Rumour reel: Arsenal to bid £45m for Lemar

Gunners are eager to get their man

It was a busy weekend in the summer transfer window, with Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton finally confirmed, Romelu Lukaku heading in the opposite direction. Rooney told fans winning a trophy for The Toffees would be the pinnacle.

The Blues are expected to spend around £100m this summer, but clawed back a big chunk of that thanks to the Lukaku deal, with the Belgian’s move to Old Trafford raking in £75m. There’s plenty going on as we enter the new week, let’s round up the headlines.

Third bid’s a charm for Arsenal

Arsenal have had a couple of bids for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar rejected already, but bosses are expected to up their game and slap in a £45m offer, testing the French side’s limit. 21-year-old Lemar has played for France at every level from U17 to the senior squad, and is keen on a move to London and the English Premier League. The Gunners are believed to have had offers of £30m and £40m knocked back, but are confident 45 will be the magic number needed to get this one home. Newspaper reports are also suggesting there will be a summer clear-out at the Emirates to help balance the books.

Newcastle target in-demand Murphy

Newcastle are working on improving their squad for a return to the Premier League, and are about to deal in Norwich midfielder Jacob Murphy. The 22-year-old was one of the eye-catchers in The Canaries’ team last season, and Rafa Benitez thinks he’s more than capable of cutting it at the top-tier. Norwich won’t stand in the player’s way, but will want to get the best deal possible for the club. Newcastle are ready to bid £8.5m, but there has also been interest from other Premier League clubs, including Southampton and Crystal Palace. Murphy has options – we’ll keep you up to date on how that turns out. Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo will also arrive at St James Park on a season long loan.