Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea finalize Ugarte deal; Arsenal agree to Rice terms; Man United identify Kane as an alternative
The summer transfer window opens next week and Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are wasting no time in getting their early deals done. Chelsea are now said to have finalized a deal for Manuel Ugarte at Sporting Lisbon. The Blues are also interested in fellow midfielder Moises Caicedo, with Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic on the verge of departures.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are close to signing Declan Rice after reportedly agreeing terms and have shown interest in PSV youngsters Xavi Simons and Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey. Brighton’s Caicedo is also a target after Arsenal reignited interest from January.
United have agreed a transfer fee with Mount and now have to agree a transfer fee with Chelsea. They are also working on a deal for 20-year-old Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund. Harry Kane is their main target but given the strong interest from Real Madrid, he is expected to stay at Tottenham for another year. Dusan Vlahovic is being touted as an alternative for United. Meanwhile, Spurs are looking for Ange Postecoglou as their new manager. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumors below!
live updates
Chelsea ‘very confident’ in Manuel Ugarte deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manuel Ugarte’s transfer to Chelsea isn’t quite complete yet.
Portuguese broadcaster Record have claimed tonight that the summer deal that sees the Uruguayan midfielder from Sporting Lisbon as Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing to Stamford Bridge is now agreed.
However, transfer guru Romano says that while Chelsea are moving forward with the deal and remain very confident of getting him across the finish line, details remain to be worked out.
He adds that the Blues are taking a cautious approach until all relevant paperwork has been sent and signed to avoid a repeat of the Enzo Fernandez saga with Benfica, which ended down to the last minute on January deadline.
Chelsea make Ugarte their first Pochettino signing
For clarification, Manuel Ugarte currently has a release clause in his contract with Sporting Lisbon worth €60m.
The race between PSG and Chelsea was apparently about who would be willing to sweeten the pot the most.
Sport Witness report that both clubs were willing to pay the same amount, with PSG presenting the player with a much better financial package themselves.
However, it is reported that Ugarte has chosen Chelsea as he wants to prove himself at the highest level in the Premier League.
A big early win for Pochettino and against the club that sacked him last summer.
Chelsea finalize Ugarte deal
Chelsea have now reportedly secured the signing of Manuel Ugarte.
The Blues have been pushing hard to beat PSG and secure a deal for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder, backed by new manager Mauricio Pochettino as an early summer target.
Ugarte is now expected to become Pochettino’s first signing at Stamford Bridge, with Portuguese broadcaster Record claiming tonight that the deal is now complete.
They say Chelsea will pay €60m for Ugarte, with a possible additional €5m in surcharges depending on the goals scored.
Record report that the 22-year-old Uruguay international will initially earn €3.5million a year in west London.
Real Madrid confirm Eden Hazard’s early departure
Tonight the sensational exit announcements are piling up.
Real Madrid have just confirmed Eden Hazard will leave the Bernabeu a year ahead of schedule at the end of this month, with both parties agreeing to an amicable termination of the contract.
“Real Madrid CF and Eden Hazard have reached an agreement whereby the player will be released from the club on June 30, 2023,” Los Blancos said in a statement. “Eden Hazard has been part of our club for four seasons and in that time has won eight titles: 1 European Cup, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 2 Leagues, 1 Copa del Rey and 2 Spanish Super Cups. “Real Madrid would like to express their affection for Eden Hazard and wish him and his entire family the best of luck in this new phase.”
Chelsea legend Hazard could reportedly be considering retirement after an injury nightmare now aged just 32.
Confirmed: Lionel Messi will leave PSG this summer
This is hardly surprising but Lionel Messi’s summer departure from Paris Saint-Germain has now been officially confirmed by the club.
“After two seasons at PSG, the adventure between Leo Messi and Paris Saint-Germain will come to an end at the end of the 2022-23 season,” PSG announced in a statement released ahead of the final Ligue 1 game of the season against Clermont was walking on Saturday, alongside a farewell video.
