Nothing can dampen the never-ending nature of transfer talk. Here’s a look at the wildest rumors that made the rounds this week.
Juventus tried to poach Greenwood
Mason Greenwood in Serie A? Juventus were apparently ready to back up the Brinks truck to make it happen last year.
Speaking on the “Talk of the Devils” podcast this week, Andy Mitten of The Athletic said Juve offered the Manchester United phenom “life-changing” money to move to Turin in 2019 before his incredible breakout campaign at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, able to convince the 18-year-old to remain at the club, are now reaping the rewards of his decision to stay put.
City consider Alaba addition
A reported contractual impasse between David Alaba and Bayern Munich has sparked speculation that the Bavarian behemoths would prefer to sell the Austrian now rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.
Paris Saint-Germain were associated with the 28-year-old in June, and now, the Mirror’s John Cross says Manchester City are keen. Alaba, a left-back by trade who starred as a makeshift center-back this season, would address two needs in Pep Guardiola’s squad. This one almost makes too much sense.
Lille beat heavyweights to Canadian star
Reported Arsenal, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund target Jonathan David has agreed to terms with Lille, according to RMC Sport’s Mohamed Bouhafsi. Lille’s first offer was €25 million plus bonuses, while David’s current employer, Gent, want no less than €30 million. This one might actually have some legs.
The 20-year-old Canadian international was joint-tops of the Belgian league in scoring this season and can play across the front line or in support of a forward. David’s arrival could see Lille satisfy Tottenham and Newcastle’s alleged interest in fellow versatile attacker Jonathan Ikone.
Red Devils turn their attention to Dembele
With Borussia Dortmund remaining firm on their hefty valuation of Jadon Sancho, Manchester United are looking elsewhere for a contingency plan. That search has seen the club shift its attention to the Camp Nou, where Barcelona have made Ousmane Dembele available this summer.
According to the Daily Star, the oft-injured Frenchman, 23, is viewed as an affordable alternative to Sancho. With Barca needing another cash injection before they can make moves of their own, this deal could benefit both sides.
Leicester City offer Jovic an escape
After enduring a downright miserable campaign in the Spanish capital – complete with freak injuries and quarantine transgressions – Luka Jovic is being made available by Real Madrid, the Daily Star claims.
Leicester City are inquiring about the 22-year-old Serbian forward, who was one of the hottest names in world football when he was lighting up the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt last season, a campaign that ultimately earned him a mega-money move to the Bernabeu.
West Ham still eyeing English outcasts
Last week, West Ham were linked with a move for Chelsea’s Ross Barkley in the event the Irons avoid the drop. Now that it looks like they will, David Moyes is gazing even further down the depth chart of Englishmen.
According to the Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Moyes will look to lure Manchester United outcasts Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones to east London next season. Moyes, who managed the pair while at United in 2013-14, has presumably not seen either play lately. To be fair, not many have.
German, Italian clubs knock on Norwich’s door
Despite Norwich City’s dismal return to the Premier League, center-back Ben Godfrey made a good account of himself, prompting the Canaries to demand in the neighborhood of €55 million for the England U21 international.
Dortmund and RB Leipzig are keen on Godfrey, though Sky Sports claims that the Bundesliga duo value Godfrey at half of what Norwich does. In Italy, Calcio Mercato reports similar intentions from Roma and AC Milan, who both believe Godfrey is worth around €28 million. Let the haggling begin.
The race for Ceballos’ signature
Arsenal remain in talks with Real Madrid over making Dani Ceballos’ loan move permanent, but the Gunners’ likely failure to qualify for the Champions League could scupper the operation, according to the Express.
The report goes on to claim that AC Milan, Valencia, and Real Betis are all keen on signing the 23-year-old Spanish midfielder, who has been impressive under Mikel Arteta since the Premier League restart. Arteta is a big fan of Ceballos, but if he can’t retain him, there will be a long queue for his services.
Bits and bobs
Parties interested in Boubacar Kamara might be out of luck with reports claiming the Marseille star wants to stay for next season’s return to the Champions League. Elsewhere in Marseille news, Kostas Mitroglou, who is not taking part in preseason training, was offered to promoted side Lorient. They said no. Hard to blame them.
Other entertaining rumors from the past week include Manchester United getting “very close” to a deal for Fiorentina winger Federico Chiesa, while Real Madrid have apparently told both Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga – two long-term targets – not to renew their contracts with their respective clubs ahead of a potential 2021 transfer. Tampering is alive and well, it seems.
