Arsenal’s busy transfer window looks set to continue as they move on from their disappointment in not signing Vinicius Jr. They are hunting alternatives in the forward line with Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola on their list but defensive reinforcements may yet come in the form of Cristian Romero. The Tottenham captain is rumoured to leave Spurs this summer and is eyeing up a switch to their closest rivals.
Meanwhile, Rodri looks set to leave Manchester City amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. The World Cup winning captain is into the final year of his contract and favours a move to Barca – who are considering a second bid after an initial offer of £38m was rejected.
Elswhere, Liverpool also hold an interest in Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain and have lined up his teammate Ibrahim Mbaye in what could be a double swoop for Andoni Iraola’s side. That comes after the Reds secured much-needed defender help with ex-Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo joining for a loan deal with an option to buy.
Finally, Manchester United are still searching for a left-back with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall seemingly off the table they instead turned their interest on the likes of Antonee Robinson, Jorge Salinas and Joaquin Seys.
Follow all of the latest news, rumours and done deals with our live blog below
Read MoreWould Jose Mourinho have worked as Alex Ferguson’s replacement?
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Transfer news - live updates
- Tottenham captain Cristian Romero interested in shock Arsenal transfer
- Rodri set to leave Manchester City as Barcelona and Real Madrid circle
- Liverpool bring in defender help with loan deal for Barcelona's Ronald Araujo
- Arsenal identify Vinicius Jr alternatives after winger agrees Real Madrid extension
- Man Utd want left-back reinforcements and have Seys on list
- Jeff Bezos consortium ‘nears deal’ to buy significant Liverpool stake
Liverpool given boost in defence as Barcelona star Ronald Araujo joins on loan
18:31 , Flo CliffordRonald Araujo has completed his move to Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
The deal gives Liverpool defensive reinforcements and an option to purchase the Uruguay international for a pre-agreed price of £47m.
Liverpool will not pay a loan fee and will cover the centre-back’s salary for the length of his time at Anfield, but Araujo’s eagerness to join them was such that he took a pay cut.
The 27-year-old, who passed a medical on Merseyside on Monday, is available straight away and will join in team training later this week.
Liverpool given boost in defence as Barcelona star joins on loan
Marmoush to decide on Man City future
18:15 , Mike JonesWill Omar Marmoush be leaving Manchester City?
“The answer has to be similar to the one I answer about James Trafford,” said manager Enzo Maresca.
“Players work every day, they want to play so when they don’t play they are not happy.
“Omar did not play a lot last year so his desire is probably to play more minutes.
“It doesn’t mean that he isn’t going to play more minutes here but it’s also his decision, and he needs to decide.”
Six goals in two games: How much of a concern is Arsenal’s defence?
18:00 , Mike JonesArsenal suffered a second consecutive pre-season defeat ahead of the start of their Premier League title defence as clinical Borussia Dortmund won the Emirates Cup with a 3-2 victory in north London.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the Arsenal fans before kick-off and there was a party atmosphere as the Gunners returned to the Emirates for the first time since lifting the Premier League title in May.
Six goals in two games: How much of a concern is Arsenal’s defence?
Mikel Arteta says Bruno Guimaraes can take Arsenal to 'next level'
17:45 , Mike Jones"I'm delighted to have him," Mikel Arteta said after Arsenal’s pre-season loss to Borussia Dortmund, where Bruno Guimaraes was unveiled to the fans.
"We see very clearly - especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground - the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club. And that's the ambition that we need.
"We want to go to the next level and are very, very much convinced that we're going to need players with such a personality, desire and character to push everybody inside the organisation to go even higher."
Julian Alvarez not for sale
17:30 , Mike JonesDiego Simeone has confirmed Atletico Madrid’s stance on Julian Alvarez amid interest from Arsenal: he is not for sale.
"The situation is very clear," the Argentine told a press conference.
"The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.
"From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."
Arsenal outgoings - could Zubimendi be on the move?
17:15 , Mike JonesWith Arsenal splashing £75m on Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Arteta may be required to sanction some sales.
That has led Mundo Deportivo to report that Martin Zubimendi, who only joined Arsenal last year, could leave the club, but only if a potential suitor matches their £77m asking price.
Meanwhile, West Ham are exploring a move for Reiss Nelson who has entered the final year of his contract, as per Sky Sports.
