Transfer Rumour Roundup: Kylian Mbappe, Alexis Sanchez, Ricardo Pereira
The Daily Mail are reporting that Monaco star Kylian Mbappe will spend his summer ‘sort(ing) through transfer offers before he decides his future. With the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal interested. It is thought that Monaco will charge a staggering £100 million or more. Whilst Arsenal are using the bid as a way of stating their intent this summer – after already signing Sead Kolasinac, a price tag like that for such a young player surely puts Madrid in the driving seat. Mbappe’s arrival at the Bernabeu could seal the fate of compatriot Karim Benzema. A long-time target for Arsenal.
Porto right-back Ricardo Pereira has become an option for Tottenham as they eye a potential replacement for Manchester City target Kyle Walker (Sky Sports). The 23 year old has spent his last two years on loan at French side OGC Nice, and has a £22 million release clause in his contract. In a Spurs system that relies heavily on attacking full-backs, Pereira would certainly transition into Pochettino well. It must be said however, that Keiran Trippier will likely feel begrudged if he is not given the opportunity to replace Walker himself. As he became the more reliable option toward the latter stages of last season.
The Independent suggests that Arsenal are adamant their Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez will not leave for a Premier League rival. With a move abroad the preferred scenario for the North-London club. Manchester City are thought to be keen on the South-Americans services. Pep Guardiola is hoping that a £50 million bid is enough to persuade Arsenal to change their outlook on potential domestic dealings. If Manchester City are able to secure his services, then they will be looking at a summer spending spree of over £100 million. Although it is thought Bayern Munich – fresh from the sale of Douglas Costa to Juventus, are the most likely destination for the Chilean.
Sky Sources have reported that Monchi, Roma Sporting Director has claimed that the club are under no pressure to sell Mohammed Salah to Liverpool, stating that the club is ‘not a supermarket’. Liverpool have already had a £28 million bid rejected from the Italian outfit, but a deal between the two sides seems like an inevitability at this point. With the reds seemingly missing out on Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp will be all the more determined to iron out a deal for the Egyptian wide-man.
Alvaro Morata could complete a move to Old Trafford by the end of next week, according to the Daily Mirror. The Spaniard has a reported price tag of around £65 million. After missing out on Athletico Madrid forward Antione Griezmann Manchester United made Morata their number one target. Having already signed Sweedish centre-back Victor Lindelof, Manchester United are looking to build on last years busy window. Morata notched 20 goals last season in Madrid, an impressive stat for a player who rarely found himself in the starting lineup.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic both ageing and recovering from injury, the signing of an elite, young forward makes perfect sense for a Manchester United side that is looking to improve on its cup double from 16/17.
Hull City centre-back Harry Maguire is on the verge of completing a move to Leicester City. The BBC understands that a £12 million fee (which could rise to £17 million) has been agreed between the two sides, and a medical is set to be scheduled. A £10 million bid for West Brom defender Jonny Evans was rejected by the midlands side, and so a move for 24 year-old Maguire has now been prioritised. A sensible move for Leicester City, as both of their title winning centre-halves are now in their mid-thirties. A lack of athleticism was detrimental to the foxes in 2016/17, as age showed more than experience last season.
Main Photo: AS Monaco’s French forward Kylian Mbappe Lottin arrives for a training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League football match against Manchester City on March 14, 2017 in Monaco. (VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
