Coral’s Rumour Reel: Arsenal chipping away at Granit Xhaka deal
Published:
Holly Thackeray | January 21, 2016
Gunners to go gung-ho for Granit Xhaka
Premier League giants Arsenal are stealing the headlines again this morning, with Arsene Wenger tipped to finally shell out and revamp his defensive midfield.
The Gunners could fork out an eye-watering £37m on Borussia Monchengladbach’s Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, with the talented 23-year-old able to provide exactly the type of bite and guile from deep that Arsenal lack depth in.
Alexandre Pato signed, sealed, delivered to Chelsea?
Chelsea are finally on the verge of pouncing for Corinthians poacher Alexandre Pato, as the latest reports suggest the Brazilian striker has agreed to take a pay cut to join the Blues. Rumoured to be lined up for a three-year deal, the Samba star is expected to cost the capital club around £8m.
Though, this mooted marksman move may instigate a dangerman domino effect, as Radamel Falcao will likely return to parent club Monaco if the Pato agreement is inked. While, Spain wideman Pedro is apparently already disillusioned with life at Stamford Bridge and said to be seeking a speedy exit, with La Liga duo Valencia and Villarreal vying for the ex-Barcelona boy’s services, though the Blues are unlikely to do business until summer.
As Premier League champions Chelsea appear to be distracted with signing one bargain Brazilian, Liverpool could sweep in to swoop for another west London-linked attacker in Shakhtar Donetsk stars Alex Teixeira, but the 26-year-old is valued at around £29m.
In further, Northwest news, the Merseysiders may also offload midfielder Joe Allen, as former club Swansea City supposedly want to take the anchorman back to south Wales.
Spurs in striker target switch
The Saido Berahino to Tottenham transfer saga should finally come to a conclusion this winter window, with West Bromwich Albion supposedly preferring to sell to relegation-threatened Newcastle United, although the young striker would rather move to White Hart Lane.
Spurs don’t seem to be resting on their laurels though, and are instead now being linked to Barca young-gun Sandro Ramirez, with the Spain Under-21 sharpshooter’s reported £9m release clause set to be triggered in an intriguing move.
West Ham United are also revving up their striker search and have highly-rated Marseille and Belgium frontman Michy Batshuayi in their sights, though come summer they will surely have to fight for the attacker’s affection with bigger clubs.
Vidic to be a Villan?
Former Manchester United centre half Nemanja Vidic may well be bringing his tough tackling and determined defending back to a Premier League club near you soon, as relegation battlers Aston Villa are believed to be offering the Serbian a new home.
Having cancelled his contract with last club Inter Milan, the modern Red Devils legend is apparently now on Remi Garde’s radar, and would be available on a Bosman.
While, in more Man Utd news, the Edinson Cavani rumour is rearing its head once again, with the Uruguayan centre forward’s representatives said to once again have broached a move from PSG to Old Trafford.
Finally, across the short distance from Manchester to Staffordshire, Stoke City may make big waves in the window with a £19m deal for out-of-favour Porto midfielder Gianelli Imbula.
When asked about this particular piece of gossip, Potters manager Mark Hughes told press: “Lots of names are getting banded around and that’s one of them. We are interested in good players.” Watch this space.
Related
Check out Coral’s previous rumour reels, or delve into our live football transfer blog for the latest news!
