Transfer rumors: Spurs push for Gakpo, Arsenal 'done' on Vinicius Jr, Diomande fee set at €140m

Transfer talk is picking up pace on 6 August, and one of the biggest stories centers on Tottenham's growing pursuit of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Spurs have moved to accelerate their interest in the Netherlands international, who is believed to be the 'bomba' signing hinted at by Roberto de Zerbi during a recent press conference. Tottenham see Gakpo as the missing piece in their revamped squad, and although Liverpool have not opened the door to negotiations, the player is reportedly keen on a switch to north London. Arsenal, meanwhile, are increasingly confident of landing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. Reports claim members of the Gunners squad have been told the deal is done, with sporting director Andrea Berta reassuring the players after they asked what was going on. There is faith in the squad that once Berta and Mikel Arteta lock onto a target, they tend to get him. That confidence is fueled by claims in Spain that Vinicius rejected Madrid's latest contract offer during a meeting. If the situation remains deadlocked, Los Blancos will have no choice but to listen to offers, with his contract due to expire next year. Real Madrid are also making progress on a move for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. A breakthrough in talks arrived on Tuesday, and an announcement is expected before long. The Spanish giants will pay up to €140m in total - €125m up front, €10m in easily reachable add-ons and a further €5m in bonuses that are tougher to trigger. The Ivory Coast international is expected to be confirmed as a Real Madrid player before long. Arsenal have more business in mind. They are readying an improved bid for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa after their opening offer was rejected. Villa want around €70m for the England center-back and prefer to give him a new contract, but Arsenal are pushing hard as they deal with William Saliba's injury. PSG have joined the race for Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto. The French defender is considering his options following Marco Palestra's arrival and is open to leaving Stamford Bridge. Manchester City had been linked but pulled back because Chelsea's asking price is over €80m, while PSG are still deciding whether Gusto is worth it given they already have Achraf Hakimi. Elsewhere, Chelsea have started looking at replacements for Pedro Neto, with Man City and Tottenham showing interest. Tottenham wonderkid Mikey Moore is close to joining Koln on loan. Aston Villa have agreed a €25m fee with Atletico Madrid for Matteo Ruggeri. Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo could follow Trevoh Chalobah out of Chelsea. Everton are pushing to sign Celtic defender Alistair Johnston. Crystal Palace are unlikely to afford RC Lens defender Ismaelo Ganiou because of UEFA financial regulations. Espanyol, Alaves and Middle East clubs are keen on Bayern Munich's Bryan Zaragoza. Ajax, meanwhile, are interested in Barcelona forward Roony Bardghji.