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Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. It's been over a couple of weeks since deadline day, but murmurs still refuse to die down.
With the next transfer window in January just under 4 months away, there's been plenty of transfer talk across European leagues and then some more. Amid all the hubbub, here are the most important transfer rumours and updates from across the globe.
La Liga
Aymeric Laporte set to snub Barcelona and sign for Real Madrid
Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has become rather renowned, due to his excellent defensive performances. Unsurprisingly, he has caught the attention of both El Clasico rivals. The 23-year old is contracted until 2020, but could very well leave the club, should an appropriate offer be made.
According to The Sun, despite reportedly making multiple attempts to sign the Frenchman, Barcelona seem to be edged out of contention by the mutual fondness that Laporte shares with legendary compatriot and Real Madrid manager - Zinedine Zidane. The departure of Pepe could actually prompt the Los Blancos to make a move for him in the near future.
Valued at £57 million, Laporte is undoubtedly one for the future and could have a huge impact on the future of both the La Liga giants.
Lionel Messi is reportedly playing under new Barcelona contract already
In what has turned out to be an unexpected roller-coaster ride of a contract saga, there seems to be yet another strange turn of events. Barcelona's president Josep Maria Bartomeu had initially claimed that the Argentine had signed a new contract. That, however, was revealed to be false.
In latest developments, Bartomeu has claimed that Lionel Messi is already under contract, after the 30-year old's father reportedly signed a new contract on his behalf. When quizzed about the matter, Bartomeu said
"Leo's commitment to Barca is total. His father has signed the renewal and, therefore, the only thing left to do is to take the photograph."
In the meantime, Messi has continued wrecking defences for Barcelona and seems to be quite happy doing it.
Bundesliga
Timo Werner triggers speculation over move from RB Leipzig
German striker Timo Werner has transitioned into a key member of the Leipzig side and has already been fairly influential this season. However, the striker is reportedly keen on fulfilling his dream of playing for a big club.
According to sources from Germany, the 21-year old does not think too much about his future but most certainly dreams of plying his trade for one of the finer clubs in the world. Notably, English Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal have allegedly registered interest.
Sejad Salihovi? signs for Hamburg on a free transfer
Bundesliga side Hamburg have completed the signing of 32-year old Bosnian - Sejad Salihovi? on a season-long deal.
The midfielder didn't cost a penny, as he had been a free agent since his departure from FC St. Gallen in June. Notably, Salihovic has played for Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim in the past.
Serie A
Inter Milan lurk as Barcelona plan to offload Paco Alcacer
The Serie A giants certainly flexed their muscles in the summer transfer window and bolstered their squad considerably, and have won all 3 of their league games so far.
Meanwhile, In Spain, Barcelona are believed to be planning on selling striker Paco Alcacer, who is deemed to be surplus to requirements at the Catalan club. Notably, Napoli have also expressed interest.
Reports from the Daily Express, however, suggest that Inter Milan could dig deeper in the winter transfer window, and are reportedly considering a move for Alcacer, who has fallen back down the pecking order, following Luis Suarez's return to fitness.
Stefan de Vrij's contract talks with Lazio stall amid Juventus and Liverpool links
After garnering a lot of attention over the summer, Stefan de Vrij has put his future with Lazio in further doubt, after refusing to sign a new contract. The Dutchman is presently being eyed by European giants Liverpool and Juventus.
Reports claim that the contract conversation has been stalled by the player, reportedly because of a potential insertion of a release clause, which could repel interested parties.
English Premier League
Arsenal turn to Juan Cuadrado after failing with Thomas Lemar
The English Premier League giants have had a shaky start to the season, finding themselves dejectedly placed 11th in the league, albeit, only 4 games have been played.
Reports from ESPN claim that Arsene Wenger will make another attempt for Monaco's Thomas Lemar in January, despite failing to sign him on deadline day.
Arsenal, however, are seemingly resigned to the fact that the winger wants to stay at Monaco. The reports further indicate that Arsenal could target former Chelsea player - Juan Cuadrado as an alternative.
Alexis Sanchez reportedly wants a move to Real Madrid
Contract rebel Alexis Sanchez has refused to sign a new contract with Arsenal and is set to walk away from the club for free in January when his current contract expires. The Chilean came incredibly close to a move to Manchester City towards the end of the transfer window, but Arsenal's reluctance to sanction a move to a rival put a spanner in the works.
Reports in the Daily Star claim that Sanchez wishes for a move to La Liga champions - Real Madrid. The 28-year old reportedly reveres Zinedine Zidane and wants to link up with the French tactician at the Bernabeu in the future.
Ligue 1 and the rest of the World
PSG's Rabiot lined up as Iniesta's replacement
Andres Iniesta's current contract with Barcelona expires in 2018. However, the Spaniard has made no effort in extending his contract so far, and had sparked speculation of a potential departure from Barcelona before the transfer window closed.
With the 33-year old's future in doubt, Barcelona are exhibiting prudence in identifying heirs to Iniesta's thone in the Catalan club's midfield. Reports in the Daily Express suggest that Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot is perceived to be the flag bearer in Barcelona's hunt for a replacement for Iniesta.
