Romelu Lukaku has always felt he was still an Inter player despite his exit last year to join Chelsea, Gigi Di Biagio believes.

The Belgium international left the Serie A side to return to the Premier League to join Thomas Tuchel's side but has endured difficulties in west London, expressing his frustrations during a mid-season interview.

Lukaku is expected to be on the move once ahead of the 2022-23 season, with Inter pushing to re-sign the striker from Chelsea – with reports indicating discussions regarding a loan deal are underway.

According to Di Biagio, Lukaku never quite left the San Siro spiritually and it was clear he regretted his exit as he remained an Inter player "in his heart".

"It's really quite romantic that we all got the feeling from the first day that Lukaku wanted to return to Inter straight away," the former midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.

"You could tell from the way he spoke, the look on his face, he still felt in his heart that he was still an Inter player. Then there was that interview he gave too."

Lukaku scored 15 goals in 44 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, half of the tally he netted in the 2020-21 season to help propel Inter to the Serie A title.

During the 29-year-old's previous two-year spell with Inter, no Nerazzurri player scored more goals (64), provided more assists (17) or created as many chances (133) in all competitions.

Di Biagio believes Lukaku can achieve similar success if the striker returns to Inter.

"Lukaku can still make the difference in Serie A, for his motivation, his desire to wear the jersey, he wants to give something more," he added.

"He felt like he was the king at Inter, whereas something at Chelsea just wasn't working."

Inter are expected to significantly rejuvenate their attacking ranks as they seek to knock San Siro rivals Milan off top-spot next season, with Paulo Dybala also reportedly arriving on a free transfer from Juventus.

Edouard Mendy was affected by missing out on a Ballon d'Or nomination, although his outstanding trophy haul goes some way to making up for it.

Goalkeeper Mendy helped Senegal to win their first Africa Cup of Nations title in February, having helped Chelsea win the FIFA Club World Cup that same month.

But 2021 represented a stellar year for Mendy as he enjoyed success in his first season in England following a switch from Rennes. 

He played a key role as Chelsea clinched their second Champions League title, boasting a higher save percentage (91.18) than any goalkeeper to make more than one appearance in the competition and keeping nine clean sheets in 12 outings. 

Despite that, Mendy failed to make a 30-man shortlist for football's biggest individual prize, and lost out on the Yashin Trophy – awarded to the best goalkeeper – to Italy's Euro 2020 hero Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"There have been some incredible moments and there have been some moments that have been more difficult," Mendy told Chelsea's club media.

"After the Ballon d'Or, I think that even if you try to rise above it, unconsciously you are still affected by it. But also it was something new for me.

"You learn from every challenge and I've learned how to deal with it. These are things that I've experienced that have made me a better person, even if at the time it [did] affect me.

"I've also experienced some absolutely joyous moments with AFCON and the Champions League, the [2021 UEFA] Super Cup, winning trophies. When you win them, it becomes an addiction, when you live your life in competition you want to be in the final to win.

"I've been lucky enough to experience that at club level and with my national team who won for the first time in our history. So it's a mix of a lot of emotions but enormously positive ones that bring huge amounts of pride to my family. My reality is what every footballer dreams of."

While the Ballon d'Or has so far evaded Mendy, he hailed the influence Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel – and the club's sporting director, former goalkeeper Petr Cech – have had on his time in west London.

"We have a really good relationship with the coach, he's always been clear with me, he's always clear with all the players," he said of Tuchel.

"He's always explaining things, trying to make sure the messages are understood. He's always looking to explain his decisions so there's a lot of transparency in what he does. That's important for the team and of course for myself too.

"We can talk about everything and nothing, but when we're talking about what happens on the pitch it's always a good exchange of ideas."

Cech also made the switch from Rennes to Chelsea, and went on to become the Premier League's all-time leader for clean sheets kept as a goalkeeper (202).

"Of course, he means a lot," Mendy added of Cech. "He was a big factor in the fact I came to Chelsea. 

"You have to always make them proud, last year I had the chance to train with Petr and that year [2020-21], he hung his boots! But I had the chance to train with him and see what a great player he was.

"Talent never dies. I was lucky enough to see him evolve and get advice from him every day. What he says is very important to me, especially from a goalkeeper who won a lot at Chelsea and is a legend of goalkeeping."

Ousmane Dembele intends to stay at Barcelona and dismissed the Chelsea transfer links as "just rumours" – in an impromptu interview while waiting at traffic lights.

