Joao Neves &#8211; CaughtOffside

Liverpool looking to steal 6ft 5in player from Aston Villa

Returning Arsenal star praises key figure who was “very supportive” during lengthy injury

Exclusive: Arsenal transfer target could move for €25-30m, two other clubs have had bids rejected so far

The 29-year-old has been crucial to any success Man United have had since his arrival in 2020, with Fernandes going on to play 233 times for the Manchester club, scoring 79 goals and assisting a further 66.

The United captain is unlikely to leave Old Trafford this summer as Erik ten Hag will also be keen to hold on to his most creative outlet.

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Transfer news: Calafiori to Arsenal here we go soon, Man Utd potential exits, Chelsea midfielder links & more

Fabrizio Romano — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:50:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Here we go soon for Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal transfer

One of the big stories of the day is with Riccardo Calafiori and Arsenal – the ‘here we go’ is coming because there is an agreement between Arsenal and Bologna on a €40m fixed fee, €5m in add-ons, and a sell-on clause for Bologna. Calafiori had already agreed a contract with Arsenal back in June, which would be until 2029, so everything is ready for him to go to Arsenal.

Calafiori has asked Bologna to be allowed to fulfil his dream and go to Arsenal, so it will be completed in the next days. The next key steps will be between Bologna and Basel to agree on payment terms for the 50% sell-on clause that Basel had for their former player. They’re set to receive a big amount of money, and so they now have to agree with Bologna now to structure this part of the deal, while Arsenal are just waiting.

Despite some reports that the deal had stalled, the reality is that the negotiations never stopped. It was not easy, but they kept going, and now there’s an agreement. Arsenal fans can be excited by this signing – I think he can do great in Premier League, he’s an excellent player, we saw that with his form in Serie A and with Italy at the Euros also.

Another story to watch at Arsenal is that Crystal Palace will bid for Emile Smith Rowe. Let’s see if Arsenal reject the bid, like they did with Fulham, or if they will be ready to negotiate. Still, Smith Rowe looks like being an interesting situation to watch in the next days.

Another Arsenal sale could be Eddie Nketiah, who has been attracting strong interest from Marseille since last week. Now it’s true that, as reported in France, Marseille have presented a proposal to Arsenal – there is still no agreement, but there is a negotiation ongoing between the two clubs.

Manuel Ugarte to Man Utd latest, plus truth on Sancho and Mount future

There’s a chance for Jadon Sancho to stay at Manchester United – a lot will depend on the next weeks. Pre-season, feelings with the manager, performances…he has chances to stay. Interest from other clubs remains but there have been no official bids so far, so it’s still quiet. Sancho’s decision to clarify with Erik ten Hag also shows how they can be ready to continue together, but it depends on what happens in the next weeks.

There were reports yesterday about Mason Mount potentially leaving Manchester United. From what I’ve heard on the club and player side, however, is exactly the same, and that’s that Mount doesn’t want to leave Man United. He wants to do his best to show his skills at United after an unlucky first season with injuries. And United, from what I’m hearing, have no intention to sell Mount, so at the moment it’s absolutely under control and he’s set to be involved in the project of Erik ten Hag.

Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte said yes to Manchester United a few days ago – they’ve reached an agreement with the player and his agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Leny Yoro. Ugarte wants to go to Man United and so now they’re negotiating with PSG – also because United know that PSG are advancing well in talks to sign a new midfielder – Joao Neves.

Paris Saint-Germain have presented an official offer to Benfica for Neves – around €70m, but Benfica want more. Still, they understand that they will not get the full €120m release clause for Neves – they always tried to ask for this clause and this is why a deal didn’t happen earlier, but they now know that Neves has agreed terms with PSG.

Neves is convinced by the PSG project under Luis Enrique, and Benfica also know that PSG will not pay the clause. For now, the €70m offer is not enough, but negotiations are ongoing, and so PSG look like they could sign Neves in the next days.

