The latest Premier League transfer rumours - with news from Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and more.
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It’s once again time for our regular round-up and review of the biggest new Premier League transfer rumours – and we kick our latest digest off with news of a transfer battle brewing between Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
GiveMeSport expand upon reports from the Spanish media which suggest that Manchester United are “preparing” a bid worth €70m (£61m) for 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder Fermín López while both Arsenal and Chelsea show interest as well.
Now, apparently, the Gunners have “made an enquiry” about the Spain international’s availability while Chelsea are “believed” to have done the same – although United have, as yet, not graduated beyond “seriously contemplating” an offer, according to this story.
Barcelona would “ideally like to keep” López around but their persistent financial difficulties could, apparently, force a sale – whether that’s at the €70m mark suggested is unclear, as is whether any of the three Premier League teams involved might make a formal offer.
The 3AM Verdict: There’s a sense that we’re seeing exploratory discussions without, as yet, any imminent prospect of a bid. Arsenal seem like a curious club to be involved given how much they’ve already invested in their midfield, but United in particular need fresh legs there. One to watch, but don’t expect major movement soon.
Spurs and United snubbed by striker target
Manchester United feature in our second story, too, along with Tottenham Hotspur – Sport Witness corral some reports from the continent which suggest that both sides will be getting bad news in their reported pursuit of PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani.
The France international is set to leave the Parc des Princes this summer but has “rejected enquiries” from United and Spurs and is determined to return to Juventus, where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
A deal between PSG and Juventus is “edging closer” with the player “keen” to head back to the Old Lady. Kolo Muani is expected to head back on an initial loan with an obligation to buy, with the total package worth €40-45m (£35-40m). It’s now looking like the English sides monitoring the situation won’t be taking their interest any further, however.
The 3AM Verdict: Neither United nor Spurs made a formal offer for Kolo Muani and reports varied as to just how interested they were, with some sources suggesting that informal enquiries had been made – and, apparently, rebuffed. It was almost most likely that the Frenchman would move back to Juventus, and so it seem set to prove.
West Ham, Leeds & Crystal Palace battle for relegated star
Finally, a word from Caught Offside, who suggest that the battle for Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes has heated up, with Leeds United and Crystal Palace joining West Ham in the bidding.
The Hammers are still said to be “particularly keen” on the 21-year-old midfielder, who was comfortably Southampton’s best performer in a truly diabolical season, but are among a “host of clubs showing interest” which also includes Juventus and Atlético Madrid, according to this story. Previous reports have also mentioned Inter Milan.
Southampton’s asking price is said to be £20m and West Ham “have the resources to meet” it, it’s claimed, but “nothing is advanced” with any of the sides set to make offers. There’s no further details about the depth of Leeds or Palace’s interest, they’re just mentioned as names on a seemingly lengthy list.
The 3AM Verdict: Previous reporting from Italy had suggested that Fernandes has set his sights on a move away from England, but that could just be wishful thinking. If £20m really is the asking price, then we aren’t surprised to see more teams getting involved however – the Portuguese midfielder was superb last season even while everything fell apart around him.