TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Wenger Pursues Another World-class Striker, Juventus Eyeing Oscar, And More
Liverpool Interested In Stuttgart Defender Antonio Rudiger
Liverpool are interested in signing Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger, who is currently on loan at Italian outfit AS Roma.
Rudiger is mainly a center back, but can effectively play in the right back position as well. The 23-year-old has made 36 appearances for the Italian giants this season, and has also chipped in with two goals. His performances at the Rome based club have been of top quality, and Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has heaped praises on the German international by calling him “exceptional”.
As per Football Italia, Liverpool are willing to spend $21.6 million in the summer transfer window for Rudiger’s services, as Klopp looks to further strengthen his defence, having already agreed a deal with Joel Matip for next season, after his contract with Schalke expires. However, Roma too have an option to buy the Stuttgart defender for around €9 million at the end of the campaign, so it remains to be seen where Rudiger’s future lies.
West Ham Join Arsenal In Race For Mauro Icardi
West Ham United have joined their London rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi this summer, according to Football Italia.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is rumoured to believe that Icardi will be the perfect option to bolster the Gunners’ attack and an ideal replacement for Olivier Giroud if the Frenchman does indeed move to German club Wolfsburg next season.
But West Ham United are now ready to go head-to-head with Arsenal and make a €35m bid for the Argentine marksman, who is easily one of the most exciting prospects in world football. The 23-year-old has struggled for consistency under Roberto Mancini at Inter this season, and a move away could be the perfect remedy for the forward to establish himself as one of the best strikers in the game.
Antonio Conte Eyes Move For Southampton Striker Graziano Pelle
Incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly eyeing a move from Southampton striker Graziano Pelle, according to The Sun.
Graziano Pelle has been an integral part of the Southampton squad this season, and has managed to score ten goals and bag six assists in 28 Premier League appearances this term. However, the Italian international was left out against Manchester City last week, because manager Ronald Koeman saw some issues in the forward’s performances in training.
Chelsea could take full advantage of the situation and swoop in for Pelle, who now has only one year left on his contract with the Saints. Conte’s interest in Pelle comes as no surprise, as the 30-year-old played a big role for the Italy boss during his tenure at the helm of the national side. And despite the possibility of Pelle being more of a back-up option to Diego Costa, and the absence of European football at Stamford Bridge next season, a move to the Blues may be too big to turn down for the striker.
Arsenal Plotting £30m Move For Daniel Sturridge
Arsenal are plotting a £30 million move for Liverpool ace Daniel Sturridge, as per The Mirror.
Arsene Wenger’s continuous need for a top-class striker at the Emirates has led him to identify Daniel Sturridge as his next transfer target. When fit and healthy, Sturridge is one of the best strikers in the world, as he proved in Liverpool’s 3-0 second leg win over Villarreal in the Europa league, in which the Englishman scored a goal, and assisted another. But, despite Jurgen Klopp describing the 26-year-old as ‘an unbelievable player’, Sturridge is not Klopp’s main striker at Liverpool just yet.
Arsene Wenger, though, is set to offer Daniel Sturrige the chance to become his main man provided the striker moves to the Emirates. The Gunners have abundant resources to meet Liverpool’s £30 million evaluation of their forward. However, with Sturridge now claiming that there is no more friction between him and his gaffer, and having previously revealed his desire to stay at Liverpool for the rest of his career, it’s hard to see this deal actually happening in the summer.
Juventus Keeping Tabs On Oscar
Juventus continue to keep tabs on Chelsea playmaker Oscar, as per the Daily Star.
Oscar played in a crucial role in helping Chelsea win the Premier League title last year, but hasn’t been as involved under interim manager Guus Hiddink, having scored just eight goals this season.
And according to the Daily Star reports, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri remains a huge fan of the 24-year-old, and is hopeful of bringing the Brazilian international to Turin. In fact, the Bianconeri are willing to let go of Juan Cuadrado, who has been on loan at Juve from Chelsea, just to secure the services of Oscar in return. But striking a deal with the playmaker may prove to be tricky, as Oscar is set to represent Brazil in both Copa America and the Olympics this summer.