So, it could be one in and one out in the PSG midfield as Ugarte is an option for Man United. However, I don’t have any substantial update on Adrien Rabiot and Man United now, despite links. The player’s camp is talking to several clubs after leaving Juventus on a free transfer, but at the moment I’m not aware of anything imminent with Man United.

Dani Olmo clause expires – what next for Bayern and Barca target?

Dani Olmo’s €60m release clause at RB Leipzig will now expire. So what does it mean? At the time of writing no one has triggered the release clause – there was no last-minute deal, it’s not happening. The relationship between Olmo and Leipzig remains excellent, and the idea remains that if Leipzig receive good proposals, even after the release clause expired, Olmo can still leave the club.

This is the idea, though of course it’s more difficult without a release clause as negotiations will be needed between interested clubs and Leipzig. Still, there is room for things to happen, even if there is nothing currently going on with Chelsea and Manchester City, despite rumours. Man City appreciate the player, but any reports of them working on the deal are fake news, they’ve not been working on the deal. Chelsea, meanwhile, believe they are already well covered with left-footed attacking players.

Still, there is interest from other Premier League clubs, so it could be an interesting situation to watch, let’s see if they will move in the next few days or weeks. Meanwhile, as I’ve previously reported, Olmo remains an option for Bayern Munich in case their deal for Xavi Simons collapses. Olmo is still on Bayern’s list, so let’s see what happens with Simons, as Olmo is still an option for Bayern.

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This is nothing new – Olmo has been on Bayern’s list since May, with Max Eberl, former director at Leipzig, knowing the player very well. Barcelona also appreciate Olmo and have a good relationship with his agents, because he shares agents with Mikayil Faye, so they had the opportunity to ask about his situation. Still, for Barca, the priority is Nico Williams.

Let’s see what happens with Williams, but he’s the obsession of Barcelona right now. Negotiations are ongoing on the player side, and then let’s see what Barca decide to do with him or with Olmo eventually, but at the moment there’s still no bid.

In other news…

Alphonso Davies – Now Bayern are open to keeping Alphonso Davies and see what happens in contract talks, but if he doesn’t extend, Davies remains an option for Real Madrid in 2025, but Real Madrid were never gonna pay €50m or €60m for him when he’s just a year away from being a free agent.

Andriy Lunin – Much has been written about Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, and the reality is that he could leave Real Madrid this summer, but to name specific clubs we will have to wait for a few more days. As I said earlier in the week, Real Madrid have not received any approach for Lunin from Chelsea so far.

Julian Alvarez – Manchester City keep considering Julian Alvarez as a key player for them, so it would have to be a big proposal or there is no chance for all the clubs interested. There is no way for loan, I also saw that kind of reports. More talks between Julian’s camp and City in the next days will take place to discuss future steps.

Andreas Pereira – I don’t want to deny any colleague but I don’t have information on talks between Chelsea and Andreas Pereira, or Chelsea and Fulham so far, despite what has been reported in Brazil. Chelsea’s focus is on a right-footed winger, striker, and goalkeeper. On Pereira’s future in general, it will depend on opportunities and what kind of proposals he will receive.

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Calafiori to Arsenal, Man Utd midfielder signing – 10 high-profile summer transfers to watch out for next

Mark Brus — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 12:37:41 +0000

There’s always so much transfer news to sift through at this time of the year, but we’ve put together ten deals that genuinely look like ones to watch out for very soon, if Fabrizio Romano and other top journalists are anything to go by.

While there’s still plenty of time left until Deadline Day, and we’ve seen more than a few twists and turns in some major sagas in recent times, here’s a look at some signings that should go through soon due to being at an advanced stage, or that are at least being worked on at the moment.

