Top 5 Transfer Stories Of The Day – May 18, 2018
Reuters / Stefan Wermuth
The time is ripe for managers to start evaluating their options going into next season. Premier League clubs, in particular, owing to the new trend of shortened summer windows, will be eager to not leave business pending for the long term.
The World Cup approaching might also lengthen some transfer plans, and rumors are already rife with what could occur.
Here are the top transfer stories of the day:
Chelsea Want Martial
Chelsea are looking increasingly likely to give Antonio Conte the sack following Saturday’s FA Cup final. Not eager to let the process of a new manager taking reigns and settling in affect their transfer ambitions, the club has reportedly prepared a list outlining the names they wish to purchase this summer.
As per Sportsmail, Manchester United’s Anthony Martial tops this list as well as holding midfielder Jean Seri. Another reason for Martial to leave?
Hazard to Manchester City
Also on Chelsea’s worry-list is Eden Hazard. The starman is said to be disappointed with the fact that the club failed to secure Champions League football for next season, and Real Madrid are said to be interested.
But it could be Manchester City that put up a bid rivaling Madrid’s, in the range of over £100 million.
As per The Sun, and Etihad source has stated: “The club would be at the front of the queue if Hazard becomes available this summer. Pep is refusing to spend money for the sake of it. He only wants a player who can take the squad to the next level.”
Arsenal Wanted Messi
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Now that Wenger’s retired, a host of transfer stories from the past have reemerged. The Frenchman states that when Fabregas was acquired by Arsenal in 2003, he was hoping to get youngsters Messi and Pique as well.
The manager revealed via the club website: “We tried for the three but of course it didn’t work out, but we got a gem there in Cesc and he is an exceptional player. [It didn’t work out with Messi and Pique] because of the agents.
“I think it was linked with Nike at the time and they wanted Pique to go to Man United. With Messi, Barcelona didn’t want to lose him of course and they made [the offer] that was needed to keep the player at the club.”
Juventus Midfielder to Leave
Juventus’s talented left midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of this season.
His statement read: “Even though Juventus offered me a new contract, I humbly and respectfully opted to commit myself to a club elsewhere.”
Reports have since emerged that the 29-year-old has already completed his medical with Inter Milan, and is all set to sign a three-year contract.
Buffon to PSG
After Buffon announced that his long tenure with Juventus would come to an end this season, reports have already emerged about his next destination.
The legendary goalkeeper is reportedly being targeted by PSG, and Calciomercato reveal that the French side has offered the 40-year-old Italian a two-year-contract that will see him earn €8 million a year.
An added clause of interest states that the player will have the option to quit at the end of the 2018/19 season itself.