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Just before the main reveal of The Usual Suspects, Dave Kujan, played by Chazz Palminteri, says something that still resonates within the walls of eternity: ‘A rumour’s not a rumour that doesn’t die.’
In simpler terms, what it means is that a rumour that doesn’t die is not a rumour, but perhaps the truth.
On that note, here's today's serving of the Premier League transfer rumours…
#5 West Ham United
A lot is being said about West Ham United. They have been marred by the racism controversy while signing players. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped them from being active in this space.
According to The Guardian, the London club are “seriously interested” in West Brom’s Jonny Evans. That is not all. In fact, it is quite far from it as Guardian has something more in store for us.
This report from The Guardian states that the reason why West Ham failed in their bid to sign Leicester striker Islam Slimani is the rift between the Hammers’ vice-chairman Karren Brady and The Foxes chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
The report claims that the latter was offended by the former’s criticism of him in her column for The Sun last year.
#4 Arsenal
There is quite a lot on Arsenal today. All through the second half of the winter window, they were pursuing Pierre-Emerick Aubamyang as relentlessly as a person in darkness seeks for the light. In the end, they got it, but the reports today suggest that they are far from over in the market.
According to James Olley’s interview to Evening Standard, Arsenal could make two big signings in the summer. He said: "The Gunners have invested considerable resources in the attacking options and while they will be open to strengthening further in this area – Bordeaux winger Malcom is a possible target they could revisit – the priority will be to strengthen a defence which again proved vulnerable in Tuesday’s defeat to Swansea.”
"With David Ospina almost certain to depart and Petr Cech facing renewed criticism, Arsenal will scout various goalkeepers with Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak a potential candidate.”
It is also stated that Arsenal failed with a Deadline Day bid for West Brom’s Jonny Evans, but will pursue him again in the summer, especially if West Brom get relegated, which will activate a relegation release clause of £3 million. Interest in Roma’s Kostas Manolas has also been mentioned.
Also, TalkSport link Max Meyer to Arsenal here.
#3 Liverpool
How Liverpool didn’t sign anyone to replace Philippe Coutinho is certainly baffling to many. Ever since the sale of the Brazilian, a lot of hopes and expectations were placed on the club to sign somebody, but in the end, they didn’t.
However, Don Balon believes that James Rodriguez “will not set foot in the capital” till Zinedine Zidane is the manager at Real Madrid. They add that Jurgen Klopp has “fallen in love” with the game of James Rodriguez and wants him at Liverpool as Coutinho’s replacement.
This is the second outlet in as many days to claim that the Colombian could move to Liverpool in the summer. Could there be any truth to this, after all?
#2 Tottenham
One of the other underrated transfer rumour connoisseurs are Tottenham. While Manchester clubs are always linked with players, Spurs also have a fair share of players linked to them. Today, we have been provided with a list of summer targets for the Lilywhites by the Evening Standard.
All throughout the winter window, they were linked with Ryan Sessegnon—and he shall be pursued in the summer as well. They have also revealed that Spurs are looking for a replacement for the ageing Mousa Dembele and are eyeing Norwich’s James Maddison.
The report also further suggests that Fernando Llorente and Danny Rose could leave in the summer, with the position of Toby Alderweireld also uncertain. Erik Lamela could also leave after the arrival of Lucas Moura.
And finally, there is THE biggest of them all from Don Balon, which suggests that Florentino Perez is willing to let Luka Modric go to Spurs in a swap deal to bring Harry Kane to Madrid, but the London club aren’t too keen on the idea.
#1 Manchester madness
It would have been incredible if somebody kept a track of the number of consecutive days we have witnessed this madness spilling out of this roundup. If I had to make a guess, I'd say it would be over 30 days.
Today, we have Daily Post making a claim that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to strengthen his midfield and has targeted Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Meanwhile, the good folks at Don Balon seem to believe that Florentino Perez is set to offer David De Gea €20 million-a-year to join Real Madrid, something that has shocked Cristiano Ronaldo. Ah, Don Balon.
Finally, Manchester United are willing to move for Samuel Umtiti in the summer by activating his €60 million release clause, as per Don Balon.