Read on four our pick of ten transfer deals to watch out for next this summer…

Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal

After weeks of speculation, it now looks like the Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal transfer deal is more or less a done deal, with just some formalities remaining before it can be made official, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column earlier today, Romano said: “Riccardo Calafiori and Arsenal – the ‘here we go’ is coming because there is an agreement between Arsenal and Bologna on a €40m fixed fee, €5m in add-ons, and a sell-on clause for Bologna.

“Calafiori had already agreed a contract with Arsenal back in June, which would be until 2029, so everything is ready for him to go to Arsenal.

“Despite some reports that the deal had stalled, the reality is that the negotiations never stopped. It was not easy, but they kept going, and now there’s an agreement.”

Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United

After some exciting early deals for young talents Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, Manchester United could make another smart move to strengthen their squad as they’ve agreed personal terms with PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

As also reported by Romano, Ugarte wants to join Man Utd, and the Uruguay international looks like he could be an important upgrade on inconsistent performers like Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat, who looked far from good enough for much of last season.

This perhaps isn’t as advanced as something like the Calafiori to Arsenal deal, as United still need to agree a deal with PSG, but one imagines they’ll be prepared t let him go as they have a midfield signing of their own in the works. More on that next…

Joao Neves to PSG

Although it’s not done yet, PSG are accelerating their efforts to sign Benfica midfield wonderkid Joao Neves, as French football expert Jonathan Johnson exclusively told us for his column last week.

Neves is one of the most exciting young players in the world in his position, and it makes sense that the Ligue 1 giants seem keen to offload someone like Ugarte and bring in this exciting long-term addition who perhaps looks a better fit for Luis Enrique’s style of play.

“Joao Neves to PSG looks to be accelerating at the moment, with PSG stealing a march on other European competitors,” Johnson said on Thursday.

“PSG are looking to negotiate a deal with Benfica, with Neves happy to make the move to the Parc des Princes. It’s now down to the two clubs to reach an agreement.”

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Victor Osimhen to PSG

Another big name to watch for PSG will be Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is another concrete target for the French champions as they look for a big-name signing up front to replace departing star Kylian Mbappe.

Osimhen to PSG looks to be advancing, as Romano recently told us, and it’s fair to say the Nigeria international will be one of the biggest names to move this summer if this deal does go through.

Napoli aren’t an easy club to negotiate with, so this one can’t be considered a done deal yet, but it seems there is serious intent there from PSG, who surely need upgrades on last summer’s unconvincing new attacking duo Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani.

Victor Osimhen to PSG and Romelu Lukaku to Napoli?

Romelu Lukaku to Napoli

If Osimhen does leave Napoli for PSG, Romano has made it clear that Romelu Lukaku to Napoli would be one to watch, with the Belgian striker surely having no future at Chelsea.

Lukaku has been out on loan for the last two seasons, first at Inter Milan and then at Roma, and it seems he could now be set for a spell with a third Serie A club.

Even if Lukaku has flopped at Chelsea, Napoli would surely be pretty happy with him as a replacement for Osimhen up front, especially as one imagines he probably wouldn’t be too expensive.

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Man United handed blow in their pursuit of 19-year-old midfield prodigy

Saikat Chatterjee — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 08:43:56 +0000

Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has been linked with a move away from the Portuguese club this summer and the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City are keen on securing his signature.

However, a report from Portuguese publication A Bola (h/t TEAMtalk) claims that the player is not considering a move to either of the two Manchester clubs and he has his heart set on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The French outfit have offered €70 million for the midfielder and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.

Neves is highly rated across Europe and he has a bright future ahead of himself. He could develop into a world-class player in the coming years and missing out on him will be a major blow for Manchester United. The Red Devils need to sign a quality central midfielder who can control the tempo of the game from the deep and help out defensively as well. He could have been the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo in the long term.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to move on to other targets now. They will need to strengthen the squad before the summer transfer window closes.

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Man United are set to lose out on Joao Neves

Joao Neves wants PSG move

Meanwhile, the Portuguese international midfielder will be hoping to secure a move to PSG in the coming weeks and compete for major trophies with them. He is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in European football right now and he has the potential potential to justify the €70 million outlay in the near future.

