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Philippe Coutinho & Barcelona

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, could Philippe Coutinho leave Barcelona to return to the Premier League?

Coutinho’s future at the Camp Nou may soon be over, according to two Spanish papers.

Starting with Sport, they report that Barcelona have “started the process” of trying to sell Coutinho.

Coutinho is expected to return to the Camp Nou shortly after the summer break.

Once back, Barcelona will begin talks with Coutinho about a possible exit.

Mundo Deportivo also report that Barcelona are gearing up to sell Coutinho.

Barcelona’s secret offer

Both Sport and Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona have received an official offer for Coutinho.

Neither outlet reveals which club posted that offer.

Could Arsenal sign Coutinho?

Arsenal fans will no-doubt come across reports linking their club to Coutinho this Saturday.

It’s unclear where these rumours originated from.

However, Football London have summed up the Coutinho-Arsenal links as follows:

The Gunners are one of the clubs being linked with an interest in signing former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho on loan, with reports even suggesting that Sanllehi’s good relationship with Barcelona is putting Arsenal at the head of the race for the Brazilian.

Reports claim that the Arsenal head of football is set to meet with Barcelona officials during the two teams’ game against each other on Sunday in order to try and come to a deal.

Do Arsenal need Coutinho?

That’s a matter for debate.

Arguably, after signing Nicolas Pepe from Lille, the answer is ‘no’.

Arsenal are stocked with attacking talent: perhaps Unai Emery would be better advised to focus on trying to bolster his defensive options?

Barcelona vs Arsenal

Barcelona host Arsenal on Sunday in the Juan Gamper Trophy.

The match will be played at the Camp Nou.

It’s Arsenal final pre-season friendly before the Gunners start their Premier League campaign against Newcastle.

How much would Coutinho cost?

That issue is dealt with by Mundo Deportivo.

They report that Coutinho could leave Barcelona this summer for as little as 25-30 million euros.

Mundo Deportivo claim that that’s the loan fee Barcelona are chasing for Coutinho.

Liverpool, Man United & Man City

It’s worth noting that Jurgen Klopp has previously ruled out Coutinho’s Anfield return this summer.

On Man United and Man City’s possible interest in Coutinho, Sport claim those clubs “remain silent”.

Juve stint

25-year-old Portuguese international Cancelo only joined Serie A champions Juventus last summer, in a 40 million Euro deal from Valencia, after impressing on loan with Inter Milan the season prior.

The versatile stopper is generally deployed at right-back, with Cancelo having long been revered for his attacking abilities.

The former Los Che standout’s first season in Turin, though, proved something of a hit-and-miss affair.

Cancelo opened up the campaign in absolutely scintillating form, burning up and down Juventus’ right-flank with passion and quality in equal measure.

The stopper took little time in proving exactly why the Bianconeri had opted to splash out such a hefty fee on his services, quickly establishing himself as a firm fan-favourite.

The second-half of the season, though, proved a far more testing affair.

As Juve’s performances consistently left a lot to be desired, Max Allegri often opted for the more-defensively sound Mattia De Sciglio over Cancelo.

The 14-time capped international also came under heavy criticism for his performance in the first-leg of the Old Lady’s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Ajax, as Cancelo gifted the Dutch giants an equalizer, amid a dismal all-round display.

Man City links

Nevertheless, though, on the back of Max Allegri’s departure being made official back in May, it was widely-predicted that Cancelo would be afforded the opportunity to rediscover his brilliant best at the Juventus Stadium next season.

A growing number of reports across Europe this summer, however, suggested that this would not be the case.

First off, Romeo Agresti, regarded as the source when it comes to Juventus transfer news, revealed last month that talks had been opened between the Bianconeri hierarchy and Premier League champions Manchester City, over an Etihad switch for the 25-year-old:

Agresti subsequently went on to add that a ‘breakthrough’ had been made in negotiations between the clubs, with a ‘final agreement’, worth 50 million Euro plus bonuses, having been expected to be reached.

To this point, however, such a deal has not been forthcoming.

