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.
TOP STORY: Chelsea make Henderson key target
Chelsea are lining up a summer move for Manchester United youngster Dean Henderson in a bid to solve their goalkeeping woes, the Daily Star reports.
Henderson has impressed in a two-season loan spell with Sheffield United where he has proven a key asset in helping the Blades both return to the Premier League and defy the odds to push for a European qualification spot.
Despite that, Henderson is still unsure where his long-term future lies, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently confirmed he would like the youngster, who is expected to be named Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday, to compete with David De Gea for the No. 1 spot at Old Trafford next season.
However, the Blues are now said to be ready to test United’s resolve following a series of poor performances from £71.6 million signing Kepa, who was dropped in January and only recalled for last week’s FA Cup win over Liverpool.
Tensions are said to be building at Stamford Bridge with the Star suggesting the Spaniard may soon find himself heading through the exit door. The paper touts Nick Pope as another option, but says the Blues feel that it would be tougher to strike a deal for the Burnley man.
Henderson produced another stunning save against Norwich on Saturday to seal his 10th clean sheet of the season as the Blades secured a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.
Inter Milan step-up Aubameyang interest following latest revelations
Serie A high-flyers Inter Milan have stepped up their interest in signing Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of the summer, Italian publication Calciomercato reports.
Inter have been linked with the Gabon international in recent weeks, while on Saturday it was revealed that the Gunners may be forced to sell their star striker if he does not reduce his £300k per week wage demands.
That has put Nerazzurri director Beppe Marotta, who is already said to be planning for next season, on red alert with Aubameyang’s current deal set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
Alongside Arsenal’s unwillingness to meet Aubameyang’s wage demands, the Italian outlet says Marotta is hoping that the lure of Champions League football will help to seal the deal, with Arsenal locked in an uphill battle to secure European football next season.
Manchester United make Nemanja Matic U-turn
Manchester United midfielder is set to end speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Old Trafford, the Daily Mail reports.
Ther Serbian, 31, previously seemed certain to depart the club as a result of regular battles to find both form and fitness with his existing contract up at the end of the current campaign, but a remarkable turnaround in recent weeks has seen the ex-Chelsea win back a regular starting place.
Matic’s return, alongside the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, has inspired an uplift in form for the Red Devils, who will look to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games against cross-city rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Solskjaer confirmed “We have agreed with him [Matic] so he will stay. 100 percent.”
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Tap-ins
– Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen on recently emerged Aston Villa star Jaden Philogene-Bidacer, Football Insider reports. The club is set to face competition from Manchester City — Arteta’s previous employer — although Villa are also hopeful of convincing the player to sign a new deal.
– Serie A side Napoli are said to be considering their options with regards to the future of Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik. Calciomercato reports that talks over a new deal are said to be at a stalemate and the Italian club could lose the player for free next January a breakthrough is not made before then, while previous suitors Inter Milan no longer see Milik as a priority.
– Bournemouth’s on-loan Liverpool midfielder Harry Wilson has admitted he has a decision to make over his future after Euro 2020, the Mirror reports. The 22-year-old has shone for the Cherries this season with six goals in 23 games, despite it being his first in the Premier League, but knows he will face strong competition for playing time when he returns to Anfield.
