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It has been a week since the transfer window opened in Europe but the Premier League transfer window has been open since the end of the season. A number of clubs have already announced new signings too.
Arsenal signed Stephan Lichtsteiner for free from Juventus while Manchester United have already wrapped up deals for midfielder Fred worth £52m and full-back Diago Dalot at £19m.
Here are the major transfer news and rumors of the day concerning Premier League clubs.
Roberto Firmino wants Roma goalkeeper Alisson at Liverpool
Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino wants his compatriot Alisson at Anfield, according to Sky Sports. The Brazilian was quite outspoken in his belief that the AS Roma goalkeeper would be a great addition to the Premier League club.
"Sometimes I talk to him about it and have a joke with him, saying 'you should come to Liverpool'," Firmino said. He had even scored two goals past Alisson when the Reds faced the Serie A club in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
"His agent is sorting his future but it wouldn't be a bad thing to have him here at Liverpool."
Now, everyone knows that Liverpool desperately need a world-class goalkeeper manning the sticks considering their current crop are certainly not up to the task. Simon Mignolet was Jurgen Klopp's no.1 before he was dropped to make way for Loris Karius.
However, Karius himself did not do himself any favors when he made not one but two clangers in the Champions League final to hand Real Madrid their third consecutive trophy and their 13th title overall.
Alisson kept 17 clean sheets in Serie A this season - the second-highest after Napoli's Pepe Reina - conceding just 28 goals in 37 matches.
The goalkeeper will not come cheap, though. His current contract expires only in 2021 and TransferMarkt currently values him at £54m.
Arsenal's chase for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani ends
According to TuttoJuve (and reported by talkSPORT), Arsenal have absolutely no chance of signing Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani. The 23-year-old was reportedly a target for the Gunners but the player's agent has quashed any reports of an exit for the Italian.
“It’s been a very positive season for Daniele,” Torchia told TuttoJuve. “He’s played more than 1000 minutes in the league and made 26 appearances, including 25 as a starter.
“Juventus have always considered him unsellable and have never considered selling him. The club are very satisfied, they have great respect for the lad and don’t want to deprive themselves of his football qualities."
Arsenal have been in the market for defenders following Per Mertesacker's retirement and the long-term Achilles injury to Laurent Koscielny. Borussia Dortmund's Sokratis Papastathopoulos is expected to join the club after he rejected Manchester United.
Manchester United prepared to swap Pogba and £132m for Ronaldo
Now, this rumor is straight out of left field and, quite frankly, ridiculous. According to Spanish news outlet Don Balon, Real Madrid are prepared to offload Cristiano Ronaldo after it was revealed that his relationship with the club has been fractured beyond hope.
Ronaldo was very outspoken after the Champions League final where he made the news for two reasons. He became the first player to win the title five times but he was in the news because he said he would talk about his future at the club soon.
And our friends at Don Balon believe he is set for a return to Manchester United with Paul Pogba making way. Commence head-scratching.
Firstly, United are well-stocked in attack and selling a midfielder for a forward makes little sense. Secondly, in which world is Ronaldo worth Pogba plus £132m?
This is effectively the price PSG paid for Neymar. Oh, wait! Are they setting us up for the 'Neymar to Real Madrid' story? Bet on it!
Who knows, Ronaldo could leave Real Madrid this summer - but definitely not in such circumstances!
Also read: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Could Leave Real Madrid This Summer
Liverpool interested in activating Xherdan Shaqiri's release clause
According to the very reputable paper that is The Times, Liverpool are interested in recruiting Xherdan Shaqiri as Jurgen Klopp looks to add depth to his attack. The 26-year-old suffered relegation with Stoke City and the report claims he will leave the Potters with an intention to stay in England.
The Swiss international has a release clause in the region of £12m to £13m in his contract and that c
“It is no secret that I will leave the club,” Shaqiri said. “I think the [Premier] League is perfect for me.
"I would love to stay in England but I don’t want to rule anything out. It’s the best league with the best players.”
Everton and Leicester were also reportedly interested as were Southampton - now managed by former Stoke boss Mark Hughes who actually brought Shaqiri to Stoke back in 2015.
Watford close to sealing €10m deal for Gerard Deulofeu
After failing to nail down a starting spot in Barcelona's XI, Gerard Deulofeu was loaned out to Watford in the second half of the season and The Hornets are now looking to make that deal permanent, according to Spanish media outlet AS.
The 24-year-old who has experience in the Premier League with Everton where he had an impressive record is deemed surplus at the Camp Nou club.
Competing for spots with Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, and Ousmane Dembele was always going to be tough and Watford believe they can make this deal work with Barcelona looking to sell the winger.
