Fulham 'can close' deal and burn competition using specific deal – Silva's side in 'pole position'
Fulham and Fiorentina are keen on signing Palmeiras' Richard Ríos this summer, according to a report from Italy.
The midfielder joined the Brazilian club in 2023 and signed a deal until December 2026. He has also featured regularly for them, making 82 appearances, of which 29 are from this year.
Fiorentina have taken further steps to try and sign him, but they have to be wary of the tough competition from Fulham.
That's according to Viola News, who state the Serie A side have tabled a bid of €12-13m plus bonuses. This has been rejected by Palmeiras, and they are requesting around €25m for the Colombia international.
At this moment in time, it's claimed Marco Silva's side are in 'pole position' to secure his services. The London club have already raised over €50m from João Palhinha's sale to Bayern Munich last week.
Fulham could offer €20m plus a percentage of the fee from the 24-year-old's future sale to get ahead of competitors.
It's claimed the Premier League side 'can close' the deal. This suggests Fulham seem to be optimistic of finding an agreement with Palmeiras despite a €5m gap at this stage.
Ríos played 89 minutes in Colombia's Copa América final defeat to Argentina earlier today.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/fulham-can-close-deal-and-burn-competition-for-signing-using-specific-deal-silvas-side-in-pole-position/
Club 'in the process' of selling player to Fulham – Arranging replacement
Fulham continue to work to bring in a replacement for Joao Palhinha, after the Portugal international finally left them for Bayern Munich.
It was the second time the Bundesliga club had come forward for the midfielder, and even though the talks went on longer than was probably necessary, Fulham secured themselves a good deal.
Fluminense's Andre has been named as one of the potential successor's for Palhinha. Last week we covered claims from Brazil which made the transfer sound doable for the Premier League club.
That optimism runs into this week.
Monday's edition of Meia Hora reports Fluminense are 'in the process' of selling Andre to Fulham. Defensor's Facundo Bernal has been identified as a replacement, and an initial offer has already been made.
O Dia, another Brazilian newspaper, reports the same.
Meanwhile, over in Portugal there's news on the future of Benfica defender Morato. Record explain Fulham had previously been interested and went as far as they could financially to try and reach a deal.
Benfica knocked them back, but it's stated things would now be different if the London club were to try again.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-process-selling-player-fulham-arranging-replacement/
West Ham hand Fulham boost in £40m Man Utd transfer chase
The Cottagers had been named alongside West Ham, Newcastle United and Southampton as a potential destination for the Manchester United man.
Fulham appear to have had their position as 'frontrunners' to win the transfer race for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay strengthened amid reports that Premier League rivals West Ham are not interested in the player.
The Cottagers have been heavily linked with the Scotland international, who could be regarded as a potential replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Joao Palhinha - although the Fulham man has had that transfer kicked into the long grass again this month. ManchesterWorld had reported that the London club was preparing a bid for McTominay, who is valued at around £40 million by the Red Devils.
West Ham and Newcastle United had also been tipped to have transfer interest in the 27-year-old, who appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and would represent a healthy profit having progressed through the academy. The Hammers had bid £40 million for the player last summer but that deal never came to fruition as former manager David Moyes turned to Edson Alvarez instead.
It had been rumoured that Julen Lopetegui could use that already registered West Ham interest to relaunch a bid but Claret and Hugh now report that a club insider has confirmed that any McTominay links had ended when Moyes quit the London Stadium. Instead, the Hammers are looking to strengthen forward options this season with the centre of the park far from a priority.
McTominay's current Manchester United deal is set to expire next summer but the club does hold an option for another year. The midfielder was involved in Euro 2024 action with Scotland with his nation knocked out in the Group Stage. He made 43 appearances in all competitions for his club last season, scoring 10 goals and picking up three assists in a confident campaign.
Speaking about the failed West Ham deal last summer, David Moyes recently told BBC Sport: "Lots of managers have hard luck stories about players that get away and McTominay is one of those for me because I tried to sign him for West Ham last summer.
