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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole’s live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Thursday, August 17.Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today’s transfer rumours and done deals.Chelsea-linked Michael Olise signs new four-year Crystal Palace dealRomeo Lavia completes Chelsea medicalLiverpool hold talks over Sofyan Amrabat moveArsenal to rekindle interest in Mohamed SimakanChelsea considering move for Nottingham Forest’s Brennan JohnsonManchester City’s Pep Guardiola discusses Cole Palmer future after UEFA Super Cup winReal Madrid looking to hijack Al-Nassr’s deal for Aymeric LaporteArsenal to rekindle interest in Mohamed Simakan?
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Arsenal could reportedly rekindle their interest in RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan following Jurrien Timber’s devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury.The Gunners agreed a £38.5m deal to sign 22-year-old Timber from Ajax earlier this summer, and the Dutchman enjoyed a strong showing in their Community Shield win over Manchester City.Following a successful competitive debut, Timber held his spot at left-back for the visit of Nottingham Forest in last weekend’s Premier League opener, as Oleksandr Zinchenko missed out with a calf problem.However, the Netherlands international fell to the turf with nobody around him early in the second half, and scans have since shown an injury to the ACL of his right knee, ruling him out for a lengthy period of time.
Click here to read the full story.Barcelona ‘willing to sell Marcos Alonso this summer’
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Barcelona would reportedly be willing to let Spanish defender Marcos Alonso leave the club during this summer’s transfer window if a suitable offer arrived.The 32-year-old arrived at Camp Nou on a free transfer last year following the expiration of his deal at Chelsea.Alonso was a regular for Barcelona during the 2022-23 season, featuring on 37 occasions in all competitions, including 24 outings in Spain’s top flight, as Xavi’s side won the title.The Spaniard has not yet been registered with La Liga for the current campaign, though, which has led to speculation surrounding his future.
Click here to read the full story.Atletico Madrid to block Joao Felix’s move to Barcelona?
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Atletico Madrid are reportedly not prepared to let Joao Felix join Barcelona this summer despite the recent speculation surrounding a potential switch to Camp Nou.The Portugal international told Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano earlier this summer that he ‘dreams’ of representing the Catalan outfit, and the La Liga champions are in the market for a new forward following the recent departure of Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain.According to AS, Felix has rejected a huge offer from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, as he is only interested in moving to Barcelona this summer.The report claimed that the forward was close to joining Xavi’s side on an initial loan move, which would include the option to make the deal permanent during next summer’s transfer window.
Click here to read the full story.Liverpool to move for Johan Bakayoko if Mohamed Salah leaves?
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Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko if Mohamed Salah leaves the club in the near future.Salah appeared to end speculation surrounding his future by penning a new Anfield deal until 2025 last year, but links with a move elsewhere have begun to resurface.Paris Saint-Germain were believed to be weighing up an approach for the Egyptian earlier this summer, but the French champions have signed Marco Asensio and Ousmane Dembele instead.With PSG out of the picture, Saudi Arabia is now considered the only realistic destination for Salah if he calls time on his Liverpool career, and Saudi Pro League marketing chief Hafez Al-Medlej has confirmed that teams in the region are interested in the 31-year-old.
Click here to read the full story.Romeo Lavia ‘completes Chelsea medical’
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Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has reportedly completed his medical with Chelsea ahead of a £58m switch to Stamford Bridge.The 19-year-old has been on the radar of several top European clubs over the past few months, having been a shining light during a troubled 2022-23 campaign for the Saints.Lavia only joined Russell Martin’s team from Manchester City last year, but following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League, an exit from St Mary’s has been seen as inevitable.Arsenal were originally considered strong contenders for his signature before bringing in Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, allowing Chelsea and Liverpool to engage in a tense two-horse race.
Click here to read the full story. 1h ago NEW CONTRACTGoncalo Inacio pens new four-year contract with Sporting LisbonGonçalo Inácio has just signed his new deal at Sporting until June 2027 — now completed. 🟢⚪️🇵🇹 #SportingCPNew release clause: €60m. pic.twitter.com/54cPpe0Svc— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2023
1h ago DONE DEAL Monaco complete signing of Wilfried Singo from TorinoL’AS Monaco est heureux d’annoncer la signature de Wilfried Singo, défenseur de 22 ans, en provenance du @TorinoFC_1906 ✍L’international ivoirien s’engage pour 5 saisons 🔴⚪#WelcomeSingo 👋— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) August 17, 2023
Liverpool ‘hold talks over Sofyan Amrabat move’
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Liverpool have reportedly held discussions over a potential move for Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.The Reds have missed out on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea, while they are also set to be unsuccessful in their pursuit of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who is also expected to head to Stamford Bridge.Jurgen Klopp’s side are desperate for midfield reinforcements before the end of the transfer window, and it is believed that Wataru Endo is closing in on a £16m move to Anfield from Stuttgart.However, Liverpool are expected to sign another midfielder before the end of the transfer window, and according to Sky Italia, Amrabat has emerged as a genuine target.
