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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. It's business time in the footballing world and this summer transfer window is proving to be just as exciting as the last one.
Teams like Manchester United and Barcelona among many other European giants continue to be linked with several top players as they scour the transfer window looking for the right player who can reinforce their ranks.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news of the day.
Barcelona set to announce Antoine Griezmann signing on Monday
As per reliable Spanish publications, the Antoine Griezmann transfer saga which has seen its own fair share of twists and turns is set to come to a close. Barcelona are reportedly working tirelessly to ensure the Frenchman is officially unveiled at the Camp Nou on Monday.
After being closely linked with a move to Barcelona during the summer of 2018, Antoine Griezmann decided to stay put at Atletico Madrid. However, following the end of the season, Griezmann confirmed that he intends to leave the club this summer in a video he shared via social media.
The only thing stopping Barcelona from sealing the deal is the €120 million release clause which needs to be deposited with LaLiga. As per the report, Barcelona and the player have agreed on personal terms and once the release clause is paid, the deal is as good as done.
The Catalans expect the World Cup winner to fly in from Ibiza once they hold up their end of the bargain. Barcelona are hoping that Griezmann will attend his first official photo shoot as a Barcelona player on Sunday in preparation for the official unveiling on Monday.
Griezmann's documentary which elaborated upon his decision to not join Barcelona not summer did not reportedly go down well with some of the Barcelona players. As such, there were reports suggesting that the dressing room might not okay the Frenchman's arrival.
However, all such doubts could be put to bed now. Atletico Madrid are on the verge of losing their best player over the past few seasons.
Manchester United ready to offer €80 million for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Manchester United seem to have well and truly revived their interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Standing at 6'3, the Serb looks a perfect fit for the Premier League and he was on Jose Mourinho's list of transfer targets last summer. They are now willing to offer €80 million for Savic.
With the Paul Pogba situation remaining unresolved and no replacements in place for Marouane Fellaini or Ander Herrera, Manchester United have to invest heavily to build a midfield that can help them get back on their feet after the slump towards the end of last season that drew the ire of fans and critics alike.
Lazio reportedly want £90 million for the 24-year-old central midfielder. The report also adds that Savic is keen on leaving though he is not willing to force a move. He is also open to the idea of staying at Lazio if the club does not find a suitable deal.
Inter Milan meet Manchester United to discuss a deal for Romelu Lukaku
Piero Ausilio, the Inter Milan sporting director, has flown in to London to hold talks with the Manchester United representatives over a potential deal for their striker Romelu Lukaku. The big Belgian is among the few players who are expected to be shown the gates at Old Trafford this season and Antonio Conte wants him signed up.
Inter Milan will make a €70 million offer to Manchester United which will comprise of an initial loan fee of €10 million for one season and a two-part payment of €30 million over two years. However, they know that the bid could get rejected by Manchester United.
The Red Devils are under no compulsion to sell Lukaku for less than the amount they paid for him when they signed him 2 summers back from Everton. Also, Inter Milan had played hardball when Manchester United came knocking for Ivan Perisic. The Serie A side turned down a £45 million offer for the Croat and demanded the Red Devils paid £50 million instead.
Lukaku is keen on joining Inter Milan and wants to work with Antonio Conte. Interestingly, the Italian had come very close to signing Romelu Lukaku from Everton during his time at Chelsea's helm. But the deal was hijacked by Jose Mourinho's United.
Everton to rival Liverpool for Nicolas Pepe
Everton are the latest side to register an interest in LOSC Lille winger Nicolas Pepe. The Ivory Coast international is valued at £65 million and the Merseysiders will have to break the bank and smash their transfer record if they are to sign him.
Pepe was heavily linked with Liverpool with Lille president George Lopez claiming that the Reds have shown interest. However, Liverpool denied all such claims and now their bitter rivals Everton are in the hunt for him.
Nicolas Pepe had quite a breakthrough season last time around. He scored a whopping 22 goals for his side in the league and ended up the second top scorer in the French top flight after Kylian Mbappe. His exploits went a long way towards Lille finishing second on the Ligue 1 table this past season.
Laurent Koscielny refuses to report for training, Arsenal release statement
Laurent Koscielny's relationship with his current club Arsenal is getting strained. The Frenchman reportedly wants to leave the club as he enters the last year of his contract. Koscielny wants to be released as a free agent so that he can return to his native France.
Arsenal, however, went ahead and named him in their pre-season squad and he was supposed to show up for their tour to the United States on Thursday. Koscielny refused to budge and the club have now said that the Frenchman will be staying behind. Subsequently, the Gunners released an official statement. It reads as follows,
We are very disappointed by Laurent’s actions, which are against our clear instructions.
We hope to resolve this matter and will not be providing any further comment at this time.
