Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal sign Willian, Manchester United push for Jadon Sancho, Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell blow
Look back on today’s updates from the summer transfer window as Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea looked to make major statements while Liverpool and Manchester City went to battle once more
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The transfer window is here and condensed more than ever as clubs look to frantically acquire talent with a short rest before the new campaign begins.
The day’s big news was Arsenal finally announcing their signing of Willian after he left Chelsea. Manchester United, meanwhile, could challenge Chelsea to sign Ben Chilwell, with Leicester City previously putting an £80m valuation on the England full-back. Elsewhere, Manchester City could upgrade in midfield with a £40m swoop for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks. In Spain, Jan Oblak’s future is now under more scrutiny with Atletico Madrid crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of RB Leipzig last night – Chelsea are keen on the goalkeeper to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga after the Spaniard’s poor season.
Man United continued their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, with the Germans holding out for £108m and not a penny less. Juventus meanwhile are keen on Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, and have offered several players in a player-plus-cash deal which includes Gonzalo Higuain, Douglas Costa and Christian Romero. Re-live all the updates below.
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Motherwell have signed Scotland full-back Stephen O'Donnell to a short-term deal.
The 28-year-old has been without a club since May after leaving Kilmarnock, who offered him a new deal.
But now Motherwell have signed O'Donnell on a deal until January with an option to extend his stay until the end of the season.
Celtic's Boli Bolingoli could be handed a chance to revive his career at French club Amiens SC on loan.
Bolingoli broke coronavirus rules, infuriating manager Neil Lennon.
And Sky Sports News claim the Ligue 2 side's loan offer would also include an option to buy at the end of the season for a fee of £2.3m.
Wigan Athletic left-back Antonee Robinson is wanted by Everton, Fulham and Sheffield United
A bid of around £2m was accepted for the 23-year-old from Blades, but late offers have now arrived from their Premier League rivals, report Sky Sports.
Everton need a replacement for Leighton Baines after his retirement as a back-up to Lucas Digne.
Philippe Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian has spoken about the Brazilian's future, which appears to be away from Barcelona, while Arsenal remain a possible landing spot.
The super agent said: "After the Champions League is finished, and whatever happens, then we'll sit down. It could be that Barcelona is the ultimate destination.
"He loves the Premier League, but the finances and the numbers and the situation of Covid are going to play a big part."
The Brazilian midfielder, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, was available on a free transfer after failing to agree a new deal with Chelsea.
The Blues had offered the 32-year-old a two-year contract, however, Willian and his agent, Kia Joorachbian, held firm on their demands for a three-year deal and negotiations reached an impasse.
Arsenal were willing to meet those demands, though, with head coach Mikel Arteta keen to add experienced players to his squad.
Mikel Arteta insists new Arsenal signing Willian can "make a difference".
The Brazilian joins on a three-year deal after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer and the Spaniard is thrilled to have him on board.
"I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us," Arteta told Arsenal Digital.
"We have been monitoring him for the past few months, we had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfielder and the winger positions [and] he is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions."
The former Chelsea star has penned a three-year deal at the Emirates.
And Arteta has described the reasons behind moving for the 32-year-old.
“I believe he’s a player that can really make a difference for us,” Arteta said.
Full story:
Technical director Edu is thrilled by the arrival of compatriot Willian to Arsenal.
I know him very well, since a long time ago because we’ve been working together for the Brazilian national team and of course I was following him because he played for another club. He has a lot of fantastic attributes as a person, as a football player of course, his character. I’m 100 per cent sure that everybody in the dressing room, the fans, myself and Mikel will enjoy having Willian in our side.”
Donny van de Beek has spoken about his future with the Ajax star linked to Manchester United.
"It is very messy, in any case a very messy period in terms of transfers," he told Fox Sports. "Nothing is certain yet. I am still a player of Ajax and I am still proud to be there.
"If there had not been the coronavirus, it might have been different now. There is no clarity now and we have to wait and see how it turns out."
Liverpool have begun talks with Bayern Munich over signing Thiago Alcantara.
Fabrizio Romano reports the Reds are keen on the Spanish midfielder.
While a new deal for Gini Wijnaldum is also a priority for Jurgen Klopp this summer.
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