If he manages to fulfil his potential with the French outfit, the deal could look like a masterstroke in the long run. The midfielder will look to continue his development with regular football at PSG and it remains to be seen whether all parties can come to an agreement.

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Transfer news: Leny Yoro to Man Utd one of the signings of the summer, Neves to PSG, and more

Jonathan Johnson — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:35:00 +0000

This article was originally published on the Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Jonathan Johnson’s exclusive transfer articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Leny Yoro could go down as the signing of the summer – Real Madrid will live to regret letting Man United get him

Leny Yoro is heading to Manchester United and it’s certainly a somewhat unexpected destination for him. It’s a very interesting transfer and I think Lille will be happy with the money they’re getting, which will be €50m plus add-ons.

Of course, everybody knows that Yoro prioritised a move to Real Madrid over any other destination, including PSG, so I think we can say with confidence that going to Man United was not his first choice, but I think it’s an interesting move that could really pay off in the long run for United.

I’ve drawn parallels between Yoro and Raphael Varane in the past and I think he really is one of the most talented players of his generation, so I think United have got a really good deal here. And of course he’s actually replacing Varane, so it’s really an upgrade by bringing in almost a younger version of the older, past his peak version of Varane that we saw at Old Trafford.

It’s a good capture for United, but also a good deal for Lille who needed to sell. It’s a blow for PSG, who would’ve loved to make him a key part of their team going forwards, and a crucial long-term part of their defence. It will be interesting to see now how Yoro will settle in with the culture in the UK, but at the same time you look at this United squad and it’s impossible to see this as much of a gamble – he should walk straight into that starting XI.

While it’s a challenge for Yoro, he’s also joining a team where it’s hard to see them doing much worse than they did last season. I think Erik ten Hag is fortunate in many ways to have received this second chance, but I think Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee are interesting signings, and Yoro in particular has the potential to be one of the best deals of the summer anywhere in the transfer window – I’m really confident that United have got hold of a quality player and maybe Real Madrid will regret that as they had a clear run at his signature but weren’t able to put together the financial package necessary to beat United to his signature.

What next for Didier Deschamps and France?

The FFF have decided to continue with Didier Deschamps as manager of the French national team for the remainder of his contract, which runs until after the 2026 World Cup. However, that doesn’t mean that Deschamps will definitely stay on – at the moment, Deschamps is considering his future and will have a discussion with Philippe Diallo, the head of the FFF in the coming days.

Until the outcome of that meeting is known, there won’t be much in the way of speculation as everyone knows who will succeed Deschamps if he decides to step aside or is sacked for whatever reason, and that’s Zinedine Zidane.

Despite his success in winning the World Cup in 2018, I think there is now the growing sense that Deschamps could be doing more with this France side, particularly in terms of the style of football being played. The defence-first approach has brought some results, and helped France get to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, but after defeat in the Euro 2016 final, the 2022 World Cup final and an unexpected early exit in Euro 2020, there is still some feeling of disappointment, even if the blame can’t all be laid on Deschamps.

It’s difficult to imagine Deschamps deciding to step aside now, but it could perhaps be realistic that he’ll communicate the intention to leave after 2026, regardless of the result. Then again, you look at what happened with Gareth Southgate and England, he decided pretty quickly after the tournament that it was time to go, so maybe Deschamps will also decide it’s time to step aside. I imagine, however, that he’d probably find it very difficult to get back into work at club level – if he stays until 2026 that’s another two years after a very long time out of the club game.

It’s a big decision for Deschamps, so let’s see what decision he comes to after his talks with Diallo.

Joao Neves to PSG could mean midfielder sales

Joao Neves to PSG looks to be accelerating at the moment, with PSG stealing a march on other European competitors. PSG are now in a better position to understand what kind of budget they’re working with the TV rights deal now resolved, and so they can now work on the players at the top of their wish list.

