TRANSFER ROUNDUP: North London Rivals To Fight For Suarez, Higuain To Replace Costa At Chelsea, And More
Manchester United’s Michael Carrick To Make A Shock Move Outside Europe
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been approached by A-League club Perth Glory, according to Four Four Two Australia.
Carrick moved to the Theatre of Dreams from Spurs back in 2006, and has now been playing wearing the Red of United for around 10 years. However, his contract with the Old Trafford club is set to expire this summer, and it is still unclear whether the English veteran will be handed a contract extension, especially with other younger midfielders like Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin raring to step into the Red Devils’ midfield.
Amidst this contract situation, other clubs like Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle United, West Ham, and many outfits from the MLS and Chinese Super League have shown interest in securing the 34-year-old’s services. And now, as per the reports coming out of Australia, Perth Glory have entered the race for the signature of Carrick. The Australian club approached the midfielder through their club captain Richard Garcia, who happened to play alongside Carrick at West Ham United between 1999 and 2004. Carrick will be signed to fill one of the club’s marquee positions.
Gonzalo Higuain Set To Replace Diego Costa At Chelsea
Chelsea are chasing Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to Sky Sports’ Guillem Balague.
Chelsea’s new boss Antonio Conte is a big fan of the Argentine striker, and is seriously considering making a move for the 28-year-old. The arrival of Higuain to Stamford Bridge would mean the end of Diego Costa’s stay in London, and the Spanish international would then most likely make a return to his former club Atletico Madrid, as long as Atleti can fulfill Costa’s wage demands.
Guillem Balague was quoted as saying: “Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Chelsea. I think he would cost around €48 million. Higuain is seriously considering it and if he does move to Stamford Bridge then there would be the possibility that Costa would have to be sold.
“It’s very difficult for Atletico Madrid, and Diego Simeone in particular. Simeone has told Atletico Madrid he only wants three players: Diego, Costa and Diego Costa. He’s determined to get him but it’s not easy to get him as he will have to reduce his wages big time and I’m not sure Atletico will be able to put a huge offer on the table for him. It’s one to keep an eye in the future because they certainly want him.”
West Ham Face Blow In Their Chase To Sign Arsenal’s Theo Walcott
West Ham have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of Theo Walcott due to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s latest comments.
As per The Sun, Arsenal were ready to part ways with Walcott, as the speedster was on the verge of making a £20 million move to West Ham United after growing increasingly frustrated with the limited number of first-team opportunities at the Emirates, and his desire to be a guaranteed starter.
However, Wenger has now stated that the 27-year-old has a future at Arsenal, and can still contribute heavily not only for the Gunners, but for the English national team as well.
Wenger said: ‘He will be here next season. I think he should go [to the Euros]. He has gone through a bad spell. He has had a difficult period but in the last month, he has come back very strong. He could be a positive surprise for England.’
Arsenal and Spurs Begin Talks To Sign Suarez
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have begun talks over a potential move with Villareal midfielder Denis Suárez, as per Catalan newspaper Sport.
Denis Suarez has scored 5 goals and bagged 13 assists in 47 appearances for Villarreal this season, catching the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham, as well as Italian giants Napoli. As per the Spanish outlet, both the English clubs have made an inquiry to FC Barcelona about when Suarez’ return to the Catalan giants will be finalized, thereby starting initials talks for the attacking midfielder’s services.
However, the 22-year-old wants to remain in La Liga and make a name for himself in Spain itself, making a move away to England very unlikely. And with Luis Enrique believed to be already convinced that the former Manchester City and Barcelona youth star has what it takes to adapt to Barcelona’s style of play, Suarez may be all set to make a return to Barcelona this summer.
Manchester United To Sign James Rodriguez, Claims Sky Sports’ Football Expert
Manchester United are chasing Real Madrid star James Rodriguez, Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has stated.
Rodriguez has been out of new manager Zinedine Zidane’s favour, and has been consistently ignored for almost all of Real’s important games of the season. The £60 million worth star midfielder has therefore grown increasing frustrated and wants a move away from the Spanish capital, with numerous big clubs interested in his signature. But as per Guillem Balague’s recent comments, English giants Manchester United are leading the race to sign the Colombian sensation.
Balague revealed: “Manchester United would like James. The player wants to go. He is determined to go so we will see what price Real Madrid will put on him. There is a little bit of division from Real Madrid regarding James. Zinedine Zidane is a little bit disappointed with him and will have no problem in letting him go.
“Real Madrid are playing it cool though and saying they do not want him to go because they want to get back as much of the £60m they paid for him. With Real Madrid’s transfer ban, the club wants to be able keep most of their players and raise money through selling the potential sale of James.”
The deal could really be on for the summer, after reports stating Rodriguez was found house-hunting in Manchester have recently emerged.
