Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd ramp up bid to sign exceptional World Cup talent