Saturday has arrived and with that it is the weekend, transfer gossip doesn’t take a day off though. That said it never complains either so get ready to dive in and read what is on offer for you today
Gossip in standard font, my thoughts are in bold
France striker Kylian Mbappe, 18, has indicated that he could leave Monaco as interest from Arsenal increases. (Marca – in Spanish) Whether the extortionate fee that Monaco are quoting has cooled Real Madrid’s interest remains to be seen, the other question is whether Arsenal will stump up £100m or so. Do Monaco cash in while the iron is at it’s hottest. A multitude of questions
Chelsea are confident of beating Liverpool to the signing of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 28, from Borussia Dortmund, who have begun talks with Arsenal about 30-year-old forward Olivier Giroud. (Daily Mirror) Chelsea scraping the barrel a bit in regards to being linked with Oliver Giroud, bit of a bizarre one that
Nemanja Matic, 28, could join Juventus after Chelsea have given the Serbia midfielder permission to miss pre-season trips to China and Singapore alongside Diego Costa. (Guardian) After Manchester United beat Chelsea to the signature of Romelu Lukaku the relationship between the two clubs in somewhat sour, so no surprise that he could be going elsewhere instead of Old Trafford
Arsenal have also shown interest in Matic and could offer Chelsea a swap deal with England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23. (Calcio Mercato) Although I can’t see The Emirates being the destination
Kasper Schmeichel, 30, has seen his hopes of joining Manchester United grow amid the possibility of a fresh bid from Real Madrid for fellow goalkeeper David de Gea, 26. (Daily Mirror) Real Madrid were meant to have cooled their interest earlier in the week, so not sure where this has come from
Manchester United are confident Real Madrid will not have enough money to buy De Gea. (ESPN) Real Madrid will find the money there’s no danger of that, will they come in for a bid though?
If Spain international De Gea does move to Real Madrid, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants one of the Bernabeu club’s players in return as part of the deal – and defender Raphael Varane is one of his targets. (Don Balon via Daily Express) This could complete the centre back pairing for United next season, bad news for the likes of Chris Smalling and by extension England
Manchester United’s current third choice goalkeeper Joel Pereira, 21, has the potential to become number one if De Gea leaves. (Independent) That’s quite the leap of faith though in all fairness
Inter Milan may ask to sign Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, 21, on loan as part of any deal which takes Croatia winger Ivan Perisic, 28, the other way. (Daily Telegraph) A Martial departure will only be considered should a permanent offer come in for the French international
Tottenham will challenge Juventus for Porto defender Ricardo Pereira and are expected to pay £22m for the 23-year-old, who they want to replace Kyle Walker.(Evening Standard) A replacement but someone who may have to be understudy to Kieran Trippier next season
Liverpool are close to signing Hull City and Scotland defender Andrew Robertson, 23.(Guardian) This would be a good signing for Liverpool and would solve what has been a long term problem area
England international Joe Hart, 30, is expected to complete his £10m move from Manchester City to West Ham over the weekend. (Manchester Evening News) Reports say that it could be a £10m loan move, I think at this point City just want the player of the books
Manager Slaven Bilic has hinted at the arrival of several new signings at West Ham, including a striker.(Talksport) They are looking light up front and the hunt for a new forward continues
Lazio are chasing Chelsea’s Mario Pasalic, 22, as a replacement for Lucas Biglia. The Croat could join Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva in Serie A. (Calcio Mercato via Sky Sports) Chelsea’s in inverted comma’s a player who has been on a loan tour while registered by the Premier League champions
Crystal Palace could beat Stoke to the £12.5m signing of Bruno Martins Indi, 25, after agreeing a deal for the defender with his club Porto. (Times – subscription required) This will be a blow for Stoke as he was one of their few impressive players last season
Manager Jose Mourinho says he will not criticise the Manchester United board after they failed to reach an agreement with Real Madrid for Alvaro Morata, 24.(Daily Express) They’ve got Lukaku now so pretty much a non story
LA Galaxy have played down reports they could sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 35, following his exit from Manchester United. (Independent) I still reckon he will end up in the MLS
Everton are in advanced discussions to sign Newcastle’s promising 16-year-old left-sided defender Lewis Gibson. (Daily Mail) Everton looking to sign everyone this summer……no one is safe
Liverpool could bid £65m for 22-year-old Guinea and RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita. (Liverpool Echo) It will need to be £70m though and I cannot see Liverpool stumping up the cash, more importantly where are the plan b’s?
Roma are preparing to make an offer of about £30m for Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, 26. (Goal) A repeat of yesterday’s news
Galatasaray have confirmed Netherlands forward Wesley Sneijder’s contract has been terminated by mutual consent after four and a half years. (Galatasaray website – in Turkish) MLS bound for sure