Transfer news LIVE: Barcelona asked to sign Lionel Messi by Xavi, Newcastle £40m Connor Gallagher EXCLUSIVE

Umtiti 'blow for Gunners'

Barcelona chiefs are reportedly set to meet Olympiacos officials on Monday to discuss a potential deal for 'Arsenal target' Samuel Umtiti, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.

Umtiti has fallen out of favour at Barca, who are full at centre-back as they have Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique, who has also been linked with a departure.

The Blaugrana have been trying to offload the France international, who has been a long-term Gunners target, ever since last year but his injury history as well as his wages have posed as a stumbling block.

According to , the Catalan giants will hold talks with Olympiacos early next week to discuss a potential deal that would see the 28-year-old moving away from the Nou Camp.

However, the Greek champions are interested in a season-long loan for Umtiti, whose Barcelona deal runs out in 2026.

The Frenchman's salary will also be a hot topic, even though his contract renewal last January has seen his wages being spread over more years and making him more affordable.

Palace 'back in for Ruben'

Crystal Palace are to make a shock move to re-sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan.

The Chelsea midfielder had a hugely successful spell with the Eagles in the 2017-18 season that shot him into the England squad.

He followed that up with a less successful move to Fulham, who he played 32 times for in 2020-21.

But last season, despite making 24 appearances for the Blues, he struggled to hold down a first team spot.Palace have switched to Loftus-Cheek, 26, while they grow impatient with Wolves on their move for Morgan Gibbs-White.

The attacking midfielder has been their first choice and they would pay about £20million.

Gunners have 'real' interest in Paqueta

Arsenal have a serious interest in Lyon's £55million-rated attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

That's the claim of CBS's Ben Jacobs, who also told Givemesport that Gunners technical director Edu has baulked at that sum.

Edu is reluctant to enter a bidding war with clubs like Newcastle and Roma.

said: “Paqueta’s still an interesting one; Arsenal’s interest is real. They admire the player, but they haven’t really moved.

“They’ve never placed an offer, so when Jean-Michel Aulas spoke of lots of offers, I think I was one of the first to report that Arsenal and Newcastle were not teams that had ever gone to Lyon, they’d simply explored the option with the agent.”

Red Devils 'up Antony offer'

Manchester United have upped their original £50million offer for Ajax winger Antony, according to Goal.

But the Dutch champions are said to be standing firm with their £67m valuation of the Brazil star.

Ajax are reluctant to lose more top-class players after Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez followed manager Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford.

Laporta admits Cesar & Alonso interest

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits manager Xavi is a big fan of Chelsea wing-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.

Barca have already signed Blues' centre-back Andreas Christensen and beaten Chelsea to Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

And it was an open secret that Spaniards Azpilicueta and Alonso are admired by Laporta.

Now it seems even more likely that Barcelona will make a firm move for at least one of them.

Gilmour, Kenedy and Ampadu future uncertain

The number could be up for Chelsea trio Billy Gilmour, Kenedy and Ethan Ampadu.

That's the suspicion this weekend after manager Thomas Tuchel didn't give them squad numbers.

Scotland midfielder Gilmour has already been linked with Everton.

Brazilian winger Kenedy and versatile Wales ace Ampadu also face uncertain futures.

And it's claimed up to seven Blues could depart this summer.

Erik: Ron will play vs Vallecano

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will play against Rayo Vallecano in a pre-season friendly, writes JON BOON.

The 37-year-old Portuguese superstar has yet to feature for the Red Devils in pre-season after missing the tour to Thailand and Australia.

His return to action will give fans hope that the forward intends to stay at Old Trafford and see out his contract.

The Portuguese ace returned to Carrington on Tuesday to hold crunch talks with the club about his future.

United remain insistent that Ronaldo is not for sale - while the striker himself has reiterated his desire to leave.

And ten Hag has confirmed that he will be in squad tomorrow for a game which will mostly feature youth stars.

"Cristiano Ronaldo will play against Rayo Vallecano. Yes, he will be in the squad tomorrow. We’ll see how long he can play," ten Hag said, as per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It comes after Ronaldo, himself, revealed he would feature against Vallecano.

