Liverpool’s £120m Isak bid, Chelsea eye Hato, United want Estupinan

Benjamin Sesko’s stance after new Saudi Pro League links remains the same as in June — total focus on European football. Sesko wants to play in Europe at this stage of his career, despite approaches from Saudi clubs in the last two months. (Fabrizio Romano)

Gulf News verdict:

The 22-year-old Slovenian striker was Arsenal’s target not so long ago, but Leipzig’s asking price of €100 million was one of the reasons they moved away from the deal. This young talent has loads of potential and he wants to stay in Europe to unleash it completely. If no deal is struck with any top European club in the summer, he might even decide to stay at Leipzig, I reckon.

Napoli have informed Liverpool last night that the Darwin Nunez deal can be considered off. Napoli will sign Lucca as new striker despite Nunez opening doors to the move, with the fee considered too high. Nunez is still expected to leave #LFC this summer with Saudi clubs and more keen. (Fabrizio Romano)

Gulf News verdict:

The 24-year-old Udinese Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca’s transfer to Napoli has put an end to Nunez’s possible departure to Napoli. Liverpool were demanding more than £60 million for their Uruguayan striker, who hasn’t lived up to expectations at Merseyside. Though the player has always stated that he wanted to continue in Europe, we haven’t read about any other club being interested at the moment. The window is still long, but if the wait gets longer, he might have to choose the option to move to Saudi, who are ready to splash the cash as per Liverpool’s demands. If the Reds lower their demands, other European clubs might come into the picture, I reckon. He wouldn’t want to be playing second fiddle to anyone considering it’s a World Cup year. If nothing materialises as per his wish, a loan move is also a possibility.

Chelsea hold fresh talks for Jorrel Hato with Liverpool also interested. Ajax quoting £60 million, but suitors hoping for closer to £40 million. Hato does not have a release clause. (Eduardo Burgos — Diario AS)

Gulf News verdict:

The 19-year-old Dutch centre-back is a great prospect, but the quoted price is just too much even for Chelsea, who have spent a lot under the new ownership. The pivotal point is that the teen can play as a backup to Cucurella in that left-back role, which is an area the Blues need to strengthen, but they should do this deal only for the right price. Also, Chelsea have to do a lot of cleaning up as well before adding another player to the squad.

Manchester United and Milan both hold a genuine interest in Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan. (Ben Jacobs, Eduardo Burgos, Alex Crook)

Gulf News verdict:

Manchester United haven’t sorted out the Mbuemo deal yet as the difference in valuation is still there. However, they cannot stay quiet in the market as they need to add players in many key areas. The left wing-back position is also under consideration for improvement. Luke Shaw is injury-prone, Malacia has already left the club. They have acquired Dorgu, but they need depth even though United’s academy product Amass could provide the same. Estupinan had loads of injury issues recently, but he is a good player who already has enough Premier League experience. Brighton have already signed Maxim De Cuyper, who can act as a replacement. So for the right price, Brighton will sell. They are a selling club, after all. But what’s the right price? Is this a priority for United right now? They have to get another midfielder and sort that Mbuemo deal quickly.

Also, I doubt Milan pulling off this deal.

Liverpool have again confirmed to Newcastle their intention to present a record bid for Alexander Isak, as revealed on Tuesday.

The proposal is ready for a £120m package, but will only be sent if Newcastle change their stance. (Fabrizio Romano)

Gulf News verdict:

We have spoken about it yesterday.