The coronavirus pandemic has made the summer transfer window uncertain, but here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Man United in for Konate
Manchester United spent £80 million on central defender Harry Maguire not very long ago and obviously things have changed with the coronavirus pandemic which has engulfed the world, but the transfer talk around a new arrival at Old Trafford continues.
United are keen to get a good partner for Maguire and have been linked with a host of names over recent months, though now we can add RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate to the list according to Le10 Sport.
Konate, 20, is highly rated and has been linked with Arsenal, alongside his teammate Dayot Upamecano. The Frenchman has struggled with injury but is still worth a reported £40m, despite not playing much at all this season.
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09.27 BST: Kevin De Bruyne’s comments about his future at Manchester City have raised some eyebrows.
09.04 BST: Bayer Leverkusen have signalled their interest in Barcelona full-back Emerson.
Emerson, 21, joined Real Betis from Atletico Mineiro last summer in a deal involving Barcelona, who hold the transfer rights for the Brazilian.
Kicker reports Emerson could be recalled early from what effectively is a loan at Betis by Barcelona and then moved to another club to free funds for potential summer signings. The Catalans are reported to hold out for a fee between €20-30m.
08.29 BST: Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is hopeful that Gonzalo Higuain will complete his contract with the Turin giants.
Higuain was allowed to return to his native Argentina during the lockdown in Italy to be close to his cancer-stricken mother.
The 32-year-old forward, who is tied to Juventus until June 2021, is reportedly considering remaining in Argentina and not returning to Italy in order to be closer to his mother.
“Higuain left and he was very worried in general,” Paratici told Sky Italia. “Gonzalo is a very sensitive person and this has affected him a lot. We are close to him, he has had an extraordinary season. We hope he can continue with us, the remaining year he has left in his contract.”
08.00 BST: Bayern Munich remain interested in Timo Werner despite the RB Leipzig attacker stating he wants to move abroad should he leave this summer. The German champions believe Werner’s comments were of a “tactical nature,” according to kicker.
Werner, 24, has been strongly linked with Liverpool, but kicker said that the Reds have yet to discuss financial details with the player.
Manchester City winger Leroy Sane continues to be Bayern’s top target this summer, kicker added.
Former Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, meanwhile, has told Welt am Sonntag that he believes a transfer fee in the €100m region for Sane would not be justified.
“He’s not had his breakthrough as an absolute top player yet,” the 75-year-old, who led Bayern to the treble in 2013, said. “He’s a player at the crossroads. Will he continue to work hard or will he continue to be just a very exceptional talent. He must be prepared for the next step. It’s worth nothing to have talent and show it occasionally.”
PAPER TALK (by Harry Kettle)
Juventus can’t afford Pogba?
Sky Sport Italia is reporting that Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici has made a startling revelation regarding a potential switch back to Turin for Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman’s move back to Manchester United was considered to be a defining moment in his career when it took place back in 2016, but it always felt as if there was a chance he could return to the Old Lady once again someday.
Unfortunately, while they may clearly be interested in pursuing a deal, Paratici has noted that no club would realistically be able to afford Pogba’s wage demands in the current climate due to the coronavirus pandemic, saying: “”Pogba is a great player, but logically the salary demands someone of his level would’ve had before is now more difficult to get hold of, or at least he’ll have fewer clubs prepared to pay that money.”
Manchester United want Hugill
Manchester United are interested in trying to sign Sunderland youngster Joe Hugill, The Sun reports.
The 16-year-old has was said to be at the top of Jose Mourinho’s wishlist at Tottenham this summer, but as a result of the delay in them trying to get a deal over the finish line, United are believed to have jumped to the front of the queue.
With the Red Devils struggling to get something going in their pursuit of Birmingham City star Jude Bellingham, this could be the silver lining that they’ve been searching for.
Arsenal ready to sell Mkhitaryan
Arsenal are ready and willing to sell Henrikh Mkhitaryan in order to raise funds this summer, The Mirror reports.
The Armenian has enjoyed a successful loan spell in Serie A with Roma this season, and with one year remaining on his contract, it’s not exactly surprising that Roma wants to make the move permanent.
A player-plus-cash deal could be struck between the two clubs, although the Gunners are hoping to receive a fee of around £10m for the former Manchester United star.
Tap-ins
– Alexis Sanchez could be interested in returning to Italy for a loan spell with Roma, Sky Sport Italia reports. The Manchester United flop has failed to impress during his time out on loan with Inter Milan and, with Roma aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, the Chilean could be offered yet another route out of Old Trafford.
– The Mirror reports that Sporting Lisbon have given West Bromwich Albion an extra 30 days to come up with the £8.25m necessary to secure the permanent signing of Matheus Pereira. Following a successful loan spell at The Hawthorns it seemed inevitable that he’d stay in the West Midlands, but the ongoing pandemic has added a layer of uncertainty to proceedings.
