The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
Arsenal, Man Utd maneuver for Matuidi
Despite signing a 12-month extension to his contract at Juventus, Calciomercato claims Blaise Matuidi could still leave the Serie A leaders at the end of the season, with three European sides chasing the Frenchman’s signature.
The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from Turin since last summer’s arrival of midfield duo Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot from Arsenal and PSG respectively, but withMatuidi’s contract expiring in the summer of 2020, the club moved to protect their investment by triggering an option to add an extra year on his deal.
That hasn’t deterred Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, however, while French outfit Lyon are believed to keen on bringing the Les Bleus international back to his homeland next season, according to reports at Calciomercato.
Bargain price boosts Liverpool’s Werner chase
Liverpool have been dealt a boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, with German outlet Sport1 claiming the forward’s release clause is significantly lower than first thought.
Initial reports had claimed the 23-year-old was available for a fee of between £50 million and £55 million, dependent on how well Leipzig perform in the Bundesliga season this season, as long as a bid is made before the end of April.
However, reports in Germany now claim that the release clause is a bargain £25m, which is likely to accelerate Liverpool’s attempts to land the striker, who has netted 27 goals in 33 appearances this season, including a strike against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League last week.
Werner is believed to be keen on a move, and has recently labelled Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as the best coach in the world.
Inter eye emerging Italian trio
Inter Milan look set to continue their aggressive strategy in the transfer market this summer, and Calciomercato claims the Nerazzurri are monitoring three highly-rated Italians.
Sandro Tonali of Brescia and Gaetano Castrovilli of Fiorentina are believed to be the club’s primary targets, despite the duo growing up as fans of Inter’s arch rivals AC Milan. A fee of around €50m has been quoted as the asking price for Tonali, who has been linked with moves to a string of European clubs, including Juventus, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund.
Antonio Conte’s side are also monitoring the contract situation of Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. Talks between the 23-year-old and the Giallorossi over a new deal have stalled, and Inter are believed to be toying over a summer swoop for the player.
Tap Ins
– Calciomercato claims Valencia are eyeing up a move for Marseille winger Florian Thauvin at the end of the season. The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer of 2021, meaning his asking price could be set to tumble in the coming months.
– Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon is attracting interest from Championship club Huddersfield Town, but the Daily Record claims Danny Cowley’s side will have to fight off competition from Scottish Premiership side Hearts for the 37-year-old’s signature. Gordon is out of contract in the summer, and the Terriers are keen to add an experienced stopper to their ranks, having recruited two goalkeepers on loan this season.
– Former Manchester United, Fiorentina and Villarral striker Giuseppe Rossi looks set for another move, with Calciomercato reporting that the 33-year-old will sign with MLS side Real Salt Lake. The U.S.-born former Italy international, who has been without a club since leaving Serie A side Genoa in 2018, has been at preseason training camp with RSL.
