Transfer Talk: Arsenal and Liverpool make contact with Real Madrid’s Mendy
Credit to Author: Nick Judd| Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 20:31:03 EST
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The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, 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 and Liverpool are chasing Real Madrid full-back Ferland Mendy, according to L’Equipe.
The 28-year-old is coming to the end of his contract in Spain with just one year left on his current deal, though Madrid are said to be considering offering the Frenchman an extension.
Both Premier League clubs are said to have already contacted Mendy’s representatives about a possible move, though there have been no official negotiations as yet.
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Liverpool’s interest is tentative given they’re not sure who will be in the manager’s dugout next season, while Arsenal could face competition from Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Bayern in particular could be looking for a replacement for Alphonso Davies, who is expected to leave in the summer for Real Madrid.
Newcastle United had also expressed an interest in Mendy, though the defender is said to be uninterested as a result of the Magpies set to miss out on Champions League qualification.
– AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has been widely expected to stay in Milan beyond this summer, or at least for the duration of boss Stefano Pioli’s tenure as manager. However, following the revelation of Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in signing him, other clubs are also considering a move. Gazzetta Dello Sport reports that Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all observing the 24-year-old. Chelsea have been interested in Leao — who has scored seven goals and added eight assists this season — for some time, while United are expected to be aggressive in the transfer market under their new hierarchy as they look to refresh their squad ahead of the new season.
– Manchester City are considering releasing winger Jack Grealish this summer as they look to freshen up their squad for 2024-25, according to Football Insider. It’s believed that City boss Pep Guardiola isn’t completely convinced by the 28-year-old’s performances this season, and the club could attempt to raise funds by allowing him to leave. Grealish has been trusted in some of City’s biggest games this season, including the recent Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid and the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea. However, he has only started nine Premier League matches in total, and his goals and assists — three of each — are below expectations.
– Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United could battle it out with Atletico Madrid and Juventus for the services of Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, according to Ekrem Konur. The Argentine-born Mexican international is said to be keen on a challenge in one of Europe’s top leagues. Arsenal are leading the race, though the Gunners have also been linked to more high-profile players including Viktor Gyokeres, Ivan Toney and Joshua Zirkzee. Atletico Madrid and Juve are also heavily linked. Gimenez has been in consistent goal-scoring form for two seasons, helping his side win the Eredivisie last season before netting 24 goals this time around.
– Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is being considered as a potential replacement for Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa, who could leave for Saudi Arabia this summer, according to the Mirror. Ramsdale has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium following the arrival of David Reya from Brentford, and Ramsdale is seeking a move in a bid to gain more minutes. Sa is expected to leave Molineux in a potentially lucrative switch to the Middle East, which could help Wolves boss Gary O’Neil finance his move for Ramsdale.
– Wilfried Gnonto‘s future at Leeds United hangs in the balance and depends on the club’s fortunes in their bid for promotion to the Premier League, with top-flight clubs waiting in the wings should the Whites fail to go up. That’s according to Football Insider who believe Leeds will listen to bids of between £20m-£30m if they fail to go up from the Championship. A number of top clubs are said to be monitoring the 20-year-old, while he is also interesting clubs in Italy, too.