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Arsenal have held "early verbal talks" over signing Man City defender Joao Cancelo, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners are targeting a variety of players for key positions after missing out on a Premier League title to City last season.

Mikel Arteta's side were beaten to the punch by their manager's mentor, Pep Guardiola, and if they're to mount another serious challenge next season, they'll need more quality.

Injuries to the likes of William Saliba arguably hampered their form late on but reports suggest that shoring up central midfield is of major priority.

West Ham star Declan Rice, Brighton's Moises Caicedo and City captain Ilkay Gundogan are being targeted, but strengthening their defence is also a real goal for sporting director Edu.

Arsenal want new full-back options, leading to interest in Galatasary's Sacha Boey, Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda and Cancelo.

Sharing news on the latter star, who could well leave Eastlands this summer, journalist Sheth has an update for supporters.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the reporter claims Arsenal have held "early verbal talks" over the £250,000-per-week star, but there is currently a gap in valuation.

"Another Manchester City player they're interested in, Joao Cancelo," Sheth explained."We know that he was on loan at Bayern Munich. Bayern didn't take up the option to buy him on a permanent basis, he's still got two years left on his contract, so he won't come cheap."The early suggestions are there is a gap in valuation, in early verbal talks, between the two clubs about what Manchester City would want and what Arsenal would be prepared to offer. Arsenal looking to be very ambitious this summer."

Who is Joao Cancelo?

The Portugal international, before his shock departure to Bayern mid-season, was once a key player for Guardiola.

Over the 2021/2022 season, only goalkeeper Ederson featured over more league minutes than Cancelo, who was indispensable for City and a star player in their line-up.

That campaign, he stood out as one of their best-performers per 90, with former Blues midfielder Nigel de Jong even putting Cancelo up there with the best full-backs in the world.

"We can have a healthy discussion and debate on who is the best right-back in the world and Cancelo is certainly up there for me," said De Jong in 2021 to Prime (via MEN)."It's not only his versatility but also the fact he is as strong defensively as any right-back or left-back in the world."

Depending on the asking price, he could be an exceptional aquisition for Arteta, though it remains to be seen what exactly City will demand.

Chelsea target Andre Onana is "open" to the idea of joining the Blues in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Could Chelsea sign Onana this summer?

The Inter Milan goalkeeper has finished an excellent season at club level, reaching the Champions League final but ultimately falling short, following last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul.

Onana has been constantly linked with a summer move to Chelsea in recent weeks, with Inter seemingly happy to let him leave and Mauricio Pochettino personally identifying him as a target to take the number one shirt at Stamford Bridge.

It has become abundantly clear that the Blues need to bring in an elite 'keeper before next season gets underway, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Edouard Mendy covering themselves in glory over the past 12 months, and a superior replacement therefore required.

Reports surrounding Chelsea's interest in Onana are refusing to go away, and a new update further suggests that he could be the man Pochettino most wants to bring in as his No.1 this summer.

What's the latest on Onana to Chelsea?

Writing on Twitter, Kinsella claimed that Onana likes the idea of moving to Chelsea, although Valencia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also being viewed as an alternative option:

"Chelsea will discuss a move for Andre Onana in the coming weeks. Asking price is currently around £50m. Player open to the move but Man United are also interested. Valencia's Mamardashvili is considered a strong alternative."

On the face of it, Onana ticks all the boxes needed to be a top-class addition for Chelsea, in what could be a significant piece of business, assuming the deal is completed.

At 27, he still has so many years ahead of him at the top level – there is no reason why he can't improve further, as many 'keepers do once they hit their 30s – and the fact that Pep Guardiola recently described him as "exceptional" speaks volumes about his current standing in the game.

The £67,000-a-week-earning Onana is arguably among the best players in the world in his position at the moment, alongside the likes of Alisson, Ederson and Thibaut Courtois, and while it seems strange that Inter should be content to sell him, Chelsea should jump at the chance to sign him, solving a problematic area of the pitch in the process.

