Fabrizio Romano issues 'agreed' Man Utd update as Newcastle United 'shortlist' Barcelona man

The Premier League clubs will already be hard at work preparing for the new season, both on the grass and behind the scenes. The summer transfer window is unfolding rapidly, and Chelsea, in particular, have wasted no time improving their squad, making a number of signings already.

Plenty of ins and outs are expected at Arsenal, while Tottenham will add quality in a number of key areas, and they have already snapped up Archie Gray on a big-money deal. As the London clubs continue battling to land targets, we have rounded up the latest transfer news from around the Premier League.

Zirkzee latest

Manchester United are said to be closing in on a deal to sign Netherlands winger Joshua Zirkzee, who will be heading home after suffering defeat to England in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday night. Fabrizio Romano has said in his Daily Briefing: “For now, United are still discussing this point, as soon as they clarify this the deal will get done. So it’s just a matter of time, we can just wait for Man United to decide soon which way they want to follow.

“But it’s all agreed with Zirkzee for a five-year contract, valid until June 2029, he’s waiting for Man United. Let’s see what the clubs agree, but after the Euros it could be soon that we see Zirkzee become the first new signing of the INEOS era.”

Raphinha chase

Newcastle United are said to have expressed an interest in Barcelona winger Raphinha. The Magpies reportedly want to add strength to their wide spots, though they are going to have to tread carefully with financial rules.

According to Football Insider, the Brazilian is of interest to Newcastle, and if Anthony Gordon makes a surprise move to Liverpool, he may well become an even more serious target. Barca are chasing a deal to land Nico Williams this summer, and Raphinha could be a casualty, but the Catalan giants would likely demand more than £50million to agree a sale.

The winger has said of his future: “I have a few more years on my contract and I plan to fulfil them. I have already said many times that signing for Barcelona was a dream, and I will do everything possible to stay here for many years.”

Philogene verdict

Aston Villa are expected to take Jaden Philogene back to Villa Park due to having an option to match any offer in received by Hull City. With a move worth around £18million expected to take place, pundit Don Goodman has issues his verdict on the deal.

“They’re being linked with a lot of attack-minded players so that’s clearly an area of the pitch Unai Emery has identified as wanting to get even more quality into the squad,” he told Villa News. “It’s hardly earth-shattering money, either – £18million odd. The question then is whether Jaden Philogene would want to go back to Aston Villa? It’s one of those where you’ve left a club because of a lack of opportunities, but is that something you then hold on to?

“Would he be better off going to Ipswich and playing every single week? These are questions for Jaden Philogene really. But in terms of being a good member of the Villa squad for next season, bearing in mind the volume of fixtures against higher-calibre opposition, I certainly wouldn’t be averse to that if I’m Aston Villa.”