Today has been an action-packed day in the transfer market. From Griezmann moving to Barcelona to Sane and Lukau’s future, we have it all covered for you.
#1. Barcelona complete Griezmann deal
The long pursuit of Atletico Madrid star player Antoine Griezmann by Barcelona is now complete. Barcelona announced the deal after they agreed to pay the €120m release clause which allows the player to leave Atletico Madrid.
There has been a new twist in the deal with Atletico Madrid coming out in the open about the details of the deal: “Atletico de Madrid believes that the amount deposited is insufficient to meet [Griezmann’s] buy-out clause, since it is obvious that the player committed to FC Barcelona before the aforementioned clause was reduced from €200 to €120m,” a statement from Atletico read.
“Atletico de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract occurred before the end of last season due to events, acts and demonstrations carried out by the player, and that is why the club has already started the procedures it considers appropriate for the defense of its legitimate rights and interests.”
The transfer now raises question marks over Neymar’s return to Camp Nou and with Barcelona having spent big and needing to compete with Real Madrid’s financial muscle power, it seems less likely that the Brazilian will be back.
#2. Bayern face competition from PSG for Leroy Sane
While Bayern is looking to fill the shoes of their two departing legends Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, PSG is preparing for life beyond Neymar, who is expected to head back to Barcelona amid interests from Real Madrid. Leroy Sane, thus, is being keenly followed by both sides with the German showcasing his quality over the past couple of seasons at Manchester City.
Though City does not want to let go of him, however, with limited playing time at his disposal at City, Sane might force a move away.
#3. Tottenham trying to hijack Arsenal’s move for Saliba
Tottenham have reportedly initiated talks with Saint-Etienne over the signing of defender William Saliba, after uncertainty over Toby Alderweireld’s future.
Earlier reports suggested Arsenal are also close to completing a deal that would see Saliba spend a season at Saint-Etienne on loan before heading to Arsenal next season.
It is understood Saliba could have the final say in the deal if Saint-Etienne accepts the offers from both clubs.
#4. Callum Wilson signs a new contract with Bournemouth
Amid interest from West Ham, English striker Callum Wilson has committed his future to AFC Bournemouth, signing a new four-year contract.
The new deal will see the 27-year-old Wilson stay with Cherries until the summer of 2023.
#5. Sol Bamba nears new Cardiff City deal
Cardiff has reportedly agreed the terms of a new contract with club captain Sol Bamba, Sky Sports News understands.
The 34-year-old Ivory Coast international has entered the final year of his current deal and with impressive performances over the last couple of seasons, Bluebirds want to reward their captain and tie him down at the club for a further 2 years.
Bamba tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Wolves in March and missed the rest of the season after surgery. He will also miss the club’s pre-season tour to North America.
Manager Neil Warnock recently said: “He’s doing so well it might not be that long, but I wouldn’t expect him back too early.”
#6. West Ham weighing striking options
West Ham is preparing for life after Arnautovic, who has moved to the Chinese Super League. West Ham has also lost their other 2 big striking options in Andy Carroll and Lucas Perez.
West Ham was earlier keen on English striker Callum Wilson, but the 27-year-old striker has decided to stay put. West Ham also missed out on Maxi Gomez and hence, want to move quickly to seal a deal.
West Ham has now turned their eyes away and might be in for Colombian striker Duvan Zapata. West Ham has also been offered a chance to sign Porto forward Moussa Marega, who has a release clause of €30m and wants to move to the Premier League.
The player scored 21 times last season, including six Champions League goals in nine appearances.
West Ham is also looking at Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sebastian Haller.
#7. Spurs interested in Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips
Spurs reportedly look all set to table an offer for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who was impressive in Leeds’ campaign and one of the stars of their promotion sojourn.
Phillips is currently at £10,000-a-week salary and Spurs are hoping they can lure the 23-year-old by offering a substantial increase in the salary.
Spurs earlier Marcelo Bielsa’s side this summer by signing teenager Jack Clarke for £9million, but he headed back to Elland Road on loan until the end of the season.
#8. Manchester United demanding huge money for Lukaku
Lukaku is very keen on a move to Serie-A giants Inter Milan and is trying to force a move away from Manchester United.
Inter Director has met the Manchester United officials for the Belgian International, but the talks seem to have failed for now with United demanding £79m for the striker.
It will be interesting to see where this saga ends up.
#9. Manchester United hear good news on Fernandes transfer
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Bruno Fernandes after Sporting Lisbon completed the signing of Aleksandar Trajkovski.
Trajkovski is seen as a replacement for the Portuguese midfielder, whose agent has held meetings with a number of Europe’s top sides. However, no bid has been made by United thus far.
#10. Spurs aggression in the market continues as they land Lo Celso
Reports in Spain claim that Spurs have reached a £150,000-per-week contract with Giovani Lo Celso. Real Betis are open to selling him and a deal should be struck sometime soon.
The deal would make Lo Celso one of the highest paid players in the squad and will be a huge statement of intent from Spurs who have already sealed signatures of Tanguy Ndombele and Jack Clarke earlier in the window.
