Last Word On Football’s Football Transfer News looks at the latest news and rumours from around world football. Today’s edition looks at the latest from Manchester United with Nemanja Matic looking to leave the club.
We also take a look at the Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka. The 27-year-old was recently stripped of the Gunners captaincy, could he leave in January? Also, have Tottenham Hotspur identified their preferred replacement for Christian Eriksen?
Latest Transfer Rumours
Granit Xhaka to Leave Arsenal?
Mark Taylor of the Daily Star is reporting that Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is seeking a move in January. A recent outburst at fans made Gunners boss Unai Emery strip the Swiss international of the Arsenal captaincy. Xhaka has also missed the last four games due to his actions.
The report suggests that the 27-year-old is seeking a move to Italy. It is understood that the midfielder has begun house hunting in Milan with the hope of joining AC Milan in January. Should his differences with Emery and the Arsenal fans not improve, a move in January could be best for all concerned.
Nemanja Matic Wants Out of Manchester United
Nemanja Matic is willing to leave Manchester United should the club allow him to. James Ducker of the Telegraph reports that a mid-season move could happen. Matic has fallen down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, making just two Premier League starts this season.
Scott McTominay and Fred are ahead of Matic at present and with Paul Pogba expected to return next month, Matic could find game time sparse. The £35 million signing could see Italy as his next destination. Both AC Milan and Inter Milan were believed to have been interested during the summer.
Solskjaer is trying to build a more dynamic and exciting team at Old Trafford. Therefore, the decreasing mobility of Matic may not be in the manager’s plans. A transfer could, however, depend on United’s ability to attract another midfielder in January. Should they fail, it would be unlikely that Matic would be allowed to leave mid-season.
Spurs Want Pellegrini to Replace Eriksen
Football Italia are reporting that Tottenham are interested in Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. Spurs are looking at potential replacements for Christian Eriksen and Pellegrini could be that player. The report suggests that Spurs are already planning a bid of around €50-60 million.
Pellegrini may need some convincing. It is believed that the 23-year-old Italy international would rather stay at Roma. He is currently under contract until 2022. Pellegrini broke his metatarsal two months ago, restricting his game time to six appearances this season.
Roma originally had a €30 million release clause in Pellegrini’s contract. However, this has now been removed. Contract talks are understood to be beginning soon. It would be of little surprise should a new, higher release clause be added. Preparing for life without Eriksen could prove difficult for Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs.
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