Transfer news: Chelsea targets Szalai? Azpilicueta to Barcelona? Juventus eyes Zakaria?

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Attila Szalai - Hungary - November 12, 2021

The January transfer window is only a few weeks away and the rumor mill is in full swing.

Here are some of the latest reports on potential moves across Europe:

  • Barcelona eyes Azpilicueta, Sterling, Gavi extension
  • Lingard sets asking price, while Arsenal youngster wants out
  • Juve expects to miss out on Pogba, but targeting Gladbach duo
  • Man Utd eyes replacement for Harry Maguire

AC Milan target Cuenca

AC Milan are working on the signing of Hugo Cuenca, according to MilanNews.

The 16-year-old will join from Deportivo Capiata in January if the registration goes through.


Atletico waiting on Morata and Saul futures to be decided

Atletico Madrid stand to rake in a lot of money next summer, should Alvaro Morata and Saul Niguez’s purchase options be triggered by Juventus and Chelsea, respectively.

Atletico will earn around €75 million in total should both players make their loan moves permanent at the end of the season, but it is unlikely either move will go through as Saul has failed to break into the Chelsea team and Juventus are ready to let Morata leave to make room for Dusan Vlahovic.

AS reports Atletico are waiting to find out what will happen, but neither player is likely to return to the starting XI under Diego Simeone, meaning another soap opera is likely to unfold next summer.


Juventus advance on Zakaria and target teammate Kone

Juventus are confident of signing Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach, but are also plotting a bid for Kouadio Kone, says Tuttosport.

The Serie A side have been pushing for Zakaria’s signing since September and are moving closer as he is refusing to sign a new deal with Gladbach.

Juve will also move for Kone, who looked set to join AC Milan at one point last year before he returned to the German side from a loan spell at Toulouse.


Real Madrid snubbed Roma’s €30m bid for Vazquez

Roma made a €30 million bid for Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez, El Nacional reports.

Jose Mourinho hoped to bring the Spain international to Serie A but Florentino Perez knocked back Roma’s offer and the 30-year-old has gone on to feature regularly for Carlo Ancelotti’s team this season.


Celtic to move for Bizot

Celtic are ready to make a bid for Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot, according to Football Scotland.

The Netherlands goalkeeper joined the French side from AZ but the Ligue 1 side are looking to sell him already, with the Scottish side ready to pounce.


Dybala to sign new Juventus contract this month

Paulo Dybala has reached an agreement with Juventus over a new contract.

Tuttosport says the Argentine attacker will put pen to paper on a new deal later this month, raising his salary to €8 million per season, with €2m available in bonuses.


Real Madrid to extend Modric contract

Real Madrid are working on committing Luka Modric to a one-year contract extension, Marca reports.

The Spanish giants want to keep him tied to the club until 2023 and the midfielder is expected to agree as he wants to play at the World Cup in 2022.


Nketiah tells Arsenal he’s leaving

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s attempts to persuade Eddie Nketiah to stay have proved unsuccessful.

The Daily Mail reports that Nketiah has told the club he wants to leave as his contract nears its end and he could end up at Crystal Palace, who are showing interest in him.


Real Madrid and Barca target Napoli’s Elmas

Eljif Elmas’ performances for Napoli have caught the attention of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Spanish sides have him in their crosshairs amid the midfielder’s rise to prominence in Luciano Spalletti’s team.

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by the 22-year-old when he was in charge of Napoli and is interested in bringing him to the Spanish capital, while Barca see him as a good fit for their midfield.


Chelsea seriously interested in Rabiot

Chelsea are considering a January move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Calciomercato.it reports the Premier League side are showing serious interest in the France international as they look to replace Saul Niguez, who has been unable to settle in at the club since joining from Atletico Madrid.

Newcastle have also been linked with Rabiot but the appointment of Eddie Howe could change the likelihood of the club making an offer.


Andy Carroll joins Reading on short-term deal


Kamara still on AC Milan watchlist

AC Milan are still interested in signing Boubacar Kamarafrom Marseille, according to Calciomercato.

The midfielder has rejected Marseille’s latest offer to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

Milan failed in their bid to sign him last summer but could make a move for him in January or ahead of next term.


Barcelona eye Azpilicueta

Barcelona could sign Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer if he opts against signing a new contract with Chelsea.

ESPN reports the Camp Nou outfit are monitoring his situation as he continues talks with Chelsea, though the Blues are confident of tying him to a new deal.


MLS or South America for Saul?

Saul Niguez will have few options available to him if he is released from a loan spell at Chelsea in January, claims Mundo Deportivo.

Having already represented the Blues and Atletico Madrid this season, the Spanish midfielder would need to find more game time outside of Europe in MLS or South America.


Ramos to remain with PSG

Sergio Ramos will be staying at Paris Saint-Germain, reports Football Espana.

The Spain international defender is yet to make his debut for Ligue 1 heavyweights, as he struggles with injury, but those at Parc des Princes still expect him to make an impact.


Marseille seek permanent deal for Saliba

Marseille are, according to Ekrem Konur, keen on reaching a permanent agreement for Arsenal defender William Saliba.

The highly-rated defender is currently taking in a loan spell back in his homeland and has impressed enough to make his current employers ask questions of a Premier League parent club.


Rabiot registers on Barcelona radar

Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is registering on the recruitment radar at Barcelona, claims El Nacional.

The France international claims to be happy in Turin, but he could be lured away by an enticing offer.


‘Huge shock’ if City sell Silva

The Manchester Evening News claims it would be a “huge shock” if Manchester City were to agree to part with Bernardo Silva in January.

