Arsenal receive 'fresh offer' for transfer listed star amid West Ham and Fulham interest
Arsenal have reportedly received an offer from one of their London rivals.
Arsenal are said to have received a bid for one of the players they have made available this summer. The Gunners are having to sell a number of players to balance the books, with Edu and Mikel Arteta looking to spend significantly again this summer.
The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior and Reiss Nelson all find themselves available, with Arsenal looking to raise around £100million between the lot. Though, compromises may have to be made, and they already have made such compromises with loan-to-buy deals struck over the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, who have already departed.
Nelson is the latest to attract such an offer, but Arsenal may also be able to strike their desired deal. Firstly, Leicester City are said to be at the table and confident of landing a loan-to-buy deal, with Steve Cooper reportedly having a good relationship with the winger.
Elsewhere, West Ham United have reportedly submitted a £15million bid in a bid to get ahead of Leicester in the race, with The Mirror reporting as much. Fulham are also said to be interested, but they appear more likely to make a move for Smith Rowe. Julen Lopetegui wants to add fire power to his Hammers front line, and Nelson fits the bill.
Reports have claimed Arsenal are asking for between £15million and £20million for Nelson, but they are likely to prefer upfront cash than a loan to buy deal as they bid to balance the books this season.
What Nelson has said
Nelson hasn't spoken much about his future, but the winger said back in 2023: "It's just the way we played last season. I've been here for many years, I've been here the good years and bad years, and last year especially, I've seen the rise that Arsenal have taken. Taking them to new heights and I feel like I want to be part of the journey.
"I want to be part of us going to the next level, which I think the boss, Edu, the backroom staff and the new players and the current players are making. So it was a train I really didn't want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I'm glad that I made the right decision.
"[Mikel Arteta] told me he's seen a massive change in me and he feels like I'm at the next level and it feels like there's so many more different levels that I can go to. So that was the conversation I had with him. And for me, I want to prove to him, prove to everyone around, how many levels I can actually go to and that's what we spoke about."
Crucially, Nelson made just 15 league appearances in the Premier League last season, and it's likely the winger will want more regular football going forward, especially if he can get it at Premier League level. Nelson is currently under contract until 2027 with the club holding the option of a further year.
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/arsenal/arsenal-receive-fresh-offer-for-transfer-listed-star-amid-west-ham-and-fulham-interest-4719480
Scott McTominay sees Manchester United transfer decision made amid Fenerbahce and Fulham interest
The Scotland idol is attracting major interest but Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag isn't willing to let him go
Manchester United will fight to keep Scott McTominay by triggering a one-year extension option in his contract.
Scotland midfielder McTominay, 27, is in the final year of his Old Trafford deal and is attracting major interest from clubs in England and Turkey. Fulham, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are all chasing the one-club man's signature but Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is determined not to let him go.
The Dutchman values McTominay as a key part of his squad and admires his commitment and professionalism on and off the pitch. McTomiany helped keep Ten Hag in a job last season by popping up with countless crucial goals, including dramatic match-winners against Brentford, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
And the Sunday Mirror reports that United are desperate to tie down the Tartan Army idol for at least another year. It's believed EPL rivals Fulham have already had a £17million bid knocked back as they seek to replace Joao Palhinha, who recently departed for Bayern Munich.
Ex-Reds boss Jose Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, has also been linked with his former Manchester United favourite, as have bitter Turkish rivals Galatasaray. However, Old Trafford chiefs have made it clear they won't sell their homegrown talent for any less than £30m and have now reportedly decided to activate an extension clause that will extend McTominay's stay at the club until at least June 2026.
https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/other-football/scott-mctominay-sees-manchester-united-29627438
Ryan Sessegnon to link up with Fulham squad for pre-season trip to Portugal
Sessegnon could feature in matches against Benfica and Sevilla after joining on free transfer
Ryan Sessegnon will be part of the Fulham squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal.
Sessegnon this week rejoined Fulham on a free transfer and Standard Sport understands he could feature in matches against Benfica and Sevilla.
The 24-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the option of an additional season after his contract at Tottenham expired last month.
Sessegnon came through the academy at Fulham and scored 25 goals in 120 games for the Whites before he joined Spurs for £25million in 2019.
