Having released N’golo Kante, Chelsea look set to lose more players while Brentford have strengthened their squad. Stay up-to-date and follow all Premier League transfers as they happen on the Hollywoodbets Blog!
Ruben Neves exits Wolverhampton Wanderers for Saudi Pro League
Neves was with Wolverhampton for six seasons. There was one season left on his contract.
“It was an unbelievable journey. The way we worked together, the way we fought for the club, what we achieved and all the moments we spent together was unbelievable,” said Neves.
“There are no words to describe our dressing room, with a team spirit that I’ve never experienced before. And then to become captain for the final year made me so proud.
“My kids grew up in Wolverhampton and they were so happy here. Me and my lovely wife will never forget the time we had here as a family.”
Neves is the latest high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League. Earlier this month, Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad. Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is with Al-Nassr.
Wolverhampton sporting director Matt Hobbs added: “Ruben is the embodiment of everything you look for when trying to bring players into a football club; a leader, a humble man and an extremely talented footballer who took Wolves to a different level,” he said.
“He was part of a great era for this club and will go down as one of our best ever players. We are grateful for everything he has done for Wolves and wish him and his family the very best for the future.”
Wolves have agreed a £47m fee with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal to sell midfielder Ruben Neves flight ✈️ pic.twitter.com/fIrLpusyOW
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 18, 2023
City launch £80m bid for Rice
Premier League Champions Manchester City have lodged an official bid for West Ham United
The offer breaks down as £80m up front plus £10m in add-ons.
The bid is short of West Ham’s valuation and early indications suggest it will be rejected.
Arsenal are still pushing to sign Rice – and West Ham are expecting them to come in with a third bid after having two offers rejected.
Rice will leave West Ham in the close season after the midfielder captained the club to their first European trophy in 58 years.
Manchester United have an interest in Rice and there have been discussions internally about how possible it would be to sanction a deal.
BREAKING: West Ham have rejected Manchester City’s £90m offer for Declan Rice ❌pic.twitter.com/KYAJb7zTBV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 27, 2023
Kalidou Koulibaly leaves Chelsea for Saudi Arabia as defender joins Al-Hilal
Senegal captain Koulibaly moved to England last summer from Napoli on a four-year deal in a transfer reported to be worth £34million.
The centre-back went on to make 32 appearances for Chelsea during a difficult season, but has now departed Stamford Bridge.
Koulibaly is not the first Chelsea player to make the move to Saudi Arabia. N’Golo Kante agreed to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer following the expiration of his deal with the Blues.
A number of high-profile names have moved to the Saudi Professional League during the past six months.
The moment Kalidou Koulibaly signed for Al-Hilal 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/IrskVaXxO7
— GOAL (@goal) June 26, 2023
Brentford sign South Korea youngster Kim Ji-Soo
The 18-year-old centre-back will join the Bees B team set-up, and, subject to international clearance, will arrive at the west London club for the start of pre-season training on Thursday.
Kim recently featured for South Korea at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, helping the side to a fourth-place finish, and had been reportedly gaining interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and Sporting Lisbon.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: “Ji-Soo is an excellent prospect who was in demand from many teams in Europe this summer.
Official, confirmed. Brentford sign Ji-soo Kim on permanent deal — 18 years old centre back joins on four year contract. 🐝🇰🇷 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023
Deal also includes option for one more season. pic.twitter.com/YuOzxbFlKi
Arsenal are reportedly considering an improved offer for Ajax star Jurrien Timber
After an initial £30million bid was rejected, Arsenal are preparing an improved offer, as Ajax are holding out for £50million. Timber is also a target for Manchester United.
Manager Mikel Arteta is a fan of Timber and wants to strengthen his defense. The Gunners are actively working to secure the deal during the transfer window.
Arsenal are also closing in on the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, with a medical reportedly planned for the weekend.
They are also interested in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, though they face competition from Manchester City.
If Arsenal’s plans come together, Timber could join Havertz and potentially Rice at the Emirates next season.
Arsenal remain confident and optimistic on Jurrien Timber deal — as player only wants #AFC. ⚪️🔴⏳
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023
Second bid, submitted this morning ⤵️ https://t.co/Qz9jZ7ldKj
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on verge of joining AC Milan
Loftus-Cheek is unhappy at the Blues with a lack of regular first-team football and is being looked at by Milan to fill the void left by midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is on the verge of joining Newcastle United.
The England midfielder’s contract expires at the end of next season and the West Londoners would be wise to cash in on the 27-year-old or risk losing him on a free transfer when his contract comes to an end.
Milan have long been linked with a move for Loftus-Cheek and the Englishman is finally expected to leave Chelsea this summer, having just one year left on his contract in West London.
Loftus-Cheek has long been linked with the Rossoneri and his asking price has reportedly been set at €15m by the Chelsea bosses.
Understand AC Milan and Chelsea are closing in on Ruben Loftus Cheek deal for €16m fee plus €4m add-ons, this is the final package 🔴⚫️ #ACMilan #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2023
Personal terms agreed, RLC understood to be really excited about joining Milan.
Final details discussed then… here we go. pic.twitter.com/foaM3CO1L9
