Transfer Talk: Chelsea won't rule out loan for Washington
The transfer deadline may have passed across Europe’s top five leagues but there is still business to be done this summer. And, with only four months until the January window opens, the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest, and you can check out our list of all the major done deals.
TOP STORY: U.S. international Robinson wanted by Man United
Manchester United are making plans for new defensive arrivals in January, and The Sun reports that United States and Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson is among their list of targets.
The Red Devils are looking for a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw. The 29-year-old has been a reliable performer over the course of his decade at Old Trafford, but he has suffered several long-term injuries in that time.
Most recently, Shaw missed the final three months of last season. After returning to fitness to play three games for England at Euro 2024, he then suffered a calf injury that ruled him out of the start of this campaign.
Robinson has started the season well for Fulham, registering two assists as the Cottagers have taken four points from their first three league games this season. He has made 154 appearances for the club since arriving from Wigan Athletic in 2020.
Fulham, who signed Robinson for just £2 million ($2.6m), would want a transfer fee of £30m ($39.3m) for the 27-year-old. AC Milan and Manchester City have also expressed their interest in Robinson, who signed a new five-year contract at Craven Cottage last summer.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Chelsea will only consider loan offers for Deivid Washington after rejecting approaches from two English clubs on deadline day, Fabrizio Romano reports. The transfer insider adds that Washington is highly valued by his current club and is very much part of their “future project.” However, a one-year loan hasn’t been ruled out by the Blues this season, with several Portuguese clubs interested in signing him. The 19-year-old forward has only played twice for Chelsea since joining the club last year from Santos. Washington has recently been linked with a move to Strasbourg, although that reportedly fell through earlier this week after Chelsea pulled the plug on the deal. ESPN also reported that Strasbourg had even scheduled a medical for the Brazilian until the transfer was called off.
– Mohamed Simakan is expected to arrive in Riyadh on Saturday ahead of his proposed €40 million move to Al Nassr, reports Florian Plettenberg. The RB Leipzig defender has already put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Saudi club, completing his medical Friday in Berlin. The 24-year-old will earn €15m annually at Al Nassr, including add-ons. He has played 85 times in the Bundesliga since joining Leipzig back in 2021, while also earning seven France Under-21 caps.
– Al Fayha are in advanced talks to sign AS Roma‘s Chris Smalling, reports Footmercato. The French publication adds that only a few details need to be ironed out before the former Manchester United defender completes his move to the Saudi Pro League. Al Fayha have been working on a deal to sign Smalling for several weeks, although time is running out with the Saudi transfer window officially closing in two days. Should Roma lose the 34-year-old, the Serie A club are expected to push ahead in their pursuit of free agent Mats Hummels.
– AS Roma have edged ahead of Galatasaray in the race to sign free agent Mario Hermoso, reports Gianluca Di Marzio. The former Atlético Madrid defender has been negotiating with both clubs in recent days, but an agreement with the Serie A side now appears to be imminent. Di Marzio claims that Hermoso and Roma have been in continuous contact over the terms of a proposed three-year contract, with a deal now close. The 29-year-old left Atletico this summer after five years in the Spanish capital.
– Al Hilal have agreed to a €40m fee with Benfica for striker Marcos Leonardo, Fabrizio Romano reports. The Brazil U20 international is slated to fly to Paris Sunday for medical tests after an agreement was reached by both clubs. Leonardo is set to earn around €5m per year at Al Hilal, alongside contractual add-ons. The 21-year-old has been at Benfica for less than a year but has already impressed after bagging eight goals in 17 league appearances.
– Chelsea and West Ham United made late loan offers for Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán on deadline day, HITC reports. Both late attempts were quickly rejected by Villa, who would have been left with no time to recruit a replacement before the summer transfer window shut on Friday. The 20-year-old Colombia international has been heavily linked with a Villa exit this summer, although no club was able to meet their £40m valuation.
