Rumour Reel: Arsenal and Spurs vie for Icardi, Blues to bag Barbosa?
Holly Thackeray | July 14, 2016
Pre-season is about to get into full swing across the continent, meaning plenty of Premier League clubs should be upping efforts to complete transfers before the new term starts in earnest. Today’s rumour reel is certainly not lacking, with two South American stars linked to arrivals in England…
Icardi eyed by north London rivals
Things could be about to get testy in the north of London, as capital clubs and bitter neighbours Arsenal and Tottenham are both tipped to be targeting Inter Milan and Argentina marksman Mauro Icardi.
The ruthless Rosario-born goal bagger’s agent and wife Wanda Nara told press: “There are many offers, but I do not negotiate with other clubs. I only talk about Mauro’s contract, that’s my role, not doing negotiations. Atletico Madrid, Tottenham and Arsenal have made contact. Napoli and Roma are also interested now.”
Serie A champions Juventus are also thought to be circling for the striker after seeing Alvaro Morata return to Real Madrid, meaning Inter may find it tough to cling onto the South American sharpshooter this summer.
Icardi converted 16 league goals from 33 appearances last season, and would be a powerful alternative to Olivier Giroud for Arsene Wenger, who appears to be prioritising a new poacher.
A switch to Spurs seems less realistic, however, after Mauricio Pochettino plucked Dutch dangerman Vincent Janssen from AZ Alkmaar for a fee of around £17m.
Tottenham target Tello
Speaking of Spurs’ summer targets, a perhaps more plausible link arrives in the form of Barcelona-owned winger Cristian Tello.
The 24-year-old wingman has been capped just once for Spain and has spent the past two terms on loan at both Porto and Fiorentina.
Once believed to be a future star for Barca, it appears there is no room at the Nou Camp inn now, and Tottenham could prove a prudent move.
The White Hart Lane outfit possess plenty of effective attacking midfielders in Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and co that play their best football centrally, but lack depth in players able to operate wide naturally.
Chelsea chasing Barbosa
While, not to be left out of the London wheeling and dealing, Chelsea are believed to be preparing to swoop for Brazil wonderboy and Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa.
The teenager has been linked to numerous Premier League clubs since he emerged as a Samba Boys hope for the future and impressed in his cameos at the Copa America Centenario.
The Blues may very well beat Juve to Barbosa, who is to nicknamed ‘Gabigol’, with a bid as high as £25m for the 19-year-old to add to their wealth of South American talent already including the likes of Oscar and Willian. Watch this space.
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Check out previous rumour reels to keep up to date on all the latest gossip.
