Not for the first time, Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool.
On the face of it, this is not a link that makes a great deal of sense from the Reds' perspective. While not short of money, their transfer kitty is not limitless and Jurgen Klopp must prioritise other areas of his squad ahead of strengthening his attack.
Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo ensure there are no shortage of options and variety to play in Liverpool’s front three. Furthermore, the Reds have signed attack-minded midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig and Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister.
However, Sport Witness cites reports from Spain that Liverpool have made a £170million move for French superstar Mbappe. The veracity of this may be doubtful, but there is clearly a strong mutual respect between the club and the Paris Saint-Germain frontman.
Mbappe's PSG exit stance
Image:
Getty Images)Mbappe will not sign the one-year contract extension in his PSG contract meaning that his deal will expire in 12 months. Mirror Football understands that the French club’s priority is to ensure he does not leave without a transfer fee, meaning they are prepared to cash in on the superstar this summer.
The French superstar has confirmed that he intends to remain at the Ligue 1 champions beyond this summer but it is understood that PSG will push for his exit as they are aware that the alternative is missing out on a landmark transfer fee entirely.
On Wednesday, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi set an ultimatum of two weeks for Mbappe to either decide to leave the club this summer or sign a new contract. However, the striker is well within his contractual rights to do neither and wait it out until next summer. Real Madrid's interest in signing Mbappe is long-standing and well-documented.
What Mbappe and Klopp have said
Mbappe and Klopp have a history of publicly complimenting each other – which has, predictably, played into suggestions that the two may work alongside each other one day.
Speaking in 2020, the Frenchman claimed: 2020: "This season, Liverpool have been a machine in the Premier League. They have made winning look easy but the truth is that it is never easy. Performances like they have been having don't just happen.
Mbappe didn't stop there and had some compliments for Klopp as well, adding: "To be as ruthless as they have been would come from lots of hard work in training and from having a very good manager."
Speaking before Liverpool faced PSG back in 2018, Klopp told RMC Sport: "I love him, to be honest. What a player he is and a nice lad as well, so he's a really good kid. What a player, what a player.
"Everyone knows him since he was 16, 17 when he impressed in Monaco's youth teams, and I saw videos of him when he was 17 and he destroyed defensive lines as he is doing now.
"He's at an unbelievable level of consistency at that age. He's an outstanding player, that's clear, but he can deliver, deliver and deliver, which shows he's really good educated boy and he knows what he is doing.”
[mirror.co.uk]
Swiss federal judges dismissed FIFA´s appeal against a ruling that overturned its life ban for the former president of Haiti´s soccer federation for alleged sexual abuse of women´s national team players.
A verdict from Switzerland´s supreme court released on Thursday rejected FIFA´s request filed in March to annul a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that lifted Yves Jean-Bart´s expulsion from the sport.
The federal court can review CAS decisions on limited procedural grounds and rarely overturns the sports court´s verdicts. FIFA argued that CAS judges failed to evaluate some evidence.
The decision by three Swiss Federal Tribunal judges was dated June 28, less than a month before Haiti makes its debut at the Women´s World Cup against England in Brisbane. Haiti's group includes China and Denmark.
The Haitian women progressed through qualifying for the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, while long-time federation president Jean-Bart was banished from the sport.
FIFA´s ethics committee banned Jean-Bart in November 2020 after hearing allegations of multiple sexual offenses against women and girls who were in national team squads. Witnesses in Haiti were alleged to have been threatened not to give evidence.
Jean-Bart denied the allegations, and at his appeal the judges decided "none of the testimonies heard by the CAS were sufficiently precise and convincing to establish (his) guilt," the sports court said in February.
FIFA was ordered by federal judges to pay 15,000 Swiss francs ($16,740) in court costs and 17,000 Swiss francs ($19,000) to Jean-Bart.
[dailymail]
Bayer Leverkusen have signed Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Arsenal on a five-year deal, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday.
Financial details were not disclosed but British media reported the German club paid €25 million euros ($27.2m) for the 30-year old.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Xhaka joins Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen after spending seven seasons with Arsenal in which he made 297 appearances, with 23 goals and 29 assists, and helped the club win two FA Cups.
Xhaka will return to the German league having had a four-year spell with Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Arsenal in 2016.
"I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London. Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets," said Xhaka.
"Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something - I'm very much looking forward to the next few years."
[espn]
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
According to Stefan Bienkowski, Arsenal have initiated discussions with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Jeremie Frimpong. The Bundesliga giants want to recoup €50 million to part ways with the Dutch full-back.
