Transfer Rumours: Arsenal make move for 'new Kvaratskhelia' as rivals close in on €150m signings

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Suraj Radia | Editor

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 21 August including latest updates on Savinho, Yankuba Minteh and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal make move for ‘new Kvaratskhelia’

Arsenal have made a pre-contract offer to sign Georgia under-21 international Andrea Bartishvili, the BBC have reported.

The 17-year-old has been compared to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Arsenal are said to have ‘accelerated’ their interest in signing Bartishvili when his contract at FC Kolkheti expires at the end of December.

Arsenal’s move for Bartishvili has been led by Maurizio Micheli, the assistant of sporting director Andrea Berta, who is credited with unearthing Kvaratskhelia during his time at Napoli where he was chief scout.

However, Bartishvili, who is currently on loan at Iberia 1999, is believed to have other options and is still to decide on his next move.

Tottenham close in on Man City duo

Tottenham are close to signing Savinho from Manchester City after agreeing a fee of nearly €100 million for the winger.

Savinho has been a long-term target for Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi’s side have finally made a breakthrough on the deal, according to Brazilian outlet ge globo.

It is claimed that a fee of €93.3m will be paid up front by Spurs in addition to €5.7m in performance-related bonuses – a club record sale for City.

Formal clearance is now anticipated for Savinho to travel for a medical, with Spurs also in talks to sign Omar Marmoush from City in a double deal that is expected to cost over €150m.

Liverpool have Minteh bid turned down

Liverpool have had a bid of £50m (€58.3m) rejected for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Minteh is currently recovering from surgery on a leg injury he suffered earlier this month that will keep him sidelined for another eight weeks.

Despite the injury, Minteh is said to be one of several wingers Liverpool are tracking, with manager Andoni Iraola desperate to sign an attacking option to replace Mohamed Salah.

Minteh is understood to be keen on the move if a fee can be agreed, although it remains to be see how much Brighton demand or if Liverpool return with a new offer.

Inter consider Martinelli signing from Arsenal

Inter have emerged as strong contenders to sign Gabriel Martinelli this summer after the door opened for the Brazilian’s departure from Arsenal.

Martinelli is in the final year of his contract with the Gunners and, although there is an option to extend for another 12 months, Arsenal are open to offers for the winger.

According to Corriere Dello Sport, Inter could look to make one final addition to their squad in the late stages of the transfer window, with Martinelli seen as a potential option.

Arsenal had been in talks to sell Martinelli to Galatasaray but the 25-year-old had no desire to make the move despite an offer of around €45m being submitted.

More rumours

Aston Villa have had a bid of around €20m rejected by Southampton for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis. (The Athletic)

Manchester City are working on a deal for 22-year old Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, who has a €100m release clause, as a replacement for Tottenham-bound Savinho. (The Athletic)

Inter midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic has decided to stay at the club until January despite interest from clubs in the Premier League. (Calciomercato)

Real Madrid have shown strong interest in Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt, who has an €80m release clause. (SPORT)

A deal has been agreed for Joao Palhinha to join Benfica from Bayern Munich for €14m plus €5m in add-ons, despite interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa. (SPORT TV)

Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of Fiorentina right-back Dodo for €10m. (Tuttomercatoweb)