph, Raheem Sterling has an unusual arrangement with his agent that will see him pocket £4m of his agent’s fee if Manchester City meet Liverpool’s £50m asking price.
Holding out: Queens Park Rangers have reportedly rejected a bid in the region of £7m from West Brom for winger Matt Phillips. Reports in various British papers, including The Telegraph and The Daily Mail, suggest the London club are holding out for an offer in the region of £10m. Negotiations between the clubs are expected to continue this week.
Options: Arsenal are interested in bringing Karim Benzema to England, according to Spanish newspaper AS. They say that Arsene Wenger is eager to strengthen his attacking options and a £17.8m bid could be lodged in the near future, as the Frenchman’s future remains up in the air under new boss Rafa Benitez.
Transfer merry-go-round: The Daily Mirror claims that Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is being targeted by Atletico Madrid to replace Arda Turan, who is a target for Barcelona, Chelsea and PSG. There is also further transfer news for Arsenal fans with the Mirror reporting that Arsenal have made initial contact with Spain International Pedro’s representatives and the Independent saying they will make a big-money move for Arturo Vidal.
Hijack: Manchester United are reportedly considering hijacking Chelsea’s move for Stoke’s 28-year-old goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. With the future of De Gea uncertain, the Potters stopper has been identified by Louis Van Gaal as an ideal replacement for the young Spaniard.