Transfer news LIVE as Chelsea’s Kane offer and Arsenal eye free agent

Premier League clubs spend record £815m in January transfer window

As the Premier League draws to a conclusion with just a handful of games left to be played for each side, attention is swiftly turning towards the summer transfer window as teams put their plans into action to improve their squads. Arsenal will likely look to back Mikel Arteta with several reinforcements in order to battle with Manchester City once again – as Pep Guardiola’s outfit are also set to continue spending.

Manchester United are one of several teams hoping to land a marquee striker this summer, alongside Chelsea as the two teams could be set to battle for the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. United drew 2-2 with Tottenham on Thursday having held a two-goal lead over Ryan Mason’s side, who themselves could be faced with the task of replacing the England captain as he has less than 18 months left on his contract in north London.

While Jurgen Klopp’s recent tactical switch has provided an upturn in form for Liverpool, but a midfield overhaul is still expected despite bowing out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old has reportedly made a decision on his future, as Real Madrid and Manchester City especially remain in the race for the Borussia Dortmund star.

The likes of Newcastle and Brighton have been gatecrashing the traditional top-six this season, as the Seagulls have made big steps towards sealing their first summer transfer while Eddie Howe may spend big – especially if the Magpies can secure Champions League football next season.

Scroll down to view the latest transfer rumours and gossip with Express Sport.

KEY EVENTS

Bayern hand Man Utd boost

Bayern Munich may have given Manchester United a free run at Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani this summer.

The Frenchman is set to cost upwards of £70million this summer, as both United and Bayern have been linked with a move as they are both searching for new strikers for next season.

However, Bild have claimed that the German giants do not feel that Kolo Muani is the correct stylistic fit and that he instead is expected to move abroad.

Whether that is to Old Trafford remains to be seen however, as Erik ten Hag’s outfit are also interested in the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen as their marquee striker addition.

United tie down starlet

Manchester United have confirmed a new long-term deal for Argentine talent Alejandro Garnacho – extending his contract at Old Trafford until 2028.

There had been concerns that the 18-year-old may opt to move elsewhere amid tough negotiations and the club blocking him from competing at the Under-20 World Cup with his country, but those fears have since been quashed.

Garnacho had been enjoying a breakout season at United before picking up an injury against Southampton last month, but Erik ten Hag recently confirmed that he is due to begin first-team training again shortly.

You can read the full story HERE.

United in possession for Disasi

Manchester United have reportedly positioned themselves to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer, as Erik ten Hag seeks defensive reinforcements.

L’Equipe via Sport Witness have claimed that the French side are expected to lose their centre-back at the end of the season, as he is expected to cost between £30-40m.

The report states that United are “well placed” to secure a deal for Disasi, who could potentially be a replacement for Harry Maguire as the club captain may be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer.

Arsenal to go back for Fresneda

Arsenal could be tempted to re-open negotiations for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresenda, having been unable to land the teenager in January.

Fresneda had offers from the Gunners, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund but opted to stay in La Liga until the end of the season.

The Telegraph have claimed that Arsenal put in a considerable amount of effort into landing the 18-year-old, with the view to potentially signing him in the summer.

He does have a release clause of £26.5million in his contract, as Valladolid will be boosted financially having moved further away from the relegation places in Spain.

Arsenal reshuffle

Arsenal sporting director Edu has made some significant changes to his recruitment department as the Gunners gear up for a busy transfer window.

The Athletic have claimed that Jason Ayto has been appointed assistant sporting director and James Ellis promoted to head of recruitment.

The duo were already at the club, but have been given added responsibilities as Edu and Mikel Arteta will hope to reinforce their squad further in order to compete again with Manchester City.

Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo have once again been recently linked with moves to north London, while interest has resurfaced in free agent Wilfried Zaha.

United and Liverpool battle

Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been credited with interest in OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of the summer transfer window.

L’Equipe claim that both Premier League giants in addition to Newcastle, Napoli and Juventus have been monitoring the Frenchman.

The report states that Todibo could be available for as low as £26.5million this summer, though a battle between United and Liverpool could drive the price up.

Spurs braced for Chelsea Kane bid

Tottenham are reportedly preparing to receive a bid for Harry Kane from Chelsea this summer.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United are expected to initiate negotiations with Spurs chief Daniel Levy over a potential deal for the England captain this summer – as he has less than 18 months left on his contract in north London.