Danilo barrier

And, despite subsequent claims that Juventus had decided to take Cancelo off the market, widespread reports today suggest that negotiations are back underway between the Old Lady and City.

Gianluca Di Marzio, meanwhile, has since provided an insight into the situation.

Juventus are said to value their stopper at 60 million Euro.

The key to any potential deal between the clubs, though, is Danilo.

City are desperate to include the Brazilian in part exchange for Cancelo, with Juve warming to such a possibility.

However, the sticking point is Danilo’s valuation.

City believe that the 28-year-old is worth around 30 million Euro. Juventus, on the other hand, see a lower price-tag as more fitting.

In addition, the Bianconeri are yet to agree personal terms with Danilo.

As such, though talks are firmly back in place, Di Marzio labels the transfer as an ‘uphill’ battle.

Man United splashing the cash on young talent

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a £9million deal to sign Monaco’s 16-year-old starlet Hannibal Mejbri after a fall out with the French club.

The Red Devils look to be transforming the way they do business in the transfer window.

In recent years, Man United have opted to sign proven players on big wages rather than buying young players and developing them.

That lead to expensive deals for the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

This summer looks to be different under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, however.

Man United have so far signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, both promising youngsters.

Meanwhile, they’ve also been linked with moves for Sean Longstaff and Harry Maguire.

Though, there’s another young player on the lips of all Manchester United fans right now.

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – MAY 05: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the head coach / manager of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Manchester United at John Smith’s Stadium on May 5, 2019 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Planning for the future

That player is Hannibal Mejbri, with Man United having reached a £9million agreement with Monaco to sign the defender according to the Daily Mail.

It’s said that ‘the highly-rated France U16 international has been in a legal wrangle with Monaco over his contract after his family fell out with the club’. 

After that falling out, Man United have moved to sign him and the Mail claim that ‘Jorge Mendes has been at United’s Carrington training base to discuss a deal, with Ed Woodward and Matt Judge also in attendance’.

While Mejbri won’t see first-team football at Man United for a while, he could be a very shrewd acquisition down the line.

Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham

United went head-to-head with Premier League rivals Spurs in Shanghai last week, in an International Champions Cup clash.

The Red Devils headed into proceedings having enjoyed a fine pre-season to date, on the back of respective victories over Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter Milan.

And the Manchester giants’ fine form continued versus Tottenham, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ran out eventual 2-1 winners.

Anthony Martial opened the scoring early on at the Hongkou Stadium, before Lucas Moura levelled things up shortly after the hour mark.

Angel Gomes’ strike 10 minutes from time, though, proved the difference between the sides.

Bailly crocked

On an otherwise positive day for the Red Devils, however, United were also dealt a blow on the injury front.

The player to have picked up the problem was defender Eric Bailly.

Less than 10 minutes after being introduced as a half-time substitute, the Ivorian appeared to twist his knee, eventually resulting in Bailly being stretchered off in clear pain:

‘Wishing you a speedy recovery’

As such, fears quickly spread that Bailly may be set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with news of the extent of the stopper’s injury having been forthcoming this evening.

In an official statement across the club’s social media channels, Manchester United have confirmed that Bailly was forced to undergo knee surgery earlier today.

And, in a major blow for all associated with the Red Devils, the procedure has since seen the African’s timetable for a return to action set at ‘four to five months’:

Palace standout

The story surrounding the future of Eagles’ star man Zaha has proven one of the talking points of the summer transfer window so far.

On the back of a standout campaign last time out, during which he racked up 10 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, reports mounted over the last month that Palace’s London rivals Arsenal had set their sights firmly on Zaha.

The Gunners’ subsequent proposals, however, fell well short of the Ivorian’s valuation.

Palace’s stout stance eventually saw Arsenal turn their attentions elsewhere, with the capital giants now widely-reported to be on the verge of securing the signature of Lille wide-man Nicolas Pepe.

Everton table fresh bid

As such, this has since opened the door for any and all other suitors of Zaha to step forward.

The club to have done so with the most intent to this point, meanwhile, have been Everton.