How ageless wonder Virgil van Dijk holds the key to new-look Liverpool’s season
17:00 , Richard JollyVan Dijk has become Liverpool’s last centre-back standing but is ready for another long season as he welcomes new teammates and a new manager into the fold.
How ageless wonder Virgil van Dijk holds the key to new-look Liverpool’s season
Arsenal outgoings - could Zubimendi be on the move?
16:48 , Mike JonesWith Arsenal splashing £75m on Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Arteta may be required to sanction some sales.
That has led Mundo Deportivo to report that Martin Zubimendi, who only joined Arsenal last year, could leave the club, but only if a potential suitor matches their £77m asking price.
Meanwhile, West Ham are exploring a move for Reiss Nelson who has entered the final year of his contract, as per Sky Sports.
Aston Villa in talks for Palhinha - but face competition from Newcastle?
16:36 , Mike JonesAston Villa transfer chief Damian Viadagany has confirmed the club are in talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich.
He told Bild: “We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement.
"If something should happen, it is always on the basis of the great respect we feel for FC Bayern.
"We are friendly clubs; our relationship with Max Eberl (Bayern's director of sport), Christoph Freund (Bayern sporting director) and all other responsible persons is excellent.
"Therefore, I cannot and do not want to comment on any further details.”
This comes amid reports that Newcastle are also keen on the Portuguese midfielder, who was on loan at Tottenham last term, joining Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on the list of potential Bruno Guimaraes replacements.
Another big name set for Turkey move
16:24 , Mike JonesMohamed Salah’s switch to Trabzonspor may have knocked over the first domino of big names making moves to Turkey this summer.
That’s because now, Fenerbahce are set to finalise a deal to sign Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Napoli, as per Gazzetta dello Sport.
Chelsea will receive a sell-on fee.
Shea Charles set for Fulham medical
16:12 , Mike JonesSouthampton midfielder Shea Charles is set to undergo a medical at Fulham after the clubs agreed a deal worth up to £30m, according to the Press Association.
The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract at Craven Cottage and become the most expensive Northern Irish footballer.
Fulham will pay an initial fee of £26m, while the transfer includes a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.
Would Jose Mourinho have worked as Alex Ferguson’s replacement?
16:00 , Jamie BraidwoodJose Mourinho has revealed had agreed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and had signed a contract at Old Trafford before deciding to rejoin Chelsea .
In a new Netflix documentary about the Portuguese, Ferguson even reveals that Mourinho phoned him in tears, explaining that he couldn’t take charge of United in 2013.
Would Jose Mourinho have worked as Alex Ferguson’s replacement?
Another Vinicius alternative?
15:48 , Mike JonesArsenal are back exploring the market for a winger after their move for Vinicius Jr didn’t come to fruition.
And according to the Mirror, Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is being eyed up.
Bruno Guimaraes ready to be a 'warrior' for Arsenal
15:36 , Mike Jones"I feel amazing,” Bruno Guimaraes said after signing for Arsenal.
“ I'm glad for the opportunity. Since the first time I spoke to [Andrea] Berta and Mikel [Arteta], I was excited. I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life.
"I'm so excited to join you. I will give you my best, I promise. I'm your warrior, I'll never give up. Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together."
World Cup winner Ferran Torres wants to join PSG
15:24 , Mike JonesFerran Torres has informed Barcelona that he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with ESPN also reporting that personal terms have been agreed.
Torres, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final, has just one year left on his Barcelona contract.
ESPN report that Barcelona would not deny Torres his move if PSG can meet their asking price.
Niclas Fullkrug agrees terms for West Ham exit - but there's a stumbling block
15:12 , Mike JonesWest Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug has agreed terms with Venezia, according to Bild.
However, the Hammers’ asking price looks set to block a move from going through.
The cold truth behind Mohamed Salah’s move to Turkey’s fourth-biggest club
15:00 , Mike JonesMohamed Salah will be something of an incongruous sight at Trabzonspor – a stark drop in prestige from Liverpool – but the move to football’s growing, lucrative retirement home does offer intrigue, Richard Jolly writes:
The cold truth behind Mohamed Salah’s move to Turkey’s fourth-biggest club
Aston Villa agree deal for left back Matteo Ruggeri
14:51 , Mike JonesAston Villa are are set to sign Atletico Madrid left back Matteo Ruggeri, according to the Athletic.
The 24-year-old is considered to be the replacement for Lucas Digne, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Ruggeri joined Atletico last summer from Atalanta and Villa moved for him after their pursuit of Pervis Estupinan broke down.