But talkSPORT have claimed that Levy is bracing himself for an offer from Chelsea, who are set to appoint ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino which will only add further fuel to the fire.

Levy is reluctant to see Kane leave, but if he is unable to tie down his talisman to a new contract then this summer may be the last chance to get a big fee for the striker.

Chelsea make Felix call

Chelsea have reportedly made a decision on Joao Felix’s future at Stamford Bridge, having joined in January on an expensive loan deal until the end of the season.

The Portuguese forward’s relationship with Diego Simeone at his parent club Atletico Madrid has become frayed – which forced him out on loan in the first place.

Though he could be set to remain at Chelsea beyond the summer, even if the Blues fail to qualify for Europe following another dismal result against Brentford on Wednesday.

You can read the full story HERE.

Arsenal interest in Zaha

Arsenal have held a long-standing interest in Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha and now have the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer.

The Ivorian’s contract at Selhurst Park is up at the end of the season and the Gunners may have a boost in their pursuit of the winger.

RMC Sport have claimed that Zaha’s agent has offered his client to both Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, in addition to Arsenal interest.

Marseille, however, are unable to meet Zaha’s salary demands which could leave Arsenal with a free run to sign him when his contract expires – though PSG are able to speak with the player directly regarding a pre-contractual agreement already if they do want to sign him this summer.

Chelsea star to force move

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly ready to force a move away from the club this summer, as he could be part of Todd Boehly’s impending fire sale.

German outlet Sport1 have suggested that as discussions over a new contract have come to a standstill, the Croatian is prepared to force a move elsewhere.

The report states that Chelsea would prefer not to sell to a Premier League rival, as Manchester City had been credited with an interest in Kovacic previously.

Thomas Tuchel is thought to be considering a summer swoop for his former player, having taken up the Bayern Munich position and a sale to the Bundesliga may suit all parties this summer.

Ten Hag makes triple request

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly made three transfer requests to the board ahead of the summer transfer window.

There is public interest in Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen as the Red Devils hope land a marquee striker for the Dutch boss at the beginning of pre-season.

The Independent have claimed that Ten Hag has asked for reassurances ahead of the transfer window as the club are in the midst of a potential takeover.

While he has also requested a striker, new centre-back and a goalkeeper as Rasmus Hojlund and Romeo Lavia are among the names the club have looked at.

Brighton agree record deal

Brighton have reportedly agreed a fee with Watford to sign striker Joao Felix ahead of next season.

The Brazilian has been linked with a host of Premier League sides since the Hornets were relegated last season, but Brighton appear to have got their man.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that an agreement is in place, while various other reports have suggested that it is a record fee for Brighton.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side will look to push on from this year’s successful season with Pedro in their ranks, as the Italian boss will be pleased to get a new forward in so early.

Bellingham to Real Madrid

Reports from Spain last night suggested that Jude Bellingham had picked Real Madrid to be his next club, having also been linked with a host of top Premier League sides.

Marca have claimed that Los Blancos are hoping to repeat the same tactic that helped them land Aurelien Tchouameni last summer.

Club officials are planning a trip to Dortmund to secure a deal for the England star, as Liverpool had dropped out of the race owing to financial concerns.

Real Madrid are said to have a direct line of communication with Bellingham and remain confident that they can beat Manchester City to his signature.

Man Utd make Casemiro plan

Casemiro has proven to be an excellent addition for Manchester United this season, alerting others to his quality as Bayern Munich have been rumoured to be interested in his services.

It appears that United do have a plan in place, however, if the Brazilian’s head is turned and he opts for a move to the Bundesliga.

It would involve the Red Devils repeating a similar transfer trick to the one that saw them land Edwin van der Sar from Fulham in 2005…

You can read the full story HERE.

Bale makes Wrexham call

Gareth Bale has responded to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s pestering to join Wrexham following their promotion to League Two.

The Welsh legend retired from the sport in January after a disappointing World Cup campaign, but there have been calls for him to follow Ben Foster out of retirement to the Racecourse.

The Hollywood stars repeatedly made their pleas on social media, as they offered to play a round of golf to make their pitch to the former Real Madrid and Tottenham star.

He does now appear to have made a decision on the move, as you can read the full story HERE.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s transfer news blog, where we will be covering all the latest news and updates ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

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