The Portugal international faces fierce competition for places at the Etihad Stadium, and has seen a move elsewhere mooted, but he has been in impressive form this season and is set to stay put.


Real end interest in Pau Torres

Real Madrid have ended their interest in Villarreal defender Pau Torres, claims El Nacional.

The Spain international has been linked with leading clubs across Europe, but the Blancos will not be making a move.


Chelsea lead race for Szalai

Chelsea are, according to Fichajes, leading the race for Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai.

Barcelona are also keen on the Hungarian centre-back, but he could soon be heading to Stamford Bridge.


Juve in talks to sign Zakaria

Juventus are in talks to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria - according to Calcio Mercato.

The Italian giants have made contact with the 24-year-old's agent to discuss his availability ahead of the January transfer window.

Massimiliano Allegri has made Zakaria his number one target, but Juve could face competition from Liverpool and Manchester City.


Leeds target Reading midfielder Flint

Leeds United have identified Reading midfielder John Swift as a transfer target - according to The Sheffield Star.

Burnley, Wolves and Sheffield United are all considering moves for the 26-year-old, whose current contract is due to expire in June 2022.

Leeds are hoping to win the race for Flint as Marcelo Bielsa seeks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.


Pino pens fresh terms at Villarreal


Lingard asking price set at £10m (Northern Echo)

Manchester United will demand just £10 million ($13m) from any deal involving Jesse Lingard in January, claims the Northern Echo.

That price tag has Newcastle interested, while West Ham are also keen on taking the England international back to the London Stadium.


Juve expect to miss out on Pogba

CaughtOffside reports that Juventus are expecting to miss out on the signing of Paul Pogba.

The Manchester United midfielder, who will become a free agent next summer, has seen a return to Turin mooted on a regular basis, but Serie A heavyweights believe he will head elsewhere in 2022.


Barca want Thiago loan deal in January

Barcelona want to take Thiago Alcantara on loan from Liverpool, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The Spain international midfielder has seen a return to Camp Nou mooted following the appointment of Xavi, but La Liga giants do not have the funds to put a permanent transfer in place.


Nketiah and Lacazette to leave Arsenal

Arsenal are set to lose two strikers in 2022, reports football.london, with Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette heading for the exits.

Both men are due to be out of contract next summer and will leave Emirates Stadium as free agents if no deals are put in place during the January window.


Arsenal's Balogun wanted by Middlesbrough

Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is wanted by Middlesbrough - according to The Sun.

New Boro boss Chris Wilder has identified the 20-year-old as a priority target ahead of the January transfer window.

Arsenal could be open to loaning out Balogun, who extended his contract at Emirates Stadium through to 2025 in April.


Dimarco in line for new Inter deal

Federico Dimarco is in line for a new contract at Inter - according to Calcio Mercato.

The 26-year-old left-back's current deal is due to expire in 19 months, but the Nerazzurri are eager to tie him down until 2026.

Dimarco will also be given a significant pay increase as a reward for his impressive start to the season.


Milan join race for Ali Cho

Milan have joined the race to sign Angers striker Mohamed-Ali Cho - according to L'Equipe.

Atletico Madrid and Chelsea have also been linked with the 17-year-old, whose current contract is due to expire in 2023.

Ali Cho is expected to leave Angers next year, with Milan poised to swoop in and try and beat their European rivals to his signature.


Barca to hand Gavi fresh five-year deal


Wolves set to pursue Van de Beek

Wolves are set to push to sign Donny van de Beek this winter, reports Birmingham Live.

Van de Beek is set to leave Manchester United, having failed to lock down a consistent role at Old Trafford.

And Wolves are prepared to battle Everton and Newcastle in their bid to sign the Dutch midfielder.


Barca still interested in Sterling

Barcelona are still considering a move for Raheem Sterling, reports Sky Sports.

Sterling remains a legitimate target for Barca, who have discussed the economic details that would be required to pull off such a big move.

The Manchester City winger recently admitted that he was open to playing abroad, offering Barca a bit of hope for a deal.


Man Utd eye Kounde as Maguire replacement

Manchester United are eyeing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as a replacement for Harry Maguire, according to Todofichajes.

The Red Devils are looking for a new central defensive partner for summer signing Raphael Varane and have turned their attentions to the France international.

Sevilla are resigned to Kounde leaving but will insist that any interested club meet his release clause, believed to be $92 million.


Van Bronckhorst set for Rangers job

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is already formulating his backroom team at Rangers as he closes in on the manager's job at Ibrox, reports the Daily Record.

The Glasgow giants held positive talks with the Dutchman on Sunday and he could be confirmed as Steven Gerrard's successor as early as Monday.

Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also held talks with the Rangers hierachy but Van Bronckhorst remains their first choice.


Spurs turn down Hazard but eye Bale

Tottenham have turned down the chance to sign Eden Hazard from Real Madrid but are considering a deal for Gareth Bale, reports El Nacional.

Los Blancos have offered both players to Spurs as they look to move some of their higher earners off the wage bill.

New Tottenham boss Antonio Conte knows Hazard well from his time in charge of Chelsea but has opted against signing the Belgian. However a cut-price move for Bale, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is a potential option.


Barca eye Simons return

Barcelona could agree a deal to re-sign teenager Xavi Simons from PSG, according to Cadena Ser.

Simons’ representative, Mino Raiola, raised the possibility of re-signing the 18-year-old in a meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta.

Simons left Barca for Paris two years ago but is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to move on from the French giants.

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