Transfer Talk: McKennie, Iling-Junior key to Juve landing Luiz
The summer transfer window is open for the Premier League and is set to open across Europe soon, and 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: Villa, Juve in talks over Luiz-McKennie player swap
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is closing in on a move to Juventus, however the deal may hinge on Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior, according to Tuttosport.
Juventus have been monitoring Luiz closely this summer. The 26-year-old produced an impressive season at Villa Park last campaign, registering 10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, which has seen several clubs in Europe take interest.
It is reported that a deal will see cash provided by the Italian giants, alongside both McKennie and Illing-Junior. And while there is understood to be no issues with Luiz’s side, there is still work to do regarding the two Bianconeri players. Illing-Junior reportedly needs assurances regarding his expected game time at Villa. after starting just four Serie A games last season, while McKennie is seeking an “exit agreement” with Juventus.
Villa are understood to be keen to finalise the deal as soon as possible as they have until June 30 to ensure Financial Fair Play compliance.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah could be subject to a substantial offer Al Ittihad this summer, reports TeamTalk. Alongside Salah, it is reported that the Saudi Pro League outfit have earmarked Tottenham Hotspur‘s Son Heung-Min and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa as possible alternatives.
– Arsenal are amongst the clubs interested in an approach for Girona forward Artem Dovbyk, reports Rudy Galetti. The 26-year-old notched 24 goals and eight assists in 36 LaLiga appearances last season, attracting attention from across Europe in the process. Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta keen to add to his attacking options this summer. It is reported that Napoli have approached Dovbyk’s entourage in the hopes of securing a deal, while Atletico Madrid are also named as an interested party.
– AC Milan midfielder Tommaso Pobega could be available for around €13 million, says Calciomercato. It is reported that Fiorentina have joined Torino, Bologna and several Premier League clubs in the race for the 24-year-old.
– AC Milan will demand €80m to part ways with defender Theo Hernández, amid interest from Bayern Munich, reveals La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 26-year-old is on the radar of the Bavarian outfit, who are preparing for Alphonso Davies‘ exit, with Real Madrid likely to sign the Canada international.
– Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has no intention of leaving the Spanish outfit, despite interest from Newcastle United, according to Sport. It is reported that Torres would take some convincing to leave the Nou Camp, and that the 24-year-old is encouraged by the project offered by new Barca manager Hansi Flick.