Sessegnon will now join up with Marco Silva's first-team squad for their two fixtures in Portugal.
Fulham face Benfica on August 2 and Sevilla three days later.
They then face Sessegnon's former club Hoffenheim away from home in their final pre-season friendly before visiting Manchester United on opening night of the new Premier League campaign on August 16.
"It's amazing to be back", Sessegnon said upon rejoining Fulham this week. "Emotional, as well. It's where it started for me, where everything began, and it's amazing to be back.
"It will always be home for me. I think it had the feeling that it was meant to be, coming back here, so I'm delighted to get it done."
Fulham are also working on the final details of a deal set to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for around £35m, which would represent a club-record signing.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-ryan-sessegnon-debut-b1173314.html
Fulham encounter roadblock in Cameron Puertas chase
Fulham might fail in the bid to sign 25-year-old Swiss-born attacking midfield Cameron Puertas from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.
According to a report by Swiss outlet Blick, as relayed by Sport Witness, Cameron Puertas is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on bolstering their midfield in the summer transfer window. However, the 25-year-old Union Saint-Gilloise attacking midfielder will unlikely join the West London club as they cannot offer UEFA Champions League football.
Who is Cameron Puertas?
Cameron Puertas has made considerable progress since joining Union Saint-Gilloise from FC Lausanne-Sport in January 2022. A native of Lausanne, he is eligible to represent Switzerland and Spain internationally, as he is a Spanish citizen. Meanwhile, he spent his formative years in Switzerland, graduating from the youth division at FC Lausanne-Sport.
The 25-year-old has been a regular for Union Saint-Gilloise in the last two and a half years, turning out 114 times thus far while chipping in with 20 goals and 24 assists. Meanwhile, Puertas's progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe.
The report by Blick (h/t Sport Witness) has suggested that Puertas and Dan Ndoye are the likeliest Swiss players to secure a move in the coming weeks. A move to the Premier League might be on the cards, with Fulham keen on securing Cameron Puertas's services in the summer transfer window.
London calling?
Fulham's interest in Cameron Puertas is understandable. The Cottagers have been keen on bolstering their midfield department in the summer transfer window after losing Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich. However, they are also in a spot of bother over Andreas Pereira's long-term future amid his links with Chelsea.
So, Fulham might need an attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Puertas emerging as a viable target for the West London club. However, the Cottagers have encountered a roadblock in the bid to sign the 25-year-old Swiss-born midfielder, who wants to join a club that can offer UEFA Champions League football.
With Fulham not in any European competition, they will unlikely be in the equation to secure Cameron Puertas's services in the summer transfer window. So, the West London club must look elsewhere to reinforce the midfield department.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/28/fulham-encounter-roadblock-in-cameron-puertas-chase/
Darren Ambrose now left 'gutted' by what Crystal Palace have just decided to do
Former Crystal Palace star Darren Ambrose has been discussing the club's business in the summer transfer market.
The Eagles have seen a mix of fortunes so far when it comes to transfer deals, with incomings and outgoings confirmed.
Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada were added to the squad, with hopes of bolstering the options available to Oliver Glasner.
However, Michael Olise confirmed his transfer to Bayern Munich, coming as a huge blow to Crystal Palace this season.
It remains to be seen exactly how the rest of the summer shapes up in terms of improving those quality players available.
Ismaila Sarr has been heavily linked with a move to Crystal Palace, though only since the club appear to have missed out on a deal for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe.
Darren Ambrose on Emile Smith Rowe transfer
With Smith Rowe now closing in on a move to Fulham over Crystal Palace, it appears as though the focus will turn to other options in the market.
Despite that, former Palace star Darren Ambrose has claimed he would've liked to see the forward play at Selhurst Park this season.
Speaking on TalkSPORT (27/07/2024, 3:30pm), he said: "I am actually gutted that one of my former clubs, Crystal Palace, are not really making a move [for Smith Rowe].
"I know there were talks of Fulham or Palace, but it looks to be Fulham."
In all, it means the decision from Crystal Palace to not match Fulham's latest bid will see them miss out on a deal.
Were Crystal Palace right to avoid an Emile Smith Rowe transfer?
With a deal to Craven Cottage seemingly close to completion, it leaves many wondering whether Crystal Palace were right to avoid sealing a move.
