Leeds are facing a new battle to keep Raphinha with one suitor willing to shift three players and holding a key advantage over his other suitors, Arsenal are closing on a big January deal, while Tuesday’s transfer gossip claims a £17m Newcastle signing from Barcelona is near.
CHELSEA TO OFFLOAD TRIO TO SIGN RAPHINHA
Chelsea are emerging as strong contenders to sign Raphinha next summer – and plan to offload three players to make the deal happen.
The future of the Brazil superstar has claimed plenty of column inches in recent weeks. Liverpool are long-term admirers of the player, while reports just before Christmas claimed a deal to take him to Bayern Munich has been agreed. That link to Bayern was countered by a strong angle from the Leeds end over the Brazilian winger’s stay.
Nonetheless, speculation continues to rage over the former Rennes star. And now the Daily Express claims Thomas Tuchel is desperate to bring him to Chelsea.
Indeed, they state he will do all in his power to bring him to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Furthermore, he’s willing to sacrifice three players to make the deal happen. They state Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech will definitely be allowed to depart over the next two transfer windows.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is another who also looks to be on his way. Indeed, a report on Tuesday claims he is being targeted by Lazio in January.
Indeed, Tuchel knows he needs to add more goals to his attack. Pulisic, Ziyech and Timo Werner have struggled this season, scoring nine goals between them in all competitions.
Eight-goal Raphinha
That tally is almost equalled by eight-goal Raphinha alone.
And the Express, citing Sport Italia, claims talks are already underway on a deal at the end of the season.
His agent is former Chelsea midfielder Deco, who retains close ties at Stamford Bridge.
Any deal could set Chelsea back in the region of £60m, with the report indicating they have the financial means to outbid Bayern Munich for the Brazilian superstar.
Leeds look likely to keep Raphinha for now, but speculation on his future is likely to rage right through the summer window.
COUTINHO DEAL IS ON FOR ARSENAL
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly giving the green light to pursue the signing of Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho. (Daily Mail)
Blackburn are offering a sensational £10m bonus to their squad if they secure Premier League promotion this season. (Daily Mail)
Only 0.3 per cent of fans have been unable to show their Covid status when asked, according to recent Premier League data. (Daily Mail)
Ferran Torres has reportedly passed his Barcelona medical ahead of his £55m switch to the Nou Camp once the January transfer window opens. (Daily Mail)
Real Madrid are willing to include Eden Hazard in a bid for Chelsea star Reece James, according to reports. (Daily Mail)
TOTTENHAM LEADING KESSIE RACE
Tottenham are leading the race to sign Franck Kessie, with his deal at AC Milan expiring in the summer. (Daily Express)
Spurs are also chasing Weston McKennie with his signing freeing up Juventus to buy Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni. (Daily Express)
Barcelona misfit Samuel Umtiti is emerging as a £17m target for relegation-haunted Newcastle. (The Sun)
Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Leeds star Raphinha to rival Liverpool. (The Sun)
Manchester United are not currently negotiating the January sale of Paul Pogba, according to reports. (The Sun)
AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Liverpool are looking towards Italy for reinforcements with a deal for Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz very much in to their liking. (The Sun)
Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 24, is closing on a loan agreement to move to Roma. (Daily Mirror)
Newcastle are ‘in the mix’ for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang though the frozen-out Arsenal forward reportedly sees his future elsewhere. (Daily Star)
AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly looking to sign young Manchester United defender Charlie Wellens. (Daily Star)
The post Paper Talk: New Leeds concern as major new player conjures breathtaking Raphinha plan; huge Arsenal signing nears appeared first on TEAMtalk.
from TEAMtalk https://ift.tt/342QMhg
via IFTTT