The young defender was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent months as well. So it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can agree on a fee with the German club. The Gunners have recently emerged as a suitor for the 22-year-old.
Arsenal need to bring in a specialist right-back this summer, and Frimpong could be an upgrade on Ben White, especially going forward. The former Brighton and Hove Albion star was deployed as a full-back last season, and he did reasonably well. But Arsenal lacked the attacking qualities of a natural full-back.
Frimpong is exceptional going forward and he could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack with his creativity and pace. The 22-year-old contributed to nine goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season, and he has the potential to develop into one of the finest young full-backs in Europe.
Mikel Arteta has done well to nurture talented young players during his time at Arsenal, and he could help the talented young Dutchman develop into a key player for the Premier League club. Arsenal are desperate to put together a formidable squad that is capable of winning the Premier League title, and they have been very active in the transfer market so far.
The Gunners have already spent significant sums of money to acquire the services of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber. It seems that they are concentrating on signing a full-back now. Frimpong would undoubtedly be a solid, long-term investment, and the 22-year-old is likely to be tempted to join Arsenal as well. Meanwhile, talks for the young full-back have begun between the two clubs.
The Gunners are one of the biggest clubs in the world and they have qualified for the Champions League. They will be an attractive destination for most players and a move to Arsenal would be ideal for the 22-year-old’s development as well. Playing against top-class attackers in the Premier League will accelerate his development and help him achieve his world-class potential.
[thehardtackle]
Manchester United will bid to make young Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund their new first-choice striker this window, as they seek to deliver Erik ten Hag the second major signing of the summer amid growing uncertainty on the proposed takeover.
The club have been working according to a strict budget because of financial fair play considerations but believe that they can deliver Hojlund this summer for around £50 million – although the deal might have to wait for resolution in the Glazer sale process. The 20-year-old had an impressive breakthrough season at Atalanta in Serie A last season with nine league goals in 32 games and is regarded as a player with huge scope for improvement.
United have been pushed hard for the £60 million fee for Mason Mount from Chelsea and are now seeking to cover their two other key positional targets this summer. Their striker options going into the window were Hojlund and the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, and France international, Randal Kolo Muani. Ten Hag has identified Højlund as his preference.
United’s losses in the previous financial year of £115.5 million have put limits on what is available to Ten Hag this summer and put pressure on to make sales. It was anticipated that there would have been a final decision made on the takeover process by now but the Glazer siblings continue to mull over their three options. Those are Qatari Sheikh Jassim’s bid, the opposing offer from Ineos billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, or seeking further investment while retaining control. In the meantime, the club is working to the original plan.
That means that a goalscorer must be found, alongside a goalkeeper, as well as the many sales that the club had hoped to push through. Andre Onana, a former Ajax player with Ten Hag now at Inter Milan, is the principal goalkeeper target. The Inter valuation of £51.5 million is believed to be some way off that made by United, around £38.5 million.
As for the striker, Hojlund is the more realistic although his price has rocketed this season in what is a restricted market for established goalscoring talent. He has played fewer than 100 senior club games since his Danish Superliga debut for Copenhagen in October 2020. He joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz in January last year and then Atalanta in the summer. He was first capped for his country less than a year ago and is undoubtedly a very promising talent.
Meanwhile United are looking at the sale of one or all of Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Fred, Scott McTominay, Antony Martial, Alex Telles, Anthony Elanga and Eric Bailly in order to reset their financial fair play consideration.
United had looked at the possibility of a bid for Harry Kane, with one year left on his contract at Tottenham Hotspur. With no resolution yet on the takeover that is currently not a viable option given price and Spurs’ unwillingness to sell him within the Premier League. Nevertheless Ten Hag is an admirer of the player.
[Telegraph.co.uk]
Barcelona have made significant progress over the last few seasons under the leadership of the new management, led by Joan Laporta, despite coming into a club that was well corrupted by economic and financial limitations.
Now, as they look forward to the new 2023/2024 season up ahead, it is a good chance to look back at one of the most important aspects of Laporta’s tenure thus far; his recruitment of free agents that have helped stabilize the club in important areas when spending too many funds was not an option.
In total, with the two new free transfers added to the count, Barcelona have managed to recruit 13 free agents over the last 3 years since the 2020/2021 season.
Eric Garcia (Manchester City)
The young central defender came from Manchester City as a free transfer and has since found moments within the club where he has held solid importance, under Ronald Koeman in particular, and also periods of not much importance, as he has been going through this season under Xavi Hernandez.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Despite having arrived as a promising player given his massive experience and proven quality, the player’s time at the club was unfortunately cut short due to various health-related issues.
