Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal identify new targets after Saliba blow, Liverpool hijack PSG’s bid for winger, Chelsea agree Garnacho exit – UK Times

Premier League champions Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow after centre-back William Saliba was ruled out for “an extended period” with a back injury.

The defender played with a back problem during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final and, although he will not require an operation, the 25-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines.

“Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation,” said a statement from Arsenal.

After Andoni Iraola made clear that Liverpool “definitely need to sign a winger” this month, the Reds have reportedly turned their attention towards Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

The 24-year-old, who is left footed, was part of France’s World Cup squad and has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain this summer. He scored six goals and made six assists for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season.

Sky Sports News are reporting that Liverpool have made an “initial approach” for Akliouche and have made an enquiry about his availability this summer. PSG have also been linked to another Liverpool target, Yan Diomande.

Newcastle are said to be “frustrated” by Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes and will listen to offers of more than £80m for their captain, according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie.

Arsenal are set to accelerate their interest in the Brazil international but Newcastle have been reportedly angered by the Gunners’ approach, as they are yet to contact Newcastle directly with a bid.

Guimaraes wants to leave the club this summer but Newcastle are also being guided by the £100m fee Tottenham paid for their Italy international midfielder Sandro Tonali.

John Stones is a free agent after leaving Manchester City at the end of last season and Chelsea are one of the teams interested in signing the 32-year-old England international, according to the BBC.

Stones made just five starts for Manchester City in the Premier League last season but was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and the Blues are interested in his experience.

Chelsea’s interest in new centre-backs to improve their defence may not there under new boss Xabi Alonso, and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix is the priority target.

The 26-year-old played three times at the World Cup for France and negotiations are ongoing between Chelsea, Palace and the player’s camp, with Lacroix himself keen on moving to Stamford Bridge.

Confirmed incomings: Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Denner, Emmanuel Emegha

Confirmed outgoings: Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Tyrique George

Linked with? Alex Scott, Maxence Lacroix, John Stones, Granit Xhaka

Confirmed incomings: Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz

Confirmed outgoings: Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah

Linked with? Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande, Maghnes Akliouche, Adam Wharton

Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and fourth-richest man in the world, has been “approached” by a consortium that is in talks to buy a minority stake in Liverpool, according to reports.

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group confirmed on Tuesday that they had been approached by a consortium led by Amit Bhatia, the British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of QPR.

Sky News reported that Bezos has held “discussions” with the group, with talks still at an early stage.

Southampton’s head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged by the Football Association over the ‘Spygate’ scandal.

Saints were thrown out of the Championship play-offs by the EFL in May over the affair and docked four points for the coming season.

The club admitted spying on a training session held by play-off opponents Middlesbrough in May, and on sessions at Ipswich and Oxford earlier in the season.

On May 21 the FA confirmed it was investigating the matter, and on Wednesday it announced charges had been brought.

Bournemouth have rejected an approach from Chelsea for midfielder Alex Scott and the Cherris have reportedly made it clear that they will not be selling the England Under-21 international this summer.

However, the BBC have reported that Scott has rejected a new contract and has told Bournemouth that he is not willing to agree a new deal. The BBC report states that Chelsea’s bid was £64m but Bournemouth do not want to sell.

His current deal runs until 2028, so Bournemouth are not under pressure to sell this summer, having turned down one approach from Chelsea already.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also very interested as they seek help in the engine room and it would be a coup if any of the trio could prise Scott away from the south coast.

1. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) – £117m

2. Elliot Anderson (Nott’m Forest to Man City) – £116m

3. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle to Tottenham) – £100m

4. Matheus Fernandes (West Ham to Tottenham) – £84m

5. Jeremy Jacquet (Stade Rennais to Liverpool) – £53.7m

6. Johan Manzambi (Freiburg to Aston Villa) – £51m

7. Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton to Tottenham) – £51m

8. Marco Palestra (Atalanta to Chelsea) – £48.6m

9. Andrey Santos (Man Utd to Chelsea) – £48m

10. Luka Vuskovic (Tottenham to Brighton) – £46m