Top 5 Transfer Stories Of The Day – May 26, 2018
REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
Odd deals are starting to get announced here and there, and most supporters will already be anxious as to when their clubs will start confirming marquee transfers.
In view of this, we have rounded up the top transfer stories of the day:
Liverpool to Sign Fekir
The Guardian reports that Liverpool are eager to sign Lyon’s Nabil Fekir this summer.
The Frenchman is rated at around €70 million, and the source adds that pursuing the 24-year-old will be the first order of business after this weekend’s Champions League final, and they’ll be hoping to wrap things up before the World Cup commences.
It looks likely that the player will be a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic Saga Over?
The Daily Mail may have bad news for Manchester United supporters, as it reports that the club will stop pursuing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic anymore.
The source cites that the Serb’s price has proven to be the sticking point for United, with Lazio’s initial £70 million price tag now hiked as high as £87.5 million. The increase is believed to be a direct result of Real Madrid having an interest in signing the 23-year-old.
With United believed to have almost pulled off the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred, it seems likely that they’ll drop all interest over here, at least for this summer.
Morata Out, Icardi In?
Reuters/Tony O’Brien
Swap deals may prove to be Chelsea’s weapon of choice this summer. Spanish radio station Cadena Se claims that Chelsea are actively pursuing Inter’s Mauro Icardi, and are willing to swap Morata plus cash.
The entire deal, accounting for the alleged €40 million added cash plus Morata’s worth, could end up being worth around €110 million, which meets the Argentine’s reported buyout clause.
On one hand, the 25-year-old has had his best season yet, while Morata has struggled at life in the Premier League.
Arsenal Target Roma Midfielder
Desperate to get their team prepped for life under Unai Emery, Arsenal are reported to be targeting midfielders. As per Sky Sports, the London club is immensely interested in signing Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini.
The 21-year-old, who has a £26 million release clause, is also actively targeted by Juventus, but it is Arsenal who’ll seek to secure him as a result of his price tag, which is well within their budget.
Strong in interceptions and passing, it is easy to see why the central midfielder is seen as an apt signing by Arsenal. The Italian club is willing to let go of the youngster, and the same source adds that they already have replacements lined up should he leave.
European Showdown for RB Leipzig Star?
Swedish newspaper SportExpressen (via FOTBOLL) claims that Juventus, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid are all in heavy pursuit of Emil Forsberg.
The 26-year-old Swede will reportedly only be sold if a bid in the range of €55 million or more arrives, as the Bundesliga side is quite wary after already bidding farewell to Naby Keita.
While this sum is likely to discourage Arsenal, other interested parties could certainly go all out in securing his services.