Memphis Depay (Olympique Lyon)
The Dutchman arrived as one of the most prized possessions of France’s Ligue 1, but despite an exciting first season at the club, he was not able to live up to the massive expectations piled up on his shoulders.
Luuk De Jong (Sevilla)
Another Dutchman who arrived to much dismay initially amongst fans, but courtesy of his various late winners and equalizers as a super sub, managed to forever become a fan favorite among the Camp Nou faithful.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Tension at Arsenal and internal problems forced the player to be on bad terms with his former club, but hopping onto the Catalan ship the moment the chance presented itself on deadline day would end up being a free transfer that provided benefits to both Barcelona and Aubameyang himself.
Adama Traore (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Known for his rapid pace and insane levels of acceleration, the former La Masia player came for a year-long loan that would end up being a good deal for La Blaugrana, providing them a new kind of option on the wings besides just having to rely on Ousmane Dembele, despite the Catalans not having triggered his buy option.
Dani Alves (Free agent)
A Barcelona legend in his own right, the return of the Brazilian was met with massive uncertainty given his mature age, yet his dedication to the club and commitment to the cause under Xavi Hernandez allowed him to be a great asset both on the field and off it.
Franck Kessie (AC Milan)
The AC Milan midfielder was one of the most well-renowned talents in Serie A before his move to Barcelona, and while he has not been bad by any means during his time in Spain, the player is surely playing less minutes than he would have originally had hoped for at the club.
Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
The Danish defender has become one of the mainstays under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez and for good reason. His ability on the ball as well as his understanding of the game have made him an immense part of Xavi’s Barcelona.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
The former Chelsea man arrived on a free transfer after the termination of his contract with Chelsea alongside Andreas Christensen who left the London-based club as a free agent, and while the Dane has become undisputable under Xavi, the Spanish defender has also been able to provide much-appreciated depth.
Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
Having arrived on a one-year deal following the termination of his contract at Arsenal, the Spaniard was more or less a signing for the short term, and albeit not extraordinary, his time in the city of his birth was not all too bad before moving on to his next club in Sporting CP.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
One of the most in-form stars in Europe at the moment of signing, treble-winner with Manchester City and captain of the English side as well, bringing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer could turn out to be a masterful operation done right.
Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)
The most recent of acquisitions to be made official, the former Athletic Bilbao defender brings along with him proven quality and bundles of experience, particularly in the Spanish first division.
[barcanewsnetwork]
It’s only the first week of July but thtere have already been several major transfer moves to be confimred across the Premier League with more bumper deals expected to be finalised this week.
Aston Villa have already moved to snap up Youri Tielemans on a free transfer after the Belgian midfielder left Leicester City and supporters will be hoping to see a few more signings being announced soon as Unai Emery strengthens his sqaud for next season’s Premier League and European campaigns. The next man through the door could very well be a a promising young star who is already an established international but the Birmignham side are expected to face competition from Everton.
Elsewhere, Villa could have been dealt a transfer blow this morning with reports suggesting one of their league rivals are now ‘eleading the race’ to sign a player they have eseemignly been tracking all window. Here are the latest Aston Villa transfer news headlines on Thursday, July 6:
Newcastle United lead race to sign £50m-rated Harvey Barnes from Leicester
The Guardian write that Newcastle United are leading the race to sign Leicester’s Harvey Barnes. The winger is understood to also be a transfer target for Aston Villa as well as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
The 25-year old has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium ever since the Foxes relegation to the EFL Championship was confirmed on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season. It is claimed that Eddie Howe wants a new left-winger and Allan Saint-Maximin’s reported move to the Saudi Pro League could open up space in the budget for him to make a move.
Aston Villa ‘make their move’ for Leeds United star Wilfred Gnonto
The future of Wilfred Gnonto is one of the biggest ongoing stories surrounding Leeds United at the moment with the Italian international expected to leave the Whites following their relegation to the EFL Championship. Among the clubs who have been linked with the forward are Aston Villa and Everton.
Per a report from Football Insider, both clubs have ‘registered their interest’ with Leeds about a potential deal for the 19-year old who arrived in Yorkshire for just £4 million in 2022. HE is under contract until 2027 so United will be hoping to command a significant transfer fee if they decide to sell.
