Transfer News: Chelsea step up Marco Verratti pursuit; Arsenal join Corentin Tolisso chase

Chelsea plot Verratti swoop

Chelsea are lining up a move for PSG star Marco Verratti, reports the Sun, and the Blues have already tabled a £55 million bid, with Antonio Conte a big fan of the Italy international from his time coaching him with the Azzurri.
The former Pescara starlet is content with life in the French capital though and would prefer to stay, should he receive an improvement on his £120,000-per-week wages.
The report claims PSG may be open to selling the 24-year-old though, which has encouraged the Blues to make an offer.

Gunners move for £30m Tolisso

Arsenal have identified Lyon's star midfielder Corentin Tolisso, with the Ligue 1 side demanding £30m, claims the Mirror.
The Gunners have followed the 22-year-old for some years and will now compete with Napoli and Juventus this summer with OL finally deciding to sell their talisman.
Tolisso is eager to ensure a place in France's World Cup squad and with Lyon failing to qualify for the Champions League, a move away now appears probable.

Sessegnon tops Liverpool wish list

Liverpool have made Ryan Sessegnon a priority this summer as Jurgen Klopp bids to revamp his squad ahead of a season that is likely to provide Champions League football, reports the Independent.
The Reds believe they can beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City to win the race for the 16-year-old Fulham wonder kid, who will cost £15m.
Sessegnon's youth means Klopp will look to add another left-back though, even if the Fulham starlet can also play on the left wing, which means a move for Hull's Andrew Robertson.
Klopp's eye on the Bundesliga will also lead him to push to sign two of the stars of RB Leipzig: Timo Werner and Naby Keita.

Premier League giants eye Butland

Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland is attracting interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, according to the Mirror.
The 24-year-old has returned to the Potters' first team after a year out because of a back injury and is now being targeted by four of the league's top six.
It is unclear whether Butland would be willing to operate as a No. 2 as the Blues and Gunners prepare for Asmir Begovic and David Ospina's probable departures.
If David De Gea leaves for Real Madrid, Butland could also eye the No. 1 jersey at Old Trafford, while City could well be on the lookout for a new first-choice goalkeeper.

Tap-ins

- Arsenal have made Malaga's Pablo Fornals a key target this summer, reports the Mirror. The 21-year-old has scored six goals and assisted three more in La Liga with Arsene Wenger thought to be a huge fan.
- Bournemouth have offered Jermain Defoe £18m to come to the south coast on a free transfer from Sunderland, reports the Sun. The Cherries have put up a £115,000-per-week deal for three years, despite the England international set to turn 35 soon.
- Everton are lining up a £20m move for Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho, claims the Sun, with the 20-year-old eager to move in search of first-team football.
- Both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have reportedly tabled bids for Manchester City midfielder Aaron Mooy, according to SBS.
The £10 million-rated Australia international is currently on loan at Huddersfield Town, and has been instrumental in the Terriers' charge to the Championship playoff final.

Source: ESPN