Evening Standard
·13 June 2023
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·13 June 2023
Juventus are among the clubs considering a move for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Gunners are open to selling the 30-year-old this summer, with Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia both midfield targets as the club prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Saudi Arabian clubs are willing to pay €40m for Partey, while Juventus have now enquired about him too.
Noni Madueke insists he will make a big impact at Chelsea, after enduring a frustrating six months since joining from PSV Eindhoven for £30.5million in January.
There was real excitement around the signing of Madueke but, barring a few impressive cameos late in the season, he was one of the players lost in the chaos at Chelsea and there has been talk of a loan move away.
However, Madueke is ready to play a leading role for new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“A lot of changes are out of the players’ hands, but you roll with the punches,” Madueke said.
“I guess when the club wants to do something a bit special, there’s bound to be changes. We’re trying to create a squad that can compete for the next 10 years.
“I definitely performed well, showed my ability, but next season you’ll see the real me. Next season, I want to contribute massively to Chelsea winning. That’s it. We’re all buzzing to come back in pre-season with the new manager, forget last year and bring Chelsea back to where they’re meant to be; fighting for titles.”
The race to sign Declan Rice is certainly heating up.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Rice would be interested in a move to Manchester City, despite Arsenal having being in pole position to sign the midfielder.
It’s claimed that with Rice being open to any move, it will come down to who can agree a fee first with West Ham.
AC Milan are considering a shock move for Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian spent the season on loan at Inter Milan and is keen to remain at the club, but Chelsea want a permanent sale rather than agreeing to loan the striker out again.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that AC Milan could pounce on their rivals’ hesitation and make a €40m bid for Lukaku.
Edin Dzeko has completed his free transfer to Fenerbahce.
The former Man City has signed a two-year contract with the Turkish club, after leaving Inter Milan at the end of his deal.
West Ham are considering Matteo Guendouzi as a replacement for Declan Rice.
L’Equipe report that Marseille are expecting the Hammers to submit an bid for the former Arsenal midfielder once Rice leaves this summer, which could see Guendouzi return to the Premier League.
Palhinha is another option for West Ham, though Fulham’s £90m valuation is putting them off.
At Chelsea, Kai Havertz never really lived up to expectations after his £71million move to Stamford Bridge in 2020 — but Mikel Arteta believes he can unlock his potential at Arsenal.
The Gunners are ready to spend £65m on the Germany international and make him the second-most expensive player in their history. That underlines the belief Arteta has in a player he feels can have a transformative effect on his team.
Arteta has taken Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to new heights, has helped Martin Odegaard fulfil his potential and now he will look to do the same with Havertz. The 24-year-old will prove a valuable weapon for Arteta in attack, and a big attraction forArsenal in their move for him is that he strengthens them in numerous positions.
Havertz is able to play anywhere across the front-three, while he can also operate as a No10 or No8.
Arsenal are close to agreeing personal terms with Jurrien Timber.
The Ajax defender is keen to make the move to the Gunners, who have had an initial £30m bid rejected.
Fabrizio Romano reports that after making progress with Timber, Arsenal will continue negotiations with Ajax and are expected to submit a new offer soon.