Transfer news LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo fears he’ll be STUCK at Man Utd, Messi in DISAGREEMENT with Mbappe over Neymar

Arsenal ‘hours away from Jesus transfer’

Arsenal could complete the purchase of Gabriel Jesus in HOURS, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer expert told wettfreunde: “I’m sure that Arsenal are absolutely leading the race (for Gabriel Jesus).

Arsenal are in really advanced talks. So they have the chance to complete this deal.

“If they want, it could be a matter of hours or days to complete this deal.

“They are in final stages but it is really important to complete these key details that sometimes could create some problems.”

Mane receives special welcome

Bayern Munich celebrated the arrival of Sadio Mane by lighting up the Allianz Arena with his name in an incredible display.

 Bayern chiefs celebrated the move in impressive style once darkness descended on Munich.

The streets around the Allianz Arena were buzzing in a red glow, with a series of glittering white lights spelling out the name "Mane" along the side.

Bayern Munich shared the incredible snap of their ground on Instagram, simply captioned "Mane".

Sterling urged not to join Chelsea

Raheem Sterling has been urged not to join Chelsea by Trevor Sinclair.

He told talkSPORT when asked if Sterling should swap Man City for the Blues: “I would say no because I don’t think Chelsea will be competitive with Man City and Liverpool next season.

“They’ve lost players, the club is in a transitional phase where they’ve lost a lot of players and they’ve got to do a lot of rebuilding.”

Firminho tipped for Liverpool exit

Roberto Firminho is likely to be next out of Liverpool's exit following Sadio Mane's departure to Bayern Munich.

That's according to ex-Reds star Stuart Downing who reckons Firminho will play second fiddle to new recruit Darwin Nunez next season.

Downing said ahead of the 360 Sports TV Masters Cup: "I hope Darwin Nunez hits the ground running. I see Firmino being a backup player to him.

"If they can get Firmino back to the form he was at a couple of seasons ago, it’s another great dimension for Liverpool.

“But this will probably be his last year, or he might do until January.”

Sterling’s transfer demands revealed

Man City ace Raheem Sterling will only leave the club for regular first-team football and Champions League nights, reports claim.

The 27-year-old still has lofty ambitions that he wants to fulfill by playing consistently, the Daily Express reported.

And that puts Chelsea in pole position for his signature as they can provide Sterling with both demands.

Arsenal ‘prioritise two transfers’

Arsenal have reportedly prioritised the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha over Youri Tielemans.

The Gunners are still keen on Leicester city midfielder Tielemans, but want to recruit Man City ace Jesus and Leeds star Raphinha first.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

He told Caught Offside: “Arsenal have long had contacts with the player’s camp and with Leicester but have not made official offers so far.

“Talks are still on, but they are not at the key stages yet because the club is focused on Gabriel Jesus as a priority and is trying to compete for Raphinha, two deals on which you need to be quick.”

Santa Clauss is coming

Chelsea’s transfer pursuit of Lens ace Jonathan Clauss has received a major boost as the French side have signed another right back.

Chelsea should have no problem snapping up Clauss who previously revealed it’s his dream to join the Blues.

And Lens have pre-empted his exit by recruiting Angers star Jimmy Cabot, the Daily Express reported.

Cabot’s £1.7m arrival at Lens should open the door to a smooth exit for Clauss to West London.

Clauss’ contract expires next summer, and Lens would rather cash in on the defender now instead of losing him for free then.

However, the Blues face competition in the form of Atletico Madrid who have also been tracking the full-back.

Overnight transfer round-up

Chelsea players want boss Thomas Tuchel to pursue Everton striker Richarlison and Ajax winger Antony hopes to join Manchester United.

Tottenham, Arsenal and even United have also been linked to Richarlison.

And it seems Stamford Bridge stars are keen on the Brazilian matching Raheem Sterling as a major target for Tuchel.

Meanwhile, it's thought Ajax are demanding £69million for Antony.

But Dutch media claim he's eager to join old boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Ajax also reportedly value defenders Lisandro Martinez and Jurrien Timber at £52m apiece - another deterrent for United.

Crystal Palace are set to beat United to signing Derby winger Malcolm Ebiowei, 18, on a free transfer.

And it's claimed Chelsea-linked winger Ousmane Dembele has told Barcelona boss Xavi he'd like to stay at the Nou Camp.

And in a blow to Tuchel and Tottenham, PSG are tipped to up their offer for Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar.

United and Chelsea are said to be keen on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Finally, Burnley's England keeper Nick Pope is expected to have a medical at Newcastle today ahead of a £10million move.

Blues’ Mane pain

Chelsea transfer target Ousmane Dembele has reportedly told Barcelona boss Xavi that he would like to STAY at the Nou Camp, writes JOSHUA MBU.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month.

A move to Stamford Bridge would see Dembele reunite with Thomas Tuchel, who he worked under at Borussia Dortmund.

