TRANSFER ROUNDUP: Mourinho To Sell Shaw, Henry Talks About Alexis’ Next Club, And More
Manchester United’s Interest In Griezmann Confirmed
REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Manchester United are definitely interested in signing Antoine Griezmann should he become available in the summer, the reliable Sky Sports have confirmed.
Jose Mourinho wants to make the Atletico Madrid man the next high profile addition to his already star-studded squad, and will attempt to secure his signature in the summer – but not in the current January window.
There have already been reports suggesting Griezmann’s representatives have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with the Old Trafford officials over a summer move. Furthermore, the two parties also seem to have discussed the forward’s weekly wages and his prospective shirt number. These reports, coupled with the latest Sky Sports‘ story, would suggest that Manchester United really are determined on signing the Frenchman up.
Henry Reveals Sanchez’s Most Probable Destination If He Leaves Arsenal
Reuters / John Sibley
Arsenal legend, and current football pundit Thierry Henry has revealed the two clubs Alexis Sanchez is most likely to join if he decides to leave Arsenal.
The Chilean international seems to be frustrated with life at the Emirates, and he let it show by reacting furiously after Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League on January 3. The former Barcelona man reportedly believes he won’t be winning any trophies with the Gunners, and has therefore refused to extend a new deal at the North London club, despite Arsene Wenger and co. trying their utmost best to convince him to do so.
With speculation linking Sanchez with a move away from Arsenal looming large, club legend Thierry Henry has now revealed the two European clubs the star forward would most likely join if he leaves the Premier League giants.
“I want him to sign, everybody wants him to sign,” Henry said. “That’s a tricky one for the club. That’s why you have guys there to be able to deal with that. But, as an Arsenal fan, I want Alexis Sanchez to stay for life because he is the future of the club. Same with Mesut Ozil.
“If he ever leaves then you would think the likes of Bayern are going to come, Paris Saint-Germain. Maybe joining his friend Vidal at Bayern Munich so we’ll see. But stay… don’t listen to anyone, find a way, stay!”
Robben Hopeful Alonso Will Extend Bayern Contract
Arjen Robben has revealed that he hopes his fellow teammate Xabi Alonso will extend his stay at Bayern Munich.
Arjen Robben recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Bavarian giants himself, and he now hopes Xabi will follow his lead and do the same, especially amid rumours suggesting the Spaniard is set to hand up his boots at the end of the season.
The Dutchman spoke about the midfield maestro’s situation at the Allianz Arena, by telling reporters: “I think it’s still not clear. Xabi is two years older than me. He has to decide if he wants to continue his career.
“He has already had an unbelievable career and won every title but he has to make a decision with the club. Xabi is a true professional and he fits in our team. He still has a lot of qualities and I would be happy if he would stay another year, but that’s not my decision.”
Mourinho Looking To Offload Luke Shaw Come Summer
Reuters / Darren Staples
Jose Mourinho is planning to sell Luke Shaw once this season comes to an end, as per The Independent.
The promising left-back – who joined Manchester United as the most expensive teenage footballer in the world – has really struggled under new boss Jose Mourinho, thanks to his inconsistent performances and recurring injuries. He has only managed to make 13 appearances for the Red Devils so far, and has been publicly criticised for some of them on more than one occasion by Mourinho.
Moreover, with the Portuguese having the likes of Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, and Marcos Rojo available to play at the left-back position, Shaw’s absence hasn’t really been much of a trouble for the Manchester United boss, thereby further adding to Shaw’s woes.
Amid such troubled times in the youngster’s United career, new reports have now emerged, suggesting that the former Chelsea boss is completely willing to let go of the youngster, and will listen to offers for the 21-year-old in the summer. Jose has apparently grown frustrated of Shaw’s lack of progress, and this had even resulted in some of the senior players having a talk with the full-back privately.
Chelsea Target Breaks Silence And Opens Up About Supposed Move
Reuters / Peter Nicholls
Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke has finally opened up about the rumours linking him with a move away from Selhurst Park.
The 26-year-old forward has been linked with a big money move to China, and also to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea, with rumours dubbing him as Diego Costa’s ideal replacement in the eyes of Blues boss Antonio Conte. However, the Belgian has put an end to the transfer speculation, by committing his future to the Eagles.
“I am very happy here and I want to fight to help the team to move up the table,” Benteke told the Evening Standard. “We deserve it with the players that we have got. Now we have to show it on the pitch.”
And speaking of the transfer rumours, he stated: “It makes me laugh! “I am used to it since I have been in England, now it is maybe two or three years in a row that they talk about ‘Christian is going to leave’.”
