Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Another Monday morning is upon us and as you look at the window it is an incredibly bleak one, but what way to start the working week then by sifting through a hearty serving of transfer gossip. Here is what is making the back pages today
As always – gossip in plain text, my views in bold
Chile striker Alexis Sanchez has been pictured wearing a Manchester United kit for the first time as the 29-year-old edges closer to completing his move from Arsenal. (Metro) Are we nearly there yet?
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, 29, is eyeing a massive new contract if the Gunners sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 28, and Armenia playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 29, on huge deals in this transfer window. (S*n) I guess he will be saying where is the money for me, will Arsenal break the bank to keep him?
Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis has been spotted in Dortmund as he attempts to finalise a deal for Gabon forward Aubameyang. (Express) If they can table a bid of over £50m then they could well get their man.
Roma’s sporting director Monchi has refused to rule out the prospect of Chelsea signing both Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko, 31, and Brazilian defender Emerson Palmieri, 23. (Metro) Positive news for Chelsea fans but nothing concrete yet
Manchester United will be concerned after Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa rejected the chance to join Real Madrid, meaning the Spanish side could now turn their attention once again to the Red Devils’ David de Gea. (Mirror) Better unplug the fax machine then.
Monaco and France winger Thomas Lemar, 22, who is a major target for Liverpool and Arsenal, has snubbed the Premier League by letting it be known he wants to move to Spain. (Star) A repeat of yesterday’s news when Lemar reportedly preferred a move to Barcelona
Arturo Vidal says there is “no chance” of him leaving Bayern Munich in January. The 30-year-old Chile midfielder has been linked with a move to Chelsea. (Goal) Sasoon after reports linked him with a move to Stamford Bridge (file this one under Shampoo puns)
Stoke have made a £3.25m bid for New York City winger Jack Harrison. The 21-year-old Englishman is a former Liverpool and Manchester United academy player. (Mail) It was £5m yesterday, surely the pound has not plummeted that much?
Valencia are planning to capitalise on the uncertainty over Juan Mata’s future at Manchester United by signing the 29-year-old Spain playmaker on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer. (Star) A repeat of yesterday’s rumour
Manchester City academy chief Brian Marwood has made a personal check on £20m-rated Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, 18, who has been described as the new Paul Pogba. (Mail) Can he dab though?
Manchester City are exploring the possibility of sending young players to League Cup semi-final rivals Bristol City on loan. (Mirror) Pep Guardiola is obviously impressed by what they have done as of late, perhaps the partnership will only work in Bristol City stay in the Championship.
Swansea manager Carlos Carvalhal says Wilfried Bony will get more Premier League game time in the coming weeks – but only when he believes the 29-year-old Ivory Coast forward can operate at 100%. (Wales Online) I almost forget he had returned to the club