“It is with undeniable emotion that the club wish Leo many more successes for the remainder of his career.”
Messi said: “I want to thank the club, the city of Paris and its people for these two years. I wish you all the best for the future.”
PSG Chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi paid tribute to Messi by saying: “I would like to thank Leo Messi for his two seasons in Paris. It has been a joy to see a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner at Rouge & Bleu and Parc des Princes, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and inspiring our younger players.
“His contribution to Paris Saint-Germain and Ligue 1 cannot be underestimated and we wish Leo and his family all the best for the future.”
Xavi has admitted that securing Messi’s fairytale return this summer is of major importance for Barcelona, while the Argentinian superstar is also busy with big moves to Saudi Arabia – where he serves as ambassador to the country’s tourism board – and the Major League Soccer is associated with The United States.
Wembley hero Gundogan sends message on Man City future
Ilkay Gundogan insists nothing has been decided about his future at Manchester City.
The influential City captain scored two memorable volleys from outside the box – the first after just 13 seconds – and guided Pep Guardiola’s dominant side to a narrow FA Cup final victory over fierce rivals Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday.
Gündogan’s contract at City expires next month and both Barcelona and Arsenal have strong ties with the German midfielder, who could still stay at Etihad.
After leading his team to a historic treble save for another win, Gündogan told the BBC: “I don’t need days like this to feel valued or special at this club. I’ve been here (for) seven years with all this.” There are ups and downs. Nothing is decided yet. We’ll see what will happen.
“Winning a final is always special, every single trophy is special. This group deserves it. We played really well and deserved to lift another trophy.
“Of course we knew how we wanted to play the kick-off, our goal was to shoot long at Erling and get the second ball. We scored for the first time this season, the ball was surprisingly well placed for me.”
“It was a good shot, he went in and it was incredible.”
Lloris wants to leave Tottenham
Hugo Lloris has confirmed his desire to leave Tottenham this summer.
The 36-year-old French goalkeeper has one year left on his contract but says he is looking for a new challenge after 11 years and more than 400 appearances for the club.
Spurs are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer and their targets include Brentford no. 1 David Raya.
Lloris has been with Spurs since joining from Lyon in 2012 and has captained the team since 2015.
“It’s the end of an era,” said Lloris. I’m in the mood for something different.”
Read more here!
Simeone opens the door for Felix to allow Atleti to return
After new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino turned down the chance to sign Joao Felix on a permanent basis, Diego Simeone has opened the door for him to return to Atlético Madrid.
Simeone told El Partidazo de COPE: “Joao is an Atletico Madrid player who, if he doesn’t have a place at Chelsea, as Pochettino apparently said, he has to come to Atletico de Madrid, he has to work with us again.” And of course will we will be willing to give him the best so that he can improve in what we think is important.
“He’s got tremendous quality, he’s good at headers, he’s good at hitting with both feet… he’s going to be what he wants to be. That’s a reality that shows in the game.”
Asensio leaves Real Madrid
Real Madrid have confirmed that Marco Asensio will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
The Spain international is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain.
After seven years at the Bernanbeu, a statement from Real Madrid said: “The madridistas will never forget his career and his exemplary behavior during this period.”
“Real Madrid is and will always be his home and he wishes him and his whole family the best of luck in this new phase.”
Adrian is set to sign a new Liverpool contract
Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has confirmed he will sign a new contract at Anfield.
The goalkeeper has not played for Liverpool since the Community Shield earlier in the season but Jurgen Klopp would like to keep both him and Caoimhin Kelleher in this window.
“I have a great relationship with the manager and the club. We’ve had talks and we’re very close,” Adrian said the athlete.
“I know the situation and my role in the squad. Everyone wants to play and have minutes on the pitch, but you also need a big squad with good people who give their all in training every day.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news-live-chelsea-fc-ugarte-arsenal-man-utd-rice-kane-b1085154.html Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea finalize Ugarte deal; Arsenal agree to Rice terms; Man United identify Kane as an alternative