Replying to a post on Instagram about him missing the weekend's games, he wrote in Portuguese: "Domino o rei joga." The phrase translates in English to: "Sunday the king plays."

Less chance of Man Ru

Manchester United have been handed a transfer blow as Real Madrid are eyeing Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, reports suggest, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.

United have reportedly approached Ruiz's representatives as they are attempting to complete a cut-price deal this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, however, Real have joined the bidding war as manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen on a reunion with the midfielder.

Los Blancos, though, are looking for a deal ahead of next summer when the Spain international becomes a free agent.

Romano : "Real Madrid are interested in signing Fabian Ruiz as free agent in summer 2023.

"Of course, deal depends on what happens with Napoli in August.

"Ancelotti remains big fan of Fabian as he signed him at Napoli. Spanish, talented - Real will be exploring this idea."

'Toon only outsiders to sign Werner'

Timo Werner would prefer old club RB Leipzig or Arsenal over Newcastle if he leaves Chelsea, reports say.

Sky Germany suggest the striker is more interested in winning honours than earning big bucks.

And they claim that means Newcastle are only "outsiders" - should Chelsea decide to loan him out or sell.

Martinez partner is Laut of this world

Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez's amazing model Wag shared 12 incredible bikini pictures on Instagram - showing off a sizzling summer, writes KIRO EVANS.

Argentine stunner Agustina Gandolfo, 26, who has caught attention of fans for her glamorous snaps in the past, hasn't been shy in showing off her stunning bod and a brilliant last month of her life.

The Instagram influencer has amassed 842,000 followers on social media - and judging by these pics it's easy to see why.

While her partner Martinez was off enjoying pre-season with Inter, Agustina has been giving fans a glimpse of what he was missing with a series of sexy snaps of her summer so far.

Twelve pictures made the cut - worthy of any calendar model.

Pics included glam shots of her poolside and on a sandy beach in a majestic pose.

Tuchel hails form of new boys Sterling and Kalidou

Thomas Tuchel insists he was "happy" with new boys Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling in Chelsea's 3-1 friendly win over Udinese.

Boss Tuchel has suggested his Blues "aren't yet ready" for next week's Premier League kick-off.

And only half of the reported £200million made available for transfers by new club owner Todd Boehly has been spent.

But Tuchel said of centre-back Koulibaly: "He is a very, very good signing. A strong personality, a strong player.

"I am happy that he could play 70 minutes now. He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season,"

And he was content with Sterling's busy role.

Tuchel said of the ex-Manchester City frontman: "He had chances, very heavily involved in other chances, it was a good performance."

Chelsea linked to Cesare

Inter Milan are fighting to keep teen midfielder Cesare Casadei amid links to Chelsea.

But Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio would reluctantly consider loaning out the 19-year-old - or selling him IF a buy-out clause is inserted.

The Azzurri Under-19 star is also thought to be interesting Torino.

Laporta reveals why stars snub Chelsea for Barca

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed players have rejected Chelsea in favour of the Nou Camp due to their project and boss Xavi.

The Blaugrana have pipped the Blues to a number of their main targets this summer – much to new owner Todd Boehly’s frustration.

Chelsea had agreed a deal with Leeds for winger Raphinha, only for the Brazilian to snub a switch to Stamford Bridge for the Catalan club.

And it was the same case with centre-back Jules Kounde, who held out for a move to Barca instead of Chelsea.

The West London outfit were even interested in Robert Lewandowski, but the Bayern Munch legend only had eyes for the Spanish side.

French forward Ousmane Dembele also looked set to link up with Chelsea on a free transfer, only to extend his stay at Barcelona.

And things could be even worse for Chelsea with Barcelona looking to prise Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso away from England.

Werner would 'halve pay to rejoin Leipzig'

The latest speculation over Chelsea's frustrated frontman Timo Werner is that he'd halve his pay to rejoin RB Leipzig.

Newcastle have also been linked with the Germany star.

And Werner could be unsettled more if he fails to regain a regular start once the Premier League kicks off next week.

Arteta 'still hoping' for more signings

Mikel Arteta admits he wants more signings despite a 6-0 romp over Sevilla continuing Arsenal's brilliant pre-season.

The Gunners boss told Sky: “We are still hoping to do something else if the market allows us to do that.