"It was always going to be hard to replace Declan Rice with any one player when he joined Arsenal, and we were not planning to do that - we wanted to bring in a couple of midfielders instead. He is a good all-round midfielder, but to me his best attributes are arriving in the area, or the edges of it, at the right time to score or make some chances.
"McTominay was a player who I felt I needed at the time, but we didn't quite get it over the line and he went on to score a lot of big goals for Manchester United last season instead."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-hand-fulham-boost-in-ps40m-man-utd-transfer-chase-4703170
Fulham front-runners to sign Richard Rios
Fulham reportedly lead the race to sign 24-year-old South American midfielder Richard Rios from Palmeiras in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Viola News, Richard Rios is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers have been scouring the market for a midfielder in the summer transfer window after losing Joao Palhinha. And they are the front-runners to sign the South American midfielder, with Palmeiras demanding around €25 million to part ways with him.
Who is Richard Rios?
Richard Rios has made considerable progress since joining Palmeiras from Guarani FC in March 2023. A native of Vegachí, the Colombian international spent his formative years in Brazil and graduated from the youth division at Flamengo. However, his stock has risen in the last 15 months.
The 24-year-old has turned out 82 times thus far for Palmeiras while chipping in with five goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Rios was one of the standout performers at Copa America 2024, helping Colombia reach the final, where Los Cafeteros lost to Argentina due to a goal by Lautaro Martinez in extra time.
Meanwhile, the South American midfielder has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe, and a move to the continent might be on the cards. The report reveals Fiorentina, Villarreal, and Fulham are his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window, with the West London club leading the race to sign him. Palmeiras will demand around €25 million to sell him.
London calling?
Fulham's interest in Richard Rios is understandable. The Cottagers have been scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window due to the uncertainties surrounding the future of Joao Palhinha then. With the Portuguese international joining Bayern Munich, Fulham must sign a replacement.
So, several midfielders, including Cameron Puertas, have emerged on Fulham's radar, with Rios also being a viable target. The latest update has revealed that the Cottagers lead the race to sign the South American midfielder. They are lining up a bid worth €20 million plus a sell-on fee to convince Palmeiras to sell him.
While the bid will not equal Palmeiras's valuation of €25 million, the inclusion of a sell-on clause might be enough to convince the Brazilian club to sell the 24-year-old Colombian international in the summer transfer window.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/15/fulham-front-runners-to-sign-richard-rios/
Nottingham Forest ahead of Tottenham, Aston Villa, Fulham in Nikola Milenkovic chase
Nottingham Forest have already made an offer to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, as the defender has plenty of suitors in England.
According to Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Nottingham Forest might have taken the lead in signing Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina this summer. The 26-year-old defender has been attracting plenty of interest from Premier League sides, although Forest may have already made an offer to the Serie A club's liking.
Nottingham Forest leading Nikola Milenkovic chase
Quite a lot of clubs in the Premier League are looking for value-added signings who fit the bill. For instance, Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic might suit many English top-flight sides in their quest for a stable centre-back with plenty of experience at the highest level.
Milenkovic has been playing at the very top of his game for the last few years, and there have been instances in the past when he was close to signing for an English side. He may get another opportunity this summer as many English sides are eager to bring the Serb.
Tottenham are considering a move, with Angel Postecoglou still looking for a stable defender to shore up his backline. Spurs do have three good centre-backs, although they lack cover for one more position. Milenkovic would make sense, but they are seemingly behind Nottingham Forest in the chase for the 26-year-old defender.
The report claims that Forest have made an offer for Nikola Milenkovic, which the Serie A club are likely to accept in the current climate. Now, whether the Serbian international intends to make the switch remains to be seen, as he might have illustrious offers from the likes of Aston Villa and Fulham potentially coming through at a later date.
Aston Villa have scoured the market for a defender this summer after choosing not to complete a permanent move for Clement Lenglet. As for Fulham, they have lost Tosin Adarabioyo as a free agent, while Tim Ream is in the twilight of his career.
