The summer window opens May 17, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds.
Is it going to be Robert Lewand-offski?
Robert Lewandowski picked a bad time to go for dinner with his agent, Pini Zahavi, because The Sun claims the “secret” meeting confirms the striker’s plans to quit Bayern Munich this summer.
The 29-year-old is apparently hoping to seal a lucrative move to see out his career, with Chelsea and Real Madrid leading the race for his signature.
The La Liga giants are thought to be in pole position, having been discouraged from trying to pinch Harry Kane from Spurs. But they might have to pay top whack for Lewandowski, who has three years remaining on his contract with Bayern after finishing the season as the Bundesliga’s top scorer.
Man United close to Alex Sandro deal
Manchester United have dealt a blow to Chelsea by winning the battle to sign Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, according to La Stampa, via Football Italia.
He will move to Old Trafford for a fee of €50m, with Matteo Darmian heading the other way “in a separate transfer.”
The Brazilian has won three league and cup doubles during his time with Juve, but he has been strongly linked with an exit for some time as he searches for a new challenge. Chelsea were keen on him last summer, but they moved for Emerson Palmieri in January before United muscled in on their former full-back target.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Evening News says United have held “informal talks” with Willian‘s representatives over a potential summer transfer. Jose Mourinho remains a huge fan of the player he brought to Chelsea in 2013 and could try to reunite him with Nemanja Matic at Old Trafford.
Arsenal step up pursuit of defender
Arsenal have been doing some thinking lately, and it’s clear the club’s hierarchy believe the priority this summer (after finding a new manager, of course) is to strengthen the defence.
With Freiburg sticking a £35m price tag on Caglar Soyuncu, the Daily Mirror says the Gunners have switched their attention to Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who is on the market for around £15m.
The 29-year-old could be joined by Jonny Evans, after West Brom’s relegation activated a £3m release clause in the Northern Ireland international’s contract.
The Mirror adds that Arsenal also want a new goalkeeper, with head of recruitment Sven Mislintat eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno in what looks set to be a busy window at the Emirates Stadium.
Tap-ins
– Man United are plotting a £30m bid for Atletico Madrid star Sime Vrsaljko, according to the Daily Mail. The 26-year-old is set to go to the World Cup with Croatia, and he could complete a move to England upon his return.
– Kevin Wimmer could be the first to jump ship at Stoke amid speculation linking him with a move to Hannover 96, reports the Daily Mail. The former Spurs centre-back joined the Potters in an £18m switch last summer, but he will leave for a fraction of that price.
– Atletico Madrid are rivaling Man United’s interest in Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, claims The Herald. The 20-year-old has admitted he is flattered by the interest but says that he could stay at Parkhead for the rest of his career.
– Monaco and Wolves are chasing AC Milan striker Andre Silva, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Portugal international moved to the San Siro last summer, but he has struggled to settle in Italy.
Matthew Stanger covers European football for ESPN and is the editor of The Set Pieces. Twitter: @MatthewStanger
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