Arsenal have reached an agreement on personal terms with AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to reports in Italy. The France international reportedly turned down a move to Atletico Madrid last month, but is keen to join the Gunners, who had previously monitored him during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Roma are seemingly open to selling Kone as they seek to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, requiring a significant player sale before the end of June. A fee of around €50 million is believed to be sufficient to secure the 25-year-old’s transfer.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have made an enquiry regarding Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, as reported by Di Marzio. The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Cagliari last season and is attracting attention from several Serie A clubs. However, Palestra is reportedly prioritizing a move to Inter, who view him as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.
In a surprising turn of events, Nico Paz has informed Real Madrid that he wishes to remain at Como, despite previously being expected to rejoin the Spanish giants. AS reports that Paz feels his development would be hindered by the competition for places at the Bernabéu, particularly with the arrival of Bernardo Silva. Real Madrid retain a €10 million buy-back clause for the 21-year-old Argentine, which becomes active next year.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed a €60 million deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for defender Jan Paul van Hecke, as per The Athletic. The breakthrough came after two previous bids from Spurs were rejected. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, with Van Hecke eager to reunite with his former manager, Roberto De Zerbi. This would be De Zerbi’s third defensive signing since arriving at Tottenham.
Liverpool’s pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is being driven by new head coach Andoni Iraola, according to TEAMtalk. Iraola and sporting director Richard Hughes are reportedly aligned in their desire to sign the 19-year-old, who impressed for Ivory Coast at the recent World Cup. Liverpool see Diomande as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