As Kinsella mentions, the fact that the 34-cap Cameroon international is wanted by Manchester United is a concern, though, given their guarantee of Champions League football next season.

West Ham United could be set to raid the Championship for their first big signing of the summer, with Record, via Sport Witness, reporting that the Hammers will go head-to-head with Sporting to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

How good is Viktor Gyokeres?

The 25-year-old has really come into his own since securing a permanent switch to Coventry in the second tier, and helped the Sky Blues to get to the play-off final in the 2022/23 campaign with his incredible end product. Featuring in all 46 games – 44 of which were starts – the forward managed to score 21 times and set up ten more to take his overall goal contribution rate to 31 in 46. It was far and away the best total of his career to date.

Prior to that, his first full campaign with the club brought 17 more goals in 41 starts. Given regular minutes in the Championship then, the striker has thrived and continually hits double-digit tallies.

In fact, his rates have been so impressive that he measures up nicely to others in his position amongst the Men's 'Next 8' competitions in Europe too (the leagues below the big five). Whilst his non-penalty goal rate of 0.40 is well above average (63rd percentile), it is his work in producing chances that really stands out. With a rate of 0.22 assists per 90, it puts him in the top nine percent versus other forwards. It shows he is a clinical finisher but is also excellent at picking out his teammates.

Now, his showings in the Championship may have landed him a move elsewhere this summer. That's because according to a report from Record, via Sport Witness, the player is wanted by both Sporting and West Ham this summer, and the latter of the two sides is ready to step up their pursuit of Gyokeres.

It states that they could not only outmuscle the Portuguese side financially and have really kicked things up a gear, taking steps to get the ball rolling because they know they can outbid Sporting with the cash from Declan Rice's sale.

What is Gyokeres' fee?

The striker won't be cheap and would certainly command more than what Coventry paid for him if they get their way. The Sky Blues are believed to want around 20 million Euros to get a deal done (or £17m) and that is obviously much more favourable for the Premier League side than Sporting.

It could be worth it for the striker too, with Tony Pulis once even likening the player to Erling Haaland. He stated that Gyokeres is "a yard faster and stronger" than those he came up against in the second tier and added that he is "really talented". If West Ham can get a deal done then, they could have themselves a real powerhouse upfront for the next campaign.

It was a season that promised so much for Arsenal and Gooners everywhere, a record 248 days atop the Premier League table, last-minute winners against teams like Manchester United and a feeling that they were really going to dethrone Manchester City. Alas, it ended in disappointment.

What's the latest AFC transfer news?

However, with an array of quality players now linked with a move to Mikel Arteta's project in North London, could they finally cross the finish line next season and end their two-decade wait for a league title?

The list of those who could join the club is quite impressive. Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and Romeo Lavia could all help transform the team from nearly men into champions.

It isn't just incomings, though. To help the team progress, some players are set to depart from the Emirates over the coming weeks.

The name many are expecting to leave is the long-serving Granit Xhaka, a player once public enemy number one amongst fans but now leaves with the love and admiration of the Emirates faithful. The other man linked with an exit is a little more surprising, midfield monster Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian international was one of the side's best players for much of last season. However, his performances faltered as the team around him struggled to cope with the pressure. Maybe that is why Arteta is happy for the player to leave.

Either way, there will definitely be some incomings this summer and here are some of the players who could be signed.

Read on to find out how Arsenal could line up next term…

Declan Rice

The West Ham United man has become something of the club's white whale in recent months, as the stories linking him to the club have felt near enough constant, with there seemingly being very little in the way of actual progress until recently.

In the aftermath of the Hammers Europa Conference League, Irons chairman David Sullivan confirmed Rice would be leaving in the summer window, music to the ears of Gooners everywhere.

Even better news came when transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that personal terms between the club and player were "almost agreed" and a "new bid" was "to be discussed" between the clubs.

