Welcome back to Last Word on Football’s Football Transfer News. Today’s edition looks at the latest rumours from around European football. Including, Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. Could he be heading out of the Camp Nou and to the Etihad Stadium? Also, could the Catalan giants be put off by the price tag for Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez?
Today’s instalment also brings you the latest from Liverpool. Could the reigning European champions be interested in Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. The Reds are also interested in Inter Milan’s highly-rated youngster Sebastiano Esposito. However, the Reds face stiff competition for all three players.
Transfer Rumours: Samuel Umtiti, Lautaro Martinez, Nathan Ake, Kylian Mbappe and More
Samuel Umtiti to Manchester City?
TeamTalk are reporting that Manchester City could make a move for Samuel Umtiti. The Barcelona defender has struggled with injuries over the past year but is now believed to be back to full fitness. However, the La Liga leaders are willing to let Umtiti leave in January. A fee of around £46 million is believed to be wanted.
City are in desperate need of a central defender. With Vincent Kompany departing in the summer and Aymeric Laporte injured, Pep Guardiola is short on centre-backs. Midfielder Fernandinho has been asked to play in defence this season; however, the need for a new central defender is clearly evident. City, due to Umtiti’s recent injury issues could ask for a loan deal with a view to a permanent deal. City currently trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 14 points. A deal could suit both club and player equally.
Nathan Ake an Alternative for City
Should City miss out on Umtiti, they could turn their attention to Nathan Ake. Stuart Ballard of the Express reports that the Bournemouth star could be a Manchester City target in January. The reigning Premier League champions could have competition for the centre-back’s signature. His former club Chelsea are also interested. The Blues have a £40 million buy-back clause which was included in the deal that took Ake from Stamford Bridge to Bournemouth in 2017.
Martinez Price Tag Could Put off Barcelona
The man considered the heir to Luiz Suarez by those at Barcelona could be put off by his price tag. Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez is seen as the ideal player to take over from Suarez. However, ESPN report that €100 million-plus price tag is making Barça think twice.
In-form Martinez, who has scored 13 goals for Inter this season, has been tracked by Barça for some time. The 22-year-old is the specialist number nine wanted by Barcelona to replace Suarez who will be 33-years-old in January. With Martinez’s price tag set, a new target may instead be turned to. The report suggests that a list of strikers who fit the criteria has been drawn up. It appears that if Barça fail to get Martinez, they have alternatives.
Liverpool in the Race for Mbappe and Neymar
Liverpool are in the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Rich Jones of the Daily Mirror reports that Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the duo. However, a move to the Premier League for the pair is not a guarantee. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are also keen.
Liverpool have been linked with Mbappe for some time. However, they are any other club would have to smash the transfer record to sign the France international. Neymar could prove an easier target due to the player’s desire to leave Paris. Should the Reds attempt to sign either player, they will face tough competition. In the Premier League alone, Manchester City have the financial power to outbid most. Plus, Chelsea could have money to burn after their recent transfer ban. The Blues are no free to sign players from January.
Inter Youngster Interesting Liverpool and Manchester City
Established stars are not the only ones piquing the Liverpool and Manchester City’s interest. Sport Witness are reporting that the Premier League duo are chasing Inter Milan striker Sebastiano Esposito. The 17-year-old also has admirers from other top European clubs. PSG and Borussia Dortmund are also believed to interested.
Esposito has so far played four times for Inter this season. This includes an appearance in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. It could, however, prove to be a frustrating pursuit for interested parties. The report suggests the highly-rated youngster has no intention of leaving Milan any time soon.
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