What the papers say
Arsenal have been dealt a “hammer blow” in their pursuit of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, reports the Express. The paper, which cites Eurosport, says Manchester United have a transfer deal for the Portugal international “reasonably far down the line”, which will crush the Gunners’ hopes of bringing the 24-year-old to the Emirates as a replacement for Granit Xhana.
There may be some positive news for Arsenal, however, with Martin Odegaard reportedly unsettled at Real Madrid. The Mail quotes Spanish outlet Cadena SER as saying the 22-year-old midfielder appears “disconnected” at the Bernabeu, with the paper adding that Sky Sports have reported the Gunners still consider themselves in with a chance to tempt the Norway captain back to north London. Odegaard has spent almost all of his time since signing with the LaLiga club in 2015 out on loan, including last season at Arsenal where he impressed with his work rate and leadership.
Staying in the capital, it is reported that Dusan Vlahovic has apparently become a target for Tottenham. The Serbia international has attracted positive headlines after scoring 21 times for Fiorentina across all competitions last campaign. The Telegraph claims Spurs want the striker to bolster their play up front, rather than as a replacement for the possibly-departing Harry Kane. Tottenham are expected to put forward a £40 million (€47 million) bid for the 21-year-old, though his club are reportedly likely to ask for about £50m (€59m).
Two Premier League giants are said to have made huge offers for Juventus player Federico Chiesa. The Sun cites Sport 1 as reporting Chelsea and Liverpool have put forward £85m (€99.8m) bids for the Italy winger. But the paper says the 23-year-old, who was a pivotal part of his nation’s successful charge to the Euro 2020 title, is also being courted by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Social media round-up
Chelsea have reportedly offered Sevilla a player-plus-cash deal for Jules Kounde #CFC
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 28, 2021
Man City ready to make Jack Grealish most expensive Premier League player EVER https://t.co/D1EFUwLWsv pic.twitter.com/zz1sOea9jB
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) July 28, 2021
Players to watch
Paul Pogba: Manchester United bosses are preparing for Paris St Germain to make a bid for the 28-year-old France midfielder and want about £45m (€53m), according to Eurosport.
Leon Bailey: German outlet Bild reports Bayer Leverkusen have been offered £25.5m (€30m) for the 23-year-old Jamaica winger by Aston Villa but the Bundesliga club are only interested in selling him for £29.8m (€35m), amid interest from Leicester and Wolves.
