The Hard Tackle takes a look at the latest transfer news surrounding Premier League giants Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Amid all the excitement surrounding UEFA Euro 2020 and Copa America, the transfer wheel in the market is well and truly running. This is, after all, going to be an exciting yet cautious and steady summer for football, as the majority of the European clubs look to recover from the financial blow they received in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Premier League will have a major advantage among other European heavyweights, with the league being one of the most financially stable ones in Europe. And with that in mind, clubs across England have already started their preparation for the new season and are poised to spend the big bucks in the summer, albeit to varying degrees.
Arsenal, as ever, have shown a lot of ambition in the market, with Mikel Arteta determined to undergo a major squad overhaul while Liverpool are planning a similar turnaround after a disastrous title defence in the 2020/21 campaign. It will be an important summer for Manchester United as well, especially when it comes to sorting the future of young talents, while Jurgen Klopp is also keen on adding more quality in midfield and defence.
And, here at The Hard Tackle, we will delve into the latest transfer happenings surrounding the Premier League bigwigs.
Liverpool want £10 million for Neco Williams as player pushes for exit
Starting off with Liverpool, there is no secret that they are bracing themselves for a potential exodus of youngsters following the club’s failure to integrate new blood into their core eleven. According to The Athletic, Neco Williams is the latest academy player to voice his desire to leave Anfield in the summer, with Liverpool ready to cash in on him for a fee of around £10 million.
A right-back by trade, Williams has enjoyed steady growth over the past couple of years. However, his game-time has been restricted by Jurgen Klopp, who has been reluctant to rotate his full-backs on a regular basis. The Welshman, as a result, is now ready to leave the club, having been recently linked with a move to Norwich City.
Williams’ potential move to Carrow Road could make sense as Norwich City are expected to sanction the sale of Max Aarons in the summer. Arsenal have been among the clubs reportedly keen on securing the services of the young Englishman, although they are set to face stiff competition from other Premier League and even European giants.
Atletico Madrid keen on re-signing Thomas Partey from Arsenal
Speaking of Arsenal, they are in discussion with Atletico Madrid over a bizarre transfer that involves the idea of Thomas Partey returning to Wanda Metropolitano, reports El Gol Digital.
Diego Simeone appears to have identified Partey as the ideal solution to the problem that was created by his departure to Emirates last summer. Although the club has been linked with multiple alternatives, including Manuel Locatelli, reportedly a target for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Simeone believes Partey can be the imperial option, as he is more familiar with his tactical philosophy.
Atletico Madrid are not keen on signing Lucas Torreira permanently following a disappointing loan spell in Spain. The midfielder is not wanted by Arsenal either, but the Gunners are yet to respond to anything on Partey’s future. They are, however, constantly on the lookout for midfield talents across Europe, with Franck Kessie being one of many players being monitored.
Arsenal remain keen on Guido Rodriguez
If Kessie wasn’t enough, a new report from Marca claims that Arsenal are among the clubs keeping a close eye on Guido Rodriguez. The Real Betis star has enjoyed a rapid rise in stock over the past few months, emerging as one of La Liga’s most solid holding midfielders as well as playing a key role for Argentina in the ongoing Copa America.
However, it is highly unlikely that Arsenal’s interest in Rodriguez has anything to do with Atletico Madrid’s desire to re-sign Partey. Mikel Arteta, in fact, has more pressing concerns regarding the depth in the midfield unit, especially with Granit Xhaka being linked to a switch to AS Roma.
The Gunners have also lost Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard to Real Madrid, following the end of their respective loan spells. In addition, both Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are expected to be offloaded, with the latter reportedly agreeing personal terms with Marseille. It leaves Arteta devoid of options in the middle of the park, forcing him to explore options such as Rodriguez in the market.
Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe set to push for loan exit
Moving on to Manchester United, they are another club anticipating the departure of a few of their young players. Among them, Axel Tuanzebe has had a difficult time since returning from his successful loan spell at Aston Villa. But according to ESPN, the youngster is now ready to force his way out of Old Trafford, seeking a loan move that will help him continue his development.
Tuanzebe featured in only nine Premier League matches this past season, starting in only four. He found himself trailing Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly in the pecking order. His chances of making a breakthrough could sink even further, with Manchester United now determined on adding more quality in their defensive unit by securing the services of Pau Torres.
Therefore, a loan move away from Old Trafford makes sense for Tuanzebe, who can still prove to be an asset for a mid-table or lower-tier Premier League club. The youngster was linked with a return to Aston Villa last month, with Dean Smith more than willing to welcome him back at Villa Park.
Aston Villa prepare fresh bid for Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe
Our last report of the day comes from Football Insider, which sheds light on the future of Emile Smith Rowe this summer. The Arsenal playmaker has emerged as a subject of interest of many clubs following his breakthrough this past season. Aston Villa are among those interested and are even ready to fork out £30 million for the youngster.
The Villans are certainly not in Arsenal’s good books this summer, having hijacked the deal for top target Emiliano Buendia. However, their latest interest in Smith Rowe suggests that Dean Smith is intent on building a new core in the attacking department, perhaps with Jack Grealish’s uncertain future in mind.
Arsenal, nevertheless, are unlikely to cash in on Smith Rowe, especially after Odegaard’s return to Real Madrid. A lot might ultimately depend on the club’s fortunes in the transfer market, as Arteta continues his search for a new attacking midfielder that can service not only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but also the inverted wingers he has at his disposal.
