Chelsea CLOSE to signing Felix, Man Utd eye HIJACK, Partey to LEAVE Arsenal: FootballTransfers recap

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 16 Aug 2024 22:20 BST
• 6 min read

Friday 16 August saw the Premier League return for the 2024-25 season, with Manchester United beating Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford.

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There was also several major updates in the transfer world, including the latest on Joao Felix, Ferdi Kadioglu and Thomas Partey.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through the biggest headlines.

EXCLUSIVE Transfer News

FootballTransfers understands that Thomas Partey won't be offered a contract extension by Arsenal.

In addition, Ruud van Nistelrooy will be Man Uitd manager by 2026 and even turned down the opportunity to replace Erik ten Hag as Old Trafford boss this summer, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.

Man Utd Transfer News

Ten Hag has dropped a major hint regarding Jadon Sancho’s future at Man Utd by omitting him from the club’s matchday squad to face Fulham.

Furthermore, Ferdi Kadioglu has agreed personal terms with Brighton & Hove Albion, but Man Utd are looking to hijack the deal, according to reports in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina are exploring the feasibility of a deal for Victor Lindelof, according to Italian media.

In addition, Manuel Ugarte’s transfer to Old Trafford appears very much alive, with PSG leaving the Uruguay midfielder out of their squad to face Le Havre in their Ligue 1 opener.

In other news, Man Utd and Arsenal have been presented with the opportunity to sign Marco Verratti before the transfer window shuts in a fortnight.

Chelsea Transfer News

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

Furthermore, Atletico Madrid's top transfer priority remains signing Conor Gallagher, according to Matteo Moretto.

Meanwhile, Napoli's Victor Osimhen has been told to move to Chelsea by former Blues star Jon Obi Mikel.

However, the west London club are set to miss out on a huge payday following reports that Crystal Palace will reject Newcastle United's fourth offer for Marc Guehi.

Arsenal Transfer News

Arsenal have been informed that Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra is “not for sale” this summer.

Furthermore, the Gunners reportedly opted against challenging Chelsea for the signing of Pedro Neto due to his recent injury record.

In addition, Arsenal have priced Leicester and West Ham out of a move for Reiss Nelson, according to a report.

Mikel Merino has also given Arsenal a transfer boost as they continue to try to prise the Spain international midfielder away from LaLiga side Real Sociedad.

In other news, Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is keen on joining Ajax.

Other Transfer News

Barcelona will be without marquee recruit Dani Olmo for their LaLiga opener against Valencia as they haven't registered him.

Meanwhile, Barca remain interested in signing Liverpool star Luis Diaz, but the Spanish giants must reportedly perform “financial engineering” to complete a deal.

Lastly, AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala is ready to accept an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, according to reports in Italy.

Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Man Utd, Aaron Ramsdale, Conor Gallagher, Dani Olmo, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Jadon Sancho, Joao Felix, Luis Diaz, Manuel Ugarte, Marc Guéhi, Mikel Merino, Paulo Dybala, Pedro Neto, Reiss Nelson, Simon Adingra, Thomas Partey, Victor Lindelof, Victor Osimhen