The transfer windows in Europe’s top leagues are closed, but it’s never too late to look forward to January. Click here to view the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the newest gossip below.
Top 10 free agents in 2020 | European transfer review
TOP STORY: Chelsea head Chilwell chase
Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell, according to a report in the Mail.
The 22-year-old has been identified as a key target by Blues boss Frank Lampard, and the Londoners could make a move for the England international as early as January, if their transfer ban is lifted at the turn of the year.
Manchester City were also reportedly interested in Chilwell little more than a year ago as they considered their long-term options following a string of injuries to Benjamin Mendy, but Pep Guardiola cooled his interesT and instead triggered a £5.3 million buy-back clause to re-sign Spaniard Angelino from PSV Eindhoven.
Manchester United are also keen, while a move for Chilwell won’t be a cheap one for any club with the defender tied down to a contract at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2024.
LIVE BLOG
08.30 BST: Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says the departure of left-back Lucas Hernandez to Bayern Munich this summer was “what has hurt his team the most.”
Simeone told Cadena Ser radio: “[Antoine] Griezmann was the most difficult [departure] to replace. But the departure that hurt us the most was that of Lucas. Because he was one of our lads, of the youth team, one of us.”
Atletico signed Joao Felix from Benfica following Griezmann’s departure and Simeone has high hopes for the young Portugal forward.
“Our investment of €126m is not for [Real Madrid summer signing Eden] Hazard, who is 30 but for a 19-year-old,” Simeone said. “Joao has a prospect that no other one has. I believe in his career process as it is now that he will score more goals and give more assists that when Griezmann was 26. He is similar to Kaka, he is a player that needs spaces.”
PAPER TALK (James Capps)
Ole backed for long-term rebuild
The Telegraph writes that Manchester United are planning to make up to eight major signings in the next two summer transfer windows, with Old Trafford chiefs now conceding that the side are at least six players short of challenging for major honours.
The mass rebuild will be led by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite a poor start to the season that has seen them win just twice in their opening eight Premier League games. It is reported that the Norwegian will be given plenty of time to bring his “three-year vision” to reality, and will not be sacked if his side lose to Liverpool in their next game on Oct. 20.
Plans for at least one signing could be accelerated to January, and United are also set to push ahead with plans to reshuffle their recruitment setup, with at least one technical director arriving in the coming months.
Spurs to move Eriksen to Madrid
Tottenham and Real Madrid are afraid. According to the Mirror, Spurs fear losing Christian Eriksen for nothing. The 27-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and with the ability to sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs beginning in January, time is running out for the North London club to cash in on the playmaker.
And in Marca, it’s reported that Madrid are worried that they could miss out on Eriksen in the way that they lost on on Kepa Arrizabalaga. While the club failed to prioritise a €20m bargain buy for the then-Athletic goalkeeper in January 2018, he eventually signed a new deal with the Basque club before agreeing an €80m move to Chelsea that summer. Los Blancos are reportedly determined not to repeat their mistake.
Which should make for a fairly straightforward move for Eriksen to swap London for the Spanish capital come the new year, right?
Tap-ins
– Inter manager Antonio Conte is reportedly lining up a move for Italy Under-20 captain Davide Bettella, according to Calciomercato. The 19-year-old defender is on loan at Pescara from fellow Serie A side Atalanta, and could be available for around €10m next summer.
– Calciomercato reports that Napoli are interested in a possible triple deal to sign Genk trio Joakim Maehle, Carlos Cuesta and Sander Berge. Carlo Ancelotti reportedly was impressed by the three during his side’s 0-0 draw with the Belgian club in the Champions League earlier this month.