What the papers say
Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier has revealed how close he came to signing with Manchester United before opting for his current club, the Daily Mirror reports. The 31-year-old said he was under no pressure to leave Atletico Madrid when the Old Trafford giants showed interest in him.
The same paper says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decided to leave goalkeeper Bernd Leno, 30, central defender Pablo Mari, 28, and right-back Hector Bellerin, 27, out of his side’s pre-season behind-closed-doors friendly match against Brentford. According to the Mirror, all three are “seemingly close” to transfer exits.
Elsewhere, Burnley have made an offer for Scotland centre-back Jack Hendry at Bruges. The Daily Mail writes that Clarets boss Vincent Kompany is keen to strengthen his squad after losing several players to top-flight sides since Burnley’s relegation to the Championship and hopes to lure the 27-year-old to Turf Moor. And The Sun says Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta has received assurances from Barcelona that they still intend to seal his transfer amid ongoing talks. There has been no official agreement between the Blues and Spanish giants, but Nou Camp boss Xavi is reportedly not backing down from signing the 32-year-old right-back.
Social media round-up
6 transfers Chelsea have missed out on already as Kounde agrees Barcelona movehttps://t.co/TfWTBRfCVApic.twitter.com/EANmHDNuGX— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 28, 2022
“Xavi is a big reason as to why I’m here."— Standard Sport (@standardsport) July 28, 2022
Players to watch
Alexis Sanchez: The French outlet L’Equipe reports Marseille have begun talks over signing the 33-year-old Chile forward from Inter Milan.
Filip Kostic: 90min writes West Ham are continuing talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over signing the 29-year-old Serbia international who can play as a left wing-back or left winger.
