Transfer news LIVE!
The summer transfer window has been blown wide open by the sensational news that Lionel Messi is leaving Barcelona - and that could spark a battle for the best free agent in history.
Barca confirmed on Thursday evening that LaLiga regulations make a new contract for Messi financially impossible... though it could well be argued that the Catalan giants have made this mess themselves.
So, where next for Messi? Manchester City have just signed Jack Grealish and handed their new £100m signing the No10 shirt, while Pep Guardiola has confirmed Tottenham striker Harry Kane is a key target ahead of Messi - so PSG immediately look the favourites to sign the GOAT on a two-year contract, though Chelsea have also now been sensationally linked.
England captain Kane has also denied refusing to train at Spurs and says he will return to the club this weekend “as planned”, while Tottenham have clinched the £47m signing of Cristian Romero.
Chelsea want Romelu Lukaku to lead their attack, and a +£100m deal with Inter Milan is expected to bring the Belgian back to Stamford Bridge. With the Blues deciding against Erling Haaland this summer, that should spark a transfer scramble next year when his release clause of around £65m kicks in.
Manchester United have made two key early deals: Jadon Sancho has arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £73million, while Raphael Varane just needs to complete his medical after flying into Manchester. Paul Pogba could be on the move, but the availability of Messi could end PSG’s interest.
Arsenal have made one big move in £50m Ben White, and want another in Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. Hector Bellerin could be used as a makeweight. Sticking with the Gunners, Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes is being touted as an alternative to Manuel Locatelli, while Martin Odegaard could make a return.
