Goretzka to Liverpool, Felix WANTS Barcelona and Man Utd push for Hojlund - FootballTransfers Recap

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 18 Jul 2023 22:45 BST
• 7 min read

Tuesday 18 July saw yet more transfer rumours, bold interviews and plenty of drama as the transfer window continues to take shape.

Clubs around Europe are beginning to sail through their pre-season programme, with the Premier League Summer Series in the USA right around the corner.

But, let's stick with the transfer talk and get right into the biggest stories from the day.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool want Goretzka

FootballTransfers have exclusively reported that Liverpool are setting their sights on German international Leon Goretzka to bolster their midfield, with star players Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and even Thiago Alcantara rumoured to be heading for the exit.

We are told that Jurgen Klopp sees Goretzka as a prime candidate to fill the centre of the park, while Thomas Tuchel, his former Bundesliga rival, has subtly hinted that he may be allowed to find another club.

Joao Felix wants Barcelona

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix wants to sign for Barcelona, claiming the Catalan club is his "dream" destination. The Portuguese international has returned to Atleti after his six-month loan move to Chelsea, but is set to leave on a permanent deal this window.

Arsenal want Kudus

Arsenal are interested in signing Ajax and Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus this summer, despite the recent acquisition of Kai Havertz. Kudus’ versatility is deemed to be an attractive trait by the Arsenal recruitment team, who are keen on signing him in the next few months, if sufficient sales are made.

Agent Cucurella

Marc Cucurella has admitted that he has a “good relationship” with Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo and thinks the Ecuador international “wants to come to Chelsea” amid ongoing transfer talk. The Spaniard spoke to the media ahead of Chelsea's pre-season clash against Wrexham and was questioned about Caicedo's possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Saudi Arabia want ANOTHER Liverpool star

After looking at deals for Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are prepared to offer €50 million for Liverpool forward Luis Diaz at the request of manager Jorge Jesus, according to reports.

Mbappe wants No.10 shirt at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe wants to inherit Luka Modric's No.10 jersey at Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain. Mbappe is already making plans for his transfer to Real Madrid, as revealed by his intentions around his shirt number and potential sponsorship with adidas.

Atalanta could sell Hojlund

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has opened the door for Manchester United to make a move for Rasmus Hojlund. It's believed the Denmark international wants a transfer, but the clubs have not reached an agreement over his price.

Lukaku a no-show for Chelsea training

Romelu Lukaku refused to return to pre-season training with Chelsea on time as he attempts to force through a move to Juventus. Lukaku was therefore expected back at Cobham on Monday, but didn't make a show according to Corriere dello Sport.

He has since arrived, but is training with other fringe members of the squad while the rest head to the USA for their pre-season tour.

Man Utd FLOP to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr are set to announce the signing of Alex Telles from Manchester United, with the Brazil left-back earning a bumper deal in Saudi Arabia.

Rice to blame for Caicedo struggles

Chelsea have had an €82 million offer for Moises Caicedo rejected by Brighton, according to David Ornstein. It is widely acknowledged that the reason Chelsea are having such problems in agreeing a fee for Caicedo is because Declan Rice’s €122m transfer to Arsenal has inflated the market.

Arsenal up Balogun asking price

Arsenal have increased their asking price for outgoing striker Folarin Balogun to €60 million, according to Sky Sports UK. It had been expected that Balogun would be available for much less this summer, with the Italian media quoting a figure of around €40m.

Ronaldo SLAMS European football

And finally, Cristiano Ronaldo has launched a blistering attack on the state of European football as he talks up the future of the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo is certain that the future of football lies in Saudi Arabia as he slams the quality of football in Europe.