Arsenal are targeting a move to sign Girona right back Arnau Martínez, while Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton is on the radar of WSL rivals Manchester City. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TOP STORIES

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– Sources: Crystal Palace eye move for Man City’s Akanji
– Howe in dark over Isak’s future as Newcastle chief jets in
– Arsenal make approach for Leverkusen defender Hincapié

TRENDING RUMORS

– Girona right back Arnau Martínez is on the radar of Arsenal, according to Footmercato. Martinez, 22, spent six years in the Barcelona academy before leaving in 2016 and has played his entire senior career at Girona. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their defensive depth and have reportedly made an offer of €8 million, plus €2 million in add-ons, to land the Spain U21 international.

– Manchester City women want to sign Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton, says The Times. Clinton, 22, has entered the final year of her contract at United and is considered one of the best young players in the Women’s Super League. Persuading the England international to move across Manchester before the women’s transfer window closes on Sept. 4 would be a huge coup for City, but they have yet to make an official approach.

– Sport Bild report that Bayern Munich have reached a basic agreement with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Bayern are now negotiating a deal with Chelsea, which is likely to be a loan, and the 24-year-old is considered an alternative to the permanent signing of VfB Stuttgart‘s Nick Woltemade after the two clubs failed to agree on a fee.

– Meanwhile, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has reached out to Chelsea for talks over RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, as reported by Philipp Hinze. The Blues must offload players before making a formal offer to sign the 22-year-old Netherlands international and, at the moment, only a player swap including somebody like Christopher Nkunku is feasible as Leipzig are looking for a fee of €70m.

– USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah is getting closer to joining Atalanta from AC Milan, reports Nicolo Schira, who adds that he has been offered a contract that runs until 2029 with the option for an extra year. Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that the move would be worth around €25m and could allow them to sign 22-year-old Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian for around €15m.

CONFIRMED DEALS

– Dortmund have signed Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka for around £24m on a five-year contract. Read

– Bayer Leverkusen have signed former Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez on a free transfer. Read

– Serie A side Sassuolo have announced the signing of former Man United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matić on a one-year contract.

– FC Midtjylland have signed Philip Billing from Bournemouth for around £5m.

– Chelsea women have confirmed that midfielder Julia Bartel will spend the season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen looks at Girona right back Arnau Martínez.

The 22-year-old has been on the scouting radar of some top European clubs for a while and he has the profile of a modern, versatile full back who can adapt to several roles: from orthodox right back in a back four, to wing back, and even as a right-sided center back in a back three.

Martinez’s La Masia education is very much visible in his game as he is secure on the ball, technically assured, decent with his weaker foot, and particularly good at finding attacking passing options centrally from deep positions — indeed, his 85% accuracy in forward distribution left him second only to Barcelona’s Jules Koundé among LaLiga’s right backs last season.

Energetic and dynamic, he gets around the pitch, carries the ball well at high speed and keeps up his intensity into the closing stages of matches. Less inclined to beat an opponent in a one vs. one duel, he instead impresses with his positioning and ability to make overlapping runs. Though his crossing accuracy (26% last season) is one area of improvement, his three goals and three assists last season are testament to his efforts in attacking areas.

At 6 feet tall, he is of above-average size for a full back, but mainly relies on anticipation and reading of play rather than physicality or powerful tackles. He closes down opponents quickly and decisively, often stepping out of the defensive line for an early regain, which is a good match for a high pressing side like Arsenal. Martinez does look ready to take another step in his career, but the Gunners are more likely to consider him as a squad player than an instant regular.

OTHER RUMORS

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Laurens ‘surprised’ by Arsenal’s interest in Hincapié

Gab & Juls discuss Arsenal’s interest in Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapié.

– Barcelona want to trigger Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong‘s €10m release clause and loan him to a LaLiga club. They will face competition from Real Betis, Real Sociedad and several Premier League clubs, while Levante and Real Oviedo are interested in a loan. (Sport)

– Bayer Leverkusen have reached a deal with free agent right back Lucas Vazquez, who has already completed a medical. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Marseille are keen to bring in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, with a loan including an option to make the deal permanent being discussed. It won’t be an easy deal to complete. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Antony is one step away from rejoining Real Betis from Manchester United, with the deal’s final details being sorted. (Nicolo Schira)

– After closing in on the arrival of center back Jan Ziolkowski from Legia Warsaw, Roma continue to look at Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho but also consider Chelsea’s Tyrique George among the alternatives. (Calciomercato)

– Crystal Palace are interested in re-signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher but haven’t submitted a formal offer yet. (Athletic)

– Cremonese have made contact with free agent striker Jamie Vardy and are waiting for a response from the 38-year-old, who has various other clubs interested in him. (Sky Sports Italia)

– Borussia Dortmund are close to an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers on a deal for striker Fabio Silva that will be worth around €25m, with the deal’s structure and bonuses being discussed. (Athletic)

– Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are options for Ademola Lookman, with the Atalanta forward’s future remaining uncertain as the transfer deadline approaches and his club holds out for a €45m fee. (Calciomercato)

– Villarreal want to bring in Artem Dovbyk on loan with the option to make the deal permanent, but AS Roma value the striker’s transfer at €30m and at least want there to be an obligation to sign him. (Calciomercato)

– Bournemouth and Chelsea are in advanced talks regarding Axel Disasi, with the clubs negotiating the final formula of a deal for the defender. (Fabrizio Romano)

– West Ham United are exploring a deal for Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Romano Schmid, while Lille are monitoring the situation and other clubs are keen. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Nottingham Forest have seen their offer of €27.5m, which includes €7.5m in add-ons, for forward Dilane Bakwa rejected by Strasbourg as they want more. (Athletic)

– Crystal Palace have entered the race for Toulouse center back Jaydee Canvot after Aston Villa saw an offer rejected last week; Toulouse want around €20m. (Fabrizio Romano)