Products You May Like
The summer transfer window was unlike any other; see all the major deals and check out how we graded the biggest signings. And just because the window is shut until January, that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t keep coming. Here’s the latest gossip and speculation.
TOP STORY: Cavani in for Aguero at Barca?
Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of a striker in Sergio Aguero‘s injury-enforced absence, and they have identified Manchester United‘s Edinson Cavani as a potential target in January.
The Mirror writes that Cavani, 34, wants regular game time at this stage of career, but he has made just two starts across all competitions this season, often finding himself on the bench after Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford.
The Blaugrana are preparing an offer of around £5 million to tempt him to Camp Nou during the winter transfer market, and they could face competition from Internazionale who are also reported to be interested in his services.
Cavani’s contract is due to expire next summer after he signed a one-year extension back in May.
Aguero, meanwhile, has not retired despite reports over the weekend claiming so.
“What has come out about Aguero is not true,” Barca boss Xavi said on Saturday. “I spoke with him the other day. We will see how things evolve and if he can continue playing football, but it’s a medical issue.”
– ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access
PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)
– Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Nicolo Zaniolo next summer, according to Calciomercato. The 22-year-old midfielder’s contract isn’t due to expire until 2024 but, after being recently excluded by Jose Mourinho, the Premier League side have become alerted to the situation. It is reported that a fee of around €40 million would be required to allow Antonio Conte’s Spurs to discuss personal terms.
– Sport writes that Xavi is looking to recruit a player from his former club Al-Sadd as Barcelona look to acquire a striker in the winter transfer market. Baghdad Bounedjah has been identified as a target, with the 29-year-old forward finishing as the top scorer in the league last season while working under the Blaugrana’s new manager. He is also an Algeria international, scoring three times in his last four caps.
– Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring Marcelo Brozovic‘s contract situation, according to Le10Sport. The 29-year-old has been locked in contract talks with Inter Milan of late, but with no sign of an official announcement, the Ligue 1 club are ready to begin negotiations in January as they look to bolster their options in midfield. The Croatia international has made 13 appearances in the Serie A this season.
– Calciomercato reveals that AC Milan and Juventus could be the first teams to make a move for Driss Nasser, the Bordeaux youth star who has been referred to as the next Paul Pogba. The 17-year-old midfielder has had scouts following him for some time, with Europe’s top clubs impressed by his technical ability on the ball and physical strength.
– Paris Saint-Germain could step up their chase for Lorenzo Insigne with the 30-year-old winger in no rush to sign new terms at Napoli. Le10Sport writes that the Ligue 1 club are preparing to jostle with Inter Milan for his signature, with a queue beginning to emerge to acquire the Italy international on a free transfer.