Rumour Reel: Man Utd and City seek Jesus, Arsenal plot double swoop
Holly Thackeray | July 24, 2016
There is still a long way to go in the summer transfer market for Premier League clubs, but silly season is in full swing – with top teams all scrambling to outspend each other. Are Arsenal about to join Manchester rivals United and City in an arms race?
Gabriel tempted by Red Devils?
Move over Paul Pogba, John Stones and Leroy Sane – that trio of Manchester-based transfer drama is old news. The tabloids have moved onto a new saga now and one which pits Man Utd and Man City, or Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, against each other.
Palmeiras poacher Gabriel Jesus, 19, has been linked to practically all of Europe’s elite, but reports suggest his future now lies in the Northwest of England with one of the Red Devils or Sky Blues.
The Citizens were thought to be in pole position for the Brazilian teenage prodigy with rumours of a €32million bid and personal phone call from Pep doing the rounds.
Yet, it now looks like Mourinho could come in late and crash the party by gazumping City and shelling out even more money for the Samba starlet, despite supposedly being one of only a handful of top clubs that can trigger Gabriel’s €24m release clause.
Gabriel grabbed 10 league goals in 13 outings for his hometown team across 2016, sparking a race for his signature.
Wenger to lure Mahrez and Lacazette?
It’s not only Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea that could spend big this transfer window, however, with Arsenal set to roll up their sleeves and enter the fray.
There has been concern from the Gunners fanbase that the Londoners were getting left in the shade by their top-flight rivals, but Arsene Wenger may be about to loosen the purse strings to poach not one, but two, top targets.
The names in the frame are said to a pair of established attacking talents long-linked with the Emirates in Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette.
Adding the dangerous duo, both 25, could cost frugal French coach Wenger £75m – but securing these couple of coups would surely make Arsenal Premier League title favourites.
Speaking of French arrivals in north London, Tottenham are also tipped to be close to completing the capture of winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, 21, from Marseille in the coming days as manager Mauricio Pochettino continues his tactic of trusting and targeting young and hungry players.
Allen to arrive at Britannia
Finally, Stoke City boss Mark Hughes looks to have won the battle to bring Liverpool schemer Joe Allen to the Britannia Stadium this summer, staving off supposed interest from the Welsh conductor’s former club Swansea City.
Wales international Allen wowed Euro 2016 viewers with his elegant performances in France, but has endured a tough few seasons on Merseyside. Finally, the midfielder may now seek more playing time by joining compatriot coach Hughes in the Midlands.
The Potters have famously transformed into an attack-minded and possession-based side under the former Dragons forward, and Stoke’s style should be a good fit for 26-year-old Allen, who could cost around £13m.
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