Coral’s Rumour Reel: Transfer frenzy in the capital?
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Having emphatically rallied to the Premier League title this season, Jose Mourinho is hoping to bolster his Chelsea squad ahead of pre-season, while Arsenal are aiming to boost their ranks in order to mount a serious challenge next term (5/1 with Coral for 2015/16 title).
The Blues are reportedly in search of reinforcements in their frontline, and clinical Argentine Gonzalo Higuain is now within the champions’ sight. Napoli’s top goalscorer this term worked brilliantly under Rafael Benitez but, with his former mentor joining Real Madrid, the striker could be lured to Stamford Bridge.
With the 27-year-old set to potentially arrive in London, experienced shot stopper Petr Cech looks seemingly likely to depart, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident of landing the Czech Republic international goal guard if he decides to remain in the capital.
Another possible Chelsea departure could be rising star Patrick Bamford, with the club set to demand £10m for the young striker’s services this summer. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, reaching the Championship play-off final, with Newcastle United just one of many top-flight sides interested.
Staying in the capital, and the Gunners will swoop for Porto’s prolific forntman Jackson Martinez, providing they can offload out-of-favour German World Cup winner Lukas Podolski, who was on loan at Inter Milan last campaign.
Wenger is also keen on securing a deal for Sevilla’s Polish midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, who reportedly has a £21m buyout clause in his current contract with the Europa League champions.
Serie A champions Juventus were toppled by Barcelona in the Champions League final, and will look to get over their disappointment by making a host of new singings this summer. Manchester United’s Robin van Persie is a target for an apparent £10m, with Lazio recently ruling out a move for the deadly Dutchman.
Another high profile departure from Old Trafford could be David de Gea, with the Spaniard increasingly likely to seal a switch to Los Blancos, but the Red Devils were recently told that Inter stopper Samir Handanovic would definitely not be his replacement. The San Siro goalkeeper’s agent stated that his client would remain in Italy for the foreseeable future, with Louis van Gaal having to look elsewhere for a new number one.
Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion are mulling over a potential move for Crystal Palace stopper Wayne Hennessey, while Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher has cast doubts over his future on Wearside, as he enters the final 12 months of his current contract. The Black Cats are 2/1 to be relegated next season in Dick Advocaat’s second spell in charge.
