The January transfer window has been shut for just six weeks but Europe’s biggest clubs are already plotting their summer moves with a World Cup to negotiate around.
Our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the European media to round-up the latest transfer news.
France
Antero Henrique, Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director, reportedly met Thibaut Courtois recently to discuss a potential move to the Parc des Princes, with many at the club believing the Chelsea stopper is the solution to the long-term goalkeeping problem. (Le10Sport)
France manager Didier Deschamps believes Paul Pogba can’t be happy with what is going on at Manchester United: “This is a situation that he must not appreciate because of everything he would have been able to offer. There must be numerous reasons. He cannot be happy with what he is going through with his club.” (L’Equipe)
Spain
Guangzhou Evergrande coach, and former Portugal manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari says Cristiano Ronaldo has asked him what it is like living in China, prompting speculation the Real Madrid forward could be on the move in the near future. (Marca)
Lionel Messi revealed a diet of chocolate and fizzy drinks fuelled him during the season he scored 73 goals in all competitions.
The Barcelona No 10 says he’s changed his diet over recent seasons and feels better for it: “That is what made me throw up during games. Now I look after myself better. I eat fish, meat, salads. Everything is organised and taken care of.” (AS)
Chelsea transfer target Kepa Arrizabalaga says wanting to go to the World Cup with Spain played a significant part in his decision to reject a move to Real Madrid during the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old put pen to paper on a new with with Athletic Bilbao, a decision which saw his release clause swell to €80m. After being named in the Spanish squad for the upcoming friendlies, Kepa acknowledged the importance of performing well for his club: “To play the World Cup I know I have to do well in my club, Athletic.” (AS)
Following the show he put on against Girona on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo is one four-goal haul shy of a La Liga record. The former Manchester United attacker has seven to his name now and he’s trailing only Telmo Zarra, who managed struck four times in eight matches during his time in the Spanish league. (Marca)
Germany
Borussia Dortmund’s search for a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has taken them to Argentina. The Bundesliga side are interested in Arsenal transfer target Lautaro Martinez and believe he’s the ideal replacement for the Gabonese speedster.
On-loan forward Michy Batshuayi was considered but those in charge of recruitment at the club believe he offers very little else aside from goals and it’s not the profile they want from a player leading their line. A fee of around €32m is expected to be enough to land the Argentine forward. (Kicker)
Everton transfer target Philipp Max could stay at Augsburg for at least another season. The 24-year-old has 12 assists this season – the most in the Bundesliga – and this form hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Despite the attention, he might stay with his current club: “I feel good in Augsburg, I live in the present and I do my best,” he said. (Kicker)
VfB Stuttgart are weighing up a move to bring Johannes Geis to the club next season. The midfielder is currently on loan with Sevilla from Schalke, but isn’t having the best of times in La Liga. His current deal with his parent club expires in 2019 and he could be available for a knockdown price in the summer. (SportBild)
Former Liverpool transfer target Emil Forsberg is unhappy at RB Leipzig. He’s failed to replicate last season’s form due to injury and rotation. The 26-year-old has been left frustrated with life at the Red Bull Arena as Ralph Hasenhuttl alternating his side.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all thought to be keen on signing the versatile Sweden international. (SportBild)
Italy
AC Milan missed out on Manchester United transfer target Andrea Belotti last summer but are primed and ready to make another attempt to bring ‘the rooster’ to the San Siro when the season ends.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso has won over people at the club and will be rewarded with a new, long-term deal. His first bit of summer business will be to replace Nikola Kalinic, who hasn’t impressed, with Torino hitman Belotti. Due to his poor form this season, Milan believe they’ll get their man for a knockdown price. (Corriere dello Sport)
Inter striker Mauro Icardi has revealed Italy and Spain wanted the striker to switch allegiances and resist the temptation to play for Argentina.
Speaking in an recent interview, the Real Madrid transfer target claimed both countries tried, and failed, to have him turn out for them: “There was the possibility of going to the Italian national team. They called me for the Under-21 and I fought with Sampdoria (his previous team) because I did not want to go, I wanted Argentina. The Spaniards also tried, they called my father, but I always wanted Argentina, and I got it.” (Rivista Undici)
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