Rumour Reel: Defrel to Arsenal, Davies Blues bound while Teixeira to the Black Cats?
Robbie Purves | September 27, 2016
Coral’s rumour reel
The Emirates could be about to welcome another fresh face in January, with French hitman Gregoire Defrel to Arsenal linked in today’s back pages.
Arsene Wenger brought in Lucas Perez this summer, but doesn’t seem to be satisfied with his forward line as they eye a title tilt.
Defrel to Arsenal
The Gunners are reportedly continuing to track the progress of Sassuolo striker Defrel and have sent out scouts to watch the 25-year-old three times now this season, but could face competition from Liverpool in their endeavour to sign him.
Defrel is taking Serie A by storm this term, with an impressive strike rate.
Defrel has found the net seven times in nine outings this term and is a versatile forward that can play across the front-line.
Sassuolo’s star was a target for Crystal Palace and Swansea City earlier this year, but has now attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs after a stellar start to the Serie A season.
Davies Blues bound?
Antonio Conte is eyeing a move for Wales full back Ben Davies in a defensive revamp, according to reports.
The Italian manager has been unimpressed by Chelsea’s porous defence so far and Davies, 23, is currently second-choice left back behind Danny Rose at Tottenham and hasn’t been able to nail down a starting berth at White Hart Lane.
Davies has caught the eye of Conte.
Reports coming out of Stamford Bridge have indicated Conte still wants to switch to his favoured 3-5-2 formation, but is yet to possess the personnel to do so.
Davies can play on the left of a three man defence and played it perfectly in Wales’ Euro 2016 campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals.
The Blues added David Luiz and and Marco Alonso on summer’s deadline day, but neither have been able to find their feet while Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic have had a torrid start to the Premier League season.
Teixeira to Black Cats
David Moyes’ Sunderland are reportedly interested in moving for former Liverpool man Joao Teixeira in January.
Teixeira could be arriving in Sunderland for first team football.
Teixeira left Merseyside for Porto in an attempt to play regular first team football, but doesn’t seem to be in manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans after failing to make an appearance thus far.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder possesses excellent dribbling and passing skills, but with Sunderland struggling at the back, he isn’t a player Moyes particularity needs.
Related
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Gunners fans, tell us what you think of Defrel to Arsenal in the comments below.
