TRANSFER ROUNDUP: English Giants Now Favourites To Sign Pogba, Matic To Leave Chelsea, And More

Kalidou Koulibaly Expresses Interest To Play In The Premier League

Napoli center-back Kalidou Koulibaly has expressed his desire to quit Napoli and secure a move to the Premier League.

Koulibaly has a contract with the Italian club until 2019, but the 24-year-old is not satisfied with the terms of his current contract. However, Napoli have showed no signs of offering a new deal to the promising defender, forcing him to consider other options and move on.

In an interview with L’Equipe, Koulibaly revealed: “I had two positive seasons and now there are some offers on the table. I’ll choose for the best, not only from a financial point of view, but also in terms of the sport. Many high-profile clubs want me and I haven’t had any sign from Napoli. Talk for a renewal is at a dead end and the club never wanted to talk to us about it. I’m under the impression that I’ll leave. Napoli aren’t giving any signs of life, they vanished. I want to take one step up in my career and I’ll probably do that by playing abroad.”

The Senegalese also talked about his interest in moving to England, and about a potential transfer to Chelsea: “I haven’t spoken with him (Antonio Conte), but I could do that soon. If nothing happens with Napoli I’ll start getting in touch with other clubs. Yes, I could adapt myself to the Premier League.”

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Antoine Griezmann To Commit His Future To Atletico Madrid

Griezmann had a fantastic season with Atletico, having scored 22 goals in 36 La Liga appearances, and also playing a humongous role in helping his team reach the UEFA Champions League final, where they faced defeat at the hands of Real Madrid for the second time in three years. Since moving to Madrid from Real Sociedad, the Frenchman has developed into one of the best forwards in the world under the management of Diego Simeone. His recent performances have attracted interest from top European clubs likes Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and many more.

Amidst such speculation, his agent added fuel to the fire last month by publicly stating that Griezmann is open for a move away provided the right offer comes along. Speaking to French publication L’Equipe, the agent revealed: “Contrary to certain claims announcing that Antoine at Atletico next season will be the case without fail, nothing has been decided or endorsed. We are currently listening to different clubs who also offer real interest and attraction.”

However, contrary reports have now emerged, stating the 25-year-old has committed his long term future with Atletico, thereby ending all the speculation about a potential transfer. As per the rumours, Antoine Griezmann has extended his contract until 2021. The report by L’Equipe also stated: ‘After several days of negotiations, Antoine Griezmann has finally agreed with Atletico Madrid to extend his contract for one season.’

Also See:

Antoine Griezmann Opens Up About His Future

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Nemanja Matic Wants To Join Jose Mourinho At Manchester United

Nemanja Matic has expressed his desire to join Manchester United, as per reports.

The midfielder is rumoured to have held talks with Chelsea’s new incoming manager Antonio Conte, and talked about his desire to reunite with his former boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Mourinho, who re-signed the Serbian international at Chelsea back in January 2014 for a fee of £21 million, is also interested in Matic’s services, and could sign the 27-year-old as a replacement for the 35-year-old Michael Carrick, and even the injury-prone Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Chelsea seem to have slammed a price tag of over £25 million for Matic, as they are reluctant to sell their midfield enforcer to a rival club. However, with Matic’s desire to become a Red Devil, coupled with the disappointing season that he has had, Chelsea may not need too much convincing to part ways with the Serbian as long as they get their desired sum in return.

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Juventus Legend Urges Alvaro Morata To Stay

David Trezeguet has urged Alvaro Morata to stay at Juventus amidst speculation about a potential transfer.

Morata has been linked with numerous move away from Turin, with Premier League giants Arsenal looking his most likely destination. Real Madrid are also interested in the Spanish striker, and the Los Blancos may activate the buy-back clause in the 26-year-old’s contract to lure him back to Madrid.

Morata himself is open to a transfer, as he was quoted as saying: “That is my wish, to succeed in Madrid. But in Madrid there are great players. And what I want is to play and feel important. There are some offers from England that are tempting, not only by contract. I think for my characteristics the Premier League would also be a great destination. With what I have learned in Italy, if I have the chance to learn something more in England I think it would make me a more complete, better player.”

However, Juventus’ legendary striker has urged Morata to remain at his current club. Speaking to Omnisport, he said: “Morata finds himself in a good and important [transfer] market. For him he does not only depend on Juventus. He has grown a lot in Turin and he has to stay at Juventus if he wants to keep growing. Unfortunately, it is Real Madrid who decides his future.”

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Manchester United Are Now Favourites To Sign Paul Pogba

Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus, as per numerous reports.

Paul Pogba left Manchester United in 2012 after falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson due to limited first team opportunities. The Frenchman moved to Juventus, where he has enjoyed enormous success, having won four league titles in all the four seasons he has spent in Turin. However, the 23-year-old now looks set to depart from Italy, and is being linked with potential moves to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, and also with a return to his boyhood club Manchester United.

As per reports, Pogba prefers a move to the Barclays Premier League over the Spanish La Liga, thereby eliminating the Spanish giants out of the race for his signature. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have also pulled out from the race after signing Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund and thereby strengthening their already strong midfield, leaving the Red Devils the clear favourites to sign Pogba. New United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on signing the Pogba, and the Special One reportedly wants to build his team around the France international. As per the Portuguese tactician’s orders, Manchester United are set to make a swift move for the midfielder and negotiate a deal with the Serie A champions, who value their star man at €100 million.