Coral’s Rumour Reel: Stoke eye record move for Dynamo attacker?
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Having previously managed to lure genuinely talented players to the Britannia Stadium, Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is hoping to add a Ukraine international forward to his squad, which now features three former Barcelona stars.
The Potters recently missed out on the Xherdan Shaqiri, but are ready now to break their transfer record for Dynamo Kiev attacker Andriy Yarmolenko, with the 25-year-old Ukrainian set to cost an ambitious Hughes around £15m this summer. Yarmolenko would join former La Masia graduates Bojan Krkic, Marc Muniesa and Moha El Ouriachi in what would be a gifted squad next season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are tempted to make a move for Manchester City’s out-of-favour striker Edin Dzeko, with the 29-year-old more than capable of shining at the Emirates under Arsene Wenger. The London club are 4/1 with Coral to claim the domestic crown next season.
Next season the Gunners could potentially be challenging Manchester United for the Premier League title once again, and the Red Devils are preparing for a hopeful season with plenty of market movement already completed.
The Londoners are also keen on Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but the Bundesliga side are unwilling to let such a star player depart the club, insisting he is not for sale this summer.
Remaining in Germany, and champions Bayern Munich may lose the country’s World Cup winning hero Mario Gotze, who is reportedly being targeted by Juventus and Liverpool.
Louis van Gaal has already bolstered his midfield areas potently and could now look to Barcelona forward Pedro in order to boost his attacking force as well.
The 27-year-old could be a replacement for Angel di Maria, who is being tracked heavily by French champions PSG, who could offer £52m for the Argentine.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing Anderlecht frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic and defender Chancel Mbemba. Serbia international Mitrovic would cost around £13.5m, while DR Congo full back Mbemba is valued at £7.5m.
QPR sharpshooter Charlie Austin was linked heavily with a switch to St James’ Park, but Steve McClaren’s Magpies are now being joined by Bournemouth and West Ham United in trying to lure the 26-year-old.
Finally, Tim Sherwood is hoping to land his former Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Villa Park, with the Aston Villa boss soon needing a replacement for imminently departing frontman Christian Benteke. Villa are 10/3 to be relegated next term.