However, according to Catalan paper Mundo Deportivo, Dembele has communicated with Barca boss Xavi that he would like to stay.

On Barca‘s side, the club are not prepared to budge on the offer already on the table to the Frenchman.

Should Dembele re-sign with the Catalan giants, he’ll play an integral role in Xavi’s frontline.

In May, Xavi said on Dembele’s situation: “Negotiations are ongoing and we are going to be optimistic.

“I hope he can stay – he has helped us a lot during the last six months.

“He’s a decisive player with lots of assists and he has been excellent in many games.

“When he hasn’t played, we’ve missed him. He is a football player that I like and we’d like to stay, but we’ll have to see.”

Palace beat Utd to Ebiowei

Crystal Palace are set to beat Manchester United to signing 18-year-old Derby winger Malcolm Ebiowei on a free transfer.

Monaco were also keen after he played 16 Championship games for the Rams last season.

It's understood he'll have a medical on Monday.

And it is believed he has agreed a contract until 2027.

He follows the same path as forward Luke Plange.

He left Pride Park for Selhurst Park for £1million in January, before returning to Derby on loan.

Brugge are a friend of Afo

Stoke striker Benik Afobe is on his way to Champions League football next season with Club Brugge. 

Former Arsenal ace Afobe, 29, has spent his last three seasons on loan at Bristol City, Trabzonspor and Millwall since signing for £12million in 2018. 

And he's chosen the Belgian champions ahead of the Lions and Watford. 

Brugge have won the Pro League for the last three seasons. 

And that means another crack among the elite at Europe’s top table.

In 2021-22, they managed a draw against Paris Saint-Germain and beat RB Leipzig but were thumped 5-1 and 4-1 by Manchester City. 

Afobe, though, will be desperate to test himself against some of the continent’s best defenders next season. 

Last season he managed 13 goals in all competitions on loan at The New Den. 

Millwall boss Gary Rowett was keen to try and keep him on but is resigned to missing out. 

Chelsea stars want Richarlison in

EXCLUSIVE: Richarlison is emerging as the key signing senior Chelsea stars want to see at their club, writes ANDREW DILLON.

Chelsea have joined rivals Tottenham and Arsenal in pursuit of the £50million-rated Brazilian now that flop striker Romelu Lukaku has been offloaded.

Striker Lukaku is on his way back to Inter Milan on loan after a disastrous year and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is looking to beef up his forward line in response.

Richarlison, Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele have all been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge and all would be considered great additions by the current squad.

But fiery Brazilian Richarlison’s characteristic aggression and tenacity are seen as decisive factors in the minds of some players.

The South American hothead has been hit with an FA charge for hurling a smoke bomb into the crowd at Goodison Park least season in celebration at scoring against Chelsea.

Richarlison, 25, has made it clear to Everton boss Frank Lampard that he wants out with two years left on his contract.

He scored 11 goals in a team struggling against relegation last season but it’s his devilish personality that appeals most to some in the Chelsea camp.

Pope set for £10m toon medical tomorrow

Nick Pope will have a medical in Newcastle on Thursday ahead of a £10million move from Burnley.

A deal with the Championship Clarets has been struck and the England keeper will become the Saudi-owned Magpies’ second summer signing.

Pope, 30, had one year left on his Turf Moor contract but is desperate to stay in the Prem to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.

Eddie Howe made his move last week and Pope will battle Martin Dubravka for the No1 jersey.

Pope will follow left-back Matt Targett to Tyneside - and hopes are rising that defender Sven Botman will soon follow.

Toon have been reluctant to play ball with Lille after the French club upped their asking price from £30m to £37m but remain in talks.

PSG and Spurs wait in wings over Jesus

Arsenal are in “very advanced” talks to sign Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus deal update. Arsenal are working on it and negotiations are very advanced.

“Arsenal will now need to be fast on final, key details involving player/agents to get the deal done and avoid twists.

“Tottenham & PSG, still waiting to see the end of this story.”

Chelsea and Spurs face Milan snub

Chelsea and Tottenham have been dealt a blow after Paris Saint-Germain launched a second, improved bid for Milan Skriniar, according to reports.

The two Premier League sides are desperately seeking defensive reinforcements this summer.

Spurs have qualified for the Champions League after a three-year absence and will need to improve their squad depth to compete on all fronts.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and are expected to lose both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso before the start of the new season.

Utd & Chelsea keen on Anfield transfer guru

Manchester United and Chelsea are eying Liverpool’s outgoing transfer guru Michael Edwards.

He played a lead role in Alisson, Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Thiago and Fabinho coming to Anfield.

He became Liverpool's head of analytics in 2011 before working his way up to sporting director.

United are shaking up their recruitment department - football director John Murtough - following Erik ten Hag's arrival as manager this summer.

And Chelsea need a new transfer supremo after director Marina Granovskaia's exit.