Football news: Arsenal ‘close’ to first summing signing as Man Utd eye return for former star

Premier League clubs already appear to be gearing up for the summer transfer window with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all adding players to their respective shortlists

It’s set to be a busy week for clubs both in the Premier League and abroad. The madness has already started in Italy with Inter Milan booking their spot in this year’s Champions League final.

They plotted their route through with a crazy 4-3 win against Barcelona at the San Siro – that victory seeing them progress 7-6 on aggregate. Arsenal will hope to join them in the final as they take on Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

Elsewhere, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham will all be in action later this week as they try and secure spots in their own European finals. Away from Europe, there’s also a clutch of Premier League games this weekend.

There’s also plenty going on when it comes to transfers, with the window opening NEXT MONTH. With all of that being said, take a look at all of the latest news here:

Zubimendi deal close

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Martin Zubimendi, with the Gunners now in pole position to sign the midfielder. The Spaniard has long been linked with a move to the Emirates having pulled out of a transfer to Liverpool last summer.

But Mikel Arteta’s men had been facing rising competition from Real Madrid for Zubimendi’s signature. In a positive sign though, Radio Marca report that the Gunners are ‘winning the race’ for the Real Sociedad star.

The Premier League side are rated as being the ‘best-placed team’ to sign Zubimendi. Madrid’s uncertainty in the manager’s post, with Carlo Ancelotti almost certain to leave at the end of the campaign, as opened the door to Arsenal.

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Red Devils eye Milinkovic-Savic

Man United are reportedly eyeing Torino star Vanja Milinkovic-Savic as a potential signing as they look to bring in a new goalkeeper. According to Tutto Mercato, the Serbian has caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs.

He reportedly has a €20million (£16.9m) release clause written into his contract with the Italian side. United could face competition for his services though, with Manchester City and Chelsea both interested.

Milinkovic-Savic has had a previous spell at Old Trafford. In May 2014, United reached an agreement to sign the goalkeeper from Vojvodina, paying £2million. He remained there on loan for another season but never actually made an appearance for the Red Devils. The club were eventually forced to release him after he failed to obtain a work permit.

Who should Man United sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Barcelona hit stumbling Frimpong block

Barcelona would find it ‘very difficult’ to sign Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who Liverpool have also been linked with. Frimpong, 24, has shone for Leverkusen again this season, excelling as a wing-back under Xabi Alonso.

The Netherlands international’s performances have led Barca manager Hansi Flick and the club’s sporting director, Deco, to agree on pursuing him. But, as reported by Sport, Barcelona’s well-documented financial woes would make signing Frimpong a challenge, despite his release clause being a relatively low £34million.

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