Aston Villa is reportedly close to making two impressive acquisitions, while Chelsea is seeking to add two new attackers to a new-look front three. Liverpool is hoping to capture a prominent Real Madrid player after their initial approach was rejected.
REAL MADRID INFORM LIVERPOOL OF FEDERICO VALVERDE PRICE
Real Madrid turned down Liverpool’s initial bid for Federico Valverde, but Liverpool still holds out hope that the Spanish club will eventually agree to trade the Uruguayan.
The Merseysiders are looking to rebuild their midfield after a largely-forgettable 2022/23 season. Finishing fifth and without a trophy to their name, plans are now taking shape to ensure the Reds bounce back.
Indeed, they have already moved quickly to secure the signing of Alexis Mac Allister for an initial £35m.
However, much more is to come at Anfield with the club seemingly looking to land at least two more. And if Klopp has anything to do with it, his next signing could be one of Liverpool’s most-costly yet.
According to rumors published on Wednesday, the Merseysiders have made an initial offer for Valverde.
Now, according to rumors in Spain, that initial offer was approximately £51 million (€60 million); a price that Real Madrid immediately rejected.
However, it appears that the Spanish powerhouses are open to the 24-year-old’s departure on the same day they announced the acquisition of Jude Bellingham, a target for Liverpool.
Real is said to be open to selling the 49-cap star, but only if their €100 million (£85.5 million) asking price is fulfilled.
That does seem a little north of what Liverpool are willing to pay. However, it’s claimed Liverpool are encouraged by Real’s stance and are ready to try a second time with an offer nearing the £68.4m (€80m) mark.
CHELSEA IN TALKS OVER NICOLAS JACKSON
Mauricio Pochettino is targeting a swoop on Villarreal for forward Nicolas Jackson, per a report.
The Argentine is looking to make his mark at Stamford Bridge having been chosen by Todd Boehly as their next manager. But despite the American splashing around £600m on 17 new players, there still remains serious holes in the Chelsea squad.
Indeed, two areas they are badly short in is in goal and also in attack.
To address the first issue, Chelsea are in talks with Inter Milan over a swap deal involving Andre Onana.
And it seems a double answer to Chelsea’s long-term attacking issues is about to be addressed too.
Per the Evening Standard, Chelsea are in talks over a deal for Villarreal attacker Jackson.
The 21-year-old Senegal star was in fine form this season, scoring 13 goals and adding four assists from 26 appearances in LaLiga.
That form has alerted the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle to his services.
However, it is Chelsea who have made the first move – and a deal could reportedly be struck for as little as £30m.
Chelsea also in talks for Dusan Vlahovic signing
He won’t be the only attacker signed by the Blues this summer either.
And reports in Italy claim there is a growing belief that a deal will also soon be struck for Dusan Vlahovic.
Per reports, officials from Chelsea and the Bianconerri have been in talks over the signing over the past week.
And il Gazzetta dello Sport claims Juventus have responded by setting a €80m (£68m) asking price for the Serbian striker.
The 23-year-old striker has 23 goals in 63 appearances for Juve since his move from Fiorentina 18 months ago.
However, without Champions League football next season, the Old Lady are willing to sell a number of big-name stars.
And it seems former Arsenal target Vlahovic could soon be through the door.
Chelsea are reportedly trying to lower their outlay by offering Juve their pick from five players in part exchange. To that end, Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic are reportedly two of the names in the frame.
But Juve would prefer a straight cash sale, which Chelsea are seemingly ready to do.
And if all goes to plan, the Blues could have a new-look attack next season with Vlahovic up front, with Jackson and Christopher Nkunku behind him.
VILLA AGREE TERMS OVER MONCHI – WITH TWO FREE SIGNINGS CLOSE
Aston Villa are on the brink of appointing Monchi as their new director – and two new signings to go with it.
Unai Emery’s side have been in the hunt for a new sporting director for some time. Indeed, their approach for Barcelona’s Mateu Alemany was knocked back at the 11th hour.
Now, though, they are on the cusp of landing Monchi after talks with Sevilla. And per Football Insider, Villa are close to agreeing a £1.8m package to buy out his contract at the LaLiga sides.
And Villa preparing for a first entry into Europe for 13 years, the club are making headway with their first two signings.
First up, the club are on the cusp of announcing the free-transfer signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool. He is a free agent after departing Merseyside at the end of his deal.
West Ham and Newcastle were also linked but a move to Villa Park has now been agreed.
He will joined in a new-look midfield by Youri Tielemans, who is also seemingly set to switch across the Midlands.
Another free agent, his deal at Leicester expires this summer, with several clubs vying for his services.
However, it seems he too will choose Villa, giving Emery a different option in the middle of the park.