Nottingham Forest making concrete summer plans
As they are close to a deal for Nikola Milenkovic, Nottingham Forest will also look to hold on to Murillo, with Chelsea one of the teams interested in the Brazilian. Having him and the Serb will make Forest a strong force at the back, especially as they are considered to take part in a relegation dogfight once again in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, they also hope to keep hold of star man Morgan Gibbs-White, with the attacking midfielder leaning towards a stay. They have already signed Elliot Anderson from Newcastle United, which will strengthen their midfield, although Nuno Espirito Santo might expect a few of his midfielders to depart, with Orel Mangala already departing for Ligue 1.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/15/nottingham-forest-ahead-of-tottenham-aston-villa-fulham-in-nikola-milenkovic-chase/
Liverpool expected to miss out on the next Casemiro to Premier League rivals
Liverpool target Andre Trindade is closing in on a move to Fulham
According to Brazilian news outlet Trivela, Fulham are closing in on the signing of Liverpool-linked Fluminense midfield Andre Trindade in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Reds were very much interested in signing Andre Trindade from Fluminense last summer as they looked to revamp their ageing midfield unit. With Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho all departing Anfield ahead of the 2023/24 season, they wanted the Brazilian to be a part of their new-look midfield.
However, a move didn't materialise and the Merseysiders went on to sign Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch to refresh their options in the engine room.
Liverpool's interest in Andre was so concrete that they had put in a transfer deadline-day bid last summer, which Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt rejected. Bittencourt stated at the time that the 22-year-old would only be sold in the January transfer window at the earliest, but the Premier League club didn't renew their interest in the player.
The aforementioned report says Fluminense are seeking a fee closer to €30 million for Andre this summer. Fulham remain confident in getting a deal done regardless of having an initial proposal worth €25 million rejected.
After Fluminense rejected a deadline day bid from Liverpool, as confirmed by president Mario Bittencourt, Andre remained with the Rio de Janeiro-based club and helped them win the Copa Libertadores by beating Boca Juniors in extra-time in Rio de Janeiro. Now that the 22-year-old looks to be on his way to West London side Fulham, Liverpool missing out on Andre's signing should be considered a boon in disguise.
Among the primary reasons is Stefan Bajcetic coming through the ranks at Liverpool. Bajcetic broke into the first team during the 2022/23 season and was one of the rare bright spots for Jurgen Klopp's side. The past campaign was a chance for the young Spaniard to build on his impressive breakthrough year but he failed in doing so owing to injury issues.
Now that he is fully fit and raring to go again, Bajcetic has the chance to impress our new boss Arne Slot in the pre-season tour and stake a claim in his first XI in Liverpool's season-opener against newbies Ipswich Town. Had Andre been a part of the Liverpool squad, Bajcetic's chances of playing regularly for the first team would have been blocked which may have annoyed the Kopites.
Moreover, Andre spent more than two months on the sidelines after suffering a medial collateral ligament in his right knee in April. As a result, the defensive midfielder missed out on a spot in Brazil's Copa America squad. Before his injury, the 22-year-old wasn't as influential for Fluminense as he used to be in the past, perhaps because of the club blocking a move to the Premier League last year.
With Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Endo settling down well at the club following their arrivals in 2023, and now that Bajcetic has recovered from his knee issue, Liverpool must not loathe missing out on Andre's signing to Fulham. Even if he is seen as th second coming of Casemiro.
https://thekoptimes.com/2024/07/15/liverpool-target-andre-trindade-is-closing-in-on-a-move-to-fulham/
Fulham And Crystal Palace Discussing New Bid For Attacking Target
Fulham and Crystal Palace have failed with offers for Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe and are discussing new bids, according to Sky Sports News.
Both Fulham and Crystal Palace are on the hunt to improve their attacking options for the upcoming campaign.
They each admire Arsenal attacker Smith Rowe and have made attempts to take him from the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have though rejected offers from both clubs.
Now both Fulham and Crystal Palace are holding internal discussions about whether to make a new bid for Smith Rowe.
It is unclear how much either side offered for the 23-year-old.
Smith Rowe struggled for game time at Arsenal throughout last season and it is suggested that he wants to look at all the options on his table this summer.
The attacker is clear that he wants to make sure he is playing regular first team football next season.
