Rumour Reel: Klopp chases Townsend as Arsene eyes Lukaku
Robbie Purves | June 21, 2016
Despite the summer window officially opening on July 1st, clubs are already chasing down their transfer targets one by one as they look to complete some of their business while Euro 2016 hots up.
Klopp chases Townsend
Reports suggest that Liverpool and Manchester City have joined Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion in expressing interest in Newcastle United’s Andros Townsend.
Reports claim the £10.5m release clause in the England winger’s contract has alerted both the Reds and Sky Blues and they are now weighing up whether to make a surprise bid for the Tyneside attacker.
Townsend finished the Premier League campaign strong, despite being relegated with the Magpies, and has made him an attractive proposition for a team looking to add pace and width to their side.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, is keen to add more pace to his attack and has reportedly already looked at Saido Mane, Theo Walcott and Schalke’s Leroy Sane. All of these options would command a higher fee than Townsend – Southampton would demand at least £30m for Mane, while City seem to have set their sights on Sane, but face competition from Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.
However, don’t rule out Townsend staying, Newcastle are understandably desperate to keep him and are willing to increase his £55k-a-week wages if he turns rejects an instant return to the Premier League.
Arsene eyes Lukaku
Arsenal are reportedly set to make a move for want-away Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, after missing out on Jamie Vardy who has supposedly decided to stay with title-winners Leicester City.
The Gunners look to have been snubbed by the Leicester City talisman, who is expected to instead sign a new contract at the King Power Stadium after Euro 2016.
Gunners legend Paul Merson believes Lukaku would represent a decent alternative to the Foxes forward. In a recent interview he said: “I think he’s a bit different, a bit stronger up front which would help Arsenal.”
The Emirates outfit are in dire need of a top-class striker to bury the chances their creative contingent produce. Olivier Giroud has far from impressed at the Euros, despite scoring the tournament opener, and Lukaku would present Arsene Wenger’s side with a huge upgrade.
Toffees after Aboubakar
According to reports, talks have begun between Everton and Porto for Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar.
A real area of concern for the Toffees is up front, where star striker Lukaku could leave for a Champions League club after the European Championships are over. This is compounded by the fact that Arouna Kone’s future is in doubt and January signing Oumar Niasse has struggled since his arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow.
The report states that talks have opened over a £16m move, which would see the striker become new boss Ronald Koeman’s first signing. With 17 goals in all competitions last season for Porto, Aboubakar has made himself a wanted man and could replace Lukaku at Goodison Park.
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