Forest approach Lodi, Barcelona want Santos and Mbappe prefers Arsenal - FootballTransfers recap

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 7 Jul 2023 23:25 BST
• 7 min read

As pre-season begins to take shape, Europe's elite clubs are beginning to mould their first-team squad as the summer transfer window continues to heat up.

We've got plenty to cover so let's dive in.

Forest make Lodi approach

FootballTransfers exclusively reported that Nottingham Forest have made an approach for Renan Lodi and talks are ongoing. The defender left the club after a loan spell, being one of the star players for Steve Cooper’s side last campaign. Now we are told that the club have made an approach for the Brazilian in recent days. It is not clear whether a deal can be wrapped up, with Lodi having the ambition to play Champions League football next season, but the Premier League side are now firmly at the table, though there is no indication yet whether a firm offer will be made by them.

Garnacho to have key role at Man Utd

FootballTransfers also exclusively revealed that Erik ten Hag is set to use Alejandro Garnacho as a key first-team player in the new season. We are told that the Manchester United coach wants to interchange the youngster and Marcus Rashford, who he thought overworked last season.

Barcelona want Santos

Barcelona have registered shock interest in Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, according to reports from Brazil. The teenager is still yet to play for the Premier League giants due to returning to Vasca da Gama on loan after joining Chelsea in January. The Blaugrana see him as a potential heir to the departed Sergio Busquets.

Greenwood to Atalanta?

Atalanta are reportedly eyeing up a loan move for Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. The 21-year-old has been suspended by the Red Devils for nearly 18 months following his arrest in January 2022. It's thought that Greenwood could act as a makeweight in Man Utd's push to sign Atalanta starlet Rasmus Hojlund.

Chelsea confirm Franca interest

Flamengo are encouraging Chelsea to make a proposal for Matheus Franca but the Blues are talking to a number of players to fulfil that position. FootballTransfers have been told that the Brazilian club are prepared to let the 19-year-old depart this summer window if a club meets their asking price of €25million with add-ons.

Brighton want £100 million for Caicedo

According to a report in the Guardian, Brighton have set their asking price for Moises Caicedo at £100 million. Having seen Alexis Mac Allister sold relatively cheap to Liverpool, who triggered a release clause in the World Cup winner’s deal, it appears they are eager to leverage as much money as possible from big-spending Chelsea, who have made Caicedo their absolute priority in the midfield this summer. Meanwhile, Caicedo has explained that he will listen to God when considering whether to leave Brighton or to stay put at the Amex Stadium.

Guler admits why he joined Real Madrid

Arda Guler has revealed that Real Madrid hold a different level of power in transfer negotiations than Barcelona. Following his move to the Santiago Bernabeu, Guler was asked why he decided to join Real Madrid instead of their El Clasico rivals. “Barça wanted me, but when Real Madrid want you, the conversation is over,” he replied.

Mbappe open to Arsenal transfer

Kylian Mbappe would rather join Arsenal than Liverpool were he to move to the Premier League. The Independent report that, while Arsenal have not yet made any contact with Mbappe, the 24-year-old would favour a move to the Gunners in the event that he came to English football. Mbappe is said to admire the team’s development under Mikel Arteta and be excited by the possibility of helping Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2003/04.

Man Utd urged to sign Partey

Manchester United legend Paul Ince thinks his old club should try to sign Thomas Partey from Arsenal, as the Gunners close in on Declan Rice. Rice is poised to make a British-record £105m million switch from West Ham to the Emirates Stadium, and Arsenal may have to offload players to help pay for that transfer. Partey has been linked with a move away from last season’s Premier League runners-up – and Ince feels the Ghanaian international would fit ideally into Man Utd’s midfield.

Koeman slams Barcelona

Ronald Koeman has criticised Barcelona’s approach to transfers, questioning his former club’s continued signing of players in their 30s.Barca’s two signings so far this summer have both been 32-year-olds: Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez – who joined the La Liga champions as free agents after leaving Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao respectively.