A direct Man Utd rival are readying a ‘formal proposal’ to snatch Frenkie de Jong, while Arsenal have finally got one over Juventus after two misfires – both in Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip.
NEW DE JONG SUITOR MAKE THEIR MOVE
Manchester United may be punished for failing to push a Frenkie de Jong deal over the line after Chelsea set about tabling a ‘formal proposal’, per a report.
The 25-year-old Dutchman has emerged as Erik ten Hag’s primary target this summer.
De Jong has been earmarked as the perfect player to pull the strings in United’s midfield. However, a series of issues have prevented the Red Devils from securing the coup.
The player wishes to remain in Barcelona and fight for his place. What’s more, United cannot offer Champions League football and De Jong is owed around £14m in deferred wages by Barcelona.
The Independent recently claimed the final issue was a particularly sore spot for De Jong with Barca thus far refusing to pay up.
Barcelona are desperate to force De Jong out to help finance other moves and have accepted an offer worth an initial £63m from Manchester United. Though unless the player agrees personal terms and greenlights the switch, a move will not materialise.
Chelsea ready De Jong bid
That’s opened the door to other suitors, and per the Sun (citing the Spanish press), Chelsea could walk straight through.
The Blues have drawn links with De Jong throughout the window that were overshadowed by United’s.
However, it’s now claimed Chelsea have told Barcelona they are interested in signing De Jong. What’s more, they are said to be working on a ‘formal proposal’ as we speak.
De Jong’s dissatisfaction with joining Man Utd is once again reaffirmed. His ideal scenario would see him remain at the Camp Nou, though if ultimately forced out, the presence of Champions League football could swing the saga Chelsea’s way.
ARSENAL REPEL JUVENTUS
Arsenal have finally got the better of Juventus in the transfer market at the third time of asking, per a report.
In January, the Gunners were twice thwarted by the Turin club. They attempted to sign Dusan Vlahovic as the direct replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, the Serbian hitman would eventually wind up at Juve.
Elsewhere, Arsenal attempted to add midfield depth by signing Arthur Melo on loan. Mikel Arteta’s side proposed a six-month loan, though the move broke down with Juventus refusing to budge from their 18-month idea.
The two clubs looked to be on a collision course once more regarding the future of centre-half Gabriel Magalhaes.
Juventus have sold Matthijs de Ligt to Bayern Munich in a deal that could ultimately reach £65.5m. A replacement must be signed and Gabriel emerged as a primary contender to fill the void.
The Italian side were emboldened in their pursuit by four factors including the fact William Saliba is now back in north London.
However, per the Mirror, Arsenal chief Edu has finally got one over Juventus after they were forced to turn their attentions elsewhere.
Indeed, Juve are close to wrapping up a deal to sign Torino’s Gleison Bremer instead. The inference is a move for Gabriel would have been preferred, though Arsenal were having none of it.
GUARDIOLA RESPONDS TO NEYMAR LINKS
Pep Guardiola has set straight surprise speculation in France that Neymar has been offered to Man City in exchange for Bernardo Silva.
That was the news coming from La Parisien, with Man City reported to have turned down the blockbuster proposal.
However, responding to the claims, City boss Guardiola insisted there was no truth to the story.
“I’m sorry for the paper who did the story – but it’s not true,” said Guardiola (via the Sun). “Their information is not right,
“Neymar is an incredible player and the info I have he’s an incredibly nice guy. But it’s not right.
“Every summer Manchester City are going to buy 150 players.”
City have lost two elite level forwards in the form of Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling this summer. However, those voids have been filled by Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. Clearly, there is no need to add Neymar too.