Chelsea contact Balogun, Man Utd bid for TWO stars and Arsenal sell Xhaka: FootballTransfers recap

Tom Weber

• Updated: 6 Jul 2023 22:35 BST
• 6 min read

Manchester United were quite busy on Thursday as their pursuit of not one but two transfer targets became more concrete.

Plus, Folarin Balogun got in touch with Chelsea and Arsenal made room for Declan Rice. There's plenty to cover, so let's jump right in.

Exclusive: Balogun opens Chelsea talks

FootballTransfers was able to reveal that the representatives of Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun have got in touch with Chelsea to discuss a potential transfer.

Exclusive: Newcastle make Diaby priority

Moreover, we have been told that Newcastle are prioritising a move for Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby over Leicester's Harvey Barnes.

Exclusive: Zaha wants Lazio switch

Out-of-contract former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha is keen on a Lazio move due to their being in the Champions League, we are told.

Exclusive: An inside look at i-BrainTech

Finally, FootballTransfers was granted an exclusive look at i-BrainTech, whose mission statement is straightforward: if athletes spend so long training their bodies, why shouldn’t they train their brains, too?

Arsenal sell Xhaka

Speaking of Leverkusen, they announced the signing of Granit Xhaka on Thursday in a move that is further proof that Declan Rice's deal is done.

Moreover, the Gunners are closing in a Jurrien Timber, who spurned Manchester United to sign for the north London side.

Arsenal are also closing in on another huge signing - but it's not a new player.

Man Utd seek two deals

Manchester United have improved their offer for Andre Onana.

This comes in the wake of Inter's sporting director slamming the Red Devils for lowballing their first proposals.

Erik ten Hag isn't only after a new goalkeeper, he also wants a new striker and he is ready to part with £50 million to get him.

It was also revealed that the Dutchman had been chasing a deal for Mason Mount for six years.

Speaking of whom, will he be a flop at United? It seems unlikely, but the history of Chelsea's biggest sales is cause for concern.

Transfer news

Finally, let's finish up with some more transfer news from around the world. Al-Hilal are ready to triple a Manchester City star's salary in order to lure him to Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool have allegedly made a €200 million offer for Kylian Mbappe.

Barcelona have been given a 24-hour ultimatum to complete the signing of Vitor Roque.

Mauricio Pochettino isn't only keen on Lautaro Martinez, he also wants Chelsea to sign another World Cup winner.

PSG are planning for life without Mbappe and they are ready to activate a Barcelona star's release clause.

Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami has outraged one of his new teammates.

Harry Maguire has been given a pay rise at Manchester United - no, really!

And lastly, an update on why Moises Caicedo's move to Chelsea appears to be stalling.