Transfer news LIVE: Oleksandr Zinchenko on verge of Arsenal move as Cristiano Ronaldo could be Atletico-bound

Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading to Atletico Madrid if the transfer rumour mill is to be believed, with the La Liga club in contact with the 37-year-old striker’s representatives, according to AS. Ronaldo has not spoken publicly on the matter other than using social media to deny reports he would be joining his first club Sporting CP, but it has been widely reported that the Portuguese is unsettled at Old Trafford after only one season back at the club, and has been pushing for a move away from United behind the scenes to a club with serious Champions League ambitions.

Elsewhere Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, according to Marca, but are yet to satisfy the Spanish club’s asking price for the centre-back. Thomas Tuchel is rebuilding his defence after the departure of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen to Barcelona, leaving the ageing Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta as Chelsea’s frontline centre-halves. Kounde would add to the recent arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile this morning’s reports suggest Aaron Ramsey is in talks to leave Juventus, Arsenal are chasing Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta, AC Milan are closing in on a loan for Tottenham’s Japhet Tanganga, and Matthijs de Ligt is in Germany to seal his move to Bayern Munich.

Follow all the latest transfer news with our live blog below:

LIVE football transfer updates

• Cristiano Ronaldo is being strongly linked with Atletico Madrid

• Chelsea reportedly agree terms with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde

• Barcelona wage dispute still holding up Frenkie De Jong’s Manchester United move

• Djed Spence completes move to Spurs

• Armando Broja edges closer to West Ham move from Chelsea

How the Premier League top six are shaping up - Manchester City

13:15 , Luke Baker

Most clubs would panic when losing the goal threat of Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling in one summer but the reigning champions won the race to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund to remedy any issues.

Pep Guardiola also raided Leeds to bring in England midfielder Kalvin Phillips with back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega added to the squad, too.

They face Club America on Thursday before matches against Bayern Munich and Liverpool in the Community Shield.

PA

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite secures PSV Eindhoven loan move

13:07 , Luke Baker

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite will spend the season on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

The 20-year-old, who has played 13 times for the Toffees since joining from Carlisle in 2020, will join up with Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s team for the 2022/23 campaign.

The centre-back remains part of Everton’s long-term plans, having signed a new contract at the club last December, but gets the chance to develop his game in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite secures PSV Eindhoven loan move

Youri Tielemans will discuss Leicester future

12:55 , Luke Baker

Youri Tielemans will discuss his Leicester future with boss Brendan Rodgers this week, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle allegedly all interested in the midfielder.

Sky Sports News reported last month that Leicester are keen to tie the Belgium international down with a one-year contract extension, in order to prevent him leaving on a free transfer next summer. Tielemans is open to that possibility if no suitable transfer offer emerges before the end of this window.

But Rodgers wants more clarity on Tielemans’ intentions, with the club needing to sell players before they can spend on any new talent - as the only Premier League club yet to sign a player.

“He’s happy in his work and he’s happy at the club,” Rodgers has said. “But naturally with a year in his contract he may feel he has to look at everything for him and his family. But I certainly know he’s committed while he is here.

“I’ll have a good chat with Youri to get privately what he’s thinking. But it won’t change, whether he’s leaving or staying for another five years, he’ll still be super committed.”

Bukayo Saka contract ‘a matter of time’ for Arsenal

12:42 , Luke Baker

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is confident that Bukayo Saka will sign a new contract in the near future, putting to bed speculation over his future.

The England star has become a key player at the Emirates and the club wanted to reward him with a new deal to tie him down. Several Premier League outfits were sniffing around including Liverpool and Manchester City but Arteta has insisted Saka is going nowhere.

“We will try and we both have the same intention and it’s a matter of time,’” Arteta told reporters.

Saka’s current deal expires in 2024, which gives Arsenal some breathing room. However, talks have been ongoing for much of the year and a deal has been prioritised to avoid any chance of a situation growing.

Cristiano Ronaldo ignoring calls as speculation over his future continues

12:31 , Luke Baker

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to ignoring phone calls as speculation over his future continues this summer, including from former Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Nani.

Ronaldo has told United that he intends to leave the club this summer in order to play Champions League football but the 37-year-old has been informed by manager Erik ten Hag that he is not for sale.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among clubs to have been linked with Ronaldo, who has yet to join United’s pre-season tour of Asia and Australia due to “personal reasons”.

The uncertainty it set to continue despite United’s stance while Ronaldo remains silent, and Nani has revealed that even those close to Ronaldo are not aware of his plans ahead of the upcoming season.

