TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Milan Working On Deulofeu Deal, Giroud Talks About China Move, And More
AC Milan Chief Gives Update On Deulofeu Pursuit
Reuters / Alan Walter Livepic
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has given inside information regarding his club’s pursuit of Everton midfielder Gerard Deulofeu.
Deulofeu has been struggling at the Goodison Park under the management of Ronald Koeman this season, and has so far managed to make just four starts in the Premier League. He is therefore, being linked with a move away from the Merseyside club, and European giants AC Milan have emerged as strong favourites.
The deal over a potential move seem to be on going, and Milan chief Adriano Galliani has now revealed precisely how far the discussions have reached.
Speaking to Mediaset Premium, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Gilliani stated: “We are talking for Deulofeu, but there is no agreement yet. Everton know full well we can only do loans or with option to buy. Plus there are these pro-Barcelona clauses. Tomorrow we will discuss it and try to find a solution, otherwise we’ll remain with the squad as we are.”
Giroud Refuses To Rule Out China Move
Reuters / Phil Noble
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has refused to completely rule out a big money move to China.
Several former big names in the Premier League, including the likes of Gervinho, Ramires, Oscar, and Tevez have already made the switch to the Chinese Super League, and numerous top clubs from China continue to chase current Premier League stars, with Diego Costa rumoured to be their latest target.
Amidst all the speculation, Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has had his say on making a transfer to Asia. When asked about his thoughts on accepting a gigantic offer from China, the Frenchman replied:
“Honestly, from my point of view, I will tell you that I can understand, but if you asked me if I want to go now I will tell you ‘no’. The Premier League is my main target so after when I will win it one day, why not, you never know.”
Premier League Clubs Will Have To Wait Until Summer To Sign Gabbiadini
REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
Serie A outfit Napoli have refused to part ways with their striker Manolo Gabbiadini until the end of the ongoing season.
Gabbiadini is currently being monitored by a host of English clubs, with Southampton, Watford, West Brom, and reigning Premier League champions Leicester City rumoured to be some of his suitors. The Saints were apparently leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, after having made a loan offer worth €3m, with a right to buy set at €13m.
However, as per Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli have now decided to hold on to Gabbiadini until the end of the season, so as to gain the highest possible price for the forward. The Italy international has already made 19 appearances across all competitions for Napoli this season, scoring 5 goals in the process.
Manchester United Reject Memphis Offer
Reuters / Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United have rejected a bid from French outfit Lyon for Memphis Depay.
The young Dutchman has been out of favour under Mourinho’s management at the Old Trafford club, and is reportedly looking to secure a move away, so as to gain regular playing time. The Red Devils, whilst willing to part ways with the youngster, are holding out for a sum of money they deem appropriate for a player of Depay’s calibre.
That is precisely why the Premier League giants have rejected an offer for Depay, made by Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon, as the club is more commonly referred to, submitted a bid worth £13m for the Netherlands international, but it was downright rejected for being too low. United value their current #7 somewhere around £20m, and will only accept an offer if it exists around that region.
However, as per the latest contrary reports from the Daily Mail, Mourinho may be compelled to accept a bid with lower value, due to the fear that Depay may end up staying at the Theatre of Dreams post-January. Lyon are the only club to have shown concrete interest in signing the 22-year-old, and turning them down completely would lead to the youngster prolonging his stay in Manchester.
Icardi Uninterested In Offers From China
Reuters / Giorgio Perottino
Inter’s star man Mauro Icardi is utterly uninterested in the big offers coming all the way from China, his agent has revealed.
The Argentine’s wife and agent Wanda talked to Calciomercato.com about the heavy interest from China, stating: “I can confirm that many clubs in China want him, but Mauro only recently signed a new contract with Inter and he is absolutely happy, Inter have always done everything to keep hold of Mauro, just as Mauro did everything to stay as the captain of the Nerazzurri. I feel that I am a witness to this love affair.”
Mauro himself had similar things to say on this particular speculation, and commented: “I renewed my contract at the beginning of the year and I’m happy to stay with this shirt. There’s always time to go to China at the end of my career.”
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