Transfer Talk: Arsenal, Juve lead race for Bologna’s Zirkzee
Credit to Author: Adam Brown| Date: Wed, 22 May 2024 19:51:04 EST
The “ESPN FC” crew sift through the names who could replace Mauricio Pochettino as manager at Chelsea next season. (1:33)
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Arsenal are leading the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Gunners as well as Juventus are believed to have “already made moves” for the 23-year-old, who has a release clause in his contract that allows him to be signed for a fee of €40 million.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly prioritising reinforcements in his forward line when the transfer market opens and, with RB Leipzig said to be resisting offers for star striker Benjamin Sesko, the latest indicates that the Gunners’ attention is now turning to Zirkzee.
AC Milan are also one of the sides that have kept close tabs on his situation, but the Rossoneri now look to have fallen behind Arsenal and Juve.
Zirkzee has been tracked by multiple clubs in Europe this season following a run of impressive performances in Serie A for the Rossoblú, in which he contributed to 15 goals in 34 league matches.
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– Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is prioritising a move to Chelsea, reports Team Talk. The 25-year-old is believed to prefer a switch to the Premier League despite being linked with Paris Saint-Germain, and he still remains the top option on the wishlist of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, who parted ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday.
– Real Madrid have cooled their interest in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, according to Sport. While the 23-year-old was previously high on their shortlist, it is reported that the recent performances of Ferland Mendy have made Los Blancos re-consider their initial plan, though they could still add a depth option in Girona‘s Miguel Gutiérrez.
– A new move for Benfica defensive midfielder Florentino Luís is being considered by Everton, reports Ben Jacobs. The Toffees previously had a €30m offer for the 24-year-old turned down in January, but the latest indicates that they are set to make a second attempt to secure his signature in the summer. Luis has a €120m release clause in his contract.
– West Ham United are close to signing Flamengo centre-back Fabricio Bruno, according to Globo eSporte. A deal worth £15m is reported to have been agreed between both sides, with the Brasileiro Serie A side prepared to part ways with the 28-year-old, who made his debut for the Brazil national team in March.
– Two clubs are weighing up a move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, reports Sport. Both Atlético Madrid and Newcastle United are said to be keen on the 23-year-old, who is expected to be moved on from Los Che when the transfer window opens. He made 36 appearances in LaLiga last season, and also helped Georgia to qualify for the European Championship.