The England international would be an excellent signing for Arsenal and would provide some genuine flexibility in midfield. That said, the likely position for the West Ham man, in light of the Partey news, would be at the base of midfield, screening the back four.

It's a position he has excelled in for the East London club, and according to FBref, who compare players in a similar role across Europe's top five leagues, he is in the top 5% for interceptions and the top 17% for clearances, per 90.

He does have more to his game than just defending, however, notably his ability to carry the ball forward, which could mean he occasionally plays in the number eight role.

Romeo Lavia

One of the few standout performers from an otherwise dismal Southampton side this year, Romeo Lavia certainly looks like a star for the future.

Perhaps it's no surprise then that the team with the second-youngest average age in the league would be interested in signing him.

Whilst it would be unlikely for the Belgian to come in and regularly start for the team, he would certainly benefit from being around players like Rice and Jorginho.

Kai Havertz

This was certainly a transfer story many of us weren't expecting to be writing about this summer, Chelsea's Kai Havertz to Arsenal.

However, the more we think about it, the more it starts to make sense.

What has been one of the main problems for Havertz at Chelsea? His inability to find a position to make his own. What's something that Arteta values highly in a player? Positional versatility.

That said, it does look like with the departure of Xhaka, the number eight position will become available for someone else, and that was a potion the German international would occasionally play to great effect during his time with Bayer Leverkusen.

With Rice behind him, he could make full use of his speed and technical ability to be a real thorn in the side of opposing midfielders and defenders.

Jurrien Timber

Another surprising link is to Ajax's much sought-after Jurrien Timber, especially after considerable talk of the Dutch defender joining his former manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

If Arsenal were to get their man, though, it would be a fantastic deal. And they have already lodged a £30m bid, as per David Ornstein.

Timber has been excellent for Ajax this season, averaging a match rating of 6.89, according to WhoScored, across 34 games in the league.

One of the major pluses to this signing would be his versatility – you can really see the pattern with Arteta now – as the 22-year-old can fill in as both a right-back required.

This would allow Ben White to play more games as a centre-half next season and create more depth in both positions.

Arsenal's Potential Line Up

Aaron Ramsdale; Oleksandr Zinchenko, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, Ben White; Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli

Tottenham Hotspur are confident about signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has now identified Cameron Carter-Vickers as a potential target at centre-back, with the Australian keen to reunite with his former player, who he signed for Celtic on a permanent deal last summer.

Micky van de Ven is another option for Spurs, with the Wolfsburg defender being placed on the shortlist, following recent talks, however they will have to do battle for his signature with Liverpool, who have now joined the race.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently detailed that Adarabioyo has "decided" to leave Fulham this summer, rather than seeing out the one year remaining on his contract, potentially opening the door for a move to north London.

As a result of the Fulham defender's contract situation, Football Insider report that Tottenham are confident they will be able to lure him to N17 this summer, however he is not near the top of their shortlist, with the transfer window still at an early stage.

The 25-year-old could become a "real option" for Postecoglou later this summer, and Spurs feel he could be available for a cut-price fee, as this window may be Fulham's last chance to cash-in.

It is also detailed that Postecoglou has made bringing in a new centre-back one of Tottenham's main priorities.

Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?

The centre-back managed to cement himself as a key player for Fulham in the latter stages of the 2022-23 season, starting the last ten Premier League games, and he put in a string of quality performances.

In the Cottagers' final home game, the £41k-per-week defender recorded a 7.4 Sofascore match rating, winning a whopping ten of the 13 duels he contested, while he also displayed his dominance in the air by winning eight aerial duels in a 3-1 win at Everton.

Hailed as "magnificent" by members of the media, the 6 foot 4 colossus ranks in the 76th percentile for aerials won per 90 in the past year, and in the 98th percentile for clearances, however he does not rank highly for tackles, interceptions or blocks.

That said, Adarabioyo's performances in the second half of last season indicate he could be ready to make the step up to a club the size of Tottenham, at least as a back up option, and it could be a low-risk move, if he is available for a cut-price fee.

