the Daily Briefing: Thursday 21st July - Broja, Zinchenko, Dybala, Lingard, and more
My comprehensive morning update on the latest transfer news, featuring major updates at Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham.
Good morning guys and welcome to my latest Daily Briefing! Read on for the latest exclusive transfer news, completely ad-free :)
Today’s top headlines:
AC Milan
Lille president Oliver Letang has confirmed that Renato Sanches could join AC Milan this summer, but PSG are another option.
Paolo Maldini has suggested Milan are confident about signing Charles De Ketelaere after a fresh round of talks with Club Brugge.
Ajax
Done deal: Calvin Bassey has been officially unveiled by Ajax, joining from Rangers.
Jurrien Timber is closer to signing a new contract with Ajax, but why did a move to Manchester United fall through?
Arsenal
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko will be joining Arsenal.
The Ukraine international has also been spotted alongside Arsenal director Edu watching the win over Orlando City:
Oleksandr Zinchenko has signed his Arsenal contract, which will be valid until 2026. Here’s how Mikel Arteta ensured the move happened.
Mexican youngster Marcelo Flores is joining Real Oviedo on loan - paperwork completed, official announcement should be soon.
Atletico Madrid
Jan Oblak has signed a new three-year contract with Atletico Madrid. His previous deal was due to expire in 2023. Announcement soon.
Nahuel Molina is set to join Diego Simeone’s side. Personal terms already agreed, no issues, it’ll be announced soon.
Barcelona
No bid from Barcelona for Jules Kounde at the moment as Chelsea step up their interest and feel increasingly optimistic about signing the Sevilla defender.
Bayern Munich
Oliver Kahn joked about Cristiano Ronaldo when asked about Bayern’s latest transfer plans, before adding: “We’ll have more talks, we’ll see. Transfer window is open for some time.”
Brighton
Talks could finally get underway over selling Marc Cucurella to Manchester City.
Chelsea
Chelsea have made an improved bid of £55million for Jules Kounde. Talks ongoing to determine the structure of the offer. Chelsea feeling increasingly confident about this deal.
Chelsea want to keep Armando Broja, with Thomas Tuchel a big fan of the player. Still contacts taking place with West Ham.
Exclusive: My latest analysis on the complicated Armando Broja saga as he pushes only for a permanent move rather than a loan.
Crystal Palace
Bayern Munich chief Oliver Kahn has confirmed that Chris Richards’ move to Crystal Palace is in progress.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan are focusing on signing Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic after missing out on Gleison Bremer. He has just one year left on his contract.
Juventus
Announcement due for Gleison Bremer, who is joining Juventus from Torino. Medical was Wednesday morning, he’s signed a contract until 2027, Torino will receive a fee of €41m plus add-ons.
Leeds
Jesse Marsch has provided an update on the race to sign Charles De Ketelaere, saying: “We’re not finished yet with him, but we’ve moved on to some other target if, as we believe, he’s not available.”
Manchester City
City will finally push ahead with talks to sign Marc Cucurella from Brighton. He’s been a top priority for Pep Guardiola and will be the club’s focus now with the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Manchester United
Exclusive: Ajax defender Jurrien Timber was a top target for Erik ten Hag, but here’s why he ended up signing Lisandro Martinez instead.
Paulo Dybala was offered to Manchester United, but they had other priorities. Click here to read more about his move to Roma, including details on his release clause.
A new right-back will only be targeted if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves, with Jonathan Clauss never a target for United. Click here for more exclusive info on United’s plans.
Marseille
Marseille are closing in on the transfer of Hellas Verona winger Darko Lazovic. Negotiations now at an advanced stage.
Nottingham Forest
Official - Forest have confirmed the signing of left-back Harry Toffolo from Huddersfield Town.
Jesse Lingard is a target for the newly-promoted Premier League club. Click here to find out the latest exclusive details on his future.
Porto
Gabriel Veron is closing in on joining Porto from Palmeiras. €10m fee agreed, he’ll be in Porto soon for his medical.
PSG
PSG are working on a deal to sign Nordi Mukiele from RB Leipzig. He’s a concrete target, negotiations ongoing. Players has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract. Click here to read more about his situation and why Man Utd cooled their interest in him.
PSV
Savinho is set to undergo a medical to join PSV on loan from Troyes. He will be announced and presented by the Dutch club on Friday.
RB Leipzig
Ilaix Moriba could be allowed to leave Leipzig this summer, but there are no talks with Ajax for now, despite the rumours.
Roma
Paulo Dybala has been officially announced as a new Roma player, joining on a free transfer from Juventus after Jose Mourinho pushed for the deal. I can also reveal that his agent offered him to Manchester United - click here to find out more.
West Ham
Talks ongoing with Chelsea for Armando Broja. Only a permanent deal being discussed, no loan option as things stand. Click here to find out why the player is refusing to go out on loan again.
Exclusive: West Ham are still interested in signing Jesse Lingard, but here’s why a deal looks complicated as Nottingham Forest also enter the running.