Last Word On Football’s “Football Transfer News” looks at the latest news and rumours from around world football. Although the transfer window does not open again until the summer, the rumour mill continues. We take a look at the latest on Paul Pogba and whether Zinedine Zidane will be using Real Madrid’s funds to purchase his fellow Frenchman. Plus, we look at Juventus’ interest in Toby Alderweireld.
Today’s instalment of FTN also features the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of a new defender, plus, can Manchester City persuade Leicester City to part with one of their stars?
Latest on Paul Pogba, Toby Alderweireld, Samuel Umtiti and Ben Chilwell
Pogba Targeted by Zidane
With a reportedly £430 million transfer chest to play with, Zinedine Zidane is lining up some big names. One target is fellow Frenchman Paul Pogba. The Manchester United star has hinted of late that it would be a dream to play for Real.
Madrid and Zidane are therefore preparing a £125 million bid. New United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now likely to speak to Pogba to clarify the situation. Should the midfielder give an indication that he would like to leave, then Solskjaer is likely to cash in.
Alderweireld to Juve?
Italian giants Juventus are considering activating a clause in Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld’s contract. The defender currently has a deal which runs out in 2020. However, a clause states that he can be signed for £25 million.
Alderweireld has given little to no indication that he wishes to leave. With no new contract yet to be discussed, the Belgian could well be on the move. The former Atletico Madrid player is reportedly earning £53,000 per week at Spurs. A move in the summer could treble this figure.
Arsenal Chase Umtiti
Arsenal boss Unai Emery is reportedly very keen to sign defender Samuel Umtiti. Sources close to Emery have suggested that he has asked the club to do all they can to sign the Barcelona player. Umtiti has lost his first-team place at the Camp Nou and Barca could allow him to leave.
A fee of £60 million has been muted. Could this put Arsenal off? Maybe, but the main problem that could come to light during a medical is the player’s knee problems. He has missed much of the season and there is concern in Spain that surgery could be required.
City Could Find Target Difficult to Sign
Leicester City appear to be determined to keep left-back Ben Chilwell from the clutches of Manchester City. 22-year-old England international Chilwell has been receiving rave reviews this season. Pep Guardiola is interested in signing a specialist left-back this summer, and Chilwell is on his list.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to keep the player. It would take a very large bid to tempt Leicester into selling. A fee of £60 million has already been spoken of. However, the latest speculation is that it could take a world record bid for a defender to sign him. The current record for a defender stands at £75 million when Liverpool signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.
Main Photo