[birminghamworld]
Tottenham to test Inter resolve by launching significant bid for potential Hojbjerg replacement
AdminTottenham are reportedly considering testing the resolve of Inter Milan by making a move for midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to strengthen all areas of his squad ahead of the start of the new season, with defence and midfield particular areas of concern for the Australian.
James Maddison has arrived from Leicester to add some creativity in Tottenham’s engine room but there have been strong rumours circulating that Postecoglou is happy to allow Hojbjerg to move on this summer.
The Dane was one of the club’s best performers in a woeful campaign last time around but there are suggestions that his play is too slow for what the former Celtic boss wants from his holding midfielder.
That has led to talk of a move for other targets and that list includes Turkey international Calhanoglu.
The 29-year-old has excelled since his switch from cross-City rivals AC Milan 18 months ago. However, no player at the San Siro is considered ‘non-transferable’ this summer due to the club’s economic predicament.
Calhanoglu’s flexibility makes him an attractive proposition, given that he can play in a variety of midfield positions.
The report from InterLive.it states that Postecolgou’s men could tempt the Nerazzurri by submitting an offer of €35m (£30m) for the player.
Several clubs chasing Inter midfielder
Spurs are not alone in their admiration for the midfielder though, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all linked in the past.
However, the report goes on to say that, as things stand, Inter have no plans to sell the player and will only do so if a ‘shock proposal arrives’.
That could well be on the horizon though, if Spurs opt to cash in on Hojbjerg – especially given that Rodrigo Bentancur is unlikely to be fit for the start of the new campaign.
The absence of the latter is, however, likely to give Yves Bissouma a chance to show what he can do in pre-season after failing to shine in his debut campaign for the club.
[teamtalk]
Fiery Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has paid a visit to the residence of billionaire business-cum-banking, Tony Elumelu.
Upon his arrival in Lagos, the Nigeria international who emerged as one of Europe’s leading marksmen in the 2022-23 campaign after netting a league-high 26 goals in 32 Serie A games during Napoli’s surge to the title visited his primary school in the Oregun area of Ikeja where he met with the head teacher who convinced his late father to allow him play football.
Osimhen, who lived in Olusosun, a small neighborhood near Oregun also visited his hood and was greeted by a large crowd that almost mobbed him.
As he continued to relive precious childhood moments, the Super Eagles striker also made time out to enjoy himself with some associates including entertainers.
Still on a tour of the metropolitan city, Osimhen made his way to the Elumele where he was received by the Chairman, United Bank for Africa Plc, and his wife, Awele Vivian Elumelu.
He bowed his head as a sign of respect as he shook hands with Elumelu who was very much pleased to receive him.
Osimhen also presented his jersey to the stylish 60-year-old Elumelu who expressed immense pride in him.
Captioning shared photos with the Napoli superstar, Elumelu tweeted: “We’re all proud of you Victor @victorosimhen9! #SerieATopScorer #Scudetto #TOEWay.”
Eagle-eyed tennis fans would’ve spotted Iga Swiatek’s mismatched kit as she kicked off her Wimbledon campaign on Monday.
The world No.1 came through in straight sets against Zhu Lin on Court One as she bids to win her fifth grand slam title following a hat-trick of victories at the French Open and her triumph last year in the US. Swiatek's latest victory comes off the back of a new deal off the court as well.
In March, Swiatek signed a money-spinning contract with Swiss brand On Running - the shoe company associated with Roger Federer - after a four-year association with Asics. She announced: "I’m thrilled to announce I am the first female tennis athlete at On. I’m happy the On team believes in me as an athlete and a person. We plan to grow, develop and make an impact together. Big thanks to my team for this amazing achievement in business."
However, the Polish star was spotted still wearing her former sponsor’s Gel Resolution 9 footwear on court almost four months later as she got her trophy tilt underway in SW19 with a 6-1, 6-3 win over her Chinese opponent to book her spot in round two. Wimbledon men's champion Novak Djokovic also wore Asics shoes but has a separate clothing deal with Lacoste.
Swiatek does not have the best pedigree on grass, having never made it past the fourth round, but signs are positive that this will be the year she has a proper crack at winning the title. Zhu - ranked 34th in the world - was no match for her, with a routine victory only slightly delayed by a rain shower that saw the roof closed.
The all white dress code is a big tradition at the All England Club in SW19 but a recent rule change now permits athletes to wear different colour underwear. The shift has been welcomed by players.
Heather Watson told Sky News: "When Wimbledon announced about the undershorts I was so happy because it makes such a difference. I speak openly about my period, I don't think it's a taboo subject and I would love for people to talk about it more.
