July 22 | European football transfer round-up
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A little more than a month left for the transfer window to close and surprisingly, the biggest sides from Europe's top five leagues have gone quiet, but that has certainly not stopped the rumour mill. It continues to churn out mouthwatering links, with a few going down the never-gonna happen route.
Ethan Ampadu joins RB Leipzig on a season-long loan
Despite a transfer ban imposed on the Blues, manager Frank Lampard still believes that he has more than enough players to challenge, and has allowed starlet Ampadu to join RB Leipzig. The versatile midfielder will play in the Bundesliga on a season-long loan with a chance to play Champions League football, which is exactly what Chelsea will be doing next season. Imagine Ampadu's luck if the two sides are drawn in the same group...
Mauro Icardi rejects prospective swap deal with Arsenal
Out of favour, unwanted by any of his former suitors and happy to do nothing but earn €4.9 million a year, Icardi is living the dream. Yet that will never stop the rumours mill with Calciomercato reporting that the Argentine has rejected a potential swap deal with Arsenal. The report further adds that Arsenal top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the big name going the other way, with Inter keen on the deal.
The Gunners were offered a chance to sign the prolific Argentine but any move was immediately rejected as it meant that Icardi would be playing Europa league football.
Bayern Munich enter the race for Wilfried Zaha
Zaha wants Arsenal, Arsenal wants Zaha, but Crystal Palace wants €80 million. Its put a spanner in his European plans but fear not, because Bayern Munich have entered the race. Rumour mongers the Sun has reported that the Bavarian giants believe that Zaha is their alternative to either Callum Hudson-Odoi and Leroy Sane, as they look to add new stars without overspending.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have submitted a second offer of around ÂŁ65m plus a few players, which includes Reiss Nelson and Carl Jenkinson (should it get that far).
Real Madrid reject half a dozen offers for Marco Asensio
Real Madrid have spent well more than €300 million without selling anyone and one does wonder how the club will adhere to FPL rules. Getting golfer Gareth Bale off the books will help but it seems that the Los Blancos do not have the same idea when it comes to Marco Asensio. Football Espana has reported that Real Madrid have rejected no less than six offers for the Spaniard, who is on Liverpool’s transfer shortlist.
Manchester United target Ligue 1 breakout star Nicolas Pepe
His price tag may be around €70 million but that might not stop Manchester United from making a move as they continue to only target young stars. The Mirror has reported that the Red Devils have taken the lead for Nicolas Pepe and have made him their top replacement for Romelu Lukaku. They do lead the race with his valuation far more than Arsenal (can) or Liverpool (want to) spend this summer.
That leaves just PSG, which given Pepe's interest to join his Ligue 1 rivals and the Parisians' never-ending coffers, makes this battle very very interesting.
