It’s that time of the year again – the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it’s sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season. Here are today’s latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…
Gunners interested in ex-Leeds keeper
Arsenal are showing interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at Elland Road and expected to leave this summer.
Arsenal cover for David Raya should Kepa Arrizabalaga leave. The Spaniard is understood to have a £5m clause and wants to play more regularly.
Illan Meslier is out of contract at Leeds this summer and is set to leave the club
Meanwhile, Leeds have confirmed the sale of centre-back Pascal Struijk to Brighton in a deal worth around £18m plus a sell-on clause.
Struijk, who signed on a free from Ajax, has agreed a five-year deal with the Seagulls.
Struijk, who was Leeds’ longest-serving player, was entering the final year of his deal at Elland Road and was offered a significantly improved contract to stay.
However, Leeds respected his desire for a new challenge and sanctioned his move to Brighton.
Leeds said in a statement: ‘Last summer, the decision was taken to keep all key players at Elland Road, to give the club the best possible chance of Premier League survival, with the expectation that player sales would be needed to remain PSR (Profit & Sustainability Rules) compliant over a three-year accounting window ending 30th June 2026.
‘The club’s higher than expected 14th place finish and run to the Emirates FA Cup semi-final vindicated this decision, with the increased income and single sale of Struijk ensuring the club remains within PSR limits.’
Liverpool youngster heading to Wanderers
Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson is poised to join Bolton Wanderers in a deal worth £800,000.
Blackburn Rovers had also shown interest but the 22-year-old is due to travel for a medical on Wednesday.
The deal will include a sell on, potentially around 17.5 per cent for the versatile midfielder who spent last two seasons on loan with Dundee United.
Robins consider bid for Orient star
Bristol City are considering a revised bid for Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard after having an opening offer rejected.
Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard is subject to interest from Bristol City
The former Southampton striker enjoyed a sensational campaign for Richie Wellens’ side, winning the League One golden boot with 23 goals as the O’s survived on the final day of the season.
West Ham have also shown interest but their pursuit has been delayed while they await the appointment of Nils Koppen as their new head of recruitment.
Regardless, Bristol City are in pole position while Southampton retain a sell on clause of 22 per cent.
Spurs avoid Balogun after winning race for Fernandes
Tottenham are not pursuing a move for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun.
The former Arsenal striker has interest from a number of clubs in Europe and the Premier League following his performances last season and his continued form with USA at the World Cup. Arsenal also possess a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause.
However, Tottenham, who have been linked, are looking at other targets. Spurs appear to have won the £85million race for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes after outbidding Manchester United.
United pushed hard to sign Fernandes but there is a firm belief they will only buy players at the right valuation and players who really want to play for the club.
Tottenham have been aggressive in their pursuit of targets for Roberto de Zerbi and are intent on adding Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali also.
Tottenham are not pursuing a move for USA and Monaco forward Folarin Balogun (above)
Juventus eye Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario
Juventus are showing an interest in Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Vicario is allowed to leave Spurs this summer after Roberto De Zerbi decided Antonin Kinsky – who recently signed a new five-year deal – would be his long-term No. 1.
Spurs have already acquired former Newcastle United and Burnley shot-stopper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer to play understudy to Kinsky, leaving Vicario surplus to requirements.
Speaking to the Italian press, Juventus CEO Giovanni Carnevali confirmed Vicario is one of several goalkeeper options they are assessing.
Meanwhile, World Cup winner and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is admired. Martinez is under contract at Aston Villa until 2029.
Juventus have confirmed their interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario
Tottenham have confirmed Antonin Kinsky has signed a new contract, as he becomes their No1
Tottenham confirmed Kinsky’s new deal on Tuesday with the goalkeeper stating: ‘I’m so happy and I can feel the trust from the Club. When I joined 18 months ago, my expectations were to fight for my place in the team and to wear this shirt every week.
‘It’s been a real journey to get here and a nice story already, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead over the next months and years.
‘Everyone around the Club feels that we can have a successful season and I want to contribute to that. We want to give the fans what they want and what this Club deserves.’
De Zerbi added: ‘Toni was outstanding over the final seven games of the season and a key part of what we achieved in that period.
‘I am delighted he has committed his future to the Club. He has earned this new contract, not only with his performances but also his professionalism and desire to improve.
‘We have huge belief in what Toni can become. He is still young, has enormous potential and I know that Spurs is the perfect place for him to continue to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.’
Bobby Manzi
Race grows for Morocco talent Bouaddi
Manchester City, Man United and Bayern Munich have joined Arsenal by expressing interest in Lille midfield prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Lille want at least £70million for the 18-year-old Morocco international and want to keep him for another season on loan.
Man City, Man United and Bayern Munich have joined Arsenal in the race for Ayyoub Bouaddi
Premier League duo eye Wilson
Brentford and Coventry City retain an interest in Callum Wilson who is expected to leave West Ham.
West Ham are waiting in the wings as Middlesbrough try to sort a new contract for defender Dael Fry who is a free agent this week.
Danny Simpson signs for UAE-based team
Former Leicester City, Newcastle, QPR and Manchester United defender Danny Simpson has signed for UAE third-tier club Arabian Falcons as a player-coach.
The Dubai-based club are managed by Jonjo Shelvey.
Ipswich and Hull chase Ligue 1 forward
Ipswich Town are rivalling Hull City by showing interest in Toulouse striker Emersonn.
Hull had a £17million bid rejected for the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, Championship side Portsmouth are preparing a bid for Hull City winger Abu Kamara.