Manchester United hold some "doubt" over the capability of Mohammed Kudus to play the midfield role he wants at Old Trafford, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Manchester United transfer news – what's the latest on Mohammed Kudus?

After securing Champions League football with a fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, United are looking to bolster their midfield options over the summer to cement their position and hopefully push on to challenge the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City next year.

The club's main target over the last few weeks, Mason Mount, proved to be an incredibly difficult deal to get done. But, the Red Devils have now seemingly agreed a deal for the midfielder.

Another player on the team's transfer wish list is Ajax midfielder and Ghanaian international Kudus.

Whilst unlikely to be a like-for-like alternative for Mount, the 22-year-old is a promising player in his own right after moving to the Dutch capital three years ago and donning the famous red and white 63 times since then.

According to the Daily Mail, the Eredivisie outfit have slapped a £40m price tag on their man, and if United are keen, they should get a move on as high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion are already in talks with Ajax.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Mohammed Kudus to Manchester United?

Jones explained that the player wants to be seen as just a midfielder in any potential move to United, but there is some doubt at the club whether he could play that role in the league to the same standard as Mount.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think, Kudus wants to be a midfielder. But I think in terms of being ready to be a Premier League midfielder, there seems to be some doubt around Man United."

Would Mohammed Kudus be a good signing for Manchester United?

With Jones revealing that the decision makers at United harbour some doubt over the player's ability to play as a Premier League midfielder, are they right?

Well, if his performances last season were anything to go by, no.

According to WhoScored, the Nima-born dynamo achieved a seriously impressive average match rating of 7.29 across his 30 games in the league, scoring 11 and assisting a further three.

Granted, he spent the season across central midfield, attacking midfield and striker, but he achieved a minimum rating of 6.56 across all three, which is a good base to develop from.

And who better to help him develop from where he currently is than his former manager Erik ten Hag, who once hailed the Ghanian-machine as "excellent" in a post-match interview during his time with the Amsterdam club.

In today's market, £40m isn't a huge investment anymore, and for a player that seems to be adept in multiple positions, is young, and has an eye for goal, United should seriously consider pulling the trigger on this one, regardless of what happens with Mount.

Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to Celtic transfer update involving Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun.

Is Yang Hyun-jun joining Celtic?

The Hoops have made a start on their summer business, with midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and winger Marco Tilio both signing five-year deals at Parkhead from Valerenga and Melbourne City respectively.

There have also been some outgoings, with midfielder Aaron Mooy announcing his retirement and winger Jota signing for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m.

New manager Brendan Rodgers is set to be handed a £30m transfer kitty by Celtic chiefs ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and it looks as if some of those funds could go on bringing Gangwon FC forward Yang to Glasgow.

The 21-year-old has been on Celtic’s radar in recent weeks, with an offer submitted last month. A fee in the region of £2.1m fee was agreed between the two clubs, however, it looked as if Gangwon were open to keeping the player until the New Year when their season came to an end.

There appears to have been a breakthrough over a transfer, though. Gangwon are now ready to allow the forward to leave immediately, adding that Yang's transfer "remained a matter of time". Yang himself is keen on a move and has previously said that he would give his salary in order to seal a move:

"Celtic is a good offer, so I want to go. I have to do my best as a member of Gangwon. But I think the desire to go will still be there.

"I want to go to Celtic this summer. I hope Gangwon will allow me to transfer. If the transfer fee isn’t enough, I’ll even give my salary."

What has Alan Hutton said about a potential move?

Taking to Football Insider, Hutton, who contributes to Sky Sports, was talking about Celtic and Yang and the fact the player is so keen to join the Hoops that he would give up his salary.

The former Scotland defender said he wouldn’t do that, adding that Yang must be “desperate” for the transfer, describing it as “amazing to read”.

“I wouldn’t. He must be desperate to make the move.

“We are hearing about people going to Saudi for millions a year and this player is willing to give up his salary to make a move which is the polar opposite.”

