Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Monday mornings, no one enjoys them do they. This may hopefully make that commute to work a little better as I run through the start of the weeks transfer gossip. Get ready for another portion of rumour debunking. As ever, it is away we go.
Gossip in standard font, my thoughts are in bold
Arsenal are close to announcing the signing of Leicester’s Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez, 26. (Calciomercato – in Italian) With Barcelona looking like a non starter it seems as if Arsenal are the front runners and it is up to them to now complete the deal
The Gunners could complete the signing of France striker Alexandre Lacazette, 26, within the next 48 hours, according to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. (Le Progress via Evening Standard) I think this is going to be a case of not if the move happens but when, Arsenal’s patience could well be rewarded soon.
Paris St-Germain have made an enquiry for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho, with the Reds valuing the 25-year-old at 100 million euros (£87m). (Daily Mirror) An enquiry that will be met with a polite no by Liverpool
Chelsea will hope to make a breakthrough in their bid to sign Brazil left-back Alex Sandro, 26, with negotiations planned with Juventus on Monday. (Daily Telegraph) Juventus are proving to be a tough customer to deal with although it is understandably so
Antonio Conte faces a battle to sign any of Chelsea’s defensive targets. Manchester City are interested in Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger, 24. Barcelona are keen on Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, 30, and Juventus have also made a fresh attempt to persuade Sandro to sign a new deal. (Daily Mirror) Chelsea have been linked with enough players that they will come good eventually although I cannot see Bonucci moving to Stamford Bridge
Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool to step up their pursuit of the RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita, 22, who is set to have talks with his German club this week over his future. (Times – subscription required) Are Liverpool really going to stump up the £70m that Leipzig are asking, it looks as if it might be the case
Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry, 36, is poised to be confirmed as an Aston Villa player on Monday. (Daily Telegraph) Bad news for Birmingham fans
Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim hopes to keep France striker Kylian Mbappe, 18, but has conceded more players could leave this summer. (RMC via Sky Sports) It was always going to be the case that this Monaco squad would be ripped apart and the vultures are circling
Tottenham Hotspur have made a second offer for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva, 28, of about 30 million euros (£27m). (A Bola – in Portuguese) Encouraging news for Tottenham fans
Chelsea have made an enquiry to Real Madrid about their 25-year-old defender Danilo. (Marca via Daily Express) Not in the first team at Real Madrid towards the end of the season, could be competition for the RWB slot with Victor Moses, whether the Champions League winners are warm to the interest remains to be seen
Birmingham City target Mitchell Dijks has taken a step nearer an Ajax exit after the 24-year-old left-back was left out of the Dutch club’s pre-season training camp. (Birmingham Mail) Triffic
Manchester City target Marquinhos, a 23-year-old Brazilian defender, has signed a new long-term deal with Paris St-Germain. (Independent) Any chance of a move has been SLAMMED SHUT
