The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals and keep track of who has joined the big boys. And Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
United target Dybala or Icardi
Last night we reported that Manchester United were ready to offload Romelu Lukaku this summer, and now it appears that they’ll pursue one of Serie A’s top two scorers to replace him.
The Mirror alleges that talks have already taken place with both Juventus and Inter Milan over the potential signing of strikers Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi. Both Argentine forwards appear to be out of favour at their respective clubs, with Icardi in particular recently stripped of the club’s captaincy by coach Luciano Spalletti.
It is believed that Lukaku would be offered as a sweetener in any deal they can negotiate for either of their two targets. Lukaku has fallen down the pecking order at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has preferred the pace of Marcus Rashford.
Rabiot prefers Spain to England
Adrien Rabiot has enjoyed more column inches than most in 2019 — especially in the transfer pages — but today Le Parisien suggests his future is set to become a bit clearer.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s out-of-favour midfielder, but Rabiot looks to have decided on a move to Barcelona, despite the competition for a starting place he will inevitably face at Camp Nou.
Rabiot is even believed to have made a verbal agreement with the Catalan giants on a deal alleged to be around £170k a week. If true, he’ll have to battle with Sergio Busquets, Arthur, Kevin Prince-Boateng, Arturo Vidal and Frenkie De Jong for a place in Ernesto Valverde’s starting lineup.
However, with Ivan Rakitic believed to be on his way out, Rabiot may feel he can act as a direct replacement for the Croatian.
Top clubs in battle for Felix
The possible impending takeover of Manchester United by a Saudi crown prince is fuelling a number of transfer rumours, and the Daily Star is suggesting the Red Devils will battle PSG for the signature of teenage sensation Joao Felix.
Dubbed the “next Cristiano Ronaldo,” Felix is a name you’re probably already bored of reading on these pages. Don’t expect that to change any time soon though! The 19-year-old is being tracked by a host of top clubs, but Champions League rivals United and PSG appear to lead the way.
And with Solskjaer believed to be edging closer to a permanent contract at Old Trafford, Felix may feel the Norwegian’s propensity for fielding and nurturing young players could be more advantageous for his long-term development than a move to the French capital.
City admirers of Atletico’s Niguez
Staying in Manchester, this time on the blue side, it appears that City are hoping to prise Spanish star Saul Niguez away from Atletico Madrid, according to the Mirror.
Niguez, however, is just two years into a nine-year contract — yep, you read that right — and is said to have a £130m buy-out clause written into his agreement. That could prove too rich even for City’s wealthy owners, but they see the Spaniard as the ideal replacement for Fernandinho.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone has himself recently signed a new contract extension at the club and he is unlikely to want to lose one of his key performers. Let the battle commence!
Tap-ins
– Callum Hudson-Odoi‘s future took another twist today as Chelsea coach Gianfranco Zola told the winger that he should be happy with the amount of minutes he’s getting. Odoi played six minutes against Malmo in midweek and may not feature against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Bayern Munich remain keen on the promising 18-year-old.
– Gareth Bale continues to pledge his future to Real Madrid despite being linked with a move back to England, but tonight Calciomercato has suggested AC Milan might make a move for the Welshman. They’re basing this on reports from Don Balon, which reports the Rossoneri would be prepared to spend €100m on the left-footed ace.