Premier League transfer news: Benzema to Liverpool, Harry Kane to Manchester and more - February 22, 2018

Hello and welcome to the Premier League transfer roundup of February 22, 2018. A quieter-than-usual day in today's factory, but there are some tidbits here and there. So, let's begin!

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#5 What they said

So, Liverpool Echo have quoted Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski saying that Liverpool desperately wanted him before he made a move to Napoli.

“I knew that Liverpool wanted me badly and I knew they would return to the talks as I got that promise in January. It didn’t work out for them with Udinese at the end.

“Milan’s offer was dependent on the club’s takeover by Chinese investors. With Napoli, I knew the coach and lots of the lads from the team. I’m happy I came here.

Meanwhile, TalkSport have quoted Courtois as claiming that his quotes about Madrid have been misinterpreted.

“I said my heart was in Madrid, because I have my two children there, and it was misinterpreted. This situation is not easy for me.

“I still have a year on my contract [at Chelsea], I am happy and I can also extend. I do not forget that Chelsea has supported me since the beginning.

“I do not think Florentino Perez will call me, but he will call my agent who will listen to him.”

#4 Conte wants Florenzi and update on De Ligt

De Ligt is a talented defender

The future of Antonio Conte as the boss of Chelsea might be uncertain at this point of time. That, however, hasn’t stopped him from being interested in Alessandro Florenzi, as per Tuttosport. They say that even if Conte doesn’t remain as the manager of Chelsea, he will pursue the Italian to join whichever club he manages next season.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo claim that Matthijs De Ligt is well aware of the interest in him from Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City. He will, however, wait until the summer to decide which club he will represent next season.

#3 Liverpool and West Ham-Newcastle

Klopp needs reinforcements

Finally, a club apart from the top six are in the mix today as West Ham and Newcastle are being linked with a move for midfield powerhouse, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the summer. The defensive midfielder is only 22-years-old, but has a very mature head on his shoulders. The English duo will enter a bidding war for him in the summer, say La Provence.

Meanwhile, Daily Star are claiming that Liverpool could finally land their former target Sardar Azmoun. The Iranian was linked with a move to Liverpool when he was playing for FC Rostov. He now plays for Rubin Kazan and shared a photo on Instagram with Jurgen Klopp, fueling the rumours in the process.

#2 The battle for Karim Benzema

Now Liverpool might want him

Despite signing a striker in each of the last two windows, it seems as though Arsene Wenger still wants strikers. Apparently, Arsenal are willing to pay €40 million for Karim Benzema, say Diario Gol. Perez, however, also wants Hector Bellerin and may go for a straight swap between the two.

They have also added that the Frenchman will only leave should he be paid the same amount of wages that he is at Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Don Balon believe that the Real Madrid striker may have yet another suitor for him in the form of Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp apparently thinks that he would be a good complement for Mohamed Salah. Benzema, however, would reportedly choose Arsenal because he likes London.

#1 Manchester madness

Asensio will be a star

The rumours of Pep Guardiola wanting Harry Kane have been floating in the air for a while. According to Diario Gol, the Catalan is open to paying £200 million for the Englishman, which comes off as a bad news for Florentino Perez as he wants to lower the price.

Meanwhile, Don Balon state that Marco Asensio is aware of the offers that he has and is considering them. Manchester City are one of the clubs interested in him and it would take a guarantee from the Madrid hierarchy to make him indispensable, which is the only way he will stay.