Should Yang get his wish and move to Scotland, he would provide Rodgers with a versatile option as he is primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or through the middle.

He could be just what is required, especially following Jota’s departure, and by the look of things, Yang is willing to go far in order to sign for the Hoops in what could be another shrewd coup be the club when it comes to the Asian market.

Chelsea forgotten man Romelu Lukaku is attracting interest from Inter Milan; however, the current offer the Italian giants have on the table to land him is not 'enough' to tempt the Blues to sell the Belgian international, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Do Inter Milan want to re-sign Romelu Lukaku?

According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter Milan are set to submit a new bid for Lukaku worth between €30-35 million following news that their offer to Chelsea of €25 million was turned down by the Stamford Bridge club.

Chelsea are holding out for €40 million; however, Lukaku is believed to be desperate to rejoin Inter Milan this summer and return to the San Siro despite alternative interest from Saudi Arabia.

The Daily Mail have reported that Chelsea have agreed to push back Lukaku's proposed return to training at Cobham until next Monday as the £178k-a-week ace looks to seal a permanent move away from the club.

Christian Pulisic, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng and Hakim Ziyech are also set to be granted an extended leave as the Blues try to offload the unwanted trio, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to trim his squad before flying out with his side to the United States on a pre-season tour.

Interest in Lukaku from Saudi Arabia is said to be from Al-Hilal, while Inter Milan's Serie A rivals Juventus are looking to steal a march on their rivals to sign the experienced forward, as per The Guardian.

Former Everton striker Lukaku is now warming to potentially moving to join the football revolution in the Middle East, having previously been averse to the idea.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky Sports reporter Sheth thinks that Inter Milan will need to up their bid if they want to land Lukaku this window.

Sheth stated: “Now, the latest information we’ve got at Sky Sports News is that they think that Inter Milan are trying to put a deal together that’s worth around €35m. I don’t think that’s going to be enough for Chelsea to sell Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan and in the background, you’ve got interest from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and also Juventus have held initial talks with Romelu Lukaku.

“That could just be a moot point because of the desire of the player to go to one particular club that might work against Chelsea, because if he only wants to go to Inter Milan and nowhere else, sometimes that can bring the valuation of a player down.”

Should Chelsea let Romelu Lukaku leave Stamford Bridge?

Despite Lukaku evidently having quality, the time is right for both parties to shake hands and go their separate ways owing to a disappointing second spell for the Belgian at Chelsea after joining for £97.5 million in 2021, as per Sky Sports.

His goal return for the Blues in his second spell is best described as okay but unremarkable. Lukaku has notched 15 goals and two assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Returning to Inter Milan on loan last term, he registered 14 goals and seven assists in 37 outings for the Italian giants. It seems a reunion between the two permanently would make sense for everyone.

Chelsea fans won't be disappointed if the club can recoup a good fee for Lukaku and will be looking forward to seeing how new attackers Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson can fit into Pochettino's tactical framework this season.

An update has emerged on Liverpool's search for another addition in the central midfield position during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy, the Reds have "looked at" signing Atalanta maestro Teun Koopmeiners ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, adding: "They do love a surprise, stealth signing."

The reporter has listed the Netherlands international as one of several players in that position that the club have considered following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Joao Palhinha, Nicolo Barella, Romeo Lavia, and Ryan Gravenberch have also been named as manager Jurgen Klopp attempts to restructure his midfield options after the Merseyside giants failed to secure Champions League football for next season.

How good is Teun Koopmeiners?

The talented 6-foot technician, who has been valued at up to €40m (£34m) by Atalanta, has proven himself to be an excellent performer in the middle of the park during his time in Italy.

Koopmeiners is able to carry a significant attacking threat from a no.8 position and his presence in midfield could make current Liverpool star Mohamed Salah even better.

The Dutchman's ability to create chances for his teammates regularly could provide the Egypt international with more opportunities to punish teams at the top end of the pitch.

