Monthly Archives: July 2018

Transfernewz

Chelsea target Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski

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Chelsea are believed to be lining up a move for Bayern Munich’s £80 million rated striker Robert Lewandowski as their search for a new striker continues.

New Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has been seeking a striker, with rumours that current forward Alvaro Morata may be sold back to Italy. Juventus’ Gonzalo Higuain has been mentioned as a potential player to come in, but according to the Daily Star, 29-year-old Lewandowski is Sarri’s number one target.

Lewandowski has previously spoken of his desire to leave Bayern, where he has been for 4 seasons, to test himself elsewhere, possibly in England. Other clubs, including Real Madrid – looking for a marquee signing after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo – are also keen to sign the Polish international.

However, despite Lewandowski’s desire to leave, Bayern have other ideas. Boss Niko Kovacs said yesterday the star, who has three years left on his contract, was going nowhere: “He will not leave this club,” he said. “We certainly don’t want to let him go.

“It’s true that Robert toys with going elsewhere. One thing is what he wants, and the other is what we want.”

While a fee in excess of £80 million has been quoted in various stories for Lewandowski, it appears that would not be enough – especially if Bayern don’t sign a replacement first.

With the transfer window closing in England on August 9, time is running out for Chelsea to make that signing – whoever it might be.

Transfernewz

Real Madrid make £100 million offer for Chelsea stars Willian and Thibaut Courtois

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Spanish giants Real Madrid have offered Chelsea £100 million for midfielder Willian and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, according to reports.

Real have long been linked with Courtois, having admitted defeat in their campaign to get David de Gea to the Bernabeu. Meanwhile Willian has been linked with a host of clubs this summer after a couple of impressive seasons with Chelsea.

Courtois is thought to want a move back to Spain – and especially Madrid – as this is where his children live. He has one year left on his contract and has shown no great desire to extend it, so Chelsea could be tempted to cash in now.

Meanwhile Willian will know that, at 29, this is probably his last chance to secure a contract at one of the biggest European clubs. Barcelona and Manchester United have been interested in him but the £65 million price tag has been a stumbling block.

The money would certainly be useful for Chelsea as new boss Maurizio Sarri looks to rebuild the side in his own image. However, it is thought that any deal for Courtois would only go through once a replacement has been signed. Stoke City stopper Jack Butland has been mentioned as a potential signing.

It is also not known if Chelsea have accepted the offer – the £100 million might seem decent value, but given Alisson’s £65 million move to Liverpool, Courtois might be seen now as worth more than £35 million.

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Liverpool and Chelsea on alert as reports Borussia Dortmund could sell Christian Pulisic

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Liverpool and Chelsea have been given a transfer boost with reports that Christian Pulisic could be sold by his club, Borussia Dortmund.

The 19-year-old USA forward is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in world football, having made some stand-out performances for Dortmund in the past year.

However, the Bundesliga side could cash in on him after contract talks broke down, according to reports from German newspaper Bild.

With Pulisic under contract until 2020, Dortmund would need to sell him soon to get full value for him. Reports suggest that he could cost up to £62 million.

Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Pulisic, but after already spending north of £150 million this summer, there is a question of whether manager Juergen Klopp would dip into the market again.

Meanwhile Chelsea are rebuilding under new boss Maurizio Sarri, and Pulisic could fit in at Stamford Bridge, as the forward line needs bolstering.

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Juventus want to resign Paul Pogba from Manchester United – and could sell stars to finance deal

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Italian champions Juventus want to resign midfielder Paul Pogba from Manchester United, and could sell some of their current stars to finance any deal.

Pogba left Turin for Old Trafford two years ago in a then world record £89 million deal. However, Juve now want to resign him so they can pair him with Cristiano Ronaldo as they seek to add the Champions League title to their existing domestic domination.

Juve’s bosses have contacted Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, about the move and believe the player is open to a return, according to the Sunday Mirror. Pogba has admitted that he and United manager Jose Mourinho did fall out last season, so that could be a factor in his decision.

But Juventus will have to convince United to sell too – something they haven’t indicated they are willing to, as yet. If they were to sell, United would want significantly more than the amount they paid Juve two years ago. Given the player is 25 – around his peak playing years – is on contract and had a good World Cup, they would likely want a fee north of £150 million.

Any deal could lead to some of Juve’s existing stars exiting to help finance the deal. For instance, Miralem Pjanic could go – the Bosnian could be a target for Manchester City.

Likewise it could boost Chelsea’s chances of signing striker Gonzalo Higuain. Rumours of Chelsea’s interest and a £50 million plus deal have been circulating for some time, but this could help to get it over the line.

Transfernewz

Manchester United close in on £65 million Willian transfer

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Manchester United have had a bid for Chelsea’s midfield star Willian accepted by the club, according to reports from Italy.

United manager Jose Mourinho has been keen to link up with the player, who played under him at Chelsea, for some time and now it appears that it is likely to happen.

Italian news outlet Tuttosport has claimed that United’s bid of about £65 million has been accepted by Chelsea. If that’s the case, then it is a matter of Willian and United agreeing personal terms.

New Chelsea boss may be keen to sell Willian to generate funds for other transfers he wants to bring in, and £65 million for a 29-year-Old could be seen as good business.

Willian has been a stand-out player for Chelsea in the past couple of seasons with his goals and assists. For United, bringing in a proven performer from a rival would also seem good business.

If the deal is completed, it could hasten Anthony Martial’s exit from Old Trafford. There are understood to be a number of clubs interested in the French forward from the Premier League and abroad. However, United would prefer to sell him to a continental side, rather than a Premier League rival. But Martial would rather stay in England.