Rumour reel: Chelsea enter the race for Sanches
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Blues want Bayern Munich youngster
So, the Neymar story just got a whole lot more interesting. The 25-year-old Brazilian was involved in a training ground bust-up with team-mate Nelson Semedo at Barcelona’s Miami summer camp. Taking exception to a tackle from the newbie, the pair had to be pulled apart by Javier Mascherano – the ultimate peacemaker.
Apparently, Neymar couldn’t be calmed down and stormed off the pitch. Will he keep walking all the way to France? PSG have put in a big money transfer offer, and the weekend’s drama may just be the deciding factor. Neymar’s not happy, and everyone knows it. Here’s the latest from our rumour reel…..
Chelsea enquire about City target
Chelsea kept sharp with a pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich in Singapore recently, and the Bundesliga giants informed the press Antonio Conte also used the meeting as a chance to get an update on Renato Sanches. The Portuguese wonderkid has been attracting a share of attention over the last few weeks, mainly from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, but rivals Chelsea may be about to nick the 19-year-old from under their noses. Sanches didn’t do an awful lot to impress last season at Bayern, and both parties are expected to cut their losses and move on, but few sides are willing to spend big on a player still seen as a bit of a gamble. Conte wants to take him on a risk-free year-long loan.
Perez will return to Deportivo
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been preoccupied with improving his squad over the summer, searching the European transfer market for players good enough to come in and help the Londoners return to the top-four of the Premier League at the first time of asking. The under-fire Frenchman has been slowly working through his summer wish list, but one man who looks set to move in the opposite direction is Lucas Perez. The 28-year-old Spaniard joined Arsenal from La Liga side Deportivo last year for £17m, but he hasn’t settled at the club, and is now on his way back. Perez’s agent said Deportivo have made an offer to take his client back to Estadio Riazor, and it will be accepted. A lack of first team opportunities forcing the move.
Magpies swoop on midfield pair
Newcastle got to work, signing Mikel Merino from Borussia Dortmund in a season-long loan deal. Dedicated football fans may have spotted the Spanish midfielder during the U21 European Championship last month, the Spaniards losing out to Germany in the final. Despite being a regular in La Liga, Merino has found game time thin on the ground in Germany, and will see a move to the Premier League as an ideal way to prove his worth. He won’t be the last new face through the door at St James Park either, Rafael Benitez ready to swoop on Benfica’s hard-working Greek Andreas Samaris. The 28-year-old midfielder has agreed terms, and will arrive in England shortly to put pen to paper.
