Transfers

Tottenham ‘revoke permission for Kane to undergo Bayern medical’

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly revoked their permission for Harry Kane to fly to Germany for a medical with Bayern Munich.

The long-running transfer saga took a significant step forward on Thursday as news emerged that Spurs had finally accepted a bid of around £86.4m for their talismanic striker.

Bayern had seen numerous offers rejected prior to that, but the accepted bid seemingly left it down to Kane to decide where his future lay.

The 30-year-old is understood to have made the decision to leave Spurs for Bayern late on Thursday night, having verbally agreed a four-year deal at the Allianz Arena.

Kane was scheduled to fly out to Munich this morning in order to undergo a medical and sign the contract, although there has been another hurdle in proceedings.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Spurs have now withdrawn their permission for Kane to fly as they look to make some last-minute changes to the agreement.

The details up for renewed discussion are thought to be relatively minor ones, but talks are being complicated by Daniel Levy being in the United States, and therefore in a different time zone.

The late twist means that Kane has been left waiting at the airport for permission to board the plane and fly to Munich to complete the transfer.

Kane is in the final year of his contract at Tottenham, meaning that unless he signs a new deal, this summer is the club’s last chance to earn a significant transfer fee for their record goalscorer.

The England captain is the second-highest scorer in Premier League history and has made no secret of his desire to overhaul Alan Shearer at the top of those standings.

However, his career has also so far been missing any major team trophy, which is thought to be the main influence behind his impending move to serial German champions Bayern Munich.

Bayern are in the market for a new striker having failed to directly replace Robert Lewandowski following his move to Barcelona last summer.

Kane has long been their top target, although Levy and Spurs have refused to budge on their asking price and were happy to keep hold of the striker if that figure was not met.

Manchester United were also heavily linked with a move earlier this summer, but they moved on to other targets due to Kane’s price tag and Levy’s reluctance to sell to a Premier League rival.

The striker wanted his future sorted before Tottenham’s opening game of the new season – which comes against Brentford on Sunday – and is understood to have been leaning towards staying at Spurs prior to Thursday’s developments.

Kane, who is expected to be handed the number nine shirt in Bavaria, would not join Bayern in time for their German Super Cup clash with RB Leipzig on Saturday.

However, should the transfer go through without further hitches, he could make his debut for the champions in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season away to Werder Bremen next Friday.

Kane has scored a club-record 280 goals in 435 appearances for Spurs during his 12 years as part of the senior team, while he is also England’s record goalscorer with 58 in 84 outings.

Transfers

Chelsea Launch Transfer Bid For Bellingham

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer to sign Sunderland’s rising star Jobe Bellingham.

The Blues have made a habit of investing in young talent as part of their long-term strategy, and the midfielder has emerged as a prime target to bolster Enzo Maresca’s midfield options.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who is the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, had previously shown a preference for a move abroad. However, Chelsea’s fresh offer appears to have altered the situation significantly.

“I left Arsenal because my wife told me she wanted to get out of London – then six months later she told me to go BACK!” – which Arsenal legend instantly regretted leaving?

Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Bellingham, but Chelsea’s bid could now put them firmly in the driving seat. Sunderland, meanwhile, are hoping to keep hold of their young star, particularly if they achieve promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.

With Bellingham contracted until 2028, the Championship side holds a strong position in negotiations – while it’s not clear whether he’d be open to a switch to west London.

FootballTransfers previously reported that Sunderland have a gentleman’s agreement in place, allowing Bellingham to leave this summer if a suitable offer arrives, which is believed to be in the region of £20million.

Unlike his brother who is deployed as a No.10 at Los Blancos, the younger Bellingham operates more as a traditional box-to-box midfielder.

Transfers

Arsenal Ready Bid For ‘World-Class’ La Liga Defender

Arsenal are preparing to test Barcelona’s resolve this summer with a bold €60 million move for Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.

While the Gunners’ priority remains strengthening their attack, Fichajes claims manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence too, and Kounde – called “world-class” by scout Jacek Kulig – has emerged as a prime target ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite Barcelona’s stance that Kounde isn’t actively on the market, Arsenal believe the Catalan giants’ financial situation could force them to consider offers. The Gunners are prepared to offer €60m for the versatile defender, but the likes of Chelsea are reportedly in the race, too.

“I left Arsenal because my wife told me she wanted to get out of London – then six months later she told me to go BACK!” – which Arsenal legend instantly regretted leaving?

Barcelona’s ongoing financial concerns, coupled with the delayed reopening of the Camp Nou, may leave them with little choice but to cash in. The club is said to value Kounde closer to €70m but could still accept Arsenal’s bid if they secure a suitable replacement. Man United were previously linked with a huge €100m move.

Arteta is reportedly drawn to Kounde’s ability to slot in at both right-back and centre-back, with Arsenal already having similar players who can play across the backline.

It’s thought that the Frenchman’s pace, distribution, and experience at the top level are seen as key assets that would enhance the Gunners’ backline.

Transfers

Mikel Arteta Told To Complete ‘No-Brainer’ Transfer To Replace Arsenal Duo

Mikel Arteta has been urged to push ahead with a move for Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Kimmich has emerged as a top target for Arsenal as his contract talks at Bayern Munich continue to stall. The German has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top players since arriving at Bayern in 2015.

He has won eight league titles, three DFB-Pokals and the 2020 Champions League. But his contract with Bayern will expire at the end of this season and the German giants are struggling to tie him down to a new deal.

Those roadblocks have seen Arsenal become interested in the 30-year-old. Former Spurs star Michael Dawson has urged the Gunners to push to sign him, singling Kimmich out as the perfect man to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

“I think he’s a very, very good player. He’s done it for a long time in Germany at the age of 30. His contract is coming to an end and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be renewed,” Dawson told Sky Sports.

“The reason Arsenal are probably looking at this is because you go, ‘Is Jorginho going to go? Is Thomas Partey going to go?’, so you need to replace them. And if he’s a free agent then you get the experience, the quality that he possesses and it’s a no-brainer really on that front.

“Kimmich, I can see why they would go for him, of course. The experience and what he could bring if those two players [Jorginho and Partey] do leave Arsenal. You’re bringing in someone who is tried and trusted… no-brainer.”

It has been reported that Bayern recently withdrew their latest offer of a new deal to Kimmich. The German is thought to be pushing for an increase on his current £320,000 per week wage packet.

According to Sky Germany, Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the situation and have already held talks with Kimmich over a move. He is said to interested in hearing what they have to say.

It is understood that has informed Bayern chiefs Max Eberl and Christoph Freund about the offers. Sporting director Eberl remains hopeful an agreement can still be reached with Kimmich over a renewal before the season comes to an end.

“Generally speaking, nobody is above the club,” he told German newspaper Bild. “If a player decides differently, then he decides differently. Things will continue at FC Bayern. We are not at that point with Kimmich.

“I’ve never given updates on negotiations, won’t be doing that now either because that’s inappropriate. We treat each other with big respect – we’re talking. What’s important is how Josh and we as a club treat each other.”