“When he’s on vacation he doesn’t answer the phone to anybody!” said Nani, who has joined Melbourne Victory and played against United in a friendly last week. “I tried to talk to him, but he said ‘I’m so busy now, we’ll talk soon’.”

Cristiano Ronaldo ignoring calls as speculation over his future continues

Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs new one-year contract to stay at AC Milan

12:20 , Luke Baker

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has renewed his contract for another year at AC Milan, despite facing the prospect of a lengthy rehabilitation from knee surgery.

At the end of May, Ibrahimovic – fresh from winning the Serie A title – had a planned procedure on his left knee to repair damage and instability caused by a previous anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 40-year-old is expected to be out for up to eight months, so is not likely to be fully fit until midway through the 2022-23 campaign.

Nevertheless, AC Milan confirmed on Monday the veteran Swede, who scored eight goals last season as they won the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years, is set to further extend his stay at the San Siro.

“AC Milan is pleased to announce the renewal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract until June 30 2023,” a club statement read.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs new one-year contract to stay at AC Milan

Robert Lewandowski explains leaving Bayern Munich for Barcelona

12:08 , Luke Baker

Robert Lewandowski said a desire for a new challenge motivated his decision to leave Bayern Munich and sign for Barcelona, while also fulfilling his “dream” of playing in LaLiga.

Barcelona have confirmed an agreement with Bayern Munich over an initial £38 million transfer of the 33-year-old Poland international, who is expected to sign a three-year contract with the option of an additional year.

Although the deal is not yet complete, Lewandowski has joined Barcelona on their pre-season tour of the United States and has met his new team-mates. It brings a protracted transfer saga to a close after Lewandowski announced plans to leave Bayern at the end of last season.

Lewandowski, who won eight Bundesliga titles in as many seasons with Bayern as well as the Champions League in 2020, becomes Barcelona’s fourth transfer of the summer, following Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha.

‘I’m finally here’: Robert Lewandowski explains leaving Bayern Munich for Barcelona

Manchester City lining up Marc Cucurella as Oleksandr Zinchenko replacement

11:57 , Luke Baker

Manchester City will intensify their efforts to sign Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella as Oleksandr Zinchenko closes in on a £30m move to Arsenal.

Cucurella – who joined Brighton last summer from Getafe after progressing through Barcelona’s youth system – has been a priority transfer target for City this summer.

The Daily Mail adds that Borna Sosa of Stuttgart is also on Pep Guardiola’s shortlist as they will move to replace the exit of Ukraine international star Zinchenko.

Carney Chukwuemeka set for Aston Villa exit

11:46 , Luke Baker

Aston Villa and England Under-19s star Carney Chukwuemeka looks set to leave the Midlands club after rejecting multiple contract offers.

The Telegraph report that he is likely to be sold this summer by the Villans, although they would dearly love to keep hold of him.

Barcelona lead the race to sign the highly-rated 18-year-old and with his contract expiring next summer, Villa may be forced to sell. He would be available from January 1 for as cheap as £400k due to that contract, so Steven Gerrard’s side are resigned to selling him during this window to make decent money - with a £20m valuation on his head.

Juventus interested in Gabriel

11:34 , Luke Baker

Juventus are keen to sign a centre-back to replace the departing Matthijs de Ligt, who has joined Bayern Munich, and their shortlist allegedly includes Arsenal defender Gabriel.

That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim that the Brazilian is liked by Juve with Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic and Torino star Bremer also on the shortlist.

Juve legend Giorgio Chiellini has also exited this summer to LAFC, so the Oldy Lady of Turin are planning a complete defensive refresh.

Fabio Silva heading to Anderlecht on loan

11:24 , Luke Baker

Fabio Silva will complete a move to Belgian side Anderlecht on a season-loan shortly.

Wolves’ record signing - who joined the club for £35m two years ago - has failed to make an impact at Molineux and is now headed for a year in the Belgian League.

Silva is still only 20 years old and the Portuguese striker will hope to restore his confidence at Anderlecht.

Maxwel Cornet linked with Fulham

11:15 , Luke Baker

Newly-promoted Fulham have made a move to sign Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet, according to the Daily Mail.

Burnley rejected a loan offer from Everton for the 25-year-old as the Championship side want Cornet’s £17.5m buy-out clause to be activated, although it is not known whether the Cottagers would be willing to meet that valuation.

Everton are still in the frame, while the player turned down the idea of a move to Nottingham Forest.

