Paper Talk: Marina Granovskaia grants Tuchel funds to bring blockbuster duo to Chelsea
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is willing to sign off huge deals for Thomas Tuchel’s top two targets, Arsenal are looking at an AC Milan attacker, while Monday’s transfer gossip claims Manchester United fancy themselves a Luke Shaw upgrade.
DECLAN RICE TOPS CHELSEA TRANSFER WISH-LIST
Chelsea are ready to bankroll an enormous summer for Thomas Tuchel with two huge deals in their sights.
The Blues – on Saturday crowned Club World Cup winners – know they need to strengthen their squad to become even more dominant.
Top of their wishlist is a new midfielder, with Declan Rice now their No 1 summer target. The West Ham midfielder recently dropped a hint about leaving the London Stadium amid reports he’s dreaming of a return to Stamford Bridge. He started out as a youth with the Blues before being released and then picked up by West Ham.
Now regarded as one of the game’s best midfielders, Rice is likely to cost around a British record fee. Nonetheless, the Daily Telegraph reports that Marina Granovskaia is willing to sign the £100m cheque needed to bring Rice back to the club.
The Hammers, however, may well dig their heels in and decide against the sale of Rice – even for a British-record fee.
Were that to happen, Chelsea already have a Plan B in the shape of Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
Granovskaia and Tuchel see Tchouameni as Rice Plan B
The Monaco midfielder is seen as one of the game’s best upcoming midfield talents. And while a more obtainable target, would still likely cost in the region of £60m.
Declan Rice bidding war for Chelsea, Man United and Man City
West Ham will have to fight off Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City to keep Declan Rice this summer
Tuchel also desperately wants to strengthen his defence. As such, he’s ready to go big again for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
The Blues failed to land the Frenchman last summer, with Sevilla holding out for his £75m exit clause.
But with doubts lingering over Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, that’s a fee Granovskaia is now willing to pay.
ARSENAL CHASE RAFAEL LEAO
Arsenal are ready to turn to AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as they look for new firepower this summer.
The Gunners lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, while Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette will likely leave this summer.
As such, a report on Sunday claims a huge approach is being readied for the latter.
And with some holes to fill in their attack, they have been knocked back over a number of possible options.
Now, several outlets claim the Gunners are willing to turn to Leao.
The Portuguese forward has 10 goals and four assists this season from 27 appearances.
And while still costing around £40m, he is the man they seemingly want to sign.
Newcastle are also reportedly looking at the three-times capped Portugal international.
MAN UTD LOOK AT NEW FULL-BACK
Manchester United are reportedly casting admiring glances towards Borussia Monchengladbach‘s Albania defender Ramy Bensebaini.
The 26-year-old has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this season, having reportedly impressed United’s scouts.
Now fanciful reports in the Spanish press claims he is being targeted to replace Luke Shaw.
The England man, like so many teammates, is struggling this season with Bensebaini regarded as a possible replacement.
NEW DEAL FOR RAHEEM STERLING
Pep Guardiola is reportedly pushing for Raheem Sterling to sign a new deal at Manchester City.
The winger’s current contract expires in June 2023 and Sterling is reportedly open to a move abroad.
But The Guardian reports that Guardiola is looking to convince Sterling to think again and stay at the Etihad.
Sterling struck the fifth hat-trick of his City career on Saturday as they destroyed Norwich 4-0 at Carrow Road.
