The summer transfer window may be over but the rumour mill is omnipresent. Despite domestic leagues and European competitions in full flow there are lot to speculate if we are to anticipate the ‘fast approaching’ January transfer market.
We bring you a roundup of all the latest transfer stories including Chelsea’s plans to sign a Barcelona star who interestingly was a Manchester United target this summer. Jose Mourinho is also looking at a French midfielder apart from Paul Pogba while Arsenal’s record signing could sign a new contract soon for the Emirates side.
Chelsea targeting Dani Alves and Blaise Matuidi:
Chelsea’s woeful start to the Premier League season has highlighted their defensive shortcomings. While we reported yesterday that the Blues are looking for centre backs in Roma’s Kostas Manolas and Marseille’s Nicolas N’Koulou, its actually the right back slot which is giving Jose Mourinho the real head ache.
Reports from Brazilian media outlet Sambafoot claim that the Premier League Champions are now looking at Barcelona’s Dani Alves to solve their crisis at the back. Alves was heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona in the summer with Manchester United being touted as one of the possible destinations but the 32 agreed to stay after signing a contract extension.
It is highly unlikely that Barcelona will sell their prized asset just months after convincing him to stay. Moreover, Mourinho could deploy Cesar Azpilicueta at right back in place of Ivanovic while summer signing Baba Rahman is a natural left back. The key question here is whether Mourinho trusts the 21 yea old Rahman, who has is inexperienced in the Premier League.
As per reports from Italian media outlet TMW who have cited Daily Star, the Blues are also interested in PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The report states that Mourinho could let long serving John Obi Mikel leave Stamford Bridge and sign the French midfielder in his place.
The report also mentions that the 28 year old which is under contract till 2018 would command a fee upwards of £30m. But, will PSG risk losing one of their key players even if the price tag is met?
Mesut Ozil could sign new Arsenal contract:
Reports from the Daily Mirror suggests that Arsenal could offer Mesut Ozil a new contract despite the German being tied at the club till 2018. The reason being that the London side don’t want the player to enter in his last two years of his contract.
Moreover, Ozil’s agent had recently stated (reported by Turkish outlet Radyospor) that Fenerbache are interested in his client. The reports from the Mirror however states that Ozilis happy in London and likely to put pen to paper much to the relief of Arsenal supporters.
Elsewhere, Newcastle manager Steve Mclaren booed following Capital One Cup defeat:
Newcastle’s disastrous start this campaign just got worse as the Magpies crashed out of the Capital One Cup following a home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, who lie 14th in the Championship and rested several players.
The Guardian reports that manager Steve Mclaren was then booed as vociferous fans vented their frustration on the side are yet to win a game in the Premier League and lie 19th in the table. They face Chelsea next. Ominous signs maybe?
And Finally…
The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal made an enquiry to Bayern Munich for Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in the summer but were told that the player is not for sale.
Spanish media outlet AS however has quoted Lewandowski’s agent saying, “Manchester? It always rains there. Barcelona or Madrid? They are nice places, and in Spain there is the best atmosphere for playing football.”
Agents are funny people, aren’t they?
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