Weekly transfer roundup: Man United duo attract interest from Spain, Man City close in on Sane
Manchester City and Chelsea are moving up through the gears in the summer transfer window, with the former closing on a big move for German youngster Leroy Sane. We bring you a roundup of the weekly transfer rumours of the big five clubs in the EPL.
Manchester City
We have, in all likelihood, seen the last of Wilfried Bony in a Manchester City jersey. The 27-year-old is set to depart from the club and this week a couple of clubs have been linked with a move for him. Earlier this week, the Sun had reported that Galatasaray were offering City £3m for a loan spell with the Turkish club, while a more recent rumour links him with a move to the newly cash-rich Everton.
On the other hand, Pep Guardiola wants John Stones to add more depth to his defence, and Everton have reportedly stamped a £50m price tag on their prized asset. However, according to the Mirror, new manager Ronald Koeman is interested in a player-plus-cash-swap deal, with the intention of bringing Bony to the Merseyside club.
Of course, one of the biggest transfer rumours floating around at the moment is one which links the talented German Leroy Sane with a move to the blue half of Manchester. On Thursday, the Guardian reported that Schalke are bracing themselves for a £35m bid for the young attacker, while Daily Mail reported that the deal is set to close to £45m. These are impressive numbers, but Sane is likely to be worth every cent of that money.
Another name that is likely to come in through the revolving doors of Man City this summer is that of Marlos Moreno. On Saturday, Colombia's U-23 coach Carlos Restrepo had confirmed that Moreno will not be joining the squad for the Olympics, because the forward has signed for City and the English club will not allow him to take part in the Rio Games.
Manchester United
Tom Hopkinson wrote in the Sunday People that Spanish sides Espanyol and Villarreal are closely monitoring Juan Mata's situation at Manchester United, and they are willing to provide him with a passage back to his homeland, if Jose Mourinho decides against retaining him, again.
In fact, according to Marca, Villarreal, who are in the market for a new left-back, are also reportedly keen on signing Marcos Rojo, who might be offloaded by Mourinho in this summer.
Chelsea
The London club have already made two big money signings so far with N'Golo Kante being the latest addition to the squad. However, they are not expected to stop there as well. The Blues are looking to reshape the squad which meekly surrendered the title last season, and a host of names have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
After landing Kante for €35m from Leicester City, Conte has set his eyes on Napoli center back Kalidou Koulibaly. However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Everton have joined the race for his signature as well, and they are willing to offer €40m for the 25-year-old, which is still short of the €50m valuation of Napoli.
Conte is also looking to further strengthen the center of his midfield by signing Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario. The Sporting CP midfielder was a vital part of the European Championship winning Portugal squad, and Chelsea are reportedly preparing a €40m bid for him. Although, the London club will face strong competition from Italian club Inter Milan, whose first bid has already been turned down by the Portuguese club.
Liverpool
Earlier this week, former Barcelona youth product Sergi Canos completed his £2.5m move from Liverpool to Norwich City after lack of first team opportunities at the Merseyside club.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has returned to England after his contract with German club Augsburg ended at the end of last season, and the 39-year-old free agent is currently training with the Liverpool squad. Reports suggest that Jurgen Klopp might offer him a contract, despite the presence of Loris Karius, Simon Mignolet, Bogdan, and Ward at the club.
It seems like Manninger might not be the only veteran making a move to the Anfield with reports suggesting that Liverpool are eying a move for Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu as a replacement for Martin Skrtel, who completed his move to Fenerbahce. With Joe Gomez and Mamadou Sakho struggling with their fitness, and Kolo Toure leaving the club as a free agent, Klopp is keen to add numbers at the back. Liverpool will have to fight with Besiktas for Mathieu's signature, who have already submitted a €7m bid.
Arsenal
It has been a hit and miss transfer window for the Gunners so far, mostly misses, and recently Arsenal have been linked with a lot of center backs. The latest name which was added to the ring was that of Inter Milan defender Jeison Murillo. According to reports, Arsene Wenger is lining up a £20million bid for the 24-year-old Colombian.
According to reports in France, the Gunners have offered €50m for Lyon's star striker Alexandre Lacazette, with Wenger desperate to sign a new striker in this window. On the other hand, the Gonzalo Higuain rumours refuses to die down, despite his imminent move to Juventus. Napoli's official radio station, Radio Kiss Kiss, host Francesco Marciano is convinced that although reports of Juventus' interest are true, Higuain will move abroad to Arsenal, who are offering €50m plus Olivier Giroud for the Argentine striker.