As Fabrizio Romano reported in his column earlier today, PSG are looking to negotiate a deal with Benfica, with Neves happy to make the move to the Parc des Princes. It’s now down to the two clubs to reach an agreement, with Benfica insisting on their €120m release clause for Neves.

Of course we know they’re set to miss out on Leny Yoro, who was a priority target, and they don’t want to let Neves pass them by in the same way. If you look at the PSG midfield at the moment, they’ve got Fabian Ruiz, who has just had an excellent Euro 2024 with Spain, then there’s Gabriel Moscardo who’s coming in after injury, so giving Luis Enrique a new option. Logically, it seems like Neves would be completing a midfield three alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery, but there are quite a few options in that area of the pitch.

Obviously there’s scope for Enrique to tinker with his tactics a bit and try new systems, but it could also be that one of those names moves on. Neves is an exciting talent, though, and I can see him becoming a key part of a midfield trio.

Julian Alvarez could work out as a cheaper alternative to Victor Osimhen for PSG

PSG have also been linked with Julian Alvarez and I can see why as he’s an interesting profile, capable of playing as a central striker or out wide, or even moonlighting as a makeshift no.10.

Still, whether it ends up being Alvarez or Victor Osimhen, it will be very difficult to replace the star power of Kylian Mbappe. I’d also be very interested to see what deals like this mean for PSG in terms of which of their current players they feel they can do without. There’s already been talk of a potential move away for Marco Asensio, who’s been linked with Besiktas, while Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with Atletico Madrid.

I don’t, however, see a world in which PSG separate with Goncalo Ramos yet as he did show signs of getting back to his best in the latter stages of last season. I think Asensio or Kolo Muani, and perhaps Carlos Soler as well, would be the most likely options that PSG would consider parting with.

So I think Alvarez is definitely a player PSG could be interested in if he’s available, but I think in order for him to get out of Manchester City now, he would have to force that move. It could be that there’s frustration that he’s only got a bit-part role at City, even if that’s behind Erling Haaland. After a good summer at Copa America maybe he now feels it’s time to go somewhere where he can be the undoubted first choice attacking option, or at least one of the first choice attacking options.

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The Osimhen links gain strength, however, so it may be that Alvarez is one to keep an eye on in case PSG are priced out of a move for the Napoli striker.

Adrien Rabiot leaves Juventus – Premier League next?

Adrien Rabiot is now out of contract with Juventus and has been linked with clubs in the Premier League in the past. He’s a rare free agent with proven quality, and in a market where there doesn’t appear to be much good value knocking about, it has to be said, so I think he’s a good option for any clubs out there who are looking to budget.

Rabiot is attracting interest, and there have been clubs keen to bring him back to England after he had a spell at Manchester City as a youngster, which many people might have forgotten. Still, I think he’ll take his time, as he’s entitled to a bit of a holiday after a long run with France in the Euros.

Despite some speculation, I didn’t think Rabiot would make a decision whilst being at the Euros, and that’s proven to be the case. Now he still has some time to make up his mind as he doesn’t have a set pre-season to return to, so let’s see what offers he receives, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up moving to the Premier League, especially as so many of the clubs there are having to think about how to approach the market sensibly due to potential PSR infringements.

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Transfer news: Leny Yoro Man United here we go! Plus Calafiori to Arsenal, Xavi Simons latest & more

Fabrizio Romano — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:50:00 +0000

Leny Yoro to Manchester United – here we go!

Let me start with a big ‘here we go’ as Leny Yoro to Manchester United is a done deal. We’re just waiting now for the player to sign his contract with Man United, but everything is done in terms of the agreement. Lille already accepted an offer last week of €50m plus €12m in add-ons – a fantastic offer for Lille for a player who is out of contract next summer – and then United were also able to agree a contract with Yoro, who will join on a five-year deal with the option of one more year on top of that.

