Man Utd's new targets & Barca go to court - FootballTransfers recap

FT Desk

8 Aug 2022 22:35 BST
3 min read

Xavi on the Barcelona touchline during their pre-season tour of the USA. — © ProShots

While three of Europe's top five leagues are now underway, there is still plenty of transfer business to be conducted before the window closes at the end of August.

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The likes of Manchester United and Barcelona therefore continue to dominate the headlines with their wheelings and dealings, while other deals reach completion across the continent.

FootballTransfers takes a recap of the biggest stories from today’s transfer business.

Man United target Rabiot & Arnautovic

Adrien Rabiot, Juventus, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and veteran Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic would have made for unlikely transfer candidates for Manchester United at the start of the summer.

With time running out to add new players, however, United appear to be widening their search, although both prospective deals have a chance of backfiring on Erik ten Hag.

Barca threaten De Jong legal action

Barcelona too have reached a delicate moment in the window.

While Sunday's brilliant thrashing of Pumas showed the club is raring to go in 2022-23, off the field they still face several problems; not least an apparent accounting error that leaves them on the hook for a €37.5 million tax bill.

The Catalans still need new funds, and it appears they are willing to go to court to find them, targeting Frenkie de Jong's contract as the midfielder continues to hold out on leaving Camp Nou.

Hudson-Odoi not moving to Dortmund

Much has been made of Callum Hudson-Odoi's Chelsea future, particularly after the player sat out Saturday's Premier League win over Everton.

But Dortmund will most likely not be his next destination, after FootballTransfers learned that the chances of the youngster moving to Germany are very slim indeed.

Torreira ends Arsenal stint with Galatasaray

Arsenal's Lucas Torreira has been loaned to Fiorentina — © ProShots

Lucas Torreira has finally found a way out of Arsenal.

After seeing his desired move to Fiorentina collapse at the start of the summer the Uruguay midfielder will now look to rebuild his career with Galatasaray, with Arsenal confirming the transfer on Monday.