Lionel Messi’s First Press Conference as Paris Saint-Germain Player
The first weekend of the Premier League is in the books and the champions Man City slipped up to lose to Tottenham, while Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea made title claims with impressive wins.
Newcomers Brentford shocked Arsenal, while Watford also won on their return to the top tier against Aston Villa, who were beginning life without Jack Grealish.
But despite football’s return, there is still focus on the transfer market, with many managers reiterating their desire to add to their squads before this window’s deadline.
Arsenal are the latest club to be linked to Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan, with Tottenham also linked to the Argentine, though the Nerazzurri recently sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea for £97.5m and may be reluctant to sell another star forward amid fan unrest.
Paul Pogba’s future is silently becoming an issue at Old Trafford, despite four assists in the fine win over Leeds, with the Manchester United midfielder’s contract now just one year away from expiring and The Independent has learned that Paris Saint-Germain, after adding Lionel Messi on a free transfer, would be keen to strike another colossal free transfer next summer by doubling the Frenchman’s salary.
Follow all the latest news and rumours ahead of the opening weekend of the new Premier League season:
Man City target Solihull Moors striker Kyle Hudlin
Manchester City are monitoring Solihull Moors striker Kyle Hudlin, who is the tallest outfield professional player in the country.
A number of clubs are keen, report The Athletic, with City representatives attending their home match against Notts County on Saturday to catch a closer look at the 6ft 9in forward.
Jack Rathborn16 August 2021 08:59
Transfer news: Spurs enter chase for Nandez
Nahitan Nandez has already hit out at his club Cagliari for apparently reneging on an agreement to allow him to join Inter Milan, apologising to fans at the same time as he demanded the board allowed him to leave.
Now it seems there could be an alternative, with Italian media suggesting Fabio Paratici is to return to Serie A once more to add talent to his rebuild at Tottenham.
Nandez, a Uruguay international, was also linked with Leeds recently and the 25-year-old seems sure to leave if Cagliari get their price.
Karl Matchett16 August 2021 08:49
Kylian Mbappe eyes Real Madrid move after rejecting PSG extension – paper round-up
The French forward has one year remaining on his contract and Spanish outlet Marca reports the player has refused to sign a six-year contract extension as he prepares to depart for Real Madrid.
Burnley have reportedly made an offer for Lyon winger Maxwel Cornet. The Sun says the Clarets have offered around £12million plus extras for the 24-year-old, who is also being courted by Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.
Tottenham have been sniffing around Patrick Bamford and his club Leeds are apparently not impressed. The West Yorkshire club want to sign the 27-year-old striker to a fresh long-term contract to ward off interest from Spurs, according to the Telegraph.
Jack Rathborn16 August 2021 08:42
Transfer news: England midfielders Barnes and Henderson set for new deals
David Ornstein of the Athletic reports that Liverpool have agreed “in principle” a contract extension with captain Jordan Henderson.
The Reds’ skipper did not feature in the opening weekend win over Norwich as he’s still some distance behind the others who returned to pre-season training early, but such is his importance he will be given an extension to a deal which still has a year to run.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Saturday “it will happen” with regards to the agreement, and now it could be a step closer to being signed.
Similarly, Leicester City are set to confirm a contract extension for Harvey Barnes, the same report suggests. He made his England debut last season, before sustaining a knee injury.
Karl Matchett16 August 2021 08:26
Transfer news: Man City among teams watching Solihull Moors striker
Kyle Hudlin is a man in demand at the top of the football tree, with several Championship clubs keen to sign the non-league forward.
Playing for Solihull Moors, the 6’9” striker is the tallest outfield player in Britain, report the Athletic, and Middlesbrough and Cardiff are among the sides looking at the 21-year-old.
But the latest side to scout him are playing at a somewhat higher level: Champions League finalists and reigning title holders Man City.
He’ll probably be a bit cheaper than £150m Harry Kane…
Karl Matchett16 August 2021 08:19
Tammy Abraham primed to sign for Roma in £34m deal from Chelsea
Tammy Abraham is primed to sign for Roma in £34m deal from Chelsea.
The English forward has undergone a medical in the Italian capital.
His salary is set to be €4-5m net, according to Fabrizio Romano, while the Blues have a €80m buy-back clause, which is activated from 2023.
Jack Rathborn16 August 2021 08:08
Arsenal eye Lautaro Martinez and consider Antonio Conte as Mikel Arteta replacement
Arsenal have identified Lautaro Martinez as a target and will consider Antonio Conte as Mikel Arteta replacement, according to Tuttosport.
The Italian newspaper reports Mikel Arteta’s future at the Emirates is not certain.
Tottenham have also been linked to the Argentine striker, who thrived under Conte as Inter Milan claimed the Serie A title last season.
Jack Rathborn16 August 2021 08:03
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea battle for Metz star Pape Matar Sarr
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are battling it out to sign Metz star Pape Matar Sarr.
The Mail report the Premier League giants will compete for the 18-year-old’s signature after a breakout season in Ligue 1 last term.
The Senegal international, who scored three times in 22 appearances last term, has flashed as an all-action midfielder.
Metz have Sarr tied down to a five-year contract, but the trio would be willing to offer the player back on loan to entice the club to sell now.
Jack Rathborn16 August 2021 07:58
PSG willing to double Pogba salary to land United star on free transfer
Paris Saint-Germain are willing to pay Paul Pogba €600,000 a week (£510,000) for the start of the 2022/23 season, as they seek to ensure his signing by outspending rivals.
Many close to the player had expected the French club to come in this summer, presenting Manchester United with a problem, but the arrival of Lionel Messi changed that.
PSG remain keen to sign Pogba, though, especially since they want a core of Parisian locals alongside the global stars.
Jack Rathborn16 August 2021 07:55