Fulham also have interest in West Ham centre-back Issa Diop and Arsenal back-up goalkeeper Bernd Leno as the newly-promoted side plot a way to stay in the Premier League.

Chelsea offer Ross Barkley to Aston Villa and Everton

11:07 , Luke Baker

The Daily Mirror are reporting that Chelsea are trying to offload Ross Barkley ahead of the new season.

Barkley made just one Premier League start last season and the Blues are looking to get the midfielder, who has a year left on his contract, off the payroll.

Aston Villa, where Barkley spent time on loan during the 2020/21 season, and Everton, who he left to join Chelsea for £15m in 2018, are two of the clubs that have been offered the opportunity to sign him this summer.

Kyle Walker-Peters priced at £40m with Man Utd circling

11:00 , Luke Baker

Kyle Walker-Peters has been valued at £40m by Southampton, with Manchester United interested in signing the full-back, reports the Daily Mirror.

United have already signed left-back Tyrell Malacia while a £57m deal for Lisandro Martinez is imminent as work continues on trying to get Frenkie De Jong to Old Trafford.

Walker-Peters, 25, has made 82 appearances for Southampton and earned an England call-up earlier this year but still has three years to run on his contract at St Mary’s meaning United will have to pay big money to get him this summer.

AC Milan pursuing Japhet Tanganga

10:52 , Luke Baker

AC Milan have reportedly opened talks with Tottenham to sign Japhet Tanganga with Spurs open to allowing the full-back out on loan following the arrival of Clement Lenglet.

Spurs’ managing director of football Fabio Paratici is now reportedly in Milan to conduct talks with the Rossoneri about the move.

Sky Sports News reported the interest of other clubs in the Premier League including Bournemouth and Southampton.

Tanganga is a product of Spurs’ academy and fulfils a vital homegrown player spot in their squad.

William Saliba ‘is in the plans’ for Arsenal

10:44 , Luke Baker

Arsenal centre back William Saliba has impressed on loan in Ligue 1 for the past few seasons but has targeted a breakthrough at the Emirates stadium this season as he looks to seal a spot in France’s World Cup squad.

And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the 21-year-old is part of his thinking this term, while urging him to seize his chance.

Speaking during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, Arteta declared: “He is in the plans. We cannot guarantee first-team football to anybody in this team – you can ask that question to anybody.

“What we guarantee is that the ones we really see and think are going to take us to the next level, they’re going to be playing a lot of minutes.

“He’s a proper talent and he’s shown in the last year what can do. But in football it’s about what you do the next day – what everybody did three months ago or a month ago, it doesn’t really matter. It’s about what you do tomorrow and he’s going to have the chance to play.”

David Moyes continues long search for his flagship West Ham signing

10:35 , Luke Baker

They are quite a team, West Ham. Darwin Nunez leads the line in attack with a supply line from the flanks of Raphinha and Luis Diaz. In midfield, Declan Rice has teamed up with Kalvin Phillips and James Ward-Prowse, writes Richard Jolly.

He hasn’t, of course, apart from on international duty. Rice is the only one of the stellar six plying his trade in claret and blue, and perhaps their numbers will be reduced to none next year. Each, however, has figured in David Moyes’ thoughts.

And while, obviously, he would not have had the money to sign all, or even most, each is proof of ambition, but also a source of frustration. A theme of Moyes’ reign has been the enduring search for a flagship signing.

That four of his targets have been signed by either Liverpool, Barcelona or Manchester City in 2022 may suggest he has set his sights too high, though a manager who took over a club in danger of relegation and has steered them close to a top-four finish and a European final in his two full seasons in charge is entitled to argue he has thrived by setting his sights high. He has forged quite a team, but without his more glamorous targets.

David Moyes continues long search for his flagship West Ham signing

Lyon lower transfer demands for Arsenal target Lucas Paqueta

10:27 , Luke Baker

Oleksandr Zinchenko may not be the only new signing arriving to the Emirates Stadium in the near future as Arsenal ‘s hopes of landing Lyon star Lucas Paqueta have been handed a huge boost - report Media Foot Marseille.

The Ligue 1 side have reportedly dropped their excessive fee demands for the Brazilian international, with their initial valuation of €80million (£68million) pricing a number of sides out.

The 24-year-old midfielder still has three years remaining on his current contract but Lyon have now lowered their expectations to a much more realistic €40million (£34million).

Paqueta has enjoyed a career renaissance with Lyon after a failed move to AC Milan, making 77 appearances for the French club since joining two years ago and scoring 21 goals - including 11 last term.