"Last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew I had to wear white undershorts and I didn't want any embarrassment. We're running around sweating, doing the splits on court. This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again so I'm very happy I won't have to do the same thing as last year."
[mirror]
More...
Djokovic equals Nadal's monumental Slam feat with round-one Wimbledon win, adds to staggering Centre Court streak
AdminDo you remember the last time Novak Djokovic lost, at the Wimbledon? It is probably now in oblivion, let alone his loss on the iconic Centre Court, which probably has already been erased from tennis history. On Monday evening, even as the dark clouds hovered over London before causing a one hour rain delay, Djokovic remained in absolute jolly mood. There wasn't an ounce of concern on his face as he engaged in wholesome crowd interaction, urging the spectators to join him ton drying the court to resume the match. (Wimbledon Day 1 Live Updates)
And there shouldn't have been. Wimbledon, especially the Centre Court to Djokovic is what Roland Garros is to Rafael Nadal. Although, one may never, or rarely see the Spaniard in such a mood whilst a delay in play. Djokovic, despite only an exhibition match to show as his preparation for the Grand Slam post his record win in French Open last last month, cruised his way through the to Round 2 of Wimbledon as he beat Argentina's Pedro Cachin 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4).
With the win, Djokovic matched Nadal's monumental feat at the Roland Garros, leaving him only behind Roger Federer now. It was the 18th time Djokovic scripted a round-one win at the SW19, same as Nadal did in French Open. Only Federer at the Australian (21) and US Open (19), and Djokovic himself at the RG (19) have appeared in more singles Majors main draws without ever losing in the opening Round than Djokovic in Wimbledon.
It was also his 29th straight win at the Slam, having never lost a match since 2017 when he had retired from his quarterfinal tie with an elbow injury. It is now the fourth-longest winning streak in men's singles at the SW19 in Open Era after Bjorn Borg (41 wins between 1976 and 1981), Federer (40 wins between 2003 and 2008) and Pete Sampras (31 wins between 1997 and 2001). It’s been 2,183 days, to be precise.
The win also added to Djokovic's staggering streak of 40 straight victories at Centre Court, still the most by any player in the Open Era at the venue. The next-best streak belong to Federer and Helen Wills Moody, who had both won 32 matches in a row on Centre Court. Federer's streak was between 2003 and 2008 and Wills Moody's was from 1927 to 1938.
[Hindustan Time]
Two grand footballing institutions have forged quite the connection over the years.
Contemporary behemoths Chelsea and the historically significant AC Milan have enjoyed the talents of some of the game's all-time greats, some of whom have suited up in both west London and Italy's fashion capital.
While far from an all-timer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who promised so much before a serious Achilles injury suffered in 2019 tamed his lofty trajectory, will be the latest to suit up for both clubs after he completed a £15m move to the Rossoneri.
Here's a list of all the players to play for Chelsea and Milan.
Players who have played for both Chelsea and AC Milan
|
Player |
Years at both clubs |
Chelsea appearances |
Milan appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jimmy Greaves |
Chelsea (1957-1961) / Milan (1961) |
84 |
13 |
|
Ray Wilkins |
Chelsea (1973-1979) / Milan (1984-1987) |
179 |
105 |
|
Brian Laudrup |
Milan (1993-1994) / Chelsea (1998) |
11 |
18 |
|
Marcel Desailly |
Milan (1993-1998) / Chelsea (1998-2004) |
221 |
186 |
|
Ruud Gullit |
Milan (1987-1993,1994) / Chelsea (1995-1998) |
58 |
171 |
|
George Weah |
Milan (1995-2000) / Chelsea (2000) |
15 |
147 |
|
Winston Bogarde |
Milan (1997) / Chelsea (2000-2004) |
12 |
4 |
|
Christian Panucci |
Milan (1993-1996) / Chelsea (2000-2001) |
10 |
134 |
|
Carlo Cudicini |
Milan (1992-1995) / Chelsea (1999-2009) |
216 |
3 |
|
Sam Dalla Bona |
Chelsea (1999-2002) / Milan (2002-2006) |
73 |
16 |
|
Hernan Crespo |
Chelsea (2003-2008) / Milan (2004-2005) |
73 |
40 |
|
Andriy Shevchenko |
Milan (1999-2006, 2008-2009) / Chelsea (2006-2009) |
77 |
322 |
|
Michael Essien |
Chelsea (2005-2014) / Milan (2014-2015) |
256 |
22 |
|
Fernando Torres |
Chelsea (2011-2015) / Milan (2014-2016) |
172 |
10 |
|
Alexandre Pato |
Milan (2007-2012) / Chelsea (2016) |
2 |
150 |
|
Alex |
Chelsea (2004-2012) / Milan (2014-2016) |
134 |
48 |
|
Marco van Ginkel |
Chelsea (2013-2021) / Milan (2014-15) |
4 |
18 |
|
Mario Pasalic |
Chelsea (2014-2020) / Milan (2016-2017) |
0 |
27 |
|
Fabio Borini |
