TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Arsenal Planning A Swoop For Leicester Duo, Matic To Man United, And More
Zlatan is all set on joining Jose Mourinho, who is confident of replacing Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager as soon as this season comes to an end. The Portuguese tactician reportedly believes that the Swede international is the perfect way to strengthen United’s weak front line, which currently consists of teenager Marcus Rashford and 20-year-old Anthony Martial.
Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in the 34-year-old striker, but the Red Devils remain the favourites to sign him, as per Le10 Sport. Ibrahimovic is believed to be adamant on playing at the highest level of football, which is apparently why the superstar has rejected offers from China worth £55m/year and wants to move to the Premier League.
Arsenal Submit Formal Enquiry For Leicester’s Star Duo
Arsenal have made a double enquiry to Leicester City for their star duo Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, according to France Football.
N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez have both played a massive part in helping Leicester City win the Premier League, and their top drawer performances throughout the season earned them nominations for the PFA Player of the Year Award, which Mahrez ended up winning.
Arsenal have been targeting Kante for more than a week, and are ready to meet the Frenchman’s £20 million release clause. But along with Kante, the Gunners have now also shown interest in Mahrez, who is already being targeted by numerous other European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United, to name a few. However, Arsenal will have to pay a huge sum of money if they are to lure the Algerian star to the Emirates, so it remains to be seen if the North London club can financially compete with the aforementioned European powerhouses.
Watford Consider Making Move For Lukaku
Watford are reportedly keeping tabs on Oostende defender Jordan Lukaku, according to Belgian news outlet DH.
Oostende Lukaku is the brother of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a major breakthrough this season, as he managed to make his debut for the Belgian national team in October 2015 whilst also earning huge praise for his high quality performances at the club level.
His performances have caught the interest of Premier League side Watford, who are considering making a move for the left-back this summer. The Hornets believe Lukaku to be the perfect replacement for Nathan Ake, who is set to return to Chelsea as soon as his loan spell at Vicarage Road comes to an end. However, as per reports, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham have all scouted the Belgian as well, making it quite difficult for Watford to lure their target away from these top clubs.
Chelsea Midfielder Linked With A Manchester United Move
Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is being linked with a possible move to Manchester United by The Daily Mail.
According to previous reports by The Daily Express, Italian giants Juventus were close to agreeing a £20 million deal to sign the midfielder. However, The Mail have contradicted their reports by stating that Juve have sounded out Matic, but have not yet made an actual offer as the Serbian international is waiting to see if Jose Mourinho makes a move for him and takes him to Manchester United.
The Blues are, as per rumours, already contemplating signing a replacement for Matic by targeting Roma midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan. However, Roma president James Pallotta continues to insist that the midfield duo will not be sold by telling Gazzetta dello Sport: “I have already said that we will not sell Pjanic and Nainggolan. I want to see them continue in the jersey of Roma.”
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott Closing In On A Transfer To West Ham
Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott is on the verge of joining West Ham United this summer, according to reports.
Walcott joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006, and has since managed to score 85 goals for the Gunners. But the 27-year-old has now grown frustrated with limited first-team opportunities, and is set to move to a club where he is a guaranteed starter.
Arsenal are ready to part ways with the Englishman as long as they receive a fee of £20 million in return, as per The Sun. West Ham are believed to be interested in Walcott’s services, and are ready to reach Arsenal’s asking price for the forward, and a deal between the two London clubs appears to be edging closer. The Hammers are also keeping tabs on Ligue 1 forwards Michy Batshuayi and Alexandre Lacazette, as they look to strengthen their attacking force and mount a genuine Top 4 challenge next season.