The Toffees are thought to be on the lookout for reinforcements out wide, on the back of Ademola Lookman’s departure for RB Leipzig.

And Marco Silva and co. evidently feel as though Zaha is the kind of player who could push the club to the next level in their hopes of cracking the long-established Premier League top-6 pecking order.

The Merseysiders’ first bid for the Palace star, though, worth a rumoured £52 million, was quickly shut down by the Selhurst hierarchy.

However, as per the aforementioned update from Sky Sports News this evening, Everton are evidently not ready to give up in their pursuit of Zaha without a fight.

The Toffees are said to have tabled an improved offer, worth £55 million, along with both Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy, for the 26-year-old:

Man United’s poor 2018/19

The 2018/19 campaign will be one that most Manchester United fans will want to forget.

Despite an upsurge in form when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer first took over, United still finished the season down in 6^th place in the Premier League table.

As well as missing out on Champions League football for the forthcoming season, Man United had to watch as their two closest rivals dominated in the league and in Europe.

Manchester City won the domestic treble, while Liverpool clinched their 6^th Champions League trophy.

The Red Devils also set an unwanted record, conceding their most-ever goals in a single Premier League season.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 21, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Matic on his poor form

While no player covered themselves in glory last season for United, Nemanja Matic recently opened up on his poor individual campaign.

The Serbian didn’t look at the level that he has previously performed at for both Chelsea and Man United.

When speaking about his season, Matic admitted that it hurt, and that he is sure the upcoming campaign will be better:

“Of course, it hurt. When I come home, I always look in the mirror and I want to see where I could do better, where I can improve. I wasn’t happy with the performances.

“There were some games that I played great, there were some games I didn’t perform the way I wanted. But this is football. It can’t always be at that high level and I am sure this season is going to be better.” As quoted by the Mirror.

Matic also drew attention to the fact that he is having a full pre-season with United this time around:

“I have started this pre-season with the team after three years without pre-season.

“I am sure I will perform in the way I’m used to.” As quoted by the Mirror.

The midfielder missed much of Man United’s pre-season in 2018, after being given an extended break following Word Cup duty with Serbia.

Up-and-down Real stint

Bale, 30, has been on the books of recently-dethroned European champions Real Madrid since the summer of 2013.

However, as has been widely-covered in the media, the Welshman’s time at the Bernabeu has proven far from straightforward.

Despite having played in a key role in his side’s 4 Champions League triumphs since his arrival in the Spanish capital, showcasing his world-class abilities with countless stunning goals and assists, the story of Bale’s career has long-been the explosive wide-man’s injury troubles.

The former Tottenham standout has managed over 30 La Liga starts just once over the course of his 6 years with Real.

The 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons combined, meanwhile, saw Bale start in less than half of Los Blancos’ league outings, after struggling with a series of persistent calf and ankle problems.

Zidane returns

And the 2018/19 campaign saw Bale once again in and out of the starting XI in Madrid.

However, significantly, even when fit, the Welshman’s performances regularly left a lot to be desired.

Zinedine Zidane’s return to the hotseat at the Bernabeu in March, meanwhile, subsequently saw Bale’s game-time dip even further.

This came to a head back in May, when, in potentially the Welshman’s final competitive outing in a Real jersey, Zidane opted to leave Bale on the bench for the entirety of his side’s 2-0 final-day La Liga defeat to Real Betis.

‘Hope he leaves soon’

And, though speculation surrounding the future of the experienced wide-man had somewhat died down of late, Zidane last weekend moved to make clear once-and-for-all that he has absolutely no intention of utilising Bale for the upcoming campaign:

Bale did not play because he is very close to leaving.

We hope he leaves soon. It would be best for everyone. We are working on his transfer to a new team.

I have nothing personal against him, but there comes a time where things are done because they must be done, I have to make decisions. We have to change.

The exit is the coach’s decision, and also of the player, who knows the situation.

The situation will change, I do not know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will, and it’s a good thing for everyone.