Coventry agree deal for Gus Hamer return
14:36 , Mike JonesCoventry have agreed a deal with Sheffield United to re-sign midfielder Gus Hamer in a deal worth £6m plus add-ons, according to the Press Association.
The 29-year-old left the club for Bramall Lane in 2023 for £15m and has been linked with a move back to the Sky Blues following their promotion to the Premier League.
Blades boss Chris Wilder previously admitted that a deal for Hamer was likely to be agreed with just one year left on his contract in Sheffield.
Marcus Rashford set for Manchester United return against Leeds
14:22 , Mike JonesMarcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United’s squad for their friendly against Leeds, Michael Carrick has confirmed.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona and has not played for United since December 2024, following another loan spell at Aston Villa.
He was granted time off following the World Cup but is now set to return alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and Matheus Cunha for the Leeds friendly.
Cristian Romero interested in shock Arsenal transfer
14:09 , Mike JonesTottenham captain Cristian Romero is interested in joining Arsenal, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The centre-back would face a furious backlash if he gets his way, but Tottenham have no interest in selling to their north London rivals.
Arsenal are in need of a centre-back after the injury to William Saliba while Romero has been in talks with Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.
William Gallas was the last player to make the switch between the rivals, while the shockwaves Sol Campbell’s infamous move from Tottenham to Arsenal still linger.
Forest set to land Ousmane Diomande
13:57 , Mike JonesNottingham Forest are set to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande for £34.3m, per The Athletic.
Diomande is expected to undergo a medical ahead of signing a proposed five-year contract at Forest.
Barcelona increase Rodri offer
13:45 , Mike JonesBarcelona are set to return with an improved offer for Rodri.
Manchester City rejected an opening bid of €45m (£38.7m) for their Ballon d’Or winner.
The 30-year-old is out of contract next summer and Real Madrid are also interested.
Sport in Spain report that Barca are set to up their bid to £51.4m.
City have already spent £116m on a midfielder this summer, paying a record sum for a British player to buy Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
They are also interested in Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi but Lens could seek a package of around €100m for the teenager.
Bruno Guimaraes reveals Declan Rice message after Arsenal move
13:33 , Mike JonesBruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice have been involved in a couple of clashes in recent years with meetings between Newcastle and Arsenal often heated – though Rice has moved to calm any tensions with the pair now colleagues at the Emirates Stadium.
"[Declan] Rice sent me a message: ‘Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends’, Guimaraes revealed.
"I was happy he messaged me, but the midfield we have here, in my point of view, is one of the best in Europe.
"Everyone is an amazing player, I'm so excited to start chatting and play, and know the players very, very well, but we have an amazing midfield.”
The question that hangs over Elliot Anderson and the £100m-midfielder movement
13:20 , Mike JonesThere have been a number of big-money midfield signings this summer, though determining the value of players who don’t necessarily contribute in the pure terms of goals and assists can be tricky.
Richard Jolly ponders an interesting market trend:
The question that hangs over Elliot Anderson and the £100m-midfielder movement
Newcastle consider experienced Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to bolster midfield
13:05 , Mike JonesA number of reports this past weekend have linked Newcastle with a move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The former Southampton and Tottenham man possesses prior Premier League experience and, while not a direct replacement for Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali, could bolster an area now of need.
He would be a steadfast signing and would limit the damage done by losing two of Newcastle best players. Can they get this one over the line?
Wrexham agree deal with Sunderland
12:50 , Mike JonesWrexham have agreed a deal worth £8m for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Patterson was the first choice goalkeeper during Sunderland’s promotion winning season back to the Premier League but spent last seaosn on loan at Millwall.
The goalkeeper will undergo a medical before the move completes.
Arsenal and Manchester United battle for striker
12:34 , Mike JonesArsenal are said by The Sun to be leading the race to sign Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito, amid interest from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old is highly rated and valued at just north of £70m.
Leicester sign new goalkeeper
12:20 , Mike JonesSky Sports News report that Leicester City have signed a new goalkeeper.
Franco Ravizzoli has joined the club on a free transfer after leaving Blackpool.
The 27-year-old has penned a three-year deal with the Foxes.
Bruno Guimaraes bids farewell to Newcastle fans
12:09 , Mike JonesThe manner of his departure while club captain may not necessarily please Newcastle fans, but this is a nice farewell from Bruno Guimaraes as he heads to Arsenal.
