Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal open Barcelona talks, Liverpool could boost £75m Man Utd bid

Transfer news LIVE | Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest rumours and gossip

Thursday, March 28

• Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona

• The Gunners are speaking about centre-back Samuel Umtiti

• Liverpool could be key to Manchester United signing Kalidou Koulibaly

• Chelsea are reluctant to sell Callum Hudson-Odoi

Higuain retires

Gonzalo Higuain has retired from the Argentina national team with immediate effect, ending an eventful international career which included three losing major final appearances.

“My cycle with the national team is over, now I’m watching things from the outside, to the joy of many people,” Higuain.

“I spoke with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and gave him my point of view, the decision has been taken, it’s what I think is the best thing for me.”

The 31-year-old made 75 appearances for Argentina, scoring 31 goals. His last appearance was in the 2-1 win over Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup.

Van Dijk to help Man Utd make signing?

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk playing in England could help Manchester United secure a mega signing this summer.

That’s the opinion of former Red Devils striker Dimitar Berbatov.

“One player I would love to see at Old Trafford is Ajax defender, Matthijs de Ligt, although I know every big club in Europe is after him,” Berbatov told Betfair.

“I watched him play against Real Madrid and he looks the real deal – so confident and assured for a player of his age.

“Having his international team-mate Virgil Van Dijk already in the Premier League could be a boost for any English team chasing De Ligt.

“The Liverpool man will be telling him how good the league is and that can make a real difference to where you choose to go.”

Arsenal double

Arsenal want to make five new signings this summer and they believe that deals for both David Alaba and Samuel Umtiti are possible.

According to The Independent, Arsenal want to make five new signings and top on their priority list is Bayern Munich’s David Alaba.

The Bavarians have already completed the capture of World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for £68million, he will join up with his new club this summer.

And his arrival could spell the end for Alaba who maybe keen to seek a new challenge should Arsenal make their interest concrete.

The report also states that Emery is eying Barcelona’s World Cup winning Samuel Umtiti.

Real Madrid hold transfer meeting

Real Madrid are holding a transfer meeting today – it has been claimed by transfer insider Tancredi Palmeri.

Palmeri claims they are having a meeting today to discuss the signing of Mauro Icardi.

But the twist comes that Madrid are keen to send Matteo Kovacic the other way.

Chelsea were looking into the possibility of signing him permanently but have been handed a two window transfer ban.

Arsenal talks underway

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona over the signing of centre-back Samuel Umtiti.

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, discussions between the two parties have already taken place with the Gunners desperate to bolster their defensive options.

It’s claimed Arsenal director of football Raul Sanllehi, who brought Umtiti to the Nou Camp from Lyon in 2016, has been speaking with Barcelona chief Eric Abidal about a potential transfer.

The report claims Barca are prepared to sacrifice Umtiti to fund a deal for Ajax superstar Matthijs de Ligt.

Manchester United have also been linked with the French defender, but Sanllehi’s days with the Catalan giants could prove a decisive factor.

Napoli raid to benefit Man Utd?

Liverpool could be key to Manchester United signing centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.

That’s because Napoli are interested in Reds defender Dejan Lovren who would act as a replacement.

United are interested in Koulibaly, who would reportedly cost more than the £75m Liverpool paid for Virgil Van Dijk.

Liverpool could be ready to offload the Croatia star as they have the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ahead of him in the pecking order at Anfield.

And the Mirror claim Napoli face competition from Roma to secure his signature.

Callum Hudson-Odoi latest

Chelsea are reluctant to sell Callum Hudson-Odoi despite Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Barcelona all pursuing the England international.

Bayern Munich failed to land the 18-year-old during the winter transfer window but the Bundesliga giants remain keen to make him their long-term replacement for Arjen Robben, even promising him the Dutchman’s No 10 shirt.

Manchester United are also interested in the Chelsea star, while Barcelona are eyeing him to beef up their attack for next season.

Yet the Daily Mail claim the Blues are reluctant to cut him loose and are willing to risk the England international entering the final year of his contract next season.