Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda’s daily transfer news and rumours roundup for 14th April 2017. Europe’s back pages have been buzzing with a number of deals that could materialise as soon as the transfer window opens and as always we cover the top news in our daily roundup.
Today’s biggest stories include Lionel Messi’s demands, Paulo Dybala’s future and other deals that are being mooted by Europe’s biggest clubs. Let’s head right in.
Lionel Messi wants five top-class signings
According to Don Balon, Lionel Messi has informed the Barcelona hierarchy that he wants five top class signings at the club if he is to stay on. The outlet reports that Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is the first signing Messi has asked for given Barcelona’s trouble at the right back position this season.
Along with Bellerin, the list includes other top talents namely – Marco Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain, Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool and Bernardo Silva of Monaco. Messi has also stated that he prefers Silva’s team-mate Kylian Mbappe ahead of Ousmane Dembele of Borussia Dortmund or Vinicius Junior of Flamengo who have also been linked with a move to the Catalan giants.
Expect Barcelona to spend big this summer as they aim to return to the summit of Europe and Spain.
Monaco starlet approached by Real Madrid
Spanish media outlet Marca reports that Real Madrid have approached Monaco in an attempt to sign their young starlet Kylian Mbappe. The 18-year-old youngster has dazzled in the Champions League this season with his performances for his current club and it has put Europe’s heavyweights on high alert.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are all interested in his services. However, according to Marca, Zidane has been eyeing the Frenchman Mbappe for the past four years.
The youngster could be open to a move to Real Madrid given that he has admitted to being a fan of the Spanish club and has mentioned that his idol is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. Los Blancos look to be leading the race to sign Mbappe at the moment and he could leave Monaco this summer.
Paulo Dybala staying put
Juventus’ Paulo Dybala has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with the Old Lady that will see him extend his stay in Turin until 2022. According to Sky Italia, Dybala’s new deal will see him earn £115,000 per week, a sum that now makes him the second highest paid player at Juventus after his team-mate Gonzalo Higuain.
This new deal has now ended speculation surrounding his future and ensures that he will remain in Turin despite interest from a number of European giants. The youngster officially tweeted the news yesterday on his account saying “Together for a long time, always with this jersey.”
Chelsea’s Belotti bid rejected by Torino
The English paper Daily Mirror reports that Chelsea have in fact had a £51 million bid for Andrea Belotti rejected by Torino. The Italian club have responded swiftly to the Blues’ bid by stating that they will have to meet the striker’s buyout clause of £85 million if they want to sign the Italian forward.
‘The Rooster’ Belotti is in high demand with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich also sniffing around and it now looks likely that he will leave in the summer. However, Torino are adamant that the player’s buyout clause be met which could prove to be a stumbling block.
Bayern Munich identify three targets for the summer
According to reports from Sport Bild in Germany, Bayern Munich have shortlisted three players that they are looking to bring to the Allianz Arena this summer. This prompt action was taken shortly after the club’s first leg defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League this week.
The list includes Marco Verratti of PSG, Federico Bernardeschi of Fiorentina and Bayer Leverkusen's Benjamin Henrichs. The German giants could face stiff competition for Verratti who is wanted by Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Bernardeschi is also in demand in Italy and England so Bayern will have to act soon if they are to lure their top targets to Germany.