Thank you Geordies.
Just a heartfelt thank you to the fans, Eddie Howe and his staff, all the players, directors, owners and everyone who works at the club for a period filled with happiness and achievements.
It was beautiful to live these nearly five years with you all. 🖤🤍… pic.twitter.com/sJjTvyCuWb
Man City explore Enzo Fernandez deal ahead of Rodri exit
11:52 , Miguel DelaneyManchester City are exploring a move for Enzo Fernandez in light of Rodri’s expected move to Barcelona.
The Chelsea midfielder is highly rated by new boss Enzo Maresca, who worked with the Argentine during his time at Stamford Bridge before succeeding Pep Guardiola this summer at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City explore deal for Chelsea star ahead of Rodri exit
Jeff Bezos consortium ‘nears deal’ to buy significant Liverpool stake
11:39 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium that is nearing a deal to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, according to a report.
Sky News reported on Monday that the consortium, led by Amit Bhatia, the British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of QPR, is close to buying a “roughly one-third stake” in the Premier League club.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed last month that they had been approached by the syndicate, with Bezos, the world’s fourth-richest man, a part of the group. The Independent has contacted FSG for comment.
Sky News reported that FSG could make an announcement about the deal in the coming days. Eduardo Saverin, one of the co-founders of Facebook, is also part of the consortium.
Jeff Bezos consortium ‘nears deal’ to buy significant Liverpool stake
Ezri Konsa to Arsenal?
11:38 , Mike JonesArsenal remain on the hunt for new additions after missing out on Vinicius Jr, with Ezri Konsa a top defensive target.
The Daily Mail suggests that his Aston Villa teammates believe Konsa may be London-bound.
Arsenal to hijack Liverpool's Barcola move?
11:21 , Miguel DelaneyHaving missed out on Vinicius Jr, The Independent understands that Bradley Barcola is seen as another attractive option for Arsenal as they look for a winger.
Liverpool are keen on the PSG star and the Gunners are playing catch-up to some extent, with Liverpool thought to be further down the line in terms of negotiations over personal terms.
PSG’s valuation could also prove a stumbling block, with the France international priced by his club at £130m, a figure above the Gunners’ own valuation.
Rashford looking increasingly likely to stay at Man Utd
11:08 , Mike JonesMarcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona last season reignited some form into the winger which earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Rashford had fallen out with the Old Trafford hierarchy under the reign of Ruben Amorim but Michael Carrick is open to utilising his services for the upcoming season.
A transfer away from Old Trafford remains open to Rashford but only if it comes in the form of a big European club.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Rashford won’t consider any move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia and would prefer to remain at the Premier League side.
He has also been given a new shirt number (14) ahead of the next campaign.
Araujo closing in on Liverpool move
11:00 , Mike JonesRonald Araujo has completed a Liverpool medical ahead of an initial loan move from Barcelona.
The defender's loan also includes an option to buy for around £47m (€55m).
An announcement of his signing is expected later today.
A Palace-Everton swap deal?
10:56 , Mike JonesThis is an interesting one as Sky Sports News suggests that Crystal Palace and Everton have agreed a swap deal over Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson.
The deal would see Everton’s McNeil head to Palace and Johnson go the other way.
Both players have been given permission to undergo medicals so this one could be nearing completion.
PSG and Man City consider Gusto
10:55 , Mike JonesPSG and Man City consider Gusto
The Sun report that PSG are considering a move for Chelsea defender Malo Gusto.
The Blues value the full-back at £75m and the French champions would like him to provide competition to Achraf Hakimi.
Manchester City are also said to be interested.
Uefa leads talks over new competitions after World Cup boycott threat over Gianni Infantino ‘deception’
10:43 , Richard JollyUefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have accused Fifa president Gianni Infantino of ‘deception’ and called for him to resign.
Uefa leads talks over new competitions after World Cup boycott threat
Juventus pursuing Zirkzee
10:31 , Mike JonesJuventus are said to be interested in Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and hope to bring the forward in on a loan deal.
Zirkzee is down the pecking order under Michael Carrick and could be keen on the move though the right deal will need to be struck for all parties.
Juve have already signed Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegovic so there is no urgency on their part to get Zirkee’s move done.
Newcastle eyeing move for ex-Spurs midfielder Hojbjerg
10:22 , Mike JonesNewcastle are exploring a move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
That’s according to Sky Sports News, who say the 31-year-old is valued at around £15m.
