Transfer Talk: Arsenal lead race to sign Victor Osimhen after Chelsea talks stall
The summer transfer window hasn’t reopened in Europe yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Arsenal lead the pack in race for Osimhen
Arsenal are interested in a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The 25-year-old continues to be linked with a move away from Italy’s Serie A after deciding not to renew his contract with Napoli.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga & more (U.S.)
– Read on ESPN+: The USMNT’s 120-player depth chart
Negotiations with Chelsea are said to have failed to take off despite reports indicating a potential swap deal, which would see Romelu Lukaku head to Naples.
That now leaves the Gunners in the lead out of Osimhen’s potential suitors in the Premier League, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believed to be exploring the market to find a No. 9 this summer.
Osimhen scored 15 goals while assisting another three in 25 league games in the last season, and he has a release clause in his contract that can be activated for £113 million.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the situation of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, reports Bild. The LaLiga side are said to see the 29-year-old as a potential future successor for Toni Kroos, who is set to retire from football after taking part in the European Championships with Germany.
– A battle between Chelsea and Manchester United could take place for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, according to Team Talk. While the Red Devils are believed to be at the front of the queue for the 22-year-old, Chelsea are said to be confident that they have “just as much chance” as their rivals to sign him. The Eagles are reported to only be considering offers of £60 million and above.
– Personal terms have been agreed by West Ham and Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme, reports UOL. The Hammers are closing in on a deal worth €30 million to sign the 18-year-old, in a deal which will see the Brasileiro Serie A club receive 20% of any future transfer. Guilherme, who has been tracked by multiple clubs in Europe over the past season, has represented Brazil at U-20 level.
– Real Madrid have shown interest in AC Milan defender Theo Hernández, reports Nicolo Schira. Recent reports have linked Los Blancos with multiple left-backs throughout the season, and it looks as though the 26-year-old is the latest under consideration by the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy. The Rossoneri have been looking to extend his stay at the San Siro, with just over two years remaining on his current deal.
– Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies could sign a new contract at the club, according to Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Talks are reported to have taken place with the club’s hierarchy, with new manager Vincent Kompany keen to keep the 23-year-old Canada international at the Allianz Arena. Davies is said to have previously been demanding a salary of €20 million-per-year.