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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's Daily Transfer Roundup. The summer transfer window is open, and top clubs across Europe are scampering about in the hopes of cashing in on the opportunity to give the teams a facelift of sorts.
Some big deals are already being finalized, and there is no short of excitement in the world of football despite the scarcity of action on the pitch as we approach the break. With top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United among many others looking to rebuild and reorganise this summer, we expect quite a lot of transfer records to be broken over the course of the next few months.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 23 May 2019.
Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi says club has transfer ammunition
Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi believes that the club packs enough transfer ammunition to convince their transfer targets to move into the Emirates. In the wake of the departures of Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck and Petr Cech, Arsenal are looking to rebuild, and Sanllehi has provided some insight into the club's transfer activities.
“What I can tell you is that we have identified very clearly and unanimously with our head coach and technical people, we know what we want to prioritise and we’re very clear on what our priorities are,”
“We’re already in the market and we’re already talking with the people that can help us to cover those positions and I feel quite strong. It’s going well and the image that Arsenal has in the football world is very strong.
“I do believe that we have a very good plan to cover those positions to be much stronger next year, to deliver the success that we’re all hoping for.”
Pep Guardiola agrees to take over as manager at Juventus on a 4-year deal
Pep Guardiola has, according to reports in the Italian media, agreed to join Juventus on a 4-year deal. Massimiliano Allegri vacated the manager post at Juventus, and it took no time for media outlets to link the Spaniard with the job.
Guardiola had earlier dismissed rumours linking him with Juventus. After Manchester City beat Watford 3-1, Pep said,
"One guy says something on Twitter and everybody puts it on their pages - Pep is going to Juventus."
"I don't understand why before they say it, they don't try to call the club, or me, or my agent or Juventus.
"I have two more years and I am not going to move. It is impossible unless they sack me.
"If Man City want me, I will stay for two more years and hopefully another one. I am not going to go to Juventus for the next two seasons."
The latest report claims that Pep will join Juventus on June 4th.
Barcelona complete signing of 18-year-old Dutch midfielder
In a bid to build a strong, young core for the future, Barcelona have kicked off their transfer activity for the summer by completing the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Ludovit Reis. Reis has been playing for Eredivisie side FC Groningen. Reis had his medical at Barcelona yesterday, and the £2.8 million deal has been completed now.
Reis will join Barcelona on a 3-year deal till 2022. Barcelona will also exercise the option of extending it by a further 2 years. He will also have a buyout clause of £188 million.
Barcelona announced the signing on their website.
“Ludovit Reis has signed a contract this morning with FC Barcelona player,”
“He did so this morning at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in the presence of director Silvio Elias, the head of professional youth football at the club.”
Antoine Griezmann to reject Barcelona to join Real Madrid
Antoine Griezmann seems to have pulled a U-turn on his apparent move to Barcelona. Griezmann has been influenced by the interest shown in him by Barcelona's bitter and eternal rivals Real Madrid and seems to appreciate their offer more than the Catalans'.
Griezmann's first choice has always been Barcelona, but of late, he hasn't been entirely convinced of it. However, Griezmann doesn't believe that he will get to be the focal point of the attack with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi involved. At Real Madrid, he could be leading their attack alongside Eden Hazard.
In addition to that, Real Madrid offer to put him on the same wages as he is on currently at Atletico Madrid. He would have had to take a pay cut if he was to join Barcelona. Real Madrid would also much rather spend the €120 million on the World Cup winner than an inexperienced Joao Felix who is reportedly one of their top targets.
Real Madrid agree terms with Eden Hazard, signing to be announced on the 30th
It looks like Real Madrid have finally secured a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, almost a year after he left the club. But their summer project is now well underway. Real Madrid have agreed terms with Eden Hazard and now need to agree to a fee with Chelsea.
Chelsea want the Europa League final against Arsenal to be over before the deal is finalized. Florentino Perez will make the announcement in a week. Eden Hazard had earlier revealed that he had made up his mind and Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has asked Chelsea fans to respect the Belgian's decision whatever it might be.
Real Madrid are prepared to pay up to €100 million for Hazard. Hazard's contract will run out in 2020 and hence this is the last chance that Chelsea will have to cash in on him.
