The summer transfer window is still not yet open but Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are all busy chasing deals. Chelsea were closing in on their first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era in the form of Manuel Ugarte, though have now sensationally withdrawn from the race and will turn attentions to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
Arsenal could make their first bid for West Ham star Declan Rice this week, and want to partner him with Caicedo who they have reportedly already agreed personal terms with. Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is another major midfield target. Tottenham are close to appointing Ange Postecoglou as their new manager after he told Celtic of his wish to leave, though Spurs may now have to contend with a mega £100million Real Madrid offer for Harry Kane.
Los Blancos are rivalling Manchester United and Bayern Munich for the England captain with Karim Benzema set to depart for Saudi Arabia after 14 years. United, meanwhile, are pushing hard to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea, with Victor Osimhen, Diogo Costa, Rasmus Hojlund and Kim Min-jae all also targets. Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours with Standard Sport’s live blog below!
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Kante attracting Saudi Arabia interest
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, amid growing uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
Kante is out of contract this summer and talks over a deal new have stalled. The 32-year-old is the latest high-profile star being targeted by the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted Karim Benzema to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf state.
Lionel Messi is also in talks over a £320million-a-year move to Saudi Arabia, in what would be the most lucrative salary deal in the history of football.
Kante is attractive to the Saudis because he is viewed as a Muslim role model. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are one of the clubs interested in the France World Cup Winner, while Benzema’s Al-Ittihad are also said to be keen on a move.
Charlton takeover agreed
Former Sunderland executive director Charlie Methven has agreed a takeover of Charlton.
The SE7 consortium led by Methven, Edward Warrick and American billionaire Joshua Friedman has agreed to buy the League One club from current owner Thomas Sandgaard.
The deal is subject to EFL approval, which is likely to take a number of weeks.
SE7 will also need a lease agreement sanctioned by former owner Roland Duchatelet, who owns the freehold to The Valley and the club’s Sparrows Lane training ground.
Read More: Transfer news LIVE! Chelsea rival Arsenal for Caicedo; Rice bid; Man United, 2023-06-05 09:40:41