The summer transfer window is just around the corner and Manchester United are plotting a major overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s squad, while Liverpool are ready for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold
It is a busy time in the Premier League, with the season close to reaching its conclusion while plans take shape for the summer transfer window and beyond.
There are now just three game weeks left in the top flight, with all eyes on the race for the European places after Liverpool secured the title and the three promoted teams were confirmed as relegated. Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea have opened up a gap to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa for the Champions League, while Bournemouth and Brentford still harbour hopes of reaching the Conference League further down.
In the Champions League, this week brings the second legs of the semi-finals, with Inter Milan hosting Barcelona on Tuesday night after their stunning 3-3 draw last week before Arsenal attempt to overturn their 1-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Thursday brings the Europa League semis, where Manchester United hold a commanding 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao for their home leg, while Tottenham could set up an all-English final due to their 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt last week. That is the back drop for today’s news, which has a focus on transfers.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool’s Trent replacement, Man Utd’s FOUR untouchables, Arsenal targetsREAD MORE: Arsenal transfer news: Real Madrid told William Saliba price tag as star closes on exit
Man Utd’s transfer stance
United are willing to sell just about any of their players this summer. Ruben Amorim’s squad clearly needs an overhaul and the INEOS ownership are taking a pragmatic – and perhaps brutal – stance over the current crop of players.
Bruno Fernandes is deemed untouchable and will not be sold, despite rumoured interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Fernandes has once again been easily the best player for United this season and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not ready to sell off the crown jewels.
The Portuguese midfielder exists in a category alongside veteran defender Harry Maguire, young attacker Amad and January signing Patrick Dorgu. But every single other player could be sold off to provide funds to be reinvested, with profit and sustainability rules a concern this summer.
Liverpool’s farewell for Trent
Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed his exit from Liverpool on Monday, bringing to an end a season-long saga about his future. He is set to join Real Madrid on a six-year contract when his current contract expires at the end of June.
The 26-year-old has three more games in a Liverpool shirt to enjoy and his team-mates have reacted to the news on social media. Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson all described him as a “legend” in Instagram posts, as they paid tribute publicly to the two-time Premier League winner. Scotland captain Robertson added: “Brother for life!! We’ve been through it all together!”
There doesn’t appear to be any sour grapes in the dressing room. Harvey Elliott wrote: “Unbelievable player! Even better guy. Trent Alexander-Arnold Enjoy it brother. Thank you!”
Arsenal want three major signings
Arsenal’s season hinges on the events at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, when they face PSG in the second leg of the semi-final. Win and they will look forward to a Champions League final in Munich later this month. Lose and their whole campaign will have a different feel to it.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is already looking further ahead, to the summer transfer window, which opens for business on June 1. The Gunners are chasing three big signings this summer, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi the first, arriving for a £51million buy-out clause.
Elsewhere, they want a top-class No.9 and a winger. Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko more realistic targets than Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, while Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is their dream ticket on the wing.
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