Yoro has already been in Manchester in the last 24 hours to undergo medical tests, with the first part of those tests already done. He will complete more tests and then sign the contract as a new Manchester United player. My opinion is that although this is expensive, it looks like an excellent and elite signing for Man United, as we know Yoro was also wanted by a number of other top clubs.

Real Madrid made their move but it was always the same, clear strategy: join now for €20-25m or join next summer on free transfer. Real have been clear with Yoro but he didn’t want to wait longer, Real were never going to pay €50m for a player out of contract in one season. Man United’s strategy was expensive but absolutely smart and perfect, the only way to sign the player. Liverpool were also interested but they also didn’t want to spend over €60m package for Yoro, even if they appreciated the player.

Paris Saint-Germain were also interested but Yoro wanted to try a new challenge in a different league, so really it was Real Madrid who were the main rivals to United in this deal. Yoro waited one week for Real Madrid, but they were out of the conversation with Lille after they accepted Man United’s bid. Then after a week of waiting, they understood that Yoro eventually decided to accept the chance to move to Old Trafford instead. Real Madrid was Yoro’s biggest dream, he really wanted to go there, but then he decided to move to Man United after seeing how strong and convincing they were in talks with the player and his family, also in terms of the project and offering him an important salary.

And so United have been able to sign a fantastic defender, it looks like a really great signing. Some fans have been asking me about what this deal means for the interest in Matthijs de Ligt – for now, the discussions have been positive and advanced but now for Man United it’s time to think about the outgoings. Man United still want one more centre-back but selling players is absolutely crucial for them, this is why the Matthijs de Ligt story remains open but not imminent now.

Xavi Simons future to be decided soon

Xavi Simons continues to be linked with Manchester United and it’s something realistic because there has long been plenty of interest from him around Europe, including in England. However, I’ve been checking with my sources and they’re still saying the same thing – that Simons is most likely to continue in Germany next season.

We know that Bayern Munich are trying to sign Simons, but RB Leipzig are also still absolutely in the mix. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s between Bayern and Leipzig. Max Eberl is pushing every day to bring Simons to Bayern after he also signed him when he was at Leipzig last summer.

I don’t expect this to be a long saga that drags into August because Simons wants to decide soon, but for now it’s between Bayern and Leipzig, and Man United are not in advanced talks over Simons.

Latest on Joao Neves and Victor Osimhen to PSG

There continue to be plenty of transfer rumours about Joao Neves, and what I’m told is that the talented young Benfica midfielder is ready to say yes to Paris Saint-Germain. Neves is attracted to the PSG project and to the idea of working under a coach like Luis Enrique, who has always done a good job with technical players in midfield similar to Neves.

So, on the player side this is all okay, but the most important part now is for the two clubs to reach an agreement. PSG have informed Benfica of their interest, but the reality is that Benfica have always said they want the €120m release clause – they’re not going to accept any offers like €60-70m.

This is Benfica’s position, but PSG want to continue pushing in order to anticipate English clubs who are also interested in Neves. PSG want to go strong with this one, they know it’s not easy, but they know the player is keen on the move, and that he’s attracted by the project and keen to work under Enrique, who he considers a fantastic coach.

Another big story for PSG is that Victor Osimhen is really open to making the move to Paris. Luis Campos was also the director at Lille when Osimhen was there, so this is an important factor, and so far the conversations with the Napoli striker’s agents have been very positive. The contract for Osimhen is not expected to be a problem, but similarly to the Neves story, the negotiation between PSG and Napoli will be important.

At the moment, the situation between the two clubs is tense after the talk of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earlier this summer. How PSG went about their interest in Kvaratskhelia made Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis upset, and so now they need to find a way to come to an agreement. PSG want to pay under Osimhen’s release clause, and so conversations are ongoing.

