Rumour Reel: Spurs seek striker signings, more midfielders linked to Man Utd
Published:
Robbie Purves | June 1, 2016
Despite the window officially opening on July 1st, it seems clubs are already chasing down their transfer targets one by one as they look to complete some of their business before Euro 2016 kicks off.
Deeney deal to Spurs?
Tottenham are reportedly after Watford frontman Troy Deeney in their hunt for quality cover for star striker Harry Kane.
Deeney netted 13 Premier League goals this past club campaign that propelled the Hornets to an impressive 13th place finish. The 27-year-old is a high-energy, powerful forward and would slot nicely into Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s system.
According to reports, Deeney rejected a move to Arsenal in January, but it is understood that the Vicarage Road side would allow him to leave for a Champions League club.
Another name linked to White Hart Lane is Alexandre Lacazette. The Lyon forward scored 23 goals this campaign after his personal-best scoring tally the previous season, recording 31 goals. Reports indicate that talks are under way between tough negotiators Jean-Michel Aulas and Daniel Levy. The Kids are looking for a fee of £30m, while Levy is remaining firm at £24m for the pacey forward.
West Ham United were previously thought to be after Lacazette, but have now reportedly turned their attention to Colombia hitman Carlos Bacca. The Hammers must cough up £20m for the AC Milan striker that scored 48 goals in all competitions over the last two years, and look keen to move into the Olympic Stadium with a statement signing.
Midfield duo head to Manchester?
Despite just recently signing his Manchester United managerial contract, Jose Mourinho looks as though he has handed his transfer list to the Old Trafford hierarchy.
The Red Devils will look to beat Chelsea and Liverpool to the signing of Bosnia plymaker Miralem Pjanic. The Roma star has previously stated his intentions to challenge for titles and is wanted by a host of clubs around Europe.
Pjanic scored an impressive 12 goals and 13 assists from midfield this campaign, so would add creativity and crucial goals to United’s sometimes lacklustre centre.
Another name linked to the Red Devils is Grzegorz Krychowiak. The Poland enforcer is reportedly a target for Man Utd, but their hopes of signing the player have taken a hit after Barcelona emerged as front-runner. It is believed that the Catalan giants are already in talks with the player’s representatives.
Krychowiak was key to Sevilla’s Europa League triumph and looked a class act throughout.
Arsenal want Murillo
Fresh off the back of securing Granit Xhaka for next season, Arsenal are looking to welcome their second signing of the summer in the form of Jeison Murillo.
The 24-year-old Colombia centre back could be the answer to Arsene Wenger’s defensive woes, after inconsistent campaigns from Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.
Inter Milan may have to sell this summer, as they reportedly have a £39m deficit to make up if they are to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules. Murillo is a valuable asset and looks to be on the transfer list along with Nerazzurri captain Mauro Icardi.
Premier League champions Leicester City and Stoke City are also interested in the solid and athletic South American defender, according to reports.
The Gunners are also apparently interested in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, as his agent said the player was ‘considering his options’ after rejecting a new contract.
Borussia Dortmund’s Armenia international midfielder appears likely to leave the German giants in the near future and Arsenal are looking to add this creative force to their packed centre.
Mkhitaryan scored an impressive 23 goals and recorded 32 assists this campaign across all compeitions and would fit nicely into Arsene Wenger’s neat passing football.
London clubs battle for Morata
Alvaro Morata is reportedly a target for Arsenal and the player is keen to have his future resolved before the European Championship. The Spaniard would add energy and class to Wenger’s frontline, appeasing calls from supporters for a top striker.
However, the Gunners may face competition from Chelsea. Morata has played brilliantly for Antonio Conte’s former club Juventus since his move from Real Madrid in 2014, and registered a dozen goals and assists this campaign.
Los Blancos have first refusal on the player from June 1st for a fee of €30m; however, the striker has indicated an interest of moving to England: “I think for my characteristics the Premier League would also be a great destination.”
