Joe McConnell
The most important news and transfer rumours published in Saturday’s newspapers…
THE SUN
Arsenal could finally land Mikel Merino for £30m.
The father of football star Lamine Yamal has been released from hospital, two days after being stabbed.
Paul Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4m in a bid to recoup earnings from his four-year ban from playing football.
Jurgen Klopp will return to football management next month, taking charge of the farewell match between Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski.
According to some rumours, Fiorentina are about to offer Victor Lindelof the chance to leave Manchester United.
Manchester United star Scott McTominay has reportedly decided to join Napoli.
THE TIMES
Arsenal are closing in on a £29.8m deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with the Spanish midfielder entering the final year of his contract.
Arsenal are open to selling Thomas Partey, the 31-year-old midfielder who is entering the final year of his contract.
Leicester City have lost Adam Hlozek after a proposed deal for the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker was hijacked by Hoffenheim for an initial fee of £14.5m.
Anthony McGrath has emerged as the favourite to return to Yorkshire and lead a new management team.
Doubts over Birmingham’s hosting of the 2026 European Championships, due to the city council’s financial problems, have now been eased and the event will go ahead at the Alexander Stadium as planned, according to sources within British athletics.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking on the Essential Football podcast, Vscek football journalists Charlotte Marsh and Nick Wright discuss whether Manchester City need to add more strength to their squad for next season.
DAILY MAIL
There was no sign of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford for Friday’s game against Fulham, but Avram Glazer was in the building for the first time since August 2022, when Manchester United lost their first home game of the season to Brighton.
Eberechci Eze’s £60m release clause has expired.
Jhon Duran has been silenced by Aston Villa as he prepares to face the club he longs to join this summer.
Spaniard Jon Rahm is said to be rethinking his nine-figure deal to leave the PGA Tour for the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit in 2023.
DAILY MIRROR
Premier League clubs have been accused of exploiting loyal fans after increasing season ticket prices by up to 32%.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Joao Cancelo could be part of his plans for Manchester City next season.
THE ATHLETIC
Croydon Borough Council has formally approved Crystal Palace’s plans to redevelop Selhurst Park stadium, six-and-a-half years after planning permission was initially granted in principle.
Unai Emery has asked Aston Villa striker John Duran to be “patient” following speculation over his future this summer.
Jobe Bellingham has signed a contract extension with Sunderland.
Leicester City striker Patson Daka will be ruled out of action for several months after undergoing ankle surgery.
Willian has confirmed he will not sign a new contract with Fulham and has left the club.
Thiago Alcantara has left the Barcelona coaching staff, less than a month after the club announced his temporary return.
Kenan Yildiz has signed a new contract with Juventus and becomes the club’s new number 10.
Hull City have completed the permanent signing of Chelsea striker Mason Burstow.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Listen to Ange Postecoglou, Nuno Espirito Santo, Julen Lopetegui and Fabian Hurzeler if they plan to make any more signings this summer.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Enzo Maresca claims Ben Chilwell could leave Chelsea before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
Crystal Palace have rejected a fourth bid from Newcastle United for their captain Marc Guehi, as the Saudi-owned club remain far from the £70m valuation Palace’s owners estimate for the England international.
Chelsea are expected to hold a new round of talks with Atletico Madrid over the weekend as the two clubs aim to break the deadlock over Conor Gallagher and Joao Felix.
THE GUARDIAN
Sean Dyche has said talks over his new contract can wait while the “much bigger picture” of the club’s future remains unresolved.
DAILY EXPRESS
Xabi Alonso has reportedly begged Piero Hincapie to stay at Bayer Leverkusen this summer, despite interest from Liverpool and Tottenham.
Manchester United are reportedly in talks over a possible £51m move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his squad with another signing before the summer transfer window closes.
