LIVE Transfer Talk: West Ham want Goretzka to replace Rice
Credit to Author: ESPN| Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2023 23:12:26 EST
The summer transfer window is now open in Europe, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
West Ham United have identified Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as a potential replacement for Declan Rice, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg.
The Bundesliga champions are reported to be open to moving on the 28-year-old, with Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel assessing the market for a new No. 6.
However, while Bayern have been looking for a transfer fee in the region of €50 million, Goretzka wants to remain at the club and has rejected requests to discuss personal terms with other clubs.
Goretzka played an important role in his side’s Bundesliga title win last season, contributing five goals in 27 league matches, and he still has three years remaining on his contract.
The Hammers have also been linked with a move for Fulham‘s Joao Palhinha, reportedly having a first offer of €50m rejected.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga & more (U.S.)
– Read on ESPN+: Explaining the language of the transfer window
09.21 BST: AS reports that Inter Milan are keen on signing Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
Morata, 30, scored 13 goals in 36 games for Atletico last season but spent a few years on loan at Juventus from 2020-2022.
The Spain international is also a permanent target for Roma and Juve, but Inter have reportedly made a €15m bid to sign him after abruptly pulling the plug on talks to sign Romelu Lukaku.
08.30 BST: Chelsea will make an improved bid this week for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, reports the Evening Standard.
Caicedo, 21, was the subject of two transfer offers from Arsenal in the January window, but the Seagulls stood firm in their valuation of £80m.
The Ecuador international signed a new contract shortly after the window closed, but it was always expected clubs would come back with renewed efforts to sign him this summer.
The report says that Chelsea have identified Caicedo as a key signing as Mauricio Pochettino looks to reshape the club’s midfield ahead of the new season.
Chelsea have already had a £60m bid rejected, and will now return with an offer of more than £70m. However, that doesn’t exceed the bid Brighton rejected from the Gunners six months ago, and the player’s contract means Brighton will hold out for a fee closer to £100m this time.
Julien Laurens explains why Declan Rice was Mikel Arteta’s #1 transfer target this summer.
– Manchester United are considering a move for Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, writes Fabrizio Romano. Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen United’s midfield options, with Donny van de Beek and Fred expected to leave Old Trafford, and the 26-year-old Morocco international is among their potential options. However, it is reported that United are first focusing on a move for a striker.
– Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane isn’t interested in a move to Paris Saint-Germain, reports the Daily Telegraph. Sources told ESPN on Monday that the 29-year-old, who has been linked with Bayern Munich, has emerged as a priority for PSG and they are ready to make Spurs a significant offer. However, it looks as though he isn’t open to a switch to the Parc des Princes.
– Two Premier League sides are looking to acquire Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto, reveals Nicolo Schira. Both Aston Villa and Everton are reported to be keen on landing the 19-year-old Italy international, with the Toffees proposing a €18m deal that includes €6m in bonuses. He contributed to six goals in 24 league matches last season.
– Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is close to joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli for a fee worth £30m, reports The Athletic. A medical is reported to have been scheduled for the 32-year-old this week, while City are already assessing the market for potential replacements. They are also determined to keep Bernardo Silva at the club as uncertainty continues to surround his future.
– Progress has been made in talks between Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marseille, according to Foot Mercato. The 34-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge, and is close to reaching full agreement over personal terms. Talks are yet to begin over a transfer fee.
– United States midfielder Alan Sonora had his FC Juarez contract terminated by mutual consent on Monday, the Liga MX side announced. Sonora, who was part of the USMNT Gold Cup roster, joined FC Juarez in February and played only eight games (three as a starter) and is now a free agent.