Zinchenko fee agreed by Arsenal with move coming this week

10:19 , Luke Baker

Arsenal have agreed a £30m deal with Manchester City to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko, which includes £2m in add-ons, and the transfer is likely to be completed this week

The Ukraine international is expected to fly back to England from City’s pre-season tour of the US in the coming days to complete the move. A contract until June 2026 has been agreed, according to David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.

Zinchenko is mostly a left-back for City but generally plays further forward for Ukraine, so Arsenal would have options with the versatile 25-year-old.

Napoli sign defender Leo Ostigard from Brighton on permanent deal

10:11 , Luke Baker

Napoli have signed defender Leo Ostigard from Brighton on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 22-year-old Norway international joined Albion in 2018 and spent the first half of last season on loan with Stoke before making a temporary move to Genoa in the January transfer window.

Brighton technical director David Weir told the club website: “This transfer is a direct result of dedication and professionalism on the training pitch, day to day and in matches.

“On behalf of the club I would like to wish him well in his future career and for the season ahead.”

Sebastian Haller: Borussia Dortmund striker diagnosed with testicular tumour

10:04 , Luke Baker

Former West Ham forward Sebastien Haller has been diagnosed with a testicular tumour.

The 28-year-old underwent medical examinations on Monday after feeling unwell following training with Borussia Dortmund, the club said.

A testicular tumour was discovered during those examinations, with further tests to take place in a specialist medical facility over the coming days.

Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “This news today came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and everyone else.

“The entire BVB family hopes that Sebastien makes a full recovery as soon as possible and that we can give him a hug again soon.”

Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller diagnosed with testicular tumour

Tottenham make Djed Spence sixth signing of summer transfer window

09:50 , Luke Baker

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of defender Djed Spence from Middlesbrough on a contract until 2027.

Right-back Spence becomes the sixth player to join Spurs this summer to continue the club’s spending spree.

It is understood the deal is worth an initial £12.5million but could rise to £20million due to add-ons.

Since Antonio Conte’s side secured Champions League football on the final day of the 2021-22 campaign, Tottenham have changed tack in the transfer window and moved fast to put together a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts for the upcoming season.

The addition of Spence follows earlier moves for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and Clement Lenglet.

Tottenham make Djed Spence sixth signing of summer transfer window

West Ham well in the race for Onana and Lingard

09:49 , Luke Baker

In addition to Armando Broja, West Ham are also well in the hunt for two more of their transfer targets.

The Evening Standard says West Ham are confident of signing Amadou Onana from Lille. The Hammers made a fresh bid of £30m plus add-ons for the 20-year-old Belgium midfielder over the weekend, with club bosses confident the figure will be enough to get them over the line.

The same paper also reports that West Ham’s long-standing interest in former loanee Jesse Lingard could be coming to fruition. The 29-year-old midfielder is currently a free agent after his Manchester United contract expired last month and is expected to make an announcement on his future this week.

West Ham bosses believe they are in the driver’s seat for his signature, though Lingard is thought to be considering a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.

Aaron Ramsey heading for Juventus exit door

09:41 , Luke Baker

Aaron Ramsey and Juventus have commenced talks to settle the final year of his contract, according to the Daily Mail.

The 31-year-old Wales midfielder is reportedly seeking terms to leave on a free transfer to ensure he can get regular game time elsewhere in the lead up to the World Cup in Qatar.

Ramsey spent time on loan at Rangers last season, missing a crucial penalty for them in the Europa League final shootout.

Armando Broja edging closer to West Ham move

09:33 , Luke Baker

Chelsea striker Armando Broja is moving ever closer to a transfer to West Ham and it looks likely to be a permanent deal.

Broja was on loan at Southampton last season and, after impressing at St Marys Stadium, he looks set to head to the London Stadium to provide David Moyes with another striking option outside of Michail Antonio.

Personal terms were really close to getting over the line and appear to have now been sorted according to multiple reports. The final stages of agreeing a fee of around £30m, with a few add-ons, are now in progress.

Lisandro Martinez: Manchester United reach £47m agreement with Ajax for Argentina defender

09:25 , Luke Baker

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Ajax for the £47 million transfer of defender Lisandro Martinez that could rise to £55m.

The Argentina centre back will become new United manager Erik ten Hag’s third summer signing at Old Trafford, subject to a medical, and is set to sign a five-year contract with the option of an additional year.

Ajax confirmed in a statement that the deal includes another £8.5 million in potential add-ons for the 24-year-old international.