So, the situation is that PSG are advancing in talks with the player, he’s open to joining PSG. PSG want to negotiate but we know it’s never easy with Napoli. For sure, the priority for Osimhen is to leave Napoli and this is the intention. PSG are on it, in case Osimhen leaves Napoli will surely go for Romelu Lukaku as his replacement.

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Still no breakthrough in Riccardo Calafiori transfer talks

I know Arsenal fans are keen for an update on Riccardo Calafiori, but there are no substantial changes to the situation yet. Arsenal and Bologna remain in contact but there’s no agreement over the €50m fee.

The issue is that Bologna want guaranteed money while Arsenal’s proposal includes add-ons structure to get to €50m potential fee. Despite what has been suggested elsewhere, there’s no ‘issue’ with Basel: they will receive 50% of the deal, that’s it. Bologna want €50m fixed exactly because they have to give over €20m to Basel, this is the point.

Let’s see if the clubs can reach a breakthrough in talks soon, but for now there isn’t really any major development to report.

Jean-Clair Todibo to Juventus latest

Juventus can bid for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo as soon as they sell at least one more player. Talks are ongoing to sell Soule, Chiesa, Dean Huijsen. For sure Juventus already have the green light from Todibo, and he will wait for them despite West Ham agreeing a deal with Nice.

Juve will be Todibo’s priority, so let’s see what they can do in terms of player sales before making their move to Nice. We’ll see as well if other clubs get involved as it’s still early this summer, so anything can happen.

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Exclusive: PSG accelerating in efforts to sign midfield wonderkid, says expert

Mark Brus — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:26:52 +0000

Paris Saint-Germain are accelerating in talks to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer, according to French football expert Jonathan Johnson.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Johnson explained that PSG are looking to add another midfielder, with Neves making sense as a target to play alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery in a first-choice midfield three for Luis Enrique.

This could likely mean PSG will sell players in that area of the pitch, according to Johnson, so it remains to be seen what will happen with the likes of Fabian Ruiz and Manuel Ugarte, who has been linked with Manchester United in Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive Daily Briefing column recently.

Neves has shown immense potential at Benfica, so it will be interesting to see how his career progresses if he does get the move to PSG.

Joao Neves to PSG?

One imagines the Portuguese wonderkid won’t come cheap, so PSG might well be the best-placed to afford this signing at the moment, especially with the money freed up from no longer paying Kylian Mbappe’s wages after his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Neves transfer: PSG talks accelerating and midfielders could leave

“Joao Neves to PSG looks to be accelerating at the moment, with PSG stealing a march on other European competitors,” Johnson said.

“PSG are now in a better position to understand what kind of budget they’re working with the TV rights deal now resolved, and so they can now work on the players at the top of their wish list.

“As Fabrizio Romano reported in his column earlier today, PSG are looking to negotiate a deal with Benfica, with Neves happy to make the move to the Parc des Princes. It’s now down to the two clubs to reach an agreement, with Benfica insisting on their €120m release clause for Neves.

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“Of course we know they’re set to miss out on Leny Yoro, who was a priority target, and they don’t want to let Neves pass them by in the same way. If you look at the PSG midfield at the moment, they’ve got Fabian Ruiz, who has just had an excellent Euro 2024 with Spain, then there’s Gabriel Moscardo who’s coming in after injury, so giving Luis Enrique a new option. Logically, it seems like Neves would be completing a midfield three alongside Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery, but there are quite a few options in that area of the pitch.

“Obviously there’s scope for Enrique to tinker with his tactics a bit and try new systems, but it could also be that one of those names moves on. Neves is an exciting talent, though, and I can see him becoming a key part of a midfield trio.”

The post Exclusive: PSG accelerating in efforts to sign midfield wonderkid, says expert appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man City keen on £100m midfielder as Pep Guardiola eyes another marquee signing

Ahad Shaukat — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:28:40 +0000

Manchester City have been the dominant force in English football for a long time now.

They have won four Premier League titles in a row and under the leadership of Pep Guardiola, they have managed to win the league title six times.

