Transfer news: Liverpool enter race for £70m Arsenal target, Chelsea to cancel striker deal

If it’s all the latest transfer rumours and gossip you’re after, you’re in the right place.

In north London, Arsenal continue to be linked to various wingers, but their hunt for new players is complicated by the lack of a new technical director.

The Gunners were linked with various midfielders in January, but Barcelona’s Denis Suarez was the only one to complete a move on loan, as offers for PSG’s Christopher Nkunku, Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic and Yannick Carrasco could not be agreed. Will they go back for any of those targets?

Elsewhere, neighbours Spurs made no signings in the last two transfer windows, but it hasn’t seemed to harm their progress on the pitch, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side reaching the last eight of the Champions League and beating Manchester City 1-0 in the first leg.

In west London, Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains a Chelsea player despite speculation around his future, and has established himself in Maurizio Sarri’s plans. Does this mean he’ll stay?

But will the Blues sign Gonzalo Higuain permanently in the summer? The Argentine has underwhelmed since joining from Juventus. And will they add to the signing of Christian Pulisic if Eden Hazard departs for Real Madrid?

We’ll guide you through the day’s top transfer rumours from around the world.

Liverpool join race for Pepe

According to Le10Sport., Liverpool have joined the race to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille,

The Ivorian winger has been linked with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Nicolas Pepe celebrates (Image: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP)
(Image: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP)

Solskjaer confirms transfer hunt

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United are in the process of identifying targets.

Speaking at his press conference, the United boss said:

I know there has been loads of criticism. I don’t know if all these critics know what is happening.

We’ll sign players that we think are the right fit personality wise, quality wise, price wise, and can you have longevity here at this club.

We have got scouts scouring the planet for good footballers. I’m confident we are doing what we can to get the right players in.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the defeat at Wolves

Barca still confident of de Ligt deal

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are still confident of signing Mathijjs de Ligt from Ajax.

However, the La Liga leaders have yet to agree a contract with Mino Raiola, the centre-back’s agent.

The defender has also been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United in recent months.

Matthijs de Ligt (Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
(Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Giroud’s ultimatum

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud’s future at the club is hanging in the balance.

Olivier Giroud (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Olivier Giroud (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Spurs give up on De Ligt

Spurs have reportedly given up hope of trying to sign Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt.

The Eredivisie side’s 19-year-old captain has been monitored for some time by Spurs and other clubs, but following his expert displays in the Champions League this season, Spurs believe he will now be beyond their price range, according to the Daily Star.

Matthijs de Ligt (Image: Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Barcelona have been strongly linked to the centre-back, who have already secured the signature of midfielder Frenkie de Jong for next season, while Bayern Munich and Juventus are also tracking him.

Spurs will, of course, face up against De Ligt in the Champions League semi-finals.

Spurs & Arsenal join queue for Ajax star

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has a growing list of admirers, with Arsenal and Spurs reportedly chasing the 22-year-old.

Following an incredible Champions League run that’s taken Ajax to the final via knockout encounters against Real Madrid and Juventus, Europe’s top clubs are eyeing up the squad’s young talents.

Donny van de Beek of Ajax celebrates a goal against Juventus
Donny van de Beek of Ajax celebrates a goal against Juventus (Image: Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

And Van de Beek is attracting interest from Real Madrid, Juventus and Bayern Munich, as well as the Premier League duo, according to Marca via Sport Witness.

‘Almost certain’ Higuain’s loan will be cancelled

Following a disappointing start to life at Stamford Bridge, Gonzalo Higuain’s loan move to Chelsea will likely be ended in the summer.

The Argentine striker joined on loan in January, but Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness state that it’s “almost certain” that Chelsea will not make his deal permanent in the summer, and he will return to Juventus where the Serie A side will have to make a decision on his future.

However, this could be a boost to Olivier Giroud, who has opened up about his lack of first-team football this season.

Gonzalo Higuain appeals against West Ham (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Gonzalo Higuain appeals against West Ham (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Diego Costa set to leave Atletico Madrid

Diego Costa’s stay at Atletico Madrid could be over after this latest twist.

Diego Costa (Image: LLUIS GENE / AFP)
Diego Costa (Image: LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Real Madrid eye Hazard/Pogba double swoop

Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their dual pursuit of Eden Hazard and Paul Pogba.

The Spanish giants are reportedly ready to make an opening offer of £85m for Hazard, and are now stepping up their bid for Pogba following Manchester United’s Champions League exit.

Real are ready to offer Hazard a six-year deal, according to the Sun, and will be making an official bid this week, with negotiations likely to continue for some time.

Paul Pogba of Manchester United and Eden Hazard of Chelsea
Paul Pogba of Manchester United and Eden Hazard of Chelsea (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane is targeting Pogba despite United attempting to sign a new deal with the midfielder. Zidane believes he can get the best out of Pogba, and the 26-year-old would consider a move to link up with the former Real Madrid and France midfielder.

Juventus keeping tabs on Alderweireld situation

Juventus are reportedly monitoring the situation with Toby Alderweireld at Spurs.

The 30-year-old centre-back is available for £25m in the summer, and the Italian giants are considering a move for the Belgian according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness.

That's what it means to reach a Champions League semi-final

The Serie A side are looking for defensive reinforcements with Daniele Rugani their only centre-back under the age of 30, and they believe the signing of Alderweireld could act as a perfect stop-gap before another overhaul is required.

There are other options the club are considering, including Roma’s Kostas Manolas, and thus Alderweireld is just a player they are “keeping an eye on” for now.

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