Chelsea (2009-2011) / Milan (2017-2020) |
8 |
75 |
|
Tiemoue Bakayoko |
Chelsea (2017-2023) / Milan (2018-2019, 2021-2023) |
43 |
63 |
|
Gonzalo Higuain |
Milan (2018-2019) / Chelsea (2019) |
18 |
22 |
|
Asmir Begović |
Chelsea (2015-2017) / Milan (2020) |
33 |
2 |
|
Thiago Silva |
Milan (2009-2012) / Chelsea (2020-present) |
117 |
119 |
|
Olivier Giroud |
Chelsea (2018-2021) / Milan (2021-present) |
119 |
85 |
|
Fikayo Tomori |
Chelsea (2016-2021) / Milan (2021-present) |
27 |
107 |
|
Ruben Loftus-Cheek |
Chelsea (2014-2023) / Milan (2023-present) |
155 |
0 |
[90min]
Al Nassr have completed the signing of Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic on a three-year contract.
The 30-year-old is the latest high-profile player to move to the riches of the Middle East, where he'll link up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
A number of Premier League players have already departed for Saudi Arabia - Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante headlining a mass exodus from Chelsea - while the league's biggest acquisition is perhaps Karim Benzema - he's joined champions Al Ittihad after opting to end an illustrious trophy-laden stint at Real Madrid.
90min revealed that Brozovic had been courted by Barcelona as they looked to replace Sergio Busquets in the anchor role, but the Croatian has been lured to Saudi Arabia on a big-money contract.
"When it comes to a player, many factors take over," Inter CEO Beppe Marotta told Sky Italia about a potential exit for Brozovic earlier in the week. "Clearly the economic one is the most important one.
"The situation is not closed and is not defined. Who decides is the player himself. We are not obligated to give him up. The biggest problem is the contractual relationship between him and the new club.
"If there is a solution we will close the issue, otherwise we will take him off the market."
Inter had been willing to part ways with Brozovic in a bid to raise money this summer, and further outgoings are expected at San Siro in a bid to balance the club's books.
Lautaro Martinez has been interesting Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, while goalkeeper Andre Onana is of particular interest to the latter amid continued uncertainty over the future of David de Gea.
The Nerazzurri are at least hopeful of concluding a deal for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, but their outgoings will need to significantly outweigh any incomings in a bid to be compliant with FFP rules.
Al Nassr have also made an attempt to sign Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, who is now out of contract, in addition to moving for Hakim Ziyech - his move is on hold though after issues arose in his medical, leading the Saudi side to change the terms of their original offer.
[90mins]
According to Corriere dello Sport (via SportWitness), Chelsea are pressing to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer transfer window.
The London giants recently confirmed the purchase of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, but they are still keen on pursuing a marquee striker over the coming weeks. As per Corriere dello Sport, Vlahovic is the main target for Chelsea, and they are pushing hard to find an agreement with Juventus.
The Italian outlet add that Juventus are prepared to consider his sale for £69 million. Chelsea are currently front-runners in the pursuit of the Serbian, but it is claimed that they could face competition from other English clubs as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Talented striker
Vlahovic was regarded as one of the best strikers in European football during his time at Fiorentina. He was brilliant during the 2021 calendar year, scoring 37 goals for the Serie A outfit. However, he has failed to replicate the same form since his move to Turin in January 2022.
Vlahovic has accumulated only 23 goals and six assists from 63 games for Juventus thus far. A lot more was expected from him, and it appears the Bianconeri are open to selling him for the right price. A move to a new club could change his fortunes, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will win the race.
The London giants have the funds to afford his signature. They recently went on a huge selling spree in the transfer market, and are now expected to spend the funds on the purchase of new signings. Jackson was signed recently, but the club may want someone more experienced to be their first-choice striker.
Vlahovic has been identified as the main target, but Chelsea could face competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. United are yearning for a top-class striker ahead of next season while Spurs could make a serious move if they lose Harry Kane to Bayern Munich during the summer.
[football-talk]