The English transfer window is closed, but the rest of Europe is still open for business, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.
When does the transfer window close in the top European leagues?
All completed moves: Prem | Champ | La Liga | Serie A | Bundesliga | Ligue 1
TOP STORY: Zinedine Zidane eyes Man United job
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most successful managers around, and he’s only been in a job for two-and-a-half years. The France legend won three consecutive Champions League trophies at Real Madrid, as well as La Liga in 2017 and two Club World Cups but left on a high this summer.
Now he’s eyeing his next move and that is reportedly Manchester United, according to L’Equipe.
Jose Mourinho may be on borrowed time if he can’t stop his relentless negativity and, with the 46-year-old Zidane currently out of work, United would be foolish not to consider him if they do decide to axe Mourinho.
Inter Milan still want Luka Modric
Inter Milan will still try and persuade midfielder Luka Modric to move to Serie A before Friday’s Italian transfer deadline, according to Sky Italia.
Modric who starred for Croatia at the World Cup this summer, reportedly wants the move himself, but Real Madrid are holding firm.
Real will still have until the end of the month to sign a replacement, but Inter need to move by the end of the week if they are to get their man.
Unai Emery’s Arsenal rebuild hits snag
Unai Emery has been told Arsenal must cut their wage bill — and that could put a dent in his rebuilding plans at the club.
Arsenal spent £70 million on new signings over the summer, but the Daily Mirror reports that the bigger issue is player contracts. The paper goes on to list some of the big figures on the payroll — Mesut Ozil on £300,000-a-week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan each on around £200,000-a-week — and says the club will be out to balance the books during the next transfer window.
This could be why Arsenal are said to be open to allowing Mohamed Elneny to join Marseille ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline.
Leicester close to new deal for Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire is close to agreeing a new £75,000-a-week contract with Leicester, following Manchester United’s failed bid to sign the England defender.
The Daily Telegraph says the sides are in “advanced” talks and a resolution could come later this month.
United manager Jose Mourinho had targeted Maguire (among many, many centre-backs) during the summer transfer window, but Leicester held firm that they would not sell.
One-and-done for short English window?
Premier League clubs could abandon the new-look transfer window after just one summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
The paper cites “at least two clubs” that voted to close the window before the start of the season who now believe it is a mistake and that the league should go back to the Aug. 31 deadline, restoring the competitive balance with Europe’s other top leagues.
Premier League chiefs will discuss the window at their meeting next month. A club must first propose a change back to the old system, and that would then require 14 clubs to vote in favour. Exactly 14 voted in favour of the change to the Aug. 9 deadline this summer.
Tap-ins
– New Colombia sensation Luis Diaz tells ESPN he can see himself playing at Barcelona, Chelsea or Milan. Nice to aim high.
– According to Gianluca Di Marzio, PSG tried to sign Alex Sandro but Juventus turned them down.
– Marko Grujic’s future does not appear to be with Liverpool this season, but according to the Evening Standard it won’t be with either Cardiff City or Middlesbrough. The Serbian, who rejected a return to Cardiff and a move to Boro over the summer, “will be allowed to leave Anfield on a temporary basis this month,” says the report, “though the Reds are keen for a contract extension to be signed before any departure is sanctioned.”
– Manchester City winger Patrick Roberts is set to join Spanish club Girona on a season-long loan deal, sources have told ESPN FC. Roberts, 21, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Scottish champions Celtic, who had been keen to sign him for a third year.
– Roma have made France international Steven N’Zonzi their 12th new signing this summer. The World Cup winner landed in the Eternal City from Sevilla on Tuesday to undergo a medical, having already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi, and was presented later in the evening.
Be the first to comment