The transfer window heats up with the UEFA Euro 2016 and the Copa America Centenario in full flow, as performances in the summer tournaments make agents salivate at the prospect of increased transfer fees. Not much by the way of official transfer news, except for Real Madrid activating Alvaro Morata’s buy-back clause, with Neymar and Paul Pogba’s transfer sagas continuing.
There are plenty of transfer rumours swirling about, which is a perfect climate for players, agents and clubs to operate in.
Here are the transfer news and rumours for June 22nd.
Serie A
- AC Milan and Inter Milan are looking to sign Manchester City’s Jesus Navas, according to Calciomercato. The Spaniard has been destabilized by the arrival of Pep Guardiola, with the former Barcelona manager considering Navas surplus to requirements. The Milan giants are thus looking to pounce, hoping to sign the winger on a cut-price deal.
- Juventus have confirmed that there have been no bids for Paul Pogba so far, after the French star’s agent Mino Raiola claimed that Real Madrid were in negotiations with him. Juve President Giusepe Marotta said, “We have not received any offers. He is a fundamental and indispensable player for the present and future of Juventus.”
- Inter Milan are reportedly after Pablo Zabaleta, according to the Mirror. The Manchester City fullback has lost his place to Bacary Sagna, with Pep Guardiola reportedly preferring the French player as well. Zabaleta is keen on reuniting with former manager Roberto Mancini, and the Argentine defender’s agent was reportedly in Milan last night, to finalise a deal.
English Premier League
- Manchester United have sent in a £28 million bid for Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan, after having a £19 million bid rejected by the Bundesliga giants earlier, according to the Mirror. Jose Mourinho is a huge admirer of the Armenian and has made Mkhitaryan his prime transfer target this summer, thus improving his offer instantly with Arsenal also interested.
- Chelsea have been rebuffed in their attempt to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, with the Seria A club knocking back a £19.2 million bid and have asked for a fee of £30 million. Earlier, Koulibaly discussed the move, saying “I have not talked to [Antonio Conte] but that may be soon. The game in England could be suitable for me but I like Italy. I do not press for a transfer but I hope to sign a renewal with Napoli or we proceed to other solutions.”
- Manchester City have won the race to sign Celta Vigo star Nolito, if reports from Spanish outlet TV3 are to be believed. Pep Guardiola is reportedly an admirer of the Spanish winger, after he scored 12 goals in 29 appearances for the La Liga side; and is likely to beat Barcelona and Arsenal to his signing, after having apparently triggered his £14million release clause.
- Victor Wanyama has confirmed that he has passed his medical with Tottenham Hotspur. The Southampton midfielder spoke to African website soka25east.com and said, “I am indeed elated at passing my medicals at Tottenham. It is a new dawn in my career and I believe I will give my best for my new team. I want to thank Southampton management and fans for the exceptional time we had together. I will always have a fond place for them in my heart.”
La Liga
- Barcelona have confirmed that they will not even consider selling Neymar Jr. to another club, with rumours of Paris St. Germain triggering his massive release clause swirling. The Catalan club’s financial vice-president said, “Neymar’s [contract] renewal is a sporting matter. Economically, you have already known the margins for a while. We have not studied the impact of a hypothetical loss of Neymar. We do not contemplate it.”
– Barcelona are considering moving for Croatian star Ivan Perisic, according to Spanish news outlet Sport. The Catalans are impressed with the Inter Milan star’s performances in Euro 2016, and his heroics against Spain have enticed Barcelona to be ready to part with €18 million required to prise him aay from Milan, to play backup to the likes of MSN in Barcelona.
- Real Madrid have officially triggered the €32 million buy-back clause of Alvaro Morata, announcing the deal on their website “Real Madrid C. F. have informed Juventus FC of their decision to salvage the federative rights on the player Álvaro Morata, who will join up with the first team for pre-season training under the command of Zinedine Zidane.” However, Madrid are expected to sell the Spanish striker on for an increased price of 60 million, with Chelsea and Manchester United still reportedly interested.
Rest of Europe
- FC Basel might have to let Breel Embolo go, if German side Schalke 04 have their way, according to Bild. The Swiss wonderkid has shone for his national side in the UEFA Euro 2016, and has impressed new Schalke coach Markus Weinzierl who considers Embolo “an interesting player with a lot of potential.” The Bundesliga club will have to part with €20million to sign Embolo.
- AS Monaco have confirmed that they have signed defender Benjamin Mendy from Marseille, snagging the 21-year-old on a 5-year contract. Vadim Vasilyev, vice-president of AS Monaco said, “He is still very young and we hope that it can fully express his qualities and potential. We believe a lot in him.”
- Schalke 04 have confirmed that Roman Neustader will leave the Bundesliga club. The central midfielder played for the German side for four years and has decided to not renew his contract, which will make him a highly sought after player after Russia’s potential exit from Euro 2016.
