Welcome to our daily transfer news roundup from across Europe. The big news is Leonardo Bonucci has extended his contract with Juventus, while a Bayern Munich midfielder has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona.
Here are all the transfer news and rumours from 19th December 2016:
Serie A
Axel Witsel snubs Chelsea for Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg star Axel Witsel has snubbed an offer from Chelsea in favour of a move to Juventus according to reports in The Sun. The Belgian midfielder’s contract with the Russian outfit is set to end at the end of the season and it has been reported that he has already made up his mind on his next destination.
The Premier League leaders tried to hijack his move to Turin but the move didn’t yield the desired results.
Bonucci signs new contract with Juventus
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract with the Turin outfit. The new deal will keep him at Juventus Stadium until the summer of 2021.
Bonucci had been heavily linked with moves to Premier League powerhouses Manchester City and Chelsea.
The defender tweeted: "I've chosen to stay at a place where I've become a great among greats. I have one goal - to keep on winning!."
Juventus are ‘dreaming’ of signing Alexis Sanchez
According to the Sun, Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez is a dream signing for Juventus. The reigning champions want a front-three of Alexis, Higuain and Dybala – a mouth-watering prospect.
The Chilean has only 18 months left on his contract and talks of a new contract with the Gunners have hit stalled due to disagreement over wages.
Saido Berahino to Roma
After months away from the limelight, Berahino finally makes his return to the news and this time he has been linked with a move to Roma. According to reports in Italy, the former Tottenham Hotspur target has sounded out clubs in Italy and Roma are keen on his services. His West Bromwich Albion contract expires in 2018. Inter Milan are also reported to be on his tail.
Bundesliga
Niklas Sule snubs Chelsea for Bayern Munich
According to German daily Bild, Hoffenheim centre half Niklas Sule is on his way to the Allianz Arena after Bayern Munich agreed an undisclosed fee with the Rhein-Neckar-Arena outfit.
Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old but miss out on their second winter window target despite being the front-runner for the Premier League title.
Hoffenheim general manager hints at Sebastian Rudy’s departure
Alexander Rosen, general manager of Hoffenheim, has hinted that midfielder Sebastian Rudy could be on the move in the summer. The German international has 6 months left on his contract and it is being reported that he has already signed a pre-contract with Bayern Munich.
Speaking in an interview with Bild, Rosen said: "We know full well that there comes a time when such a player wants to take the next step."
Premier League
Liverpool and Chelsea interested in Geoffrey Kondogbia
According to GazzaMercato.it, Premier League duo Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in the services of Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. The report adds that the two clubs are interested in making a move for the Frenchman in the winter transfer window but face competition from Valencia.
Kondogbia has attracted the interest of several clubs across Europe and was linked with a big money moves to Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer.
Manchester United in talks with Victor Lindelof
Premier League giants Manchester United are in talks with Benfica for the services of Victor Lindelof. According to Portuguese newspaper, O Jogo, the 22-year-old is Jose Mourinho’s top target of the upcoming transfer window.
Luis Filipe Vieira, president of Benfica, is expected to travel to Manchester to broker a €45 million for the Swedish international.
La Liga
Barcelona pondering over huge bid for Arturo Vidal
Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona are targeting Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal to sort out their midfielder woes. The Blaugrana have been struggling this season with their midfield and according to reports manager Luis Enrique has identified Vidal as the ideal candidate to add some steel to his midfield.
The 29-year-old arrived at Allianz Arena in the summer of 2015 and has established himself as a key member of the title-winning squad. But will he be able to resist a call from Barcelona?
James Rodriguez to decide about Real Madrid future
Out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has admitted for the first time that he has offers to quit the Santiago Bernabeu in the upcoming transfer window and has 7 days to decide his future.
Speaking in an interview he said: "I’m happy here, but I want to play more. I want to stay at Madrid forever, but you have to think about everything and look at your options. I have offers and I've got seven days to think about it.”
Rest of Europe
Mathieu Flamini eyeing Olympique Marseille reutrn
Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini is considering a return to former club Olympique Marseille in the winter transfer window. The Frenchman joined Crystal Palace in the summer but has failed to establish himself in the starting line-up and according to the Sun, he is eyeing a return to Ligue 1.
Olympique Marseille close in on John Obi Mikel
According to Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is in advanced negotiations with Olympique Marseille over a potential move. The 29-year-old is yet to feature in the Premier League for the Blues and is edging closer to the exit door.
Speaking in an interview, Rohr said: “I saw Obi Mikel in London. He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille. He will leave Chelsea for free, this is a serious option.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to reject China
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to reject a £120m offer from China in favour of a stay at Manchester United. According to the Daily Mail, the Swede will stay at Old Trafford for one more year.