Barcelona paid an initial €105million to sign Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, but the five-year contract he signed is set to run out at the end of June.

Bayern Munich and Chelsea are reported to be keen on the World Cup winner, who was told publicly to leave Barca by the club during the January transfer window after contract talks broke down.

However, with no move having materialised before the end of January, Dembele was reintegrated into Xavi's squad and rediscovered his form.

The 25-year-old finished the season with more assists (13) and expected assists (9.2) than any other player in LaLiga, recording his best tally in both metrics in a single campaign in Europe's big five leagues.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated his desire to keep Dembele at the club, and the Blaugrana chief has seemingly been granted his wish.

Stuck in traffic, Dembele was quizzed by a fan in the next car along, with footage of the exchange then posted to social media.

Asked if he would stay at the club, the winger simply responded "yes".

When pressed on the links to Chelsea, Dembele labelled the speculation as "just rumours" and added he "felt good in Barcelona".

Those comments from the France international will come as a boost to Barcelona as Xavi looks to improve on his side's second-placed finish in the upcoming 2022-23 campaign.

Raphael Varane is excited by the prospect of Manchester United making a "new start" under Erik ten Hag, with the 2018 World Cup winner hoping to enjoy a more successful second season at Old Trafford.

Four-time European champion Varane left Real Madrid to join United last August, but he endured a frustrating campaign as the Red Devils struggled to a sixth-placed finish after replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Ralf Rangnick.

Varane made 29 appearances in all competitions during his first season with United, only contributing to six clean sheets as the side finished with their lowest Premier League points tally yet (58).

But the appointment of former Ajax coach Ten Hag has raised hopes United can improve next term, and Varane has spoken of the squad's eagerness to work with the Dutchman.

"It's a new season, it's a new start, so everyone is excited to know about the new manager," he told the club's media channels.

"Obviously, we want to do well and win every game so, for this, we'll have to prepare for the new season, and I think it’s important for us to train hard and be ready."

United will open their 2022-23 Premier League campaign at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on August 7, but they will first embark on a pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.

United's first outing under Ten Hag will see them meet old rivals Liverpool in Thailand on July 12, and Varane says the team's pre-season work will prove crucial if they are to hit the ground running next term.

"We want to be ready for the new season," he continued. "We need to work very hard and there will be a lot of training sessions and a lot of games, so I think it will be interesting and a great moment to work very hard and to prepare for the season.

"I think it’s a different atmosphere, it's pre-season, so we have to get fit, we have to prepare.

"I think it's always exciting to play in front of our fans around the world, it's a good experience for us, and it's a good moment to prepare for the season."

Eddie Nketiah has penned a new long-term contract with Arsenal, while also moving to take the number 14 shirt at Emirates Stadium made iconic by Thierry Henry.

The Hale End academy graduate was due to be available as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2021-22 season but established himself as a core member of Mikel Arteta's side in the latter stages of the Premier League campaign.

Five goals in the final seven matches of the league campaign, during which Arsenal sealed a return to European competition with qualification for next season's Europa League campaign, proved his worth to the club.

"I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club," Arteta told the club's website.

"We are very happy that he has extended his contract, and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him."

The number 14 shirt taken by Nketiah was last worn by former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Theo Walcott the only other player to use the number since Henry left for Barcelona in 2007.

Technical director Edu also hailed the significance of the new deal penned by Nketiah, who is the all-time leading scorer for England Under-21s side with 16 goals in 17 caps.

"The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our academy system," Edu said.

"Eddie was released by another club as a young man but has always shown he has the attitude as well as the ability to become a top player. 

"The fact he’s signed a new contract is an important part of our squad planning for next season, and we’re all delighted."

Arsenal begin the new season against Crystal Palace on August 5 in the curtain raiser for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Matt Turner has vowed he will challenge Aaron Ramsdale for the number one jersey at Arsenal following his transfer to the Premier League side.

The United States international secured an agreement with the Gunners in February but has remained with MLS franchise New England Revolution ahead of finalising his move officially next week.

Turner's arrival will see him come in behind Ramsdale in the pecking order, with Bernd Leno expected to depart in this window, which will likely see the new man utilised in cup competitions, including the Europa League.

However, the 28-year-old harbours hopes of pushing his way into the first-team frame on a more regular basis and has made it clear he will fight Ramsdale for a spot between the sticks.

"I can see why they'd assess it that way. Aaron had an amazing season for Arsenal and played well all year," he told Sky Sports when asked if he would serve as Ramsdale's back-up.

