The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
Arsenal could be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements should Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang move on when the 2019-20 season comes to a conclusion, and The Sun is reporting Chelsea have offered Willian, who is a free agent at the end of the campaign, to their London rivals.
However, there’s a problem: the Brazilian’s wages. Willian is reportedly looking for £120,000 a week and a three-year deal, which is deemed too much by the Arsenal board, particularly given the player turns 32 in August.
Willian’s agent could be the key protagonist in the move as Kia Joorabchian also represents Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, and Cedric Soares, who joined the club on loan.
And now Joorabchian is looking to solve a problem that would suit both player and club, though Arsenal are not the only club interested. Liverpool and Inter Milan are also said to have expressed an interest, though it is believed Willian would favour staying in London.
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Arsenal eyeing Umtiti move
Mikel Arteta is looking to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti in an effort to shore up his defence for the 2020-21 season, and Sport is suggesting that his chances have been boosted after Napoli dropped out of the race.
Untiti has been mainly used as a back-up by Quique Setien this season and has made just nine starts. And Barca, with some big transfer plans of their own this summer, are willing to sell the France international for the right price.
Napoli were also keen to sign him, but the coronavirus has limited their transfer funds. The same could be said for many clubs, and Arsenal’s hopes of landing the 26-year-old may depend on whether or not the Gunners finish in a Champions League place.
Arteta has made no secret of making his defence the area he is most keen to strengthen and was keen to land Umtiti on loan in January but a deal couldn’t be agreed.
Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek has time to plot his next move following the early termination of the Eredivisie, and Mundo Deportivo believes Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus lead the way.
Van de Beek has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, particular by the Dutch press, but the player himself may question that move when he takes into consideration Real’s courting of Paul Pogba, and their recent interest in Eduardo Camavinga. And that’s not including the impressive form of their own stars, including Martin Odegaard, who’s currently on loan at Real Sociedad, and who could come back to find new opportunities under Zinedine Zidane.
Manchester United could be a more attractive proposition for Van de Beek in terms of game time, and United could have the funds — he would likely cost around €50 million — if Pogba decides to leave for Madrid, or PSG as recently suggested by multiple sources.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would love to partner Van de Beek with Bruno Fernandes in a new-look midfield, but he may face competition from Juventus, who are also said to be keen on the 23-year-old.
Tap-ins
— Everton are reportedly holding talks with Barcelona over the signing of young centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, according to the Daily Mail. The 20-year-old was a target for the Toffees in January, but he joined Schalke on loan for the rest of the season instead. Now, though, Everton believe they can land the French U20 international on a permanent deal for around £17.4m.
— AC Milan are preparing for life after Zlatan Ibrahimovic by enquiring about Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, reports Calciomercato. The Rossoneri spent time chatting to the striker in January and it is reported he likes it in the Italian capital. Moreover, both he and Ante Rebic — on loan at the San Siro from Eintracht Frankfurt — are keen to reunite after the duo played together at Frankfurt.