That might elude him if he stays at the Emirates.
https://insidefutbol.com/2024/07/15/fulham-and-crystal-palace-discussing-new-bid-for-attacking-target/652023/
Emile Smith Rowe transfer news: Arsenal reject Fulham, Crystal Palace bids for English midfielder
Emile Smith Rowe has started just two Premier League games for Arsenal in 2024; the England international is wanted by Fulham and Crystal Palace and has two years left on his Gunners contract; Smith Rowe is assessing all his options as he seeks first-team football
Arsenal have rejected bids from Fulham and Crystal Palace for forward Emile Smith Rowe.
Discussions are ongoing internally at both clubs over whether to go back in with an improved offer.
Sky Sports News understands Smith Rowe wants to assess all his options - regular first-team football is his primary motivation.
The 23-year-old has two years left on his Arsenal contract.
Smith Rowe struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta's at the Gunners last season, making just 13 Premier League appearances for last season's top-flight runners-up.
The attacker started just twice in the league for Arsenal - against Nottingham Forest in late January and at home to Luton in early April.
Smith Rowe came through the north London club's academy and emerged as a regular option for Arsenal in the 2021-22 season, before injury and the rise in form of Gabriel Martinelli hampered his Gunners hopes.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/13178338/emile-smith-rowe-transfer-news-arsenal-reject-fulham-crystal-palace-bids-for-english-midfielder
Fulham have bid for Smith Rowe rejected
Fulham have had a bid for Emile Smith Rowe rejected by Arsenal.
The Croydon-born 23-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and is also wanted by Crystal Palace.
Smith Rowe has been with Arsenal since the age of 10 and his impressive performances for the Gunners led to him breaking into the England side in 2021.
He has since found first-team football hard to come by and made just 13 Premier League appearances last season.
That has prompted interest from a number of clubs and Fulham are keen to take him to west London, but have so far been unable to agree a deal.
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-have-bid-for-smith-rowe-rejected
Crystal Palace and Fulham are both preparing bids for Arsenal outcast Emile Smith Rowe as the England international seeks regular first-team football
Emile Smith Rowe is under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2026
But he could be set to leave much sooner, with the midfielder keen to play more
London clubs Fulham and Crystal Palace are both interested in Smith Rowe, 23
Emile Smith Rowe is likely to remain in both London and the Premier League if he leaves Arsenal this summer.
The 23-year-old - who was capped three times by England in 2021 and 2022, scoring one goal - started just four games for the Gunners in all competitions last season.
Smith Rowe is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2026.
However, he is keen to leave ahead of the 2024-25 season as he wants regular first-team football.
Fulham and Crystal Palace are both interested in the Arsenal academy graduate.
The Cottagers have suggested that they could offer as much as £40million, while Palace are unlikely to go that high.
Contrary to reports by Sky Sports, who claim that Arsenal have already rejected bids from Fulham and Palace this summer, it is understood that neither club has yet formally made an offer.
Smith Rowe - who was part of the England team that won the U17 World Cup in 2017 and the Young Lions side that won the U21 Euros six years later - has made a total of 115 first-team appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2018.
He has scored 18 goals for the Gunners - including 10 in the Premier League during the 2021-22 season.
Smith Rowe has struggled with groin and knee injuries over the past two seasons, while his path back into Mikel Arteta's team has been blocked by the fine form of captain Martin Odegaard.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13637037/Crystal-Palace-Fulham-preparing-bids-Arsenal-outcast-Emile-Smith-Rowe.html
Fulham consider improved Emile Smith Rowe bid after Arsenal reject transfer offer
Gunners midfielder hoping for increased gametime next season
Arsenal have rejected a bid from Fulham to sign Emile Smith Rowe.
The Cottagers are considering whether to increase their transfer offer as they look to improve their attack for the new campaign. Crystal Palace have also been linked.
Smith Rowe, 23, only made three Premier League starts for Arsenal in the last campaign after a lengthy spell of injury issues. He is understood to be ready to leave if he can secure first-team football away from north London.
The Gunners are thought to be open to offers for the three-times England international as they look to cash in on a number of fringe players who have failed to nail down a spot in Mikel Arteta's team.
Fulham have already lost Bobby De Cordova-Reid to Leicester after his contract expired and there remains uncertainty over Willian's future after his deal expired.