"You have seen some movement in the few days as well.

“We want to get the perfect balance and the plan we wanted from the beginning.

"Whether we accomplish that or not is another story.”

Real Madrid in for 'Red Devils target' Ruiz

Rumoured Manchester United target Fabian Ruiz is wanted by Real Madrid, reports say.

Bernabeu chief Carlo Ancelotti is keen to reunite with the Napoli midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Ruiz, 26, who has 15 Spain caps, has failed to agree a new deal with the Serie A giants.

Toon's Maddison bid rejected

Newcastle failed with a shock £40million bid for James Maddison, according to reports.

Leicester are said to have instantly rejected the offer for their once-cap England midfielder.

Everton and Villa linked to Barkley

Aston Villa have reportedly joined Everton in chasing forgotten Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

The 33-cap Englishman, 28, launched his career with the Toffees, then tried to revive his Stamford Bridge career with a loan spell at Villa two seasons ago.

The  suggest Villa chief Steven Gerrard is considering making an offer for Barkley.

But there are also claims Everton's interest is waning.

It's thought Chelsea would be delighted to offload Barkley after four unhappy years at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer watch: Zaha to Chelsea?

Reports emerged this week that Thomas Tuchel was interested in bringing Wilfried Zaha to Stamford Bridge.

It seems unlikely that Crystal Palace would consider doing business with a London rival, despite only a year remaining on their talisman’s contract.

But Todd Boehly does have the resources to tempt the Eagles to cash in.

Barca refuse to deny Ron link

Barcelona's president wouldn't deny reports linking them with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United after a dismal performance last season saw the club endure its worst ever Premier League campaign.

While a number of clubs have been linked to the legendary forward, a move has thus far failed to materialise.

However, reports had indicated Barcelona were in line for a shock transfer for Ronaldo prior to them signing Robert Lewandowski.

And club chief Joan Laporta failed to deny the rumours of talks between himself and Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes.

He told : "This type of story is all within the process of the summer window. There always appears a lot of news. But in the end the truth is we wanted Lewandowski.

"We have a very good relationship with Jorge Mendes. I have known him for a long time. He is one of the best player agents.

"He knows how to do his job and I respect him. In this case, we decided to go for Lewandowski and knew he was crucial to our success. So we went to Bayern (Munich) instead. This is the reality.

"The other (Ronaldo) topic is just part of the "little history" of football. It's a very nice story, but you will always hear lots of contradictory news about it."

Napoli seek 'urgent Kepa deal'

Napoli are keen on signing Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan as soon as possible.

Ex-Arsenal stopper David Ospina's departure to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr leaves the Serie A giants needing a quick replacement.

And Gianluca Di Marzio claim Napoli have agreed to borrow Kepa by paying 25% of his salary, compared to Chelsea forking out 75%.

The stumbling block is thought to be add-ons, with the Londoners reportedly wanting more than £1million.

Napoli's current keeper Alex Meret is thought to have agreed a five-year contract extension, but he is waiting to see if he will be first-choice.

Toon to up Cornet bid

Newcastle have switched attention to signing Maxwel Cornet after a failed bid for James Maddison.

The Magpies recently had a £40million offer knocked back for the England international but are refusing to meet Leicester's £50m asking price.

Toon boss Eddie Howe has identified Burnley's Cornet as an alternative to the midfielder and is said to be willing to exceed his release clause.

That's according to the  who claim the northeast club is willing to stump up more than the £17.5m Burnley want for the Ivory Coast international.

Newcastle are said to be willing to pay £25m in instalments so as not to breach Financial Fair Play rules.

Howe has been relatively busy in the transfer window this summer, adding three new players to his squad.

Laporta admires ‘very good’ Silva

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has added fuel to the fire by revealing his admiration for Bernardo Silva.

Manchester City’s midfielder is a “very good player” according to Laporta, amid speculation the Catalan giants want to sign him this summer.

He told CBS Sports: “Silva is a very good player. I have to respect, though, that he belongs to Manchester City.

“I have some friends there, like Pep Guardiola, Tixi Bergstein and Khaldoon Al Mubarak. There are a lot of people I know.”

Sevilla hit for six!

The party continues in North London as the season draws closer.

What a win for the Arsenal.