Nothing can dampen the never-ending nature of transfer talk. Here’s a look at the wildest rumors making the rounds this week during the final days of the rescheduled summer transfer window.
Mendy’s mistakes force City to consider left-back help
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s patience with defensive misfit Benjamin Mendy is understandably wearing thin, prompting the club to seek left-back reinforcements before the window closes at the end of the week. Two names previously tied to City have popped up again.
Both Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Bayern Munich’s David Alaba are being watched, according to the Daily Mail, and the latter’s current terms are set to expire next summer amid a contract impasse. Word on the street is City will need to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko first, because money.
United’s search for upgrades now on Fergie Time
Despite Zinedine Zidane’s assurances that there’s a future for Luka Jovic at Real Madrid, the Serbian’s agent reckons his client wants to spurn Inter Milan’s and Roma’s advances to join Manchester United, according to the Daily Star. Too bad, so sad, Mr. Jovic, because it looks like Edinson Cavani is about to take that spot.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said that Jadon Sancho is staying. Then, hours later, Zorc’s Barcelona counterpart, Ramon Planes, said that Ousmane Dembele also isn’t leaving. Up next for Manchester United then: 18-year-old Atalanta winger Amad Traore, who has played 30 minutes in Serie A. Sure.
Back and forth Aouar quest comes down to final day
Lyon stud Houssem Aouar appeared close to an Arsenal switch, and despite club president Jean-Michel Aulas’ public admission that the Gunners’ initial bid was short, hope sprang eternal that Arsenal were set to beat Juventus to Aouar’s services. Then, Paris Saint-Germain became involved. Or maybe not?
L’Equipe reports that PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi spoke to his Lyon equal, then Aulas claimed “three major clubs are interested in Houssem.” Reports that Arsenal refused to raise their bid to €50 million soon sprouted, meaning Aouar will stay put, prompting Gunners supporters to go postal online.
Juve fund Chiesa chase with trio of farewells
Juventus are hoping to find a buyer for winger Douglas Costa before Monday’s deadline in an effort to help fund the addition of Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa, according to Corriere della Sera. Chiesa would join on loan in a deal that features a buyout clause worth upward of €50 million.
Mattia De Sciglio also appears to be on the way out, with Celtic preferring the Italian left-back to Charlton’s Alfie Doughty and Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon, according to the Daily Record. Elsewhere, Sami Khedira is rumored to be on United’s radar as a potential free transfer. The Red Devils are resorting to scraps at this point.
Tottenham eye back-end alterations
Tottenham have focused their attention on Inter defender Milan Skriniar after cementing a loan switch for Benfica striker Vinicius. The Evening Standard claims Spurs will submit a formal bid for Skriniar, while Goal.com reports the north London lot has inquired about Juve’s Merih Demiral.
Jose Mourinho is also reportedly fond of Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger. Sorry, Toni. In terms of departures, Sessegnon will join Hoffenheim, Juan Foyth is off to Villarreal, and Bournemouth, Luton Town, and Swansea City want Cameron Carter-Vickers. Captivating stuff.
Follow-up Dele bid among PSG’s last-minute deals
Speaking of Spurs, Gareth Bale’s return and Dele Alli’s enduring regression in performance has put the England international’s tenure in north London at risk. PSG’s initial advance was rebuffed, though The Telegraph reports that the Ligue 1 behemoth will present an improved loan offer before Monday.
Like many of Europe’s biggest sides, PSG have a last-minute transfer wish list hampered by massive revenue losses. That explains why they’re linked with loans for Porto defensive midfielder Danilo Pereira and Everton forward Moise Kean, with the latter potentially replacing Bayern-bound Eric Choupo-Moting. Not a typo.
Bits and bobs
Matteo Guendouzi hasn’t played for Arsenal since strangling Brighton’s Neal Maupay in June. The moody midfielder has now rejected Marseille’s approach after nixing similar offers from Valencia, Villarreal, Real Betis, and Hertha Berlin. At least Lucas Torreira to Atletico Madrid seems certain.
Norwich City have rejected an initial €22-million bid plus €5 million in add-ons from Everton for prized central defender Ben Godfrey. Expect the Toffees to return with an ameliorated offer, especially after manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the Canaries’ stud earlier this week.
Finishing up with some MLS news, Cagliari have submitted a formal offer for 20-year-old Los Angeles FC and Uruguay international winger Brian Rodriguez. Also, former Borussia Monchengladbach defender and current free agent Julian Korb wants to play in MLS.