"I'd agree with it for now. I'm coming in to push him and become the best goalkeeper I can become, while also making him the best goalkeeper he can become. That's really my goal for it all."

Ramsdale was signed from Sheffield United last year and quickly settled into the Arsenal squad, although he endured a drop of form in the latter months of the season as Mikel Arteta's side failed to secure a top-four finish and Champions League football.

That represents a major disappointment for Arsenal, but the close-season provides opportunity to strengthen the squad, which has so far been done with the signing of Brazilian teenager Marquinhos and a seemingly imminent deal for Portugal international Fabio Vieira.

Arsenal have also been heavily linked with Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans and Leeds United winger Raphinha – and Turner has "high expectations" for his spell in north London.

"This is a club that is investing heavily in some of the player transfers, and I am somebody who wants to win," he added. 

"I know the fans do as well. My expectations are the same as the fans want."

Yves Bissouma says he is struggling to believe he will be playing Champions League football after sealing his £25million move Tottenham.

The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal with Spurs on Friday, becoming Antonio Conte's third signing of the transfer window as the Italian looks to build on last season's fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Tottenham edged out local rivals Arsenal to secure Champions League qualification last month and had already added Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster to their squad before bringing in Bissouma.

Bissouma played 26 times for Brighton and Hove Albion as they secured an impressive ninth-placed finish last term.

The Mali international said he will fulfil a childhood dream by playing in Europe's premier club competition.

"I'm very happy to be here, happy to be a Spurs player and hopefully we're going to have a good season," he said. "I'm going to give everything to try to win every game, to stay at the top. 

"But, as everyone knows, the Premier League is not easy. We're going to work really hard to keep the ambition high.

"We have a good group, and a great coach, everyone knows him. I know I can pass this step with him. I know he will help me more to be what I want to be and try to help the team as well. I’m very happy to play with him.

"It's my dream to play Champions League. I remember when I was younger, I watched the Champions League every day. I can't believe [I'm going] to play Champions League with Spurs. 

"I was born in Ivory Coast, in my dad's village. When I was young football was my life, I wanted to play football every day, every moment. If I don't play football, I'm not happy.

"We just played on the street with friends, no shoes. But we enjoyed this moment, I was young, my friends as well. It's one part of my life. I was happy. 

"I've come so far, from Issia to Spurs, Champions League music... imagine. The emotion is too much."

Gary Neville says the nature of Paul Pogba's departure from Manchester United "leaves a bad taste in the mouth".

The 2018 World Cup winner announced his United exit this month, and is leaving the Red Devils on a free transfer six years on from joining for a then-world record £89million fee.

It is the second time Pogba has departed the Red Devils as a free agent, and having spent four trophy-laden years with Juventus last time around, he has been strongly linked with a return to the Bianconeri. 

Although Pogba recorded more Premier League assists (38) and created more chances (231) than any other United player during his second spell with the club, the Red Devils have failed to win a major trophy since 2017.

Pogba hit out at United for making a "mistake" in not offering him a better deal in an Amazon Prime documentary this week, but Neville insists the France midfielder did not do himself justice at Old Trafford.

"I'm not bothered about Pogba's comments to be honest with you," Neville said during a live stream on his TikTok account.

"I think that once a player has left, he can say whatever he wants. Fine, no problem. But I don't think he has performed well over the last six years.

"I don't think the club have performed well with him either, or handled him well. It's been a partnership that, to be fair, has failed on both sides so that is what you'd have to say.

"There is no winner when a player leaves after six years with the money that has been spent and very little has been won.

"The player leaves dissatisfied, and the club are dissatisfied with it as well. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth because it's the second time it's happened.

"You wish him all the best in the future at Juventus."

Marc Roca sealed a move to Leeds United on Friday and promised his two seasons with Bayern Munich have hardened him for the challenge of the Premier League.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder has joined Leeds for a reported £10million after struggling to establish himself in the Bayern first team.

He will be reunited with former Spain Under-21 team-mate Junior Firpo at Elland Road, as head coach Jesse Marsch rebuilds his squad after a close brush with relegation.

Roca described playing for Bayern, for whom he featured in 24 competitive games, as "something I will never forget".

In a message posted on Twitter, Roca said: "I take with me 2 Bundesligas, 1 Club World Cup and 1 German Super Cup. But the most important things I take with me are great friends, unforgettable experiences, personal and professional growth and that victory lies in perseverance, hard work and never giving up.

