Transfer Gossip: Chelsea hope to strike £35m deal after turning focus to Prem defender; four ways for Spurs to cut distance to key target
Chelsea are keen on Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters, while Tottenham could make a part-exchange offer for Nicolo Zaniolo – all according to Wednesday’s transfer gossip.
KYLE WALKER-PETERS CATCHES CHELSEA ATTENTION
Chelsea are showing an interest in Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, according to reports.
There is a need for further depth in the full-back areas of Thomas Tuchel’s team, which became clear during injuries for Ben Chilwell and Reece James last season.
On Chilwell’s left-hand side, they are close to agreeing a deal for Brighton man Marc Cucurella. On the opposite flank, they have been linked with Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan to compete with James.
But a new name has come into contention to reinforce the right wing-back berth. According to The Guardian, Chelsea are considering Walker-Peters as well as Dumfries.
Walker-Peters has been with Southampton since 2020, when he left Tottenham Hotspur. Now, he could get the chance to move back to a London club.
The Guardian claims Walker-Peters is on Chelsea’s shortlist after his performances over the past couple of years with Southampton.
His current employers would be wanting a fee worth more than £40m to sell Walker-Peters. However, there is an indication that a deal could be done for around £35m still.
Knowing that the right-footer can cover on either side of defence, Chelsea believe Walker-Peters is someone who could be worth investing in.
It will be over to them to decide if he is worth what Southampton believe he is. In turn, Chelsea can choose whether to make a bid for the 25-year-old or not.
TOTTENHAM TRY SWAP DEAL FOR ZANIOLO
Tottenham remain keen on a deal for Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, although four potential swap options have failed to make significant progress.
Zaniolo is a major target for a Tottenham side who have already been busy in the transfer window. He is into the final two years of his contract with Roma, who have already signed Paulo Dybala this summer.
Therefore, Spurs feel there is an opportunity to take Zaniolo. However, his price tag stands at €50m (£41.8m). As things stand, Tottenham have only offered €40m (£33.4m).
There is a feeling the operation could be unlocked via a part-exchange deal. According to Italian paper La Repubblica, ex-Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho asked for two players from his former club.
One is Oliver Skipp, the talented midfielder who enjoyed a productive season in the Tottenham first team last season. However, Spurs responded with a simple no.
Another is Sergio Reguilon, although the option was discarded due to Roma already being covered in his left-back position.
Consequently, Tottenham director Fabio Paratici has proposed Japhet Tanganga and Tanguy Ndombele as other potential makeweights. Of the pair, defender Tanganga is the one who might appeal to Roma.
However, the Serie A side still hope to keep Zaniolo, so it remains to be seen if any swap attempt by Tottenham could be successful.
NEW FODEN CONTRACT WITH MAN CITY REVEALED
Phil Foden is on the verge of signing a new contract with Manchester City – the terms of which have been uncovered.
Foden has shown his talent since stepping up from the academy into the Man City first team. He now has 168 appearances to his name for the club at the age of just 22.
His current contract is due to expire in 2024. In the time since he last signed an extension, in 2018, he has developed significantly.
Hence, he is set to receive a reward for his rise with updated terms. According to the Daily Mail, Foden will be signing a six-year extension. In other words, his new deal will last until 2028.
As part of the arrangement, his salary will increase towards the region of £225,000 per week. Foden has agreed to the terms and an announcement should follow from the Premier League champions.
