Transfer rumors: Arsenal has deal with Mustafi; Mahrez staying put
The summer transfer season is in full swing, with European powers loading up for the campaigns on the horizon with the summer's international competitions in the rear-view mirror.
Manchester United (Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan) and Manchester City (John Stones, Leroy Sane, Nolito, Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus, Marlos Moreno) have already spent big, while their competitors both in England and abroad position themselves for the seasons that are mere days away from beginning.
Despite some of the biggest names on the market already switching clubs and settling into their new surroundings, a number of others are still slated for moves as the countdown to the deadline continues.
Here is the latest buzz from the summer transfer window:
Thursday, August 11
Arsenal has deal in place for Mustafi: Amid a massive injury crisis, Arsenal may have a reinforcement for its defense. The agent for Germany international center back Shkodran Mustafi says a deal is in place with the club. Arsenal and Valencia must now agree on a transfer fee.
Mahrez won't leave this window: Riyad Mahrez has reportedly accepted that Leicester City will not be selling him during the summer transfer window. Arsenal and Chelsea have been rumored destinations for the reigning PFA Player of the Year.
Koeman wants to keep Lukaku: Despite Romelu Lukaku's reported wishes to leave Everton for a return to Chelsea, new Toffees manager Ronald Koeman wants to keep the Belgian striker at Goodison Park.
West Brom enters Benteke sweepstakes: Crystal Palace is thought to be leading the charge to sign Christian Benteke from Liverpool, but West Brom has reportedly entered the race.
Chelsea set to loan out USA's Miazga: Eintracht Frankfurt is reportedly a loan destination for U.S. international center back Matt Miazga, though ESPN FC reports that multiple teams are in the mix.
Wednesday, August 10
Leicester City bids for Gabigol: The reigning Premier League champions have reportedly bid £23.2 million for Santos and Brazil Olympic team forward Gabriel Barbosa, known simply as Gabigol. Inter Milan and Juventus have also reportedly made bids for his services.
No Arsenal bid for Mahrez: Despite reports to the contrary, Sky Sports reports that Arsenal has not made a bid of £30 million for Leicester star Riyad Mahrez, who appears to be staying put with the Foxes.
Lacazette will cost £60 million: Arsenal has offered £30 million for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, but it will need to double that amount to pry him away. The £30 million could lure Wilfried Bony away from Manchester City, though.
Chievo wants Balotelli: Serie A side Chievo Verona wants to sign out-of-favor Mario Balotelli away from Liverpool, but his weekly wage demands could be a stumbling block.
Mata to remain with Manchester United: Already sold once by Jose Mourinho, from Chelsea, Juan Mata appears set to stay put at Old Trafford despite expectations he'd be offloaded.
Everton nears Bolasie signing: With a cash windfall after selling Stones to Man City, Everton looks to spend big (£28 million) to lure forward Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace.
Benteke to Palace nears completion: Liverpool seems to have found a Christian Benteke suitor that will pay close to the club's desired fee, with Crystal Palace set to drop 30 million for the Belgian forward. Selling Bolasie would essentially make it a wash financially for Alan Pardew's side.
Chelsea-Koulibaly situation to be resolved this week: Napoli is reportedly holding out for around £50 million for center back Kalidou Koulibaly after rejecting a £42.5 million bid from Chelsea. The player's agent says it will be settled this week one way or another.
Sunderland to sign Man United duo: Paddy McNair and Donald Love appear headed from Old Trafford to the Stadium of Light, with former Manchester United manager David Moyes recruiting the defensive duo to his new club.
