After the madness filled summer transfer window there is an understandable low around Europe with big teams are now focused on either cutting short their squad or stressed on signing only high-value targets who will improve their team’s chemistry. Today’s big news sees Liverpool table an £18 million bid for the FC Porto’s central defender while Arsenal are set to walk away from their priority signing after being priced out by the La Liga outfit.
Elsewhere Chelsea are set for a big money move for AC Milan’s central defender after Napoli playing hardball with the Blues. On that note here are the latest transfer news and rumours on August 21, 2016.
Serie A
- As per the reports from ASRomaLive.it, AS Monaco have offered their midfielder Joao Moutinho to Serie A side AS Roma, who may consider him as an alternative to Borja Valero. Monaco are eying a move for Valero who is also linked with AS Roma. However, with Moutinho available, Monaco are hopeful that Roma will pull out from a deal for Valero. Moutinho has been constantly linked with a move to Serie A with Napoli and AC Milan being the interested clubs.
- Bologna's President Joey Saputo has turned down the idea of signing Mario Balotelli claiming that 'He doesn't buy players for marketing purposes'. Former AC Milan striker has been linked with several Serie A clubs but given his turbulent history none of the clubs have actually come forward with an offer.
- It’s reported Chelsea made an official offer for Alessio Romagnoli, but Milan made it clear he’s not for sale. Sky Italy have claimed that Chelsea’s £30 million bid was immediately turned down by the Rossoneri stating that Romagnoli is the future of Milan and Italian football and he will continue his progress in Serie A.
Bundesliga
- According to Foot Mercato, Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is edging towards a move to Schalke, after the Bundesliga side made a new and improved bid for the player. We covered the story last night where Spurs had turned down a £10million offer and had demanded £15m for the midfielder. Foot Mercato claim that Schalke have made a new bid in the region of £12-13m and are hopeful of reaching an agreement in next 24-48 hours.
- Simone Zaza’s move to Wolfsburg has seen a new day of light after Wolfsburg are ready to accept Arsenal’s £42million bid for Julian Draxler. According to Sports Bild, Gunners have reached an agreement with Draxler with Wolfsburg’s asking price being the only hurdle in the transfer. Zaza is linked with Wolfsburg for a long time and could finally seal his transfer later this week.
Premier League
- Liverpool have tabled a bid for Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi, according to reports from Liverpool Echo. The Dutch International can play at number of positions and is being eyed as a potential upgrade to Alberto Moreno. The Spaniard has come for a lot of criticisms for his lackluster display in recent weeks and could be set for a role on the bench in coming weeks. Martins Indi is valued at £18million and is willing to move to Anfield.
- Arsenal have been priced out for a deal to sign Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi after the La Liga club has asked £50 million for the German international. Reports from Sky Sports now claim that Gunners have launched a £14million bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Omer Toprak. The 27-year-old striker has two-years remaining on his contract but has hinted that he may consider a summer exit.
- Manchester United’s young left back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has joined Championship side Wolves on a season-long loan. However, Manchester Evening News have confirmed that United will be able to recall the 19-year-old during the course of this season if they suffer injury crisis at Old Trafford.
La Liga
- Tottenham Hotspur are negotiating with Barcelona to sign Munir El Haddadi, according to Sport. The Spanish outlet reports that the 20-year-old has many offers on the table but he favours a switch to White Hart Lane. Munir has accepted that he does not have a future at Camp Nou with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar ahead of him in the queue. The youngster has been convinced with Mauricio Pochettino’s style of play and is looking forward to working with him.
- Everton are set to rival Barcelona for the signing of Joe Hart, according to Marca. The Catalan giants are keen on bringing Hart to Camp Nou on a season-long loan while Everton have tabled a £20million bid to sign the England international on a permanent basis. Barcelona have already confirmed that Claudio Bravo will be joining Pep Guardiola’s team at the Etihad in coming days.
Rest of Europe
- Newcastle's Siem de Jong has secured a loan deal back to his homeland with PSV Eindhoven. De Jong joined the Magpies back in 2014 but endured two injury-ridden seasons and has now joined Dutch side PSV where he will team up with his brother and former Newcastle striker Luuk De Jong.
- Aston Villa have made Hull City striker Abel Hernandez their key target this summer. Hernandez has started his Premier League season in a great way by scoring 2 goals in first two matches but Chronicle are reporting that Villains are confident of offering close to £15million for Hernandez following the Chinese takeover of the club.
