Arsenal ‘have first offer for midfielder rejected’ as Chelsea continue to discuss deals for duo – latest transfer news

The Independent say Real Sociedad have rejected Arsenal’s first offer of just over €30m for midfielder Mikel Merino, with talks continuing between the two clubs.

The Spanish side are reportedly holding out for €35m (£29.9m), which the Gunners are yet to meet, though the player is said to be very keen on the move.

Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna is in London as talks over Chelsea’s interest in striker Victor Osimhen continue, according to Sky Italy.

But Sky Sports say the deal remains difficult because of Osimhen’s high valuation and wages, with the Italian club also attempting to sign Romelu Lukaku from the Blues.

Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has returned to England after spending five days in transfer limbo in Madrid but is expected to train away from the first team when he returns to Chelsea.

Gallagher’s move to Atletico Madrid had been set to go through before the Blues’ deal for Atletico striker Samu Omorodion fell through, throwing Gallagher’s transfer into doubt.

But talks over a return to Chelsea for Atletico forward Joao Felix are continuing, which would then allow Gallagher to make the move to Madrid.

Sky Sports say Liverpool are exploring a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in what would be the Reds’ first summer signing.

After completing the double signing of Mathjis de Ligt and Noussar Mazraoui, Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd are now looking to complete a deal for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

And Thomas Frank says he is increasingly hopeful of keeping Ivan Toney at the club this summer.

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