Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Rob Holding on a long-term contract from third tier Bolton Wanderers.
The 20-year-old made 30 appearances last season as Bolton were relegated from the championship.
British media reported that Arsenal paid two million pounds for Holding, who can play as a central defender or full-back.
He is Arsene Wenger’s third signing of the close season, following midfielder Granit Xhaka and striker Takuma Asano to the Emirates Stadium.
Dortmund seal Schurrle swoop
Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of midfielder Andre Schurrle from Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract and joins for a reported €30 million. He is Dortmund’s second big-name signing this week following Mario Goetze from Bayern Munich.
“Andre Schurrle is a Germany international with exceptional attacking potential who is also a very assured passer of the ball and always carries out his defensive duties very well,” said Dortmund’s director of sport Michael Zorc.
Schurrle expressed his delight at joining “one of Europe’s top clubs with a strong and extremely exciting squad.”
James to fight for Real Madrid place
James Rodriguez looks to have ended speculation about his future by insisting he is staying at Real Madrid.
Rodriguez struggled to tie down a starting berth at Real towards the end of last season and has been linked with a big-money move away from the Bernabeu, with Manchester United reportedly among his suitors.
The Colombia international claims Real have received a £71 million offer for him, but is adamant his future is with the European champions.
He said: “I’m going to stay with Real, I’m going to triumph here. I know the club have had an attractive offer for me, but I’m not leaving.”
The 25-year-old joined Real for a reported £63 million from Monaco in 2014, signing a six-year contract.
La Liga’s sponsor
Banco Santander will be title sponsors of La Liga for the next three years, the Spanish Football League (LFP) announced.
The LFP’s previous deal with Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), which lasted a decade, came to an end last season.
The agreement with the new sponsors also includes an option for a further year.
The LFP did not disclose financial details but media reports said the Spanish bank paid €60 million.
Liverpool sign veteran Manninger
Liverpool have signed veteran goalkeeper Alex Manninger on a short-term contract.
The 39-year-old Austrian, who spent five years with Arsenal from 1997-2002, signed on a free transfer after leaving Augsburg at the end of last season.
Manninger is likely to be Liverpool’s third-choice keeper be-hind Simon Mignolet and new arrival Loris Karius.
“When Liverpool was on the phone, it was a great pleasure for me to take it on because it gives me what I was looking for,” Manninger said.
“This is the moment I was waiting for until the end.”
Barca beat Real to Portugal’s Gomes
Barcelona have swooped for Portugal international Andre Gomes of Valencia, the Catalan club announced late Thursday.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder had been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United after impressing in his two seasons at Valencia having joined them from Benfica.
Barcelona have not revealed any more details about the transfer but Marca reported that Gomes will sign a five-year deal and join the Spanish champions for €50 million.
Gomes, under contract with Valencia until June 2020, started 27 league games for the club in the 2015-16 campaign.
Long inks new Southampton deal
Southampton striker Shane Long has signed a new four-year contract that will keep him at St Mary’s until 2020, the Premier League club have said.
The 29-year-old, who joined Southampton from Hull City in 2014, was instrumental for the side last season, scoring 13 goals in all competitions and helping them qualify for the Europa League.
“I’m delighted. I’m excited to be part of what could be a big future in the next four years for this,” the Ireland international said.
“I love it here, the set-up, the training ground, the lads as well – everyone around the club.
“It’s a real family feel, and I feel like I’m a big part of that and I feel like I’m playing my best football here as well.”