Arsenal double deal, Chelsea exodus – Wednesday’s biggest stories

FT Desk

Updated: 18 Aug 2021 21:12 BST
3 min read

Martin Odegaard, Real Madrid — © ProShots

Wednesday was one of the busiest transfer days we have seen in the summer market so far, with a host of deals becoming official or being agreed.

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Arsenal were the busiest club of the day as they all but agreed the transfers of two players.

Arsenal double deal

First of all, the Gunners agreed a deal to sign Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard for €35 million (£30m).

Odegaard, who was at Arsenal on loan last season, could ultimately cost the Gunners €40m (£34m) if certain bonuses are met.

A couple of hours later, it was widely reported that Arsenal had also agreed a deal in principle to sign Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for an initial £24m plus £6m in bonuses.

© ProShots - Aaron Ramsdale, Sheffield United

Juventus sign Locatelli

Arsenal were beaten to the signing of one summer target on Wednesday, though.

Juventus finally completed the purchase of Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli for an eventual fee of €37.5m.

© ProShots - Manuel Locatelli and Lorenzo Insigne, Italy

Locatelli played an important role as Italy won Euro 2020 last month.

Also in Italy, Lautaro Martinez edged closer to signing a new contract at Inter, although he is still a good bet to leave the financially-hit club next year.

Chelsea exodus

Tammy Abraham explained why he left Chelsea to join Roma.

Chelsea were busy on Wednesday loaning out players. Kenedy moved temporarily to Flamengo, Michy Batshuayi to Besiktas, while Emerson is on the brink of signing for Lyon on loan next season.

Harry Kane and Dusan Vlahovic

Harry Kane’s future is still in doubt after he was left out of Tottenham’s Europa League squad for Thursday.

His potential replacement, Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina, is at the centre of a bidding war between Spurs, Atletico Madrid and reportedly now Man City.

Vlahovic’s contract talks with Fiorentina have broken down, increasing the chance of him leaving this summer.