China bound

As such, it had since been viewed as only a matter of time before Bale’s Real exit was confirmed.

And, as per the aforementioned report from Marca this evening, an announcement now appears imminent.

This comes amid claims that Bale is on the verge of signing for Chinese Super League outfit Jiangsu Suning.

The Southampton youth product has reportedly agreed on a 3-year deal with Jiangsu, worth 22 million Euro-per-season (£20 million).

It is even suggested that the transfer could be completed within the coming hours.

One aspect which remains unclear, however, is the fee involved, or, for that matter, if there even is one.

John McGinn’s stunner for Aston Villa

Scottish international John McGinn had an enjoyable Saturday for Aston Villa against Charlton.

McGinn scored twice against the Addicks, including a sublime solo effort.

After picking up the ball on the right-hand side, McGinn cleverly tricked his way into the Charlton box.

McGinn could have rolled over after being hacked in the area, but, after staying on his feet, he scored a terrific goal.

Earlier in the match, McGinn beat the keeper with a low left-footed strike from outside the box.

Manuel Lanzini’s beauty for West Ham

West Ham kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Man City on August 10.

The Hammers picked up a confidence-boosting 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday in pre-season.

Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini missed the majority of last season recovering from an ACL injury.

Now fully fit, Lanzini is enjoying his first pre-season in two years, and he scored the winner against Fulham with a curler from outside the box.

Ryan Shawcross shocker for Stoke vs Leicester

While Premier League sides still have two weeks until the new season begins, in the Championship the new year kicks off next Saturday.

Stoke, who face QPR on the opening day of the season, could be without Ryan Showcross for a long time.

On Saturday, in a match against Leicester, Shawcross appeared to snap a bone in either his leg or ankle.

The club are yet to confirm the extent of the injury, but it’s clearly terrible news for Shawcross and Stoke.

Gunners hard at work

Arsenal, as a club, have had a rather hectic day.

On the back of their International Champions Cup commitments coming to an end in a defeat to Real Madrid, the Gunners confirmed their 2nd and 3rd signings of the summer.

After Gabriel Martinelli made the move to the Emirates at the beginning of the month, Dani Ceballos and William Saliba followed suit today.

Ceballos arrives on loan from Real Madrid, while Saliba has penned a long-term deal at the Emirates. The stopper, though, will spend next season back on loan with Saint-Etienne:

Kolasinac fights back

The busy day endured by Arsenal’s transfer team, however, pales in comparison with that of two of the club’s star men.

As outlined above, an incredible video featuring Gunners’ pair Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac has been spreading across social media like wildfire tonight.

The footage showcases the former’s car being attacked by a pair of armed thieves.

In an act of staggering bravery, however, Kolasinac can be seen making his way out of the car, to fight off the thugs with his bare hands:

Thankfully, London’s Met Police department have since confirmed that both Ozil and Kolasinac escaped from the incident unharmed:

Arsenal prodigy

Amaechi, an 18-year-old winger, is widely-regarded as one of the most-promising prospects on the books of the Gunners.

The explosive wide-man is noted for his eye for goal, ability to use both feet and searing pace.

In fact, so quick is Amaechi off the mark, that many at Arsenal are of the opinion that the youngster could match Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stride-for-stride.

Despite a metatarsal injury having restricted his time on the pitch this past season, the English youth international nevertheless managed to rack up 4 goals and 5 assists across 14 Premier League 2 outings in 2018/19.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Xavier Amaechi of Arsenal in action during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Bundesliga bound

As such, Amaechi’s talents have unsurprisingly resulted in the attacker attracting the interest of some of European football’s other heavyweights.

A report from James Benge of football.london back in March revealed that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich had identified the Arsenal prodigy as an alternative to Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, in the Bavarians’ hunt for fresh legs out wide

And, as per the aforementioned update emerging from the English media this evening, Amaechi’s move to Germany now appears imminent.

Though it remains unclear whether Bayern are the teen’s proposed destination, Sky Sports News have confirmed that Amaechi is close to joining a German club.

The transfer, meanwhile, looks set to be a permanent one: