Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest update on some of the major happenings in world football which may change the complexion of a few clubs. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on July 4, 2017:
Serie A
Gianluigi Donnarumma to sign new five-year deal with the Rossoneri
In a fresh turn of events, Donnarumma has rejected offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid to sign a new lucrative deal with AC Milan. According to Sky Sports Italia, the teenager is ready to commit to his future with the Italian giants. It is also said that the custodian will now earn €6 million per year as a result of his new five-year contract.
Juventus want Alex Sandro to stay
London Evening Standard claims that the Bianconeri are desperate for their left back to stay at the club. Chelsea have made Alex Sandro their prime target and are hoping to prise him away for £60 million. But Juventus are prepared to offer him a new deal which will see Sandro earn £90,000 per week. The Turin club are also trying to sign Real Madrid's Danilo who is rumoured to be one of Sandro's best friends in order to tempt him to stay in Italy.
Pepe Reina wanted by Newcastle United
Rafael Benitez is keen on reuniting with Pepe Reina for the third time (the duo were together at Liverpool and Napoli). Newcastle Chronicle reports that Benitez wants Reina to be his number one custodian in the Premier League with rumours emerging from Naples that Reina is unsettled at the club.
He has just one year left on his contract and might be on his way back to England if Napoli sign his replacement, Real Sociedad's Geronimo Rulli.
Premier League
Romelu Lukaku prefers Manchester United to Chelsea
BBC reports that Lukaku wants a move to Old Trafford instead of Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea are eager to make Lukaku their most expensive transfer of all time but this report might frustrate Antonio Conte, with Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola preferring a move to Manchester. Everton want £100 million for the Belgian which might put Manchester United off as they are currently negotiating a deal for Alvaro Morata.
Arsene Wenger to meet Alexis Sanchez this week
The Sun has reported that the Arsenal manager is set to hold talks with Alexis Sanchez and Hector Bellerin this week to convince them to stay put at the Emirates. Sanchez is eyeing a move to Manchester City whereas Bellerin wants to return to FC Barcelona. It is claimed that Wenger's meeting with the duo will be the club's final effort to keep them at the club.
La Liga
Lionel Messi to sign a new contract after he returns from his honeymoon
Goal understands that Lionel Messi is ready to sign a new deal with the Catalans, ending all the speculations about his future. Messi married long-term girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo last week and is expected to report to training on July 12. Messi's current deal expires next season and the Argentine is ready to sign a three-year extension. This new deal will see him earn €22 million per year after tax which, making him the world's highest-paid footballer.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to stay put
According to AS, Ronaldo has reportedly told club president Florentino Perez that he will be at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. The tax evasion allegations against Ronaldo had thrown his future into doubt but he has now decided against leaving Madrid. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has also made it clear that he is ready to fight for his place in Madrid even if the club sign Kylian Mbappe. The Welshman was linked with a move back to England.
Diego Simeone to sign a new deal soon
AS understands that El Cholo has decided to commit to Atletico Madrid. Simeone is in talks with the club over extending his deal for two years with his current one set to expire next year. This news will be a bitter blow for Inter Milan who wanted Simeone at the San Siro next summer.
Bundesliga
Marc Bartra wanted by Manchester United
Jose Mourinho wants two centre-backs this summer and after missing out on Burnley's Michael Keane, the Portuguese has set his sights on Borussia Dortmund's Marc Bartra. The 26-year-old joined the Westfalenstadion side last summer but might be tempted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League. Manchester United have already signed centre back, Victor Lindelof from Benfica for £30 million.
Naby Keita has his heart set on a move to Liverpool
RB Leipzig midfielder, Naby Keita is keen on joining the Reds this month and has made that clear to the Leipzig hierarchy. Daily Mirror reports that the Guinea international wants to work with Jurgen Klopp, who he thinks can take his game to the next level. Liverpool are ready to bid a club record amount for the midfielder but Leipzig’s CEO has maintained that the player is not for sale.
Rest of the world
Benjamin Mendy close to joining Manchester City
The Citizens have received a huge boost in their pursuit of AS Monaco's Benjamin Mendy with the Gallic outfit completing the signing of a left back, reportedly a replacement for Mendy. Monaco signed Terence Kongolo today for a sum of £11.4 million. This is expected to pave the way for Mendy to join Pep Guardiola's side for a rumoured fee of £40 million.
PSG to make a fresh move for Kylian Mbappe
L'equipe claims that after seeing their £100 million bid rejected for Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain are set to return with an improved offer for the teenage sensation. It is reported that the Parisians' sporting director Antero Henrique has personally contacted Mbappe's father and has reportedly convinced him that his son's future is at the Parc des Princes.