Click here to read the full story.Chelsea ‘turn attention to Forest forward Johnson’
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Chelsea have reportedly identified Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson as a potential transfer target.While the Blues have been known to be in the market for new players throughout the summer window, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have stepped up their efforts over the past week.Earlier this week, Chelsea completed the signing of Moises Caicedo for a British-record transfer fee, and Romeo Lavia is expected to follow the Ecuador international in making the switch to Stamford Bridge.However, the West Londoners were dealt a blow on Thursday when it emerged that Michael Olise had opted to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace rather than move across the capital.
Click here to read the full story.Man United ‘willing to terminate Eric Bailly’s contract’
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Manchester United are reportedly prepared to terminate Eric Bailly’s contract this summer.The Ivory Coast international does not have a future at the club under Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag, and he is expected to leave before the end of the transfer market.Al-Nassr had been heavily linked with the 29-year-old, but it is thought that the Saudi Arabian outfit are now concentrating on a deal for Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte.Bailly has also been linked with a move to Besiktas, but he allegedly rejected the chance to move to the Turkish outfit, which has left him in limbo at this late stage of the transfer window.
Click here to read the full story.Olise rejects Chelsea to sign new Crystal Palace contract
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Michael Olise has signed a new long-term contract with Crystal Palace, rejecting a transfer to Chelsea in the process.Olise has spent the last two seasons at Selhurst Park, contributing a total of six goals and 19 assists from 71 appearances in all competitions.However, the form of the France Under-21 international has inevitably resulted in admiring glances from elsewhere, including from Chelsea and Manchester City.With an alleged £35m release clause in his contract, it appeared a foregone conclusion that the playmaker would move elsewhere this summer.
Click here to read the full story. 3h ago DONE DEAL Hull City sign Scott Twine on loan from BurnleyTwine’s a 𝗧𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥! 😍#WelcomeScott 🙌#hcafc | Realtor Global pic.twitter.com/cQGJM2pRi6
— Hull City (@HullCity) August 17, 2023
“I’m absolutely delighted that Scott has joined us,” head coach Liam Rosenior told Hull’s official website. “We’ve beaten off competition from many top clubs in the Championship to secure his signature, based on our identity and style of play.
“This signing shows the ambition we have and that we want the best players we can get. He’s someone we’ve waited for but he’s worth the wait.
“He’s the perfect type of player I want in my team because he completely fits our philosophy. What I love about Scott is his ability to finish actions – to take shots, convert chances and he’s deadly from set-plays. His personality will completely fit into the group.
“He’s fantastic technically, can take the ball between lines, has got amazing movement, makes intelligent runs, presses well and likes to link and combine with other players.
“Scott can play in multiple positions and most importantly, he has end product – an area we identified as one we needed to improve on for this season.”
4h ago DONE DEAL George Long joins Norwich City from Millwall on two-year deal ✍️🧤 pic.twitter.com/Cbo3HvFJ1a
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) August 17, 2023
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for me, there was no hesitation at all when I got the call to say Norwich were interested and it’s happened really quickly,” Long told canaries.co.uk.
“I didn’t need much convincing, the recent history, being in the Premier League and the size of the club, the fanbase and the ambition.
“It’s a really exciting proposition and I’m delighted to be here.”
Mikel Arteta plays down Tierney, Gabriel exit talk
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down talk linking Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Magalhaes with summer exits from the Emirates.Neither man made the starting lineup for last weekend’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, where left-back Tierney was left out of the squad entirely.Meanwhile, Gabriel – who formed a strong bond with William Saliba during the 2022-23 campaign – was surprisingly named on the bench, as Thomas Partey, Ben White, Saliba and Jurrien Timber started at the back.Timber was forced off early in the second half of that match with a knee injury, and the Dutchman – who was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu – is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament issue.
Click here to read the full story. 5h ago DONE DEAL Luton Town sign goalkeeper Tim Krul from Norwich CityWelcome, @TimKrul! ✍️#COYH pic.twitter.com/Zu2vWRZNbb
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) August 17, 2023
“The story of Luton Town speaks for itself, the last nine years has been an amazing journey and I’m excited to join that journey,” Krul told Luton’s official website.