Newcastle will be looking to replace Bruno Guimaraes after his £75m move to Arsenal and the Danish international is one option the Magpies are considering.
Hojbjerg has Premier League experience having played for Tottenham and Southampton.
Why Arsenal had to sign Bruno Guimaraes – and how he fits into Mikel Arteta’s midfield
10:10 , Mike JonesThe Brazilian is the king of midfield ‘duels’ – one of Mikel Arteta’s favourite buzzwords – but also brings his range of passing to increase the competition for places at the Premier League champions.
It’s a significant signing for Arsenal – and perhaps one they had to make. Jamie Braidwood explains:
The one word that explains why Arsenal had to sign Bruno Guimaraes
Jesus could be off to Napoli if Lukaku domino falls
09:57 , Mike JonesGabriel Jesus could be heading out the Arsenal exit door this summer and Napoli is a possible destination, providing Romelu Lukaku moves on.
Fenerbahce are interested in signing Lukaku from Napoli and the Belgian striker is open to joining the Turkish club.
Napoli would be seeking around £8.6m for the 33-year-old and his departure could help pave the way for Jesus to move to Naples.
According to Sky Sports News, two exits are required before Napoli can consider bringing in the Brazilian and Arsenal are understood to want around £18m-£20m for Jesus.
Solomon to West Ham off as Hull swoop
09:45 , Mike JonesWest Ham have ended negotiations with Tottenham over a move for Manor Solomon due to financial reasons, according to The Athletic.
The Hammers want to pay £5m but are not willing to agree to the promotion bonuses Spurs are after.
That could be a boost for Hull City, with The i Paper reporting that Hull are interested in the Israeli winger.
Man City agree cut-price deal for new Gianluigi Donnarumma deputy
09:41 , Richard JollyManchester City have agreed a €2m (£1.7m) deal to sign Geronimo Rulli to give Gianluigi Donnarumma a new deputy.
City have moved quickly to find a replacement for James Trafford, who joined Leeds for an initial £40m this week.
Rulli, who will sign a two-year deal at the Etihad Stadium with an option for a third year, will join from Marseille after two seasons as the French club’s regular goalkeeper.
It will be the 34-year-old’s second stint on City’s books, though he is yet to debut for them after being signed in 2016, loaned to Real Sociedad and then bought by the Spanish club.
Jose Mourinho reveals he agreed to replace Alex Ferguson at Man United before U-turn
09:36 , Mike JonesJose Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 only to tearfully renege on the deal and return to Chelsea.
The football world was rocked when the Scottish great announced he was retiring having overseen a 13th Premier League title triumph win during a spell of unrivalled dominance at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho reveals he agreed to replace Alex Ferguson at Man United before U-turn
Van de Ven nears Spurs extension
09:20 , Mike JonesMicky Van de Ven is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Tottenham Hotspur, according to Sky Sports.
Van de Ven’s current contract runs until 2029 and is entering his fourth season at the club.
West Ham make opening big for Parrott
09:11 , Mike JonesWest Ham have made a bid for AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott says the Daily Mail.
Details of the bid are not yet known but Parrott is also of interest to Real Betis and Ajax.
The Ireland striker has impressed since moving to the Eredivisie from Tottenham and scored 16 goals in 28 games for AZ last season.
The problem Liverpool must address after Andoni Iraola’s losing Anfield bow draws Arne Slot parallels
09:00 , Will CastleWhen Anfield had last hosted Liverpool, as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson bade farewell and their teammates embarked on their final lap of honour, Arne Slot had remained sat in the dugout. It proved the last sighting of him in Liverpool. Some 11 weeks later, Slot’s successor was a visible presence on the edge of the technical area, Andoni Iraola’s constant clapping encouraging his players at the start of a new era. It began with echoes of the old: a 3-2 defeat to Monaco, with a lead lost at Anfield, with a goal conceded to a set-piece, had some similarities with Slot’s unravelling, even if the stakes were lower.
Iraola may hope the parallels with last season end when the competitive football starts. As it was, Liverpool outlined why they require Ronald Araujo and how their recruitment is unfinished.
The problem Liverpool must address after Andoni Iraola’s losing Anfield bow
Guimaraes 'hopeful we can achieve our dreams' at Arsenal
08:54 , Mike JonesIn his first official interview since joining Arsenal, Bruno Guimaraes has said he is hopeful “we can achieve our dreams” at the Gunners.
Speaking to Arsenal’s club media channels following his £75m move from Newcastle, Guimaraes said: “I feel good, I feel amazing. I’m glad for the opportunity.
“Since the first time I spoke to (Andrea) Berta and Mikel (Arteta) I was excited. I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life.
“I think after playing two World Cups, I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this.
“I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.
“We have tough games to play this season so the squad is going to be very, very important and I’m hopeful we can achieve our dreams.”
Newcastle sporting director admits Bruno Guimaraes wanted to leave
08:48 , Mike JonesRoss Wilson, Newcastle’s sporting director, has revealed that Bruno Guimaraes expressed his desire to leave the club – providing little choice as they granted him a switch to Arsenal.
"What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, he effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on," he said.
"That doesn't mean he can go, but it certainly plays a part in what our thinking is when we hit a certain range of number.
"There's no part in saying it was part of our strategy and was in our thinking this summer - it wasn't.
"But we have got to be flexible and react to things that happen."
Manchester City reject first Barcelona bid for Rodri
08:42 , Richard JollyBarcelona have had a bid for Rodri rejected by Manchester City.
The Spanish champions offered €45m (£38.7m) for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, which City do not deem a serious price for the Ballon d’Or winner.
No meaningful talks have taken place between the clubs yet with City reluctant to enter negotiations until there is the prospect of a deal near their valuation of the midfielder.
Real Madrid have also shown interest in the midfielder.
Arsenal hold nerve after missing out on Vinicius Jr with three alternative targets
08:36 , Mike JonesThe Gunners are switching targets after the Real Madrid superstar signed a contract extension, with Mikel Arteta determined to strengthen in attack says Miguel Delaney.
Arsenal hold nerve after missing out on Vinicius Jr with three alternative targets
Manchester United told Lewis Hall not for sale
08:30 , Mike JonesAccording to Sky Sports, Manchester United have been told that Lewis Hall is not for sale by Newcastle as the Tyneside club bid to hold on to at least one key figure this summer.
Manchester United are keen to add a versatile left-back option but knew a deal for Hall might be difficult – and it appears he’s likely to stay at St James’ Park.
Man Utd want another left-back
08:24 , Mike JonesOne of Manchester United’s frustrating aims for this window was to bring in a left-back that could be a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
Lewis Hall, from Newcastle, had been near the top of their list but he seems unavailable with the Magpies unwilling to lose another player after Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were sold this summer.
Instead, United have switched to other targets including Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.
The most mentioned name though seems to be Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys. The Belgian side want a price of around £30m says The Sun but the full-back has interest from other clubs including Premier League champions Arsenal.
Arsenal to challenge Liverpool for Barcola
08:18 , Mike JonesThe second of Arsenal’s Vinicius alternatives seems to be PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool have held a long-standing interest in the winger but Arsneal have joined the race for his signature says TEAMtalk.
The Gunners were prepared to spend heavily to sign Vini Jr so have funds available though whether they are willing to come close to PSG’s £130m valuation is yet to be determined.
Arsenal's Vinicius alternatives
08:12 , Mike JonesArsenal failed to convince Vinicius Jr to move to the Premier League but are moving on and have a couple of alternate options in mind.
The first is Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Reports claim that Alvarez has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners but Atletico boss Diego Simeone seemed less sure.
He explained that the Spanish club have plans to keep improving Alvarez’s talents which would lean towards him sticking around for a while.
"The situation is very clear," Simeone told reporters.
"The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.
"From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."
Cristian Romero eyes up shock Arsenal move
08:06 , Mike JonesTottenham captain Cristian Romero wants to the leave the club this summer and has his sights set on Arsenal though it is unclear whether the Gunners have the same desire for a switch.
Arsenal are aware of Romero’s preference and reportedly made an approach to Spurs last Thursday.
"He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause," Victor Romero, Cristian’s father said.
"The English club isn't going to let him go for free; it's between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m]. For me, they'll want to recover what they invested."
Romero has has interest from Atletico and Inter Milan with Tottenham preferring to do a deal with either of the European clubs.
Good morning!
08:00 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of all the latest transfer news and gossip.
The start of the Premier League season is quickly approaching and teams are trying to finalise their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd all look to be busy shoring up the needed reinforcements but how will they each fare once the action begins in a couple of weeks’ time?
We’ll have all the latest news throughout the day so stick with us...