Smith Rowe is under contract at Arsenal to 2026.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-emile-smith-rowe-fulham-transfer-news-b1170864.html
Arsenal reject offers from two Premier League clubs for out of favour 23-year-old
(https://icdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/arsenal-smith-rowe-newcastle-1200x803.jpg.webp)
Arsenal have rejected bids from Crystal Palace and Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
It's been a quiet transfer window for the Gunners so far as the club look to strengthen a squad that narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last season.
Mikel Arteta's side are trying to wrap up a deal for Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori but a fee between the two clubs seems to be a stumbling point, whilst several fringe players have departed the club.
Arsenal reject Smith-Rowe bids
Smith Rowe, who came through the Arsenal academy is a player this is expected to leave the Emirates this summer in search of more regular first team football.
Sky Sports reporter Sheth has stated that Crystal Palace and Fulham have had bids rejected for Smith-Rowe with discussions taking place at both clubs about whether to return with an improved offer.
He took to X.com and said:
"BREAKING: Arsenal reject bids from Fulham & Crystal Palace for forward Emile Smith Rowe.
"Discussions ongoing at both clubs over whether to go back in with improved offer.
"Smith Rowe wants to assess all options – regular first team football is primary motivation. #AFC #FFC #CPFC."
The 23-year-old has been at Arsenal since the age of ten, and had a breakout season under Arteta during the 2020/2021 campaign, but injuries have severely limited his minutes over the past two yeas.
Smith Rowe is out of contract at the Emirates in 2026, but with a new deal highly unlikely, this summer represents the best chance for Arsenal to get the highest fee possible.
The academy graduate made 19 appearances last season in all competitions, but played a total of just 475 minuted and failed to find the back of the net.
A move to Crystal Palace could be exciting given what Oliver Glasner seems to be building at Selhurst Park with exciting players like Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada who has just joined the club this summer.
Now the Euros and the Copa America are over things should start to heat up in the transfer market as pre-season begins and the start of the season draws closer.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/15/arsenal-reject-two-offers-for-emile-smith-rowe/
Fulham initiate talks with Arsenal to sign Emile Smith Rowe
Fulham are in talks with Arsenal for Emile Smith-Rowe, who Marco Silva considers a big target, as the Gunners could sell.
Football Insider said Fulham initiated talks with Arsenal for Emile Smith-Rowe. The 23-year-old homegrown player may no longer feature in Mikel Arteta's plans ahead of the new season, with the Gunners likely to demand significantly from his sale.
Fulham initiates Emile Smith-Rowe talks
Marco Silva has stayed attentive to market situations and is looking for a new attacking midfielder. The Portuguese boss fears there could be a few outgoings, including Andreas Pereira, who has the interest of a few Premier League sides. The Cottagers' boss could actively seek a replacement.
Silva has considered several names for a while now, and Emile Smith-Rowe is a player of interest to the Cottagers boss. The 23-year-old homegrown player at Arsenal struggled for relevance over the last two seasons after his breakthrough campaign in 2022-23.
The Gunners may have lost all patience with him, as reports have suggested they are willing to sell and want at least £25 million. However, things have changed in the background, as Arsenal do not want to sell on the cheap, meaning the north Londoners might also demand a significant move for their 23-year-old homegrown player.
Fulham have initiated talks with Arsenal over a move for Smith-Rowe, as an offer could be forthcoming. They made one, as per Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, who reports that the Gunners have turned down a bid from the Cottagers and Crystal Palace.
Will Smith-Rowe want to leave Arsenal?
The central part of his injury-led absence happened during the 2022-23 season between September 2022 and January 2023, when he missed 21 games. After that, he was in and out of Arteta's side, and last season, he made a decent number of appearances; the game at the Emirates might have already gone past him.
While he remains a profile that Arteta would continue to admire, selling him right now might be the right decision for Arsenal. Hence, regardless of whether Smith-Rowe likes it, he might have to take up a new challenge away from the Gunners if he wants to fulfil the promise of becoming one of the top players.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/16/fulham-initiate-talks-with-arsenal-to-sign-emile-smith-rowe/