Top 5 Transfer Stories Of The Day – May 17, 2018
REUTERS/Juan Medina
The transfer window draws ever closer, and already, there is a flurry of rumors and deals. Some have entered the realm of reality whilst many still float around the uncertain.
Regardless, let us have a look at five of the biggest transfer related news stories of the day.
Barcelona agree Deal
Barcelona have been in the market for a centre-back for quite a while now, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding Umtiti as well as due to needing a more youthful squad.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish giants have secured a deal for Sevilla’s Clement Lenglet. The 22-year-old is believed to be on the verge of signing a five-year deal with Barca. His price may be in the region of €35 million.
Should Umtiti depart, the Frenchman will certainly be a fine addition alongside Pique. His initial worry about switching assured first-team football to fighting for his place week in and week out are believed to have been quelled.
Mbappe Targeted By Real Madrid
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
It would appear that there is a big twist in Madrid’s apparent hunt for Neymar. Sport reports that the entire speculation could be a mere smokescreen on part of Madrid to attain their real target – Kylian Mbappe.
The French youngster was signed from Monaco by PSG after the world-record deal for Neymar, and the actual deal is pending a transfer fee this summer.
However, it appears that Zidane may hold an interest in signing the starlet owing to Benzema and Ronaldo’s lack of constant effectivity this season. Another destination for Mbappe?
Willian to Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s insistent pursuit of Willian has an update. MEN understand that the Brazilian’s representatives met with the club to discuss the possibility of an early transfer ahead of the window opening. It is important to note that the talks were informal and nothing official was agreed to.
The current Chelsea star was purchased by Mourinho during his stint there, and since the gaffer’s switch to Old Trafford has constantly remained as a possible arrival. Mourinho’s admiration for the 29-year-old may push the deal through.
Despite being penned to Chelsea until 2020, United will also be incentivized to sign him owing to their lack of a specialist on the right-wing.
Chelsea to Hijack Arsenal’s Transfer
A London transfer showdown could be on the cards. According to Mirror, Chelsea have emerged as favorites to sign Jean-Michael Seri from Nice.
The midfielder was initially linked with Arsenal, whose representatives reportedly met with the player’s to finalize a move earlier in the week.
But the source states that Chelsea, with their immense financial coffers, could naturally fund a move for the £40 million-rated Ivory-Coast international. Arsenal, on the other hand, may only have an overall transfer budget in the range of £50 million or so, and hence, the entire move could fall apart.
If they do sign the 26-year-old, he can certainly function as the much-needed replacement for Nemanja Matic at Stamford Bridge. The latter’s departure to Manchester United last summer may have been a prime reason in Chelsea’s downfall this campaign.
İlkay Gündoğan Out?
Reuters / Phil Noble
Inter Milan have emerged as surprise suitors for İlkay Gündoğan. Corriere dello Sport reports that the side’s intent in signing the German will depend on the outcome of Sunday’s encounter against Lazio.
A victory there will ensure them Champions League football for next season, and in addition to the glamor of the competition, will also provide them with added funds to furnish such a deal.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is keen on bettering the side’s midfield options ahead of next season, and that makes Gündoğan an apt target.
Manchester City are believed to be in the market for Jorginho, and should they sign the Italian, Inter’s chances of signing the 27-year-old will improve drastically. At the moment, however, Milan may have a hard time in attaining the deal all on their own.