Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. We think it's safe to say with what's going on in the footballing world that this summer transfer window could change the power dynamics in Europe with each passing day.
We have some exciting news to bring to you today. Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 2 August 2019.
Pogba's dream move hits major setback as Real Madrid agree deal with Ajax for Van de Beek
Paul Pogba looks destined to kick on at Manchester United beyond the summer. Manchester United have shown zero intention of letting go of their creative midfielder and are under no pressure to sell. This puts them in a position where they can price teams out of a pursuit for Pogba.
They seem to have succeeded in doing exactly that. United had slapped a price tag in the range of £180 million on the Frenchman. Real Madrid are short on funds after splurging heavily in the opening weeks of the summer transfer window.
However, Madrid are not going to sit back as they have now agreed a deal for Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek whom they've been eyeing as an alternative for Pogba.
The report claims:
"In Marca and AS, news of Real Madrid's interest in Ajax's Dutchman Van de Beek comes out.
"From what I have learned, things go further. There is already a proposal accepted by the Dutch club and player.
"Van de Beek should sign for five or six years in the next few days. Trading has been around for days."
The report suggests that Zinedine Zidane was not too keen on the deal as he was hell bent on bringing Pogba to the Santiago Bernabeu. However, his opinion has been ignored as Florentino Perez strives to make sure the midfield is shored up before the new season starts.
If that's the case, it would be the second time that Zizou's interests have been overlooked. Earlier, Zidane was all for letting Gareth Bale leave. However, Perez blocked the transfer and Bale continues to train for Real Madrid now. When he's not playing golf, i.e.
Tottenham Hotspur enter talks for Bruno Fernandes
Ed Woodward has shifted his focus to wrapping up the swap deal that will see Paulo Dybala arrive at Old Trafford and Romelu Lukaku go to Turin. As such, talks about a potential deal for Bruno Fernandes have quietened down over the last couple of days.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to capitalize on Manchester United's indecision. They have now entered into talks with Sporting Lisbon to sign Bruno Fernandes. Sporting have confirmed that the Portuguese international is a player that they are looking to sell in the summer.
According to reports, a Spurs representative met with Sporting Lisbon officials on Thursday, but talks are still in their early stages. Spurs are actively pursuing Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Fernandes is their alternative.
Fernandes had earlier made it clear that he wants to play in the Premier League. We'll know over the next few days whether or not his dream will come true.
Manchester City in talks to sign Joao Cancelo from Juventus
Pep Guardiola never compromises on full-backs. According to reports, Manchester City have reopened discussions to sign Juventus right-back Joao Cancelo. Pep Guardiola had made signing Cancelo a priority earlier, however, Juventus and City couldn't reach an agreement.
As per the report, Juventus want £55 million for Cancelo. Manchester City were earlier ready to include Danilo in the deal. The clubs are now going back to the table to negotiate a deal after the Old Lady took a while to warm up to the prospect of the deal being a cash + player swap.
Cancelo joined Juventus only last summer. His previous campaign had been on loan with Inter Milan where he impressed with his running and defensive acumen. Guardiola already has a pacy right-back in Kyle Walker. However, a player of Cancelo's quality needs to be added to the lineup as they look forward to challenging on all fronts once again next season.
Arsenal announce the signing of Nicolas Pepe
The sensational Ivory Coast international who was outscored only by Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue 1 last term has joined Arsenal as part of a deal that is nothing short a statement of intent from the Gunners. The Gunners snatched him up amid overwhelming interest from the likes of Liverpool and Napoli.
Unai Emery sounded real pleased with the signing, saying:
"Nicolas is a highly-rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe.
"Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I'm delighted he's joining. He will add pace, power and creativity, with the aim of bringing more goals to our team."
After completing his move to Arsenal, Pepe said,
"Being here is very emotional because it has not been easy for me. I have come a long way and struggled a lot and so signing for this great club is a big reward.
"It was important to make the right decision and I am convinced that Arsenal is the right choice."
Juventus agree personal terms with Romelu Lukaku, Dybala not training until the 5th of August
Everything points towards Paulo Dybala moving to Manchester United right now. It was being widely reported yesterday that the Argentine showed up at Turin to hold talks with Maurizio Sarri to clear the air surrounding his future and to know whether he would fit into Sarri's plans.
As per reports from reliable sources, Dybala will neither train with the Juventus team nor have his medical checkup with the Serie A champions until August 5th. Now if that doesn't make things clear enough, Juventus have also agreed personal terms with Romelu Lukaku.
For Lukaku to come to Juventus, they need to send Dybala the other way as they'll find it impossible to match Manchester United's valuation of the Belgian that is in excess of £79 million with a cash-only approach.
As such, it is clear now that the club has informed Dybala about their intentions and now it's up to the Argentine to decide whether he should stand in the way or join United.