Transfer Roundup: Mbappe Saga Adds New Twist, Pulisic on Verge of Summer Move

A couple of USMNT stars appear to be on the move while Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane ponder their future in this week’s transfer roundup.

It’s not a summer window without some serious transfer rumors among the best forwards in the world—and this year is no exception.

But while giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich line up for the biggest and brightest, several smaller moves have played out over the last week in the transfer market.

Here’s the latest.

Transfer rumors and done deals

The end of the Kylian Mbappé era at PSG appears to be closer to nearing than ever before. In an interview with France Football magazine, the French star called PSG “a divisive club” and blamed the club’s Champions League failures on club leadership. Reports suggest PSG believes Mbappé has already agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, but club president Nasser Al Khelaifi has reiterated that the forward must either sign a new contract or leave this summer. (Sky Sports)

USMNT star Christian Pulisic is on the verge of a move to AC Milan after agreeing to personal terms with the Rossoneri last week. Now, the clubs are putting pen to paper on the final details, which includes a €22 million ($24.1 million) transfer fee. The agreement also includes a sell-on fee Chelsea would receive if AC Milan sells the forward in the future. An official announcement confirming the move is expected in the coming days. (The Guardian)

Brenden Aaronson became the latest USMNT standout to complete a major summer move. The 22-year-old officially joined Bundesliga side Union Berlin on a season-long loan, which will see him return to Champions League action after the club finished fourth last season. Aaronson made 36 Premier League appearances last season for Leeds United, scoring one goal. 

#WelcomeBrenden 👋🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3YR5EsSxpo

— 1. FC Union Berlin (@fcunion) July 9, 2023

In a transfer saga that looks certain to drag out through the summer, Bayern Munich has submitted a second bid of €80 million for Tottenham forward Harry Kane. The German giants saw their initial €70 million bid turned away, and now Spurs is expected to reject the newest offer. Kane has one year left on his contract and appears keen on a move. (The Guardian)

PSG has officially signed Lucas Hernandez from Bayern Munich in a €40 million move. The French international signs on a five-year deal after winning the Bundesliga in all four seasons with Bayern, which also included a Champions League title 2019-20. 

David De Gea has left Manchester United after failing to agree to a new contract. The Spanish international made 545 appearances for the club across 12 years. Last year, he won the Premier League Golden Gloves award for most clean sheets. 

Declan Rice is expected to be announced as Arsenal’s newest star this week with only a medical left to be completed after agreeing to a £105 million move from West Ham. (Sky Sports)

After rumors of interest from Chelsea, Paulo Dybala has reiterated his commitment to Roma. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly looking into a move for his Argentine compatriot, but Dybala looks set to stay put for now. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Mbappé appears to be forcing a summer transfer while Pulisic is on the verge of a move to AC Milan :: IMAGO/Sportsphoto/Agencia-MexSport

Paul Pogba is the latest former star to be courted by Saudi Arabia’s growing league. The 30-year-old midfielder reportedly toured Al-Ittihad’s facilities over the weekend and is now considering a €100 million offer to join France teammates Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté. (Tuttosport)

Erik ten Hag has his sights set on Inter Milan goalkeeper André Onana following De Gea’s exit. The Cameroon international, who previously worked with ten Hag at Ajax, was the subject of a €45 million opening offer from United, but Inter Milan is reportedly holding out for €60 million. (Sky Sports)

Romelu Lukaku is willing to cut his wages by £1 million per year in order to join Inter Milan. However, Chelsea is reluctant to let the Belgian forward leave on another loan and is not content with Inter’s valuation as it seeks offers from Juventus and Saudi Arabia. (Telegraph)

Several major clubs including PSG, Napoli, Lazio and Galatasaray have held talks with Wilfried Zaha over a free transfer. However, the Ivory Coast star’s biggest offer is from Crystal Palace, which is offering to make Zaha its highest-paid player ever after his contract with the club recently expired. (The Guardian)

Arsenal has agreed to a £34.2 million ($43.6 million) move for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber. The 22-year-old was one of the hottest fullbacks on the market after making more than 160 appearances for the Dutch giants and is expected to join the Gunners this week. (Sky Sports)