Nothing can dampen the never-ending nature of transfer talk. Here’s a look at the wild rumors making the rounds this week.
Barcelona race to cut costs
Thanks to the crafty Arthur-Miralem Pjanic swap deal that wasn’t really a swap deal, Barcelona may have balanced the books prior to June 30 cutoff to remain compliant with Financial Fair Play regulations. But the Catalans are still looking to make some sales.
Jean-Clair Todibo fits that profile following a loan at Schalke. Everton and Inter Milan are keen on the 20-year-old, and Barca may use him as a pawn in the potential recruitment for the latter’s Lautaro Martinez, according to Marca.
Should a move for Martinez not materialize, Barcelona could shift their gaze to Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has yet to agree to a new deal with the Gunners, Football Inside reports. However, Juventus could also be in the running for the talented striker, according to the Daily Mail.
Matteo Gone-douzi?
Following an attempt to strangle Brighton’s Neal Maupay and subsequent omission from the squad for the victory away to Southampton, it appears Matteo Guendouzi’s stock has hit rock-bottom in north London.
Mikel Arteta refused to confirm or deny rumors of a disciplinary meeting gone bad with Guendouzi, alerting reported suitors Inter, Manchester United, Juventus, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Apparently, Arsenal want €40 million for the 21-year-old. Throw in some hair clippers and it’s a deal.
Rennes bark up the right tree for Terrier
With a maiden Champions League spot booked for next season, Rennes are looking to bolster their ranks while keeping hold of prized Real Madrid target Eduardo Camavinga – it sounds like he’s staying.
Among the additions could be Lyon attacker Martin Terrier, with the two sides having launched talks, according to Mohamed Bouhafsi of RMC Sport. Additionally, Les Rouges et Noirs have also made a €15-million bid for Monaco central defender Benoit Badiashile, RMC Sport reports.
Los Che tell Les Gones to get lost
In other Lyon news, Les Gones have received “varying degrees of interest back” in their advances for Inter’s Diego Godin and Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho.
Lyon have thus turned their center-back search to Valencia’s Gabriel Paulista. That, too, may be to no avail, as Los Che won’t sell the Brazilian since Ezequiel Garay is set to exit, Foot Mercato report. It’s a shame David Luiz is no longer on the market.
Milan’s Szoboszlai hunt has wings
Red Bull Salzburg have placed 19-year-old Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai in the shop window, and Paris Saint-Germain have joined a race that AC Milan and Arsenal reportedly lead, according to French journalist Manu Lonjon.
This is where Ralf Rangnick comes in. The current chief of sport and development at Red Bull Co. and former RB Leipzig coach and sporting director is set to be named Milan manager. Imagine, for a moment, an especially easy game of connect the dots, but sponsored by an energy drink.
James’ stepdad rekindles Napoli news
James Rodriguez appears as much a part of Zinedine Zidane’s plans as a ponytail does. The Colombian’s stepfather, Juan Carlos Restrepo, told Gol Caracol radio that James sought a move to rivals Atletico last summer.
Restrepo also fanned the flames of Napoli’s reported prior interest, saying, “I don’t think James has closed the negotiations with Naples.” James has a year left on his current terms at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Restrepo could go for an aperitivo. Print the shirts.