Ten Hag coached the defender at Ajax last season and Martinez follows Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen in joining the club this summer.

Manchester United said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the club has reached agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Argentine international defender Lisandro Martinez, subject to medical, to player terms being finalised, and to UK visa requirements.”

Manchester United reach £47m agreement with Ajax for defender Lisandro Martinez

Matthijs De Ligt to join Bayern for £68m

09:17 , Luke Baker

A big move on the continent as Bayern Munich have agreed a £68m deal with Juventus to sign centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports from Sky in Germany among others.

The Bundesliga champions will pay an initial £59.5m plus a further £8.5m in add-ons with the contract lasting until the summer of 2027.

The Netherlands international is still only 22 years old and, with contracts now all wrapped up, he is expected to complete his medical in Munich this morning, as per Fabrizio Romano. De Ligt will then join Bayern on their pre-season tour of the USA.

Barcelona wage dispute still holding up Frenkie De Jong’s Manchester United move

09:10 , Luke Baker

Barcelona are still refusing to commit to paying Frenkie de Jong the €17million from his restructured contract, perpetuating the impasse over his potential move to Manchester United, writes Miguel Delaney.

The Independent has been told that the Catalan club have continued to try and lean on the emotional aspect of the situation in talks, and what would represent “the good of the club”. De Jong has understandably remained resolute in his stance, and is insisting he will stay.

Manchester United have agreed the broad outline of a deal with Barcelona, with the English club even committing to pay €10m more of the total fee up front, rather than as part of clauses. That has not yet changed the stance as regards the deferred wages, with the Camp Nou hierarchy themselves standing firm.

Sources have insisted that the tension arises from the fact that, although Barcelona do not technically owe De Jong money as of now, he would be entitled to it if he fulfilled his restructured contract.

The midfielder agreed to an altered deal to help the club through the Covid crisis and their financial issues. Since De Jong’s first choice had been to stay, and he is effectively being pushed out so Barca can spend elsewhere, the player’s camp naturally believe he should be entitled to the wages.

Barcelona wage dispute still holding up Frenkie De Jong’s Manchester United move

Chelsea agree terms with Jules Kounde but haven’t matched Sevilla’s asking price.

09:02 , Luke Baker

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, according to Marca, but are yet to satisfy the Spanish club’s asking price for the centre-back.

Thomas Tuchel is rebuilding his defence after the departure of Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen to Barcelona, leaving the ageing Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta as Chelsea’s frontline centre-halves.

Kounde would add to the recent arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly at Stamford Bridge and personal terms have been agreed for a while, according to the Spanish paper, but the Blues’s formal offer of 55m euros is short of the 65m that Sevilla are after.

Barcelona are apparently also watching the situation, as they look to shore up their defence and have targeted Kounde as an option.

Erik Ten Hag insists Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale

08:54 , Luke Baker

Another complicating factor for any potential Cristiano Ronaldo move to Atletico Madrid (or any other club) is that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is on the record insisting the forward is not for sale.

This season’s lack of Champions League football has not sat well with Ronaldo, who it recently emerged has asked to be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer arrived.

A family issue meant the 37-year-old has missed United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, but Ten Hag has again underlined that Ronaldo is in his vision for the season ahead.

“It is clear - he is not for sale,” he said after training in Melbourne. “I planned with (having) him and I am looking forward to working with him.

“But for the rest I cannot say anymore because the situation is still the same as last week.”

Atletico Madrid in contact with Cristiano Ronaldo

08:47 , Luke Baker

Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading to Atletico Madrid if the transfer rumour mill is to be believed, with the La Liga club in contact with the 37-year-old striker’s representatives, according to AS.

Ronaldo has not spoken publicly on the matter other than using social media to deny reports he would be joining his first club Sporting CP, but it has been widely reported that the Portuguese is unsettled at Old Trafford after only one season back at the club, and has been pushing for a move away from United behind the scenes to a club with serious Champions League ambitions.

Money could prove to be a stumbling block as, according to Marca, Atleti have insisted “it’s not economically viable” to bring Ronaldo on board given his wage demands and the transfer fee involved. Atletico are struggling to move on their own unwanted players to boost the club coffers.

Football transfer news and rumours

08:32 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the latest football transfer news and rumours.

There’s plenty going on across Europe as Lisandro Martinez is Man Utd-bound, Matthijs de Ligt will be joining Bayern Munich and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Armando Broja, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Youri Tielemans among others have their futures up in the air.

Stick with us as we bring you all the latest news.