The City owners have always backed Guardiola in the transfer market by giving him a free hand to make signings that he feels can take the club to the next level.

The Spaniard has spent hefty amounts on Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City could be about to do the same again after keeping an eye on Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves.

A new report from O Jogo claims that even though Paris Saint-Germain have taken action to secure a deal for Portuguese international Joao Neves of Benfica, Man City are still monitoring the player, who has a £100 million release clause in his contract.

This transfer window, the gifted young player is anticipated to land a high-profile move after making his way into Benfica’s starting lineup.

Joao Neves to Man City?

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Throughout the summer, Neves, 19, has been linked to both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

The Portuguese club have made it clear that they are only willing to let the player leave if his release clause is paid in full.

Man City have the financial power to sign Neves

Given the financial muscle that Man City have, they can afford the player and having made the club a financial powerhouse thanks to their sponsorship deals and the backing from the owner, not many club in Europe can compete with them.

At the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola already has a significant Portuguese presence in his squad.

If Neves moves to the Etihad Stadium, he will have the support of compatriots Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes and Joao Cancelo.

City signing the Benfica midfielder would be a huge blow to Man United, who have been chasing the midfielder all summer.

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Exclusive: Man United eye two big-name midfielders as Matthijs de Ligt transfer nearly done

Mark Brus — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:27:59 +0000

Manchester United are expecting to wrap up the final details of the Matthijs de Ligt transfer in the next seven days or so and will then focus on midfield targets such as Joao Neves, CaughtOffside understands.

Man Utd are optimistic about finalising the De Ligt deal with Bayern Munich after already reaching an agreement on personal terms with the Dutch centre-back, and sources suggest everything should be done in the next week.

The Red Devils still need to work out some details involving the structure of the fee and bonuses to Bayern, but they are hopeful of doing so, and already have some targets in mind for midfield, with Benfica wonderkid Neves one name on their list, while Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton could be a cheaper alternative.

Although Neves is appreciated by United and other top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, sources have informed CaughtOffside that Benfica don’t seem prepared to budge on his €120m release clause, which could see interested clubs look elsewhere this summer.

Neves transfer: Should Man Utd break the bank or go for Wharton?

Adam Wharton to Manchester United?

CaughtOffside understands that Wharton is another name in United’s sights after his impressive form at Palace in recent times, with the 20-year-old working his way into Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 England squad this summer.

Palace surely won’t want to sell so soon after signing Wharton, but it’s clear he’s got what it takes to play at the very highest level after showing tremendous potential early on in his career.

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Neves is another elite talent who’d surely be ideal for MUFC, but Wharton would be a fine alternative.

Elsewhere, sales are also likely for United in the coming weeks, with Jadon Sancho on the radar of Juventus, though remaining at Old Trafford now also seems an increasing possibility after the player’s return to training under Erik ten Hag this week.

The post Exclusive: Man United eye two big-name midfielders as Matthijs de Ligt transfer nearly done appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arne Slot makes signing £101m midfielder his main priority at Liverpool

Ahad Shaukat — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:59:37 +0000

Liverpool will have an important summer transfer window as this is their first window after the departure of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have been clever with their transfer business under former manager and they have conducted their business in the market differently compared to other clubs.

They have focused on being conservative with their spending while also addressing the issues in the squad.

However, in order to sign new manager Arne Slot’s midfield target this summer, they may have to splash the cash and break their transfer record.

19-year-old Benfica midfielder Joao Neves is now linked with a move to Anfield and he has been mentioned as the main priority of Slot.

Portuguese publication CM Jornal claims that Liverpool have at last decided that Neves is the man they wish to concentrate their efforts on.

The Portugal international is reportedly Slot’s “main priority” for the summer transfer window.

With a stellar Primeira Liga season, the youngster has become one of European football’s most sought-after talents.

Joao Neves to Liverpool?

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