Arsenal 'offered' ex-Barcelona favourite as West Ham 'identify' Jhon Duran transfer alternative

The Premier League season is edging closer, with the vast majority of top flight clubs now away on pre-season tours around the world. Whether it’s in the United States or Asia, there are pre-season fixtures aplenty taking place at this point, with a steady dose of summer football between friendlies and the Olympic Games.

Tottenham are the latest to be in action, narrowly defeating Vissel Kobe in Japan on Saturday. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the top flight.

Roberto ‘offered’

Former Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has reportedly been offered to Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United. According to Graeme Bailey on HITC, the full-back has been offered to all three Premier League clubs after becoming a free agent this summer.

The 32-year-old won’t be expecting a starting spot at a top club, but his versatility makes him valuable, able to play at both full-back and midfield. Roberto was hoping for a new contract at Camp Nou, but the Blaugrana decided to move amid a change of manager.

Dovbyk claim

West Ham are said to be interested in a deal to sign Girona striker Artem Dovbyk. According to reports, the Hammers are interested in La Liga’s top scorer from last season amid competition from Atletico Madrid and AS Roma.

The Hammers are reportedly prioritising a deal for Aston Villa frontman Jhon Duran, but if they can’t get that done and Dovbyk remains on the table, the Ukrainian could be an option, especially with Dovbyk’s agent admitting the player was not keen on Atletico.

The striker’s agent, Oleksiy Lundovsky, told Ukrfootball: “Atlético is a great club, but we didn’t see a serious project for Artem here. Their offer is significantly lower in financial terms compared to the offers from other clubs interested.” Those comments came after Dovbyk began pre-season training with Girona ahead of a campaign that will see the Catalonia side take part in the Champions League. Notably, that is something West Ham will not be able to offer for the coming campaign.

Tonali returns

Sandro Tonali has returned to Newcastle United in good shape after his suspension that covered the majority of last season. Eddie Howe said of the Italian midfielder: “Sandro Tonali has come back really fit and focused. You can see a change in his demeanour. There is definitely a change in him, in terms of [how he is] feeling as he is closer to playing. It is very difficult when you have that stretch ahead of you and you are not going to play competitively for such a length of time.

“He now looks ready to play, ready to make a difference. He does feel like an absolute new signing and somebody who we desperately missed last year. He will feel like he has got points to prove, objectives to hit. He came here with very clear motivations to be successful. He is a deep thinker and someone who wants to do very well. I have no doubt he will.”