Hello people! Welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. With the World Cup now behind us, the focus will rightly shift towards the all-important summer transfer period.
And as always, there are stories which will have huge repercussions on the transfer market. After scorching through papers and sources from all over Europe, we have managed to find transfer stories that made headlines on July 22, 2018:
Premier League
Chelsea eyeing Anthony Martial
According to the Times, Chelsea have identified Manchester United's Anthony Martial as the man to replace Madrid-bound Eden Hazard. The Belgian is almost certain to be the forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu with Chelsea holding out for a huge sum to let him go.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking at a disgruntled Martial who is reportedly eyeing a move away from Manchester United. The Frenchman has not received a starting berth regularly under Jose Mourinho which cost him a place in France's World Cup squad. Martial is frustrated over his United future with his agent publicly revealing the forward's intention to shift loyalties.
United value Martial at €100 million, a price Chelsea think is not a right valuation of the youngster. The Red Devils, on the other hand, are exercising their option of extending Martial's deal until 2020 to get a high value for him. Bayern Munich are also keen on landing the former AS Monaco man.
Manchester United plot a move for Harry Maguire
A commanding, ball playing centre back remains one of Manchester United's top priority this summer. The Daily Mail reports that England's World Cup hero Harry Maguire is Jose Mourinho's prime target. His value has skyrocketed in the last month or so with Leicester City valuing him at £65 million.
Manchester United are ready to pay the price but will have to offload one of Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling or Phil Jones to accommodate Maguire. Meanwhile, the Foxes have readied a new deal for Maguire to tie him down at the King Power Stadium but will target Yerry Mina or Gary Cahill if Maguire forces a move to Old Trafford.
Serie A
AS Roma target Petr Cech
With Alisson Becker completing a world record move to Liverpool, Roma are now busy identifying his replacement. The Sun has reported that AS Roma are targeting Arsenal's Petr Cech to replace the Brazilian.
Roma bosses believe that a veteran custodian is needed at the club to get the most out of a talented but young defence. Cech has lost his no.1 spot at Arsenal to Bernd Leno and may be intrigued for a move to Serie A. Chelsea and Napoli remain interested in the Premier League veteran.
Manchester City interested in Miralem Pjanic
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are the latest club to register an interest in the Juventus midfielder. Sport Mediaset has claimed that Pjanic has been in contact with Guardiola over a summer move.
The Bianconeri value Pjanic at €100 million while City are believed to be ready to pay the huge amount. FC Barcelona and Chelsea are the other clubs linked with the Bosnian midfielder.
Bundesliga
Yann Sommer closing in on a move to Arsenal
The Express has revealed that Arsenal are in talks with Borussia Monchengladbach over a move for Yann Sommer. The Swiss no.1 goalkeeper has emerged as a top target for Unai Emery. The Gunners have already secured the signing of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen this summer but may go back to the Bundesliga for another shot-stopper.
A move for Sommer suggests that either Petr Cech and/or David Ospina will be leaving the Gunners this month. FC Barcelona are also interested in Sommer to replace the outgoing Jasper Cillessen.
Jurgen Klopp not interested in signing Christian Pulisic
A perennial Liverpool target, Christian Pulisic has again been linked with a move to Anfield. On the eve of the Champions Cup clash between the two sides, Jurgen Klopp has played down Liverpool's intentions in signing the USA superstar.
Klopp told Goal, "He has a contract at Dortmund, no? That’s the first problem. If - at one point - he will join us, I don't know. I like him, it's not that that could be the problem, but we respect contracts still and there’s no market I know about at the moment."
La Liga
FC Barcelona offer €50 million + Andre Gomes for Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic remains Barcelona's top summer priority. With Manchester City also chasing the Bosnian, FC Barcelona have reportedly lodged a big offer for the Juventus midfielder. According to Don Balon, the Catalans have placed a €50 million plus Andre Gomes offer for Miralem Pjanic.
Barcelona believe that an offer in the region of €80 million would be enough to lure Juventus and have hence included Andre Gomes in the deal. The Bianconeri are holding out for only a cash deal at the moment but might get tempted by Gomes' inclusion.
Olivier Giroud targeted at Atletico Madrid
According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid have enquired about a potential loan deal for Chelsea's Olivier Giroud. The World Cup winner does not reportedly fit in Maurizio Sarri's plans at the club and hence the Blues want to let Giroud go on a permanent deal. Atletico Madrid are also targeting another striker in the form of AC Milan's Nikola Kalinic.
Rest of the world
Besiktas name Domagoj Vida price
Croatian World Cup star Domagoj Vida is attracting interest from Premier League sides. After West Ham United's €22 million bid for the centre-back was rejected by Besiktas, Sport Witness has revealed that the Turkish giants want €25 million for Vida. Liverpool and Everton are also monitoring Vida's situation.
Also read: United offer £250 million worth duo for £312 million worth Madrid-Barcelona pair
Leicester City reject a £12 million bid from Al Nassr for Ahmed Musa
The Daily Mail reveals that Leicester City have turned down a £12 million bid from Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr for striker Ahmed Musa. The Foxes are looking to recoup £16.6 million that they spent on Musa back in 2016 and are not budging in their demands. Meanwhile, Claude Puel's side is ready to let record signing Islam Slimani leave on a loan deal.