Transfer Gossip: Casemiro key as Man Utd agree to sign £75m man as first of three marquee signings; Everton chase deal for Arsenal hero
Manchester United are ready to sign a £75m midfielder as the first of three major deals, Everton lead the chase for an Arsenal hero, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims AC Milan are set to snare a Chelsea star.
DE JONG TRANSFER HOPES FOR MAN UTD TAKE LEAP FORWARD
Frenkie de Jong has signalled that he is finally ready to join Manchester United this summer, claims a report.
The Barcelona star has long been a target for Erik ten Hag ever since he took the reins at Old Trafford. Indeed, the Red Devils boss spent much of the summer window pursuing a deal for his former Ajax player.
However, despite agreeing a fee in the region of £75m after add-ons, De Jong was determined to stay at Barcelona.
United ultimately signed Casemiro; the Brazilian proving something of a third choice after they also failed to land Adrien Rabiot.
However, the capture of Casemiro from Real Madrid has proved something of a masterstroke for Ten Hag. And, save their Liverpool debacle on Sunday, Casemiro has proved a massive success in their midfield and the catalyst for their upturn in fortunes.
Ten Hag, though, has never really given up on also landing De Jong.
According to talkSPORT, United will make a concerted push to bring in the star again this summer.
And with Manchester United very much upwardly mobile under Ten Hag, De Jong is now reportedly willing to make the move.
It’s claimed the Barca star has been impressed with the strides made by the Red Devils since his former boss took charge. Furthermore, they suggest the presence of Casemiro is key. And the Dutch star reckons he can form a solid midfield pairing with his former El Clasico adversary.
De Jong the first of three marquee signings at Man Utd
It all promises to be another busy summer at Old Trafford.
And it seems a deal for De Jong will kickstart one of three marquee signings at Old Trafford this summer.
That’s according to Football Insider, who reckon Ten Hag has been given the green light to pursue three major deals this summer.
And while the article does not go into details about who will be a target, it is expected that a new striker will be targeted alongside that new midfielder and a right-back.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is reportedly their No 1 target to lead the line. However, a deal for the Nigerian could set them back a fee of around £120m.
Roma striker Tammy Abraham is reportedly emerging as their back-up choice with Ten Hag keen to land a new No 9.
And with De Jong arriving in midfield, the right-back void will reportedly be filled by Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
To help United’s summer spree – and to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations – the club plans to offload six stars to fund the signings.
On the chopping block are Anthony Martial, Donny Van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, Brandon Williams and Harry Maguire.
EVERTON KEEN TO SIGN ARSENAL HERO REISS NELSON
Everton are looking to add Reiss Nelson to their ranks this summer with the winger set to leave Arsenal as a free agent.
Nelson has seen his first-team action severely limited this season, and does not appear to figure in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
However, the 23-year-old star has proved himself as extremely worthy squad member for the Gunners this season.
Indeed, Nelson is currently the toast of Arsenal having netted a scorching winner against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Trailing 2-0, the Gunners roared back to win 3-2 after Nelson’s brilliantly-taken winner in added time.
However, with his deal due to expire this summer, Nelson will depart Emirates Stadium as a free agent.
Competition for his signature is tough, given Nelson’s excellent contributions this season.
Indeed, he has three goals and three assists from just 337 minutes of action in all competitions this term.
As such, Brentford, West Ham , Crystal Palace, Burnley and Southampton are all keen.
However, Everton are thought to be leading that chase with Sean Dyche also keen.
Per 90min, Nelson has also received offers from clubs in France, Germany and Italy.
MILAN ESCAPE ON CARDS FOR FRUSTRATED CHELSEA STAR
AC Milan are chasing a summer deal for Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The 27-year-old star has been on the Blues’ books for years, though has never quite nailed down a regular place.
In his nine years at the club, he has made 146 appearances. However, he did spend one season on loan at Fulham.
But with his deal due to expire in summer 2024, Chelsea look ready to cash in.
Indeed, co-owner Todd Boehly is determined to offload a number of stars nearing the end of their deals. And with Ben Jacobs explaining to TEAMtalk exactly why sales will be important for Chelsea this summer, a number of stars are expected to make way.
That exodus is likely to be led by Loftus-Cheek with the Daily Mail claiming Milan are leading the chase.
And they claim a deal in the region of £22m is likely to be discussed between the two sides.
Boehly is determined that any players with just a year left will not leave for free. And that means Loftus-Cheek will be the first out the door. He may also be followed by Mason Mount – unless he soon agrees a new deal.
However, there may well others too, with Boehly determined to claw back some of his huge £500m-plus outlay.