Salah scored 19 Premier League goals for the Reds last season after 23 and 22 throughout the previous two top-flight campaigns combined.

Bringing in a player with the quality to open up the opposition's defence week-in-week-out could allow the former AS Roma winger to work his way back to more than 20 league strikes next term.

No central midfielder – with at least five starts – managed more than Thiago Alcantara's 0.9 key passes per Premier League game last season for Klopp.

Koopmeiners, meanwhile, produced 1.8 per match for Atalanta throughout the Serie A campaign, which would have placed him second – only behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (1.9) – within the Liverpool squad.

These statistics suggest that the 25-year-old dynamo has the quality to be an excellent addition to the German manager's array of engine room options, due to his impressive ability to create chances regularly.

Therefore, Salah could subsequently increase his goal tally even more by being able to advantage of more opportunities falling his way thanks to the Dutchman's creative passing.

Koopmeiners, who was once hailed as an "orchestrator" by scout Jacek Kulig, carries a goal threat from midfield too, and could take some of the attention away from the likes of Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo as defenders would need to be wary of his attacking potential.

The former AZ Alkmaar star plundered ten strikes across 33 Serie A matches for Atalanta last season, whilst he also managed 26 Eredivisie goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns before his move to Italy.

Meanwhile, only Salah (19) and Roberto Firmino (11) reached double figures for league goals last term for Liverpool, which suggests that £34m-valued target could be an excellent addition to bolster Klopp's firepower over the coming months.

Therefore, Koopmeiners has the serious potential to be a fantastic signing for the Premier League outfit, whilst also having the ability to help Salah improve his output in front of goal to get him back to his previous levels.

Newcastle United have seen a fresh approach for highly-rated Southampton right-back Tino Livramento rejected, according to a new transfer update.

How old is Tino Livramento?

The Englishman is still just 20 years of age currently, but he has already made impressive strides in his career to date, having left Chelsea to join the Saints back in the summer of 2021.

Sadly, Livramento saw last season almost completely ruined after picking a cruciate ligament injury early in the campaign, and he proved to be a big loss, considering the south coast club were relegated from the Premier League down to the Championship.

The right-back has still made 34 appearances in total for Southampton, however, and when he has been available, he has looked liked an exciting prospect who can provide plenty of attacking thrust.

With the Saints no longer in the top flight, a number of key players will move on this summer, and Livramento is one of those who is widely expected to find a new club. Newcastle have consistently stood out as the favourites to snap him up and a new update really suggests that they are pushing hard to acquire his signature.

Could Newcastle sign Tino Livramento?

According to talkSPORT, Southampton have "turned down a new approach" from the Magpies, as they look to make the youngster their latest summer acquisition.

Newcastle are "keen to offer him a route back into the Premier League", and their latest offer is believed to be around £30m, but it has been swiftly rejected. Instead, Southampton want as much as £50m for his services, proving to be stubborn in the process.

Understandably, the report states that Livramento's current club "do not want to sell" him this summer, but there could come a point when they find it too difficult to turn down a bid.

Newcastle certainly aren't going to have things their own way here, and it is now a case of weighing up whether they believe the five-cap England Under-21 international is worth as much as £50m.

On the plus side, Livramento, who actually shares the same agent as new signing Harvey Barnes, is a young player with an enormous amount of long-term promise, being hailed as "excellent" by England manager Gareth Southgate, who may see him as part of his squad in the future.

The funds are also very much available for the Magpies to spend big in the transfer window, especially after qualifying for the Champions League, so it is a risk that is able to be taken. That being said, if there is suddenly a cheaper option out there that makes more sense – someone around the same age and with a similar profile to Livramento – Newcastle may consider walking away from the deal, especially as his aforementioned ACL injury could potentially have a negative impact on his career over time.

The positives do outweigh the negatives when it comes to Livramento, though, and if the Magpies manage to bring him in over the next few weeks, he would be viewed as an exciting addition who could be the natural heir to Kieran Tripper at right-back for many years to come.