For a club-record transfer fee, Smith Rowe could bring about plenty of potential but there are also risks involved.
At times, there have been immense patches of quality as a winger or as a number ten, which even landed him a place in the England squad.
However, injury troubles are a natural concern after two seasons without regular football at Arsenal.
With the need for Palace to gain consistency and avoid the injury crisis of last season, it may be a wise move to have avoided such a transfer.
https://www.wearepalace.uk/transfers/darren-ambrose-now-left-gutted-by-what-crystal-palace-have-just-decided-to-do/
Heavy pre-season friendly defeat for Watford at Fulham
There were a total of 24 goals scored in three Watford friendlies yesterday, and the men's senior team conceded a quarter of them.
They were handed a 6-1 thumping in a behind-closed-doors friendly by Fulham at their Motspur Park training ground.
The Watford Observer asked if information on the game would be supplied and were told it wouldn't – and indeed all that the club have said is to confirm that Giorgi Chakvetadze played his first minutes of pre-season after returning from the Euro 24 finals in Germany.
From a couple of photographs shared by the two clubs, it's clear than Dan Bachmann was in goal for at least some part of the game, and Moussa Sissoko, Tom Ince, Imran Louza and Edo Kayembe played.
Fulham revealed that they went ahead through a Sasa Lukic penalty very early on after Rodrigo Muniz was brought down in the box.
Muniz made it 2-0 just past the half-hour mark with Alex Iwobi adding a third before the break after getting on the end of a Josh King pass.
Fulham made five half-time changes, and two of the players who came on were involved in the fourth goal as King's pass released Harry Wilson on the right and he cut the ball back for former Wolves striker Raul Jiminez to net.
The hosts made six more changes after an hour and one of them, Jay Stansfield, made it 5-0 when he tucked away a Jiminez pass.
Jiminez was the provider for the sixth goal as well as his pass enabled Adrion Pajaziti to race clear and score with a chip.
The Hornets scored their goal in the closing stages.
The Under-21s came back from 3-1 down at half-time to claim a 5-4 win away at Bedford Town.
Tobi Adeyemo scored twice, with the other goals coming from Prince Sikiru, Jonathan Lawson and Shaq Forde, who clearly wasn't involved in the game at Fulham having featured for the first team previously this summer.
Watford's Under-18s were 5-3 winners against Exeter, thanks to a brace from Hayden Barrett, and goals from Kash Odiase, Max Smith and Mathis Eboue.
• The first team travel to Adams Park on Tuesday to face Wycombe Wanderers in a friendly that kicks off at 7.30pm.
On the same night, the Under-21s travel to face Chesham United (7.45pm).
https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/24481369.heavy-pre-season-friendly-defeat-watford-fulham/
Fulham to complete Arsenal signing within 1 week for club-record fee
Fulham are sorting the final details to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal, with the midfielder excluded from Saturday's friendly against Manchester United.
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe was in attendance for Saturday's friendly against Manchester United, but he was completely excluded from the squad for the pre-season fixture.
The England international had been named on the bench for Arsenal's previous pre-season game against Bournemouth, but he didn't come on, with Mikel Arteta suggesting "things are happening in the background".
Though he didn't clarify further, it is believed that Arteta was referring to Fulham's bid to sign Smith Rowe. The player's exclusion from Saturday's squad suggests the move could be even further along now.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Smith Rowe was indeed unavailable as he's expected to join Fulham next week. There are still some final details to sort before getting it done, but talks are reportedly at an advanced stage.
David Ornstein had confirmed earlier this week that Fulham were close to reaching an agreement with Arsenal for Smith Rowe.
Talks were heading for a deal in the region of £35m, which would be both Fulham's record signing and Arsenal's joint-biggest sale.
Arsenal had turned down an initial £30m bid from Fulham, but with the Cottagers upping their offer, a deal is seemingly now close.
Smith Rowe is obviously yet to hold a medical or sign a contract, given he's still with the Arsenal squad in the United States. But if Romano's report is correct, the formalities will be completed in the next seven days.
24-year-old Smith Rowe played 475 minutes for Arsenal last season across 19 appearances (four starts).