“It’s been a whirlwind for the club; I spoke to Carlton Morris and he spoke very highly about what’s happening at this club.
“I know Thomas Kaminski as well, it’s good to speak a bit of Dutch Flemish to him. It’s so important to have competition for places, if you look at the Premier League teams, they have lots of competition for spots and it should be no different here.”
Gravenberch ‘would prefer move to Man United over Liverpool’
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Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch would reportedly prefer to sign for Manchester United if he leaves the Allianz Arena this summer.The future of the Dutchman has been a hot topic for debate since the start of the year, a consequence of failing to establish himself as a regular starter during his first year in Germany.Gravenberch did not make headway in their quest until the final weeks of the season under Thomas Tuchel, yet there has remained uncertainty over whether he will stay at the club.Throughout pre-season, the 21-year-old failed to play more than 45 minutes in any of Bayern’s friendlies, while he remained as an unused substitute during the German Super Cup defeat to RB Leipzig.
Click here to read the full story.Mikel Arteta comments on Timber injury, Zinchenko fitness
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hinted that his side are open to more signings in the summer transfer window following Jurrien Timber’s devastating ACL injury.The Dutchman lasted just 50 minutes on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, and scans have shown damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.Timber will undergo surgery in the coming days, and the 22-year-old is expected to miss most of the 2023-24 campaign in an early blow to Arsenal’s hopes of challenging for the Premier League title.Timber has been one of four new signings to arrive at the Emirates in a £200m spending spree, following Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Brentford loanee David Raya to North London, and the Gunners have been expected to focus on outgoings for the remainder of the summer.
Click here to read the full story.Real Madrid ‘to try to edge out Al-Nassr in Laporte chase’
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Real Madrid are reportedly giving consideration to trying to win the race for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte.Last Friday, the left-sided centre-back made a surprise appearance off the substitutes’ bench as the Premier League champions started their top-flight campaign with a 3-0 victory.That outing came amid speculation that City are open to offers for the Spain international this summer, a consequence of having already signed Josko Gvardiol.As it stands, though, realistic offers from European-based clubs have been in short supply, handing an opportunity to teams from the Saudi Pro League.
Click here to read the full story.Chelsea ‘ready to oversee six exits before deadline’
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Chelsea are reportedly willing to part ways with as many as six players before the end of the summer transfer window.On Sunday afternoon, the Blues produced one of the more eye-catching performances of the opening Premier League weekend as they posted a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.However, either side of that fixture, speculation persisted regarding a wide array of players who may arrive and depart Stamford Bridge in due course.Romeo Lavia and Michael Olise are being tipped to follow Moises Caicedo in moving to Chelsea in deals which would exceed £200m.
Click here to read the full story.Transfer rumours: Acuna to Villa, Willian to Al Shabab, Origi to Al Fateh
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Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna has reportedly verbally agreed to make the move to Aston Villa.The Argentina international’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with Villa one of a number of clubs believed to be interested in his services.Despite the transfer talk, the 31-year-old has started the 2023-24 campaign in Sevilla’s first XI, playing the full 90 minutes against Valencia in La Liga last week, in addition to the whole game against Manchester City in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night.According to TyC Sports, Acuna has now come to an agreement with Villa over personal terms, although the two clubs are yet to settle on a transfer fee for the defender.
Click here to read the full story.Celtic sign Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke
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Celtic have completed the signing of Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke from Elfsborg.The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Parkhead until 2028 and moves to Glasgow for a fee believed to be in the region of £3m.Lagerbielke will wear the No.4 shirt vacated by compatriot Carl Starfelt, who joined Celta Vigo on a permanent deal earlier this summer.The 6ft 3in centre-back becomes Brendan Rodgers’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window after Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Yang Hyun-jun and Maik Nawrocki.
Click here to read the full story.Guardiola discusses Palmer future after UEFA Super Cup win
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Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is unsure whether Cole Palmer will stay at Manchester City beyond the summer transfer window.The 21-year-old started and scored a crucial equaliser in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla as the Citizens played out a 1-1 draw before beating their Spanish counterparts 5-4 on penalties. Palmer also found the net in City’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal earlier this month, and has become just the second player after Michael Owen back in 2001 to score in both competitions in the same year.The academy graduate, who helped England win the European Under-21 Championships earlier this summer, is yet to establish himself as a first-team regular under Guardiola since making his senior debut in 2020, and only two of his 14 Premier League appearances last season were from the start.
Click here to read the full story. 9h ago