Transfer Rumours: Ayyoub Bouaddi progress as Chelsea breakthrough imminent

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 18 July, including the latest updates on Ayyoub Bouaddi, Trevoh Chalobah and Ezri Konsa.

Man City edge closer to Bouaddi deal

Man City have made progress over a potential deal for Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, Ben Jacobs reports.

The two clubs have been in contact for a month, with the Ligue 1 side making their demands very clear: an immediate transfer, which is City's preference, will require a fee in the region of €100 million.

Lille will only sell the 18-year-old for less if the buying club permits them to re-sign him on loan until 2027. Bouaddi will hold talks with the French club's president, Olivier Letang, when he returns from his post-World Cup holiday.

Chalobah agreement close

Como are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Cesc Fabregas and company were initially willing to let Inter complete a deal for the England star because they did not want to get dragged into a bidding war. However, the Serie A champions baulked at Chelsea's valuation and left the talks.

This has allowed Como to revive their pursuit of Chalobah. A bid made up of €30m upfront and a further €5m in bonuses is on the table. Chelsea want more, but it is believed that the gap in valuation is not insurmountable.

Arsenal to make Konsa bid

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, the Daily Mail writes.

The Gunners are in the market for a replacement for William Saliba, who is believed to be sidelined for several months after suffering a serious back injury at the World Cup. An opening bid for Konsa is in the works.

However, there is currently thought to be a sizeable gap in valuation between Arsenal and Aston Villa. The latter want to keep the England defender and hand him a new contract, a scenario that can't be ruled out at this stage.

Romero latest

Tottenham accept that they may not be able to get their preferred fee for Cristian Romero due to his injury record, TEAMtalk claims.

Spurs value their captain at roughly €60m, but there is a growing belief that suitors will be reluctant to pay more than €50m for the wantaway defender, who is 28 and has repeatedly struggled to stay fit during his time in North London.

Man Utd are no longer believed to be interested in the Argentina international, but El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid have held talks over a potential move, while there is also strong interest from Inter.

Kone bid coming

AS Roma expect Man Utd to make a bid for Manu Kone imminently, Gazzetta dello Sport understands.

Man Utd are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign the France international, but there is no agreement with Roma so far, contrary to some sensationalist claims. It is true, however, that Kone is keen on the move to Old Trafford.

Roma reportedly value Kone at over €50m, while it is not yet clear how much Man Utd are prepared to pay for him. Agreeing a deal with the Serie A club should not prove too difficult, however, because they want to sell the 25-year-old to balance the books.

More transfer rumours

Chelsea are ready to make a €100m bid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. (The Chelsea Chronicle)

Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is set to join Benfica on loan from Al-Nassr. (Fabrizio Romano)

Man Utd are among the clubs interested in Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin. (Daily Record)

The father and agent of former Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt has been at Leeds' training ground for talks over a free transfer. (Sky Sports)

Arsenal have reduced their asking price for Gabriel Jesus from €30m to just over €20m. (Jorge Nicola)

Tottenham are open to selling Richarlison, who is keen to stay in the UK after recently passing his British citizenship test. (TEAMtalk)

Inter are closing in on a contract agreement with in-demand striker Pio Esposito. (Nicolo Schira)