With academy players like Ethan Nwaneri and Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand impressing in pre-season, Arteta looks to have the options to fill the gap Smith Rowe's exit would leave.
https://dailycannon.com/2024/07/fulham-smith-rowe-signing/
Emile Smith Rowe expected to join Fulham next week
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly expected to leave the North London club and join Fulham this summer.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Fulham are set to sign 24-year-old Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe, and talks are currently advancing between the two clubs. Mikel Arteta has also confirmed that discussions are underway, and the transfer could be completed soon.
The Englishman has struggled for regular game time at Arsenal, and he needs to leave the club in order to play more often. Fulham could be able to provide him with the opportunity he needs right now.
Smith Rowe has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot, and he is unlikely to be handed opportunities ahead of Martin Odegaard in the upcoming campaign. It makes sense for him to move on in search of regular playing time.
Emile Smith Rowe could be an exciting addition
The English midfielder was regarded as one of the finest young prospects in English football prior to his injury blow, and he will look to get back to that level. He was an important first team player for Arsenal under Unai Emery.
However, injuries have halted his development. He remains a top quality talent with a bright future, and it remains to be seen whether Fulham can get the best out of him. The 24-year-old is capable of operating as a central attacking midfielder as well as a winger. He will add goals and creativity to the side.
The midfielder is still quite young, and he has plenty of time to get his career back on track and fulfil his tremendous potential. It will be interesting to see if Smith Rowe can make the most of his time at Fulham.
Fulham have a competitive squad, and they will look to push for a top half finish next season. They look quite toothless in the attack last season and signing a quality playmaker could prove to be a wise decision. The 24-year-old will help create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates and get on the scoresheet himself as well. Regular football in the Premier League with the Cottagers could bring out the best in the Arsenal academy graduate once again.
https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/07/28/emile-smith-rowe-expected-to-join-fulham-next-week/
Man Utd 'make decision' over Fulham target as Crystal Palace 'identify' replacement
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Premier League as preparations for the new campaign ramp up.
The Premier League season is almost here, and Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are now stepping up their preparations for the new campaign. The Gunners and Blues are currently Stateside, while Tottenham are in Japan as they spread their brand in Asia.
All three sides will now be stepping up their fitness efforts while continuing their respective bids to land new players this summer. With all clubs battling away on that front, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Premier League clubs.
Cooper' interest'
Crystal Palace have reportedly identified Plymouth Argyle keeper Michael Cooper as a potential target this summer. According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, the Eagles are expressing an interest in the stopper, with Sheffield United also interested.
Cooper only has one year remaining on his current deal, and there are questions over whether Sam Johnstone will remain with Palace beyond this summer. Plymouth will want to keep hold of Cooper, but his contract situation means they are not in an ideal position.
McTominay update
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay could be set for a stay after all amid reported interest from Fenerbahce. According to Football.Scotland, United will trigger McTominay's one year extension in a bid to keep him around.
The Scot proved crucial for the Red Devils last season, and Erik ten Hag is said to value him as a crucial piece to his puzzle. Fulham have also reportedly expressed an interest in the midfielder this summer, but they could also miss out this summer.
Howe on transfer efforts
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking about his and the Magpies' transfer efforts. He told the Chronicle: "There's been a lot made of it (what I said last week), but we're just working normally as we would do towards the new season. It's no different.
"I can't say that my week is any different from a normal pre-season. A lot of hard work on the training pitch, a lot of talks about transfer targets and trying to bring players in. Hopefully we get some movement on that soon. We all want players in now but it's a very slow market, a difficult market. Prices are high. All we can do is do our best to bring players in."
Szmodics latest
Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace has issued an update over star midfielder Sammie Szmodics amid linked with a move to the Premier League and Championship favourites Leeds United.
"Listen, it's down to the two clubs, it's not down to me," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph with Blackburn hoping to sort Szmodics' future before the start of the Championship season.
"Sam was magnificent for us last year, I want to keep him. He's a top player, I don't want to lose him. But what will be, will be. He's been a great servant to us, whatever happens. I have spoken to him on a few occasions and he just wants to get fit and ready for the first games of the season."
https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/crystal-palace/man-utd-make-decision-over-fulham-target-as-crystal-palace-identify-replacement-4719562