"I leave Munich but Bayern will stay with me forever."

That hard-work ethic will come in handy at Leeds, where the midfield was often found wanting in last season's difficult Premier League campaign.

It remains to be seen whether Roca has been signed to replace Manchester City target Kalvin Phillips, but noises from the club have suggested that is not the case.

Roca, who joined Bayern from Espanyol in October 2020, has agreed a four-year contract at Leeds, where he will find three fellow Spaniards in the first-team squad: Firpo, Diego Llorente and Rodrigo.

The new recruit, whose deal will take effect from July 1, told Leeds' official website: "My first steps were in Spain, then I played in Germany, now it is time to join Leeds and play here in the Premier League. 

"Everyone told me the Premier League is the best league in the world and the history of Leeds United is amazing, I hope we can do good things here.

"I have spoken with Junior Firpo, I played with him in the Spanish Under-21 national team, now it's time to talk with Rodrigo and Diego Llorente as well. Then I can meet all my new team-mates and I can't wait to start playing.

"Junior told me it's an incredible club with an amazing atmosphere in the stadium and that the team-mates here are incredible, the locker room is incredible and for that I am very happy."

Southampton have completed the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, paying a reported £12million for the Republic of Ireland international.

Bazunu, who has 10 caps for his country but never played for City's first team after joining from Shamrock Rovers in 2019, has signed a five-year contract.

The transfer news will be even sweeter for Southampton fans given Bazunu spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at local rivals Portsmouth, winning the club's Player of the Season award.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's team ended the 2021-22 Premier League season in 15th after failing to win any of their final six games, and will lose the experienced Fraser Forster to Tottenham at the end of his contract this month.

Southampton used three different goalkeepers in their league fixtures last term, with Forster's 19 appearances making him the most frequently selected Saints shot stopper.

With a save percentage of 66.02 per cent, Forster, as well as Alex McCarthy (61.97 per cent), and Willy Caballero (54.55), struggled between the sticks for Southampton, and Hasenhuttl says Bazunu's experience of working with Pep Guardiola's men makes him an ideal acquisition.

"He is a goalkeeper with a very modern style of play, comfortable in the build-up phase, who has developed physically through some very important loan moves early in his career," he said.

"He is already an international goalkeeper, which is very rare for his age.

"Coming from Manchester City, we know he has learned from some of the very best coaches and team-mates, and coming here gives him more opportunities to develop his game through playing in the Premier League."

For Bazunu, who was behind Ederson, Zack Steffen and Scott Carson in the City pecking order, the move represents a chance to play regular Premier League football.

"The biggest thing is opportunity - the fact that I can come here and have a chance to play regular football," the 20-year-old said.

"Just to be given that opportunity to fight for my place is the biggest thing that I could've asked for."

Sadio Mane will join Bayern Munich in a €41million (£35.2million) deal after Liverpool agreed to sell the Senegal international to the Bundesliga champions.

Mane became a prime target for Julian Nagelsmann's side, with Liverpool rejecting early offers for the forward, who had just 12 months to run on his contract at Anfield.

When Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp brought in Benfica star Darwin Nunez for a reported fee of £64million (€75m), with a further £21.4m (€25m) in potential add-ons, it left the door open for Mane to depart.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse encouraged Mane to join Bayern as "the best fit" for his career, and Nagelsmann's club have finally struck a deal to suit all parties.

Stats Perform understands Liverpool will receive an assured sum of €32million (£27.5m), plus €6million (£5.2m) based on appearances and a further €3million (£2.5m) depending on future success that Mane and Bayern achieve.

Bayern's opening offer to Liverpool is understood to have been €25million (£21.5m) plus €5million (£4.3m) in add-ons that were all tied in to Mane and Bayern's success.

Mane scored 90 goals in 196 Premier League games for Liverpool after joining from Southampton in 2016.

Only Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy (104), Mane's Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah (118) and Tottenham's Harry Kane (134) have managed more in the competition across that period.

Mane also played 51 games for Liverpool in the 2021-22 season – only 10 players across Europe's top five leagues appeared more often – finding the net 23 times and assisting two more.

That was not enough to help Klopp's side to Premier League or Champions League success, but Mane did manage to lift the EFL Cup and FA Cup trophies with the Reds in his final season at the club.

Mane won the Premier League and Champions League during his time with the Reds, as well as the Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

His arrival in Bavaria leaves questions over the future of Bayern talisman Robert Lewandowski, who declared his story with Nagelsmann's side "over" as he pushes for a move to Barcelona.

Tottenham have completed the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma for a reported fee of £25million.

The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal with Antonio Conte's side on Friday.

Conte reportedly demanded assurances from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that his side would spend to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea after qualifying for the Champions League.

The Italian has subsequently been granted his wishes, with the experienced Ivan Perisic and back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster joining the London club before they landed Bissouma.

Wantaway Liverpool forward Sadio Mane deserves to be in contention to win the Ballon d'Or, says Patrick Vieira. 

Mane, who has been widely linked with a move to German champions Bayern Munich after Liverpool announced the signing of Benfica attacker Darwin Nunez, scored 23 goals as the Reds won the EFL Cup and FA Cup last season.

He was also decisive as Senegal claimed their first Africa Cup of Nations title in February before leading his national team to World Cup qualification the following month. 

Those exploits have led to suggestions he could compete with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to be named the world's best player later this year, and Arsenal legend and Crystal Palace manager Vieira thinks his wide-ranging abilities put him in contention.

"Sadio Mane is part of the new generation of attackers who knows how to do everything," Vieira told the Diambars Institute, a football academy in Senegal.

"He scores goals, he knows how to defend, he knows how to run in depth. He is a hard worker in the field. 

"He is one of the modern attackers. For me, he should be considered for the Ballon d'Or.

"He is one of those great players who can win it. I saw him every weekend in the Premier League and for me, he is one of the great European strikers."

Having won six trophies in a six-year spell at Anfield, Mane is expected to move to Bayern in the current transfer window, perhaps as a replacement for Barcelona-linked striker Robert Lewandowski.

Asked about such rumours, Vieira said Mane will make the best decision for his career. 

"I think he has his head on his shoulders to make the best decision," the Frenchman added.

"Should he stay or go? It's up to him to make that decision. But he is a player that I admire in relation to his talent as a footballer, but also in relation to his talent as a man."

Porto have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Arsenal over the sale of Fabio Vieira.

Vieira arrived in London for a medical on Friday and Porto have subsequently announced a transfer deal has been agreed with the Gunners.

The Portuguese Primeira Liga side confirmed in a brief statement that the transfer had been agreed, with Arsenal paying £30million (€35m) up front with £4.2m (€5m) in add-ons.

Arsenal appeared to be interested in Youri Tielemans and Porto star Vitinha before his team-mate Vieira emerged as a top midfield target for manager Mikel Arteta.

Porto added that while a deal was in place, the move is subject to Vieira agreeing personal terms with the Premier League side.

"It is further informed that the final agreement is still being finalised and is awaiting its completion in the coming days," the statement added.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive 2021-22 Primeira Liga season, scoring six times and leading his side with 14 assists.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly warned that clubs will no longer be able to sign players for "any price" due to the tightening of UEFA's financial fair play restrictions.

Boehly headed the consortium that bought the Premier League side in May after the UK government received assurances former Blues owners Roman Abramovich would not benefit financially.

Abramovich had put the club up for sale after being sanctioned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Boehly and Clearlake Capital's acquisition ending a 19-year spell for the Russian with Chelsea.

Chelsea were the most successful team during the Abramovich era, winning 21 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.

That success came after significant investment from the Russian oligarch, but Boehly cannot foresee similar spending as Chelsea prepare for a new dawn under the American.

"Financial fair play is starting to get some teeth and that will limit ability to acquire players at any price," Boehly said at the SuperReturn International conference in Berlin.

"UEFA takes it seriously and will continue to take it seriously. [More teeth] means financial penalties and disqualification from sporting competitions."

Earlier in the week, LaLiga filed another UEFA complaint against Paris Saint-Germain over FFP breaches, as they did with Manchester City last April.

LaLiga chief Javier Tebas has repeatedly expressed his disappointment with the inflated spending levels, with PSG being taken to court over their actions.

That is perhaps why Boehly is considering alternate revenue channels to further aid the cause at Stamford Bridge, as he looks to bring an American-style thinking to English football.

"We think the global footprint of this sport is really undeveloped," Boehly said. "There are four billion fans of European football. There are 170 million fans of NFL.

"Global club football is a fraction of the NFL media money. We are also going to be thinking about, how do we get more revenues for the players?

"If you look at [NBA's] LeBron James, for example, he has a whole business and a whole team dedicated to what's not on the court.

"So I think there is an opportunity to capture some of that American mentality into English sports and really develop them."