Croatia’s World Cup team returned to a heroes’ welcome at Zagreb airport following their 4-2 defeat to France in the World Cup final in Moscow.
Relive the best of France’s victory over Croatia in the World Cup final in LEGO form.
Stewart Robson shares his reflections on the World Cup final following France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in Moscow.
The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.
Man United target Croatian duo
Croatia may have lost to France on Sunday, but their journey to the World Cup final has caught the eye of Manchester United.
According to the Sun, the Red Devils are lining up a £92 million double swoop for Ivan Perisic and Ante Rebic after being impressed by the pair’s performances in Russia.
United were strongly linked with a move for Perisic last year, but the winger eventually opted to sign a new contract at Inter Milan.
It’s thought the 29-year-old could be tempted to swap the San Siro for Old Trafford this summer though, along with his compatriot Rebic.
Rebic currently plays for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and made headlines in May when he scored twice in the club’s German Cup win against Bayern Munich.
United’s interest in the Croatian duo has been encouraged by their failure to land Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
Metro reports that the Welshman is planning to stay at the Bernabeu, having been assured of a key role following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus.
Man City priced out of Kovacic deal
Another Real Madrid player who looks set to stay put this summer is midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester City had lined up a bid for the Croatian following Jorginho’s move to Chelsea, only to be quoted an asking price of £80 million.
With City refusing to meet Madrid’s valuation, they could turn their attention to Southampton’s Mario Lemina.
The 24-year-old joined the Saints from Juventus only last summer in a deal worth £15.4 million, but he would surely jump at the chance to move to the English champions.
Arsenal planning to trim squad
Unai Emery is aiming to cut his Arsenal squad after splashing out £70 million on new players.
Danny Welbeck and David Ospina could be among the most high-profile departures, according to the Telegraph, as they return from the World Cup with their futures up in the air.
With Welbeck entering the final year of his contract, the Gunners may look to cash in on a striker who will otherwise be forced to play back-up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
It is a similar situation regarding Ospina, who has been pushed further down the pecking order following the arrival of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, Arsenal remain keen to tie Aaron Ramsey to a new five-year deal, despite negotiations with the Welshman dragging on.
Tap-ins
– Newcastle and Celtic will duke it out for Uruguay international Giorgian De Arrascaeta, reports the Sun. The playmaker is valued at around £18 million by Cruzeiro after making two appearances at the World Cup.
– Nikola Kalinic is set to complete his switch from AC Milan to Atletico Madrid, says Football Italia. The striker missed Croatia’s run to the World Cup final after he was sent home for reportedly refusing to come on as a sub in the opening game against Nigeria.
– Southampton aren’t planning to bring in Liverpool striker Danny Ings, says the Daily Echo. Mark Hughes is in the market for a striker after loaning out Guido Carrillo, but has other targets in mind.
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