Saudi Pro League aim high
Saudi Pro League clubs will push to make a number of marquee signings this summer, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Manchester City’s Ederson all ambitious targets, according to the Telegraph, who also claim Casemiro is strongly linked with Al-Nassr.
United midfielder Casemiro would be the most likely of those names to move to Saudi Arabia during the next transfer window, with discussions already taking place.
The Telegraph writes: “According to sources up to 10 marquee signings are expected to be made this summer – with Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr, whose squad includes Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mané, most strongly linked with Casemiro.
“The Brazilian’s representatives are already understood to have held talks with Pro League clubs. United are prepared to sell and would like any deal agreed at the start of the window but will not push Casemiro out.
“Ambitious moves are also being discussed for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson. It is already known there is interest in Mohamed Salah, who was subject of a failed £150 million bid last year from Al-Ittihad, and Kevin De Bruyne.
“As with last summer it appears the Pro League will attempt to raid the Premier League – and clubs there want to do deals, recognising they can get higher prices than anywhere else – with United having already forged links with clubs within the league, most notably Ittihad, who are based in Jeddah.”
Chelsea’s four areas to address
Chelsea will look to sign a forward, a left-back, a central defender and possibly a goalkeeper after the Telegraph reported the club’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are not facing the axe this summer.
The future of head coach Mauricio Pochettino remains unclear, but Winstanley and Stewart have the backing of those above them in the hierarchy.
The Telegraph adds: “The pair are expected to continue to lead Chelsea’s transfer business this summer, with the club looking to sign a forward, left-back and central defender. The goalkeeping position may also be looked at.
“The remit of Winstanley and Stewart extends much further than recruitment, with sources indicating that a lot of their work goes unnoticed outside Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.
“Winstanley and Stewart have faced criticism at times this season, following an overhaul of the squad last summer that saw the average age of the playing staff drastically cut.”
Newcastle target early summer move
Newcastle are hopeful of signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, the Mirror reports. The centre-back will become a free agent at the end of the season, and Newcastle are hoping to act fast.
The move would allow Newcastle to spend more money on other targets, including a winger and a striker, with Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly also set to join on a free.
The Mirror adds: “Newcastle have Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman out with knee ligament damage until November. They are also monitoring France U21 star Michael Olise to strengthen their right attacking position should be offload Miguel Almiron to the Saudi Pro League.
“Howe is planning to still have star men Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes in his side next season, with rivals struggling to afford their £100m price tags.
“Squad players including Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie and Matt Targett could also leave and the club is looking to tidy up its number of experienced players out on loan who include Isaac Hayden, Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Jeff Hendrick.”
Man City want Miedema
Manchester City are leading the race to sign Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer after it was confirmed she will leave Arsenal at the end of the season, the Daily Mail reports.
Miedema is attracting interest from a number of clubs, but City are hopeful the Women’s Super League record goalscorer will opt for a move up north.
The Mail adds: “Mail Sport understands it was a club decision not to renew Miedema’s contract, but the forward is highly thought of and is set to be given a farewell when the Gunners play Brighton at Meadow Park on Saturday.
“City are currently in a title shoot-out with Chelsea, while Arsenal are set to finish third for a second successive season.
“Miedema, who has been with the club since 2017, was close to leaving in the summer of 2022 but chose to sign a one-year deal with the option of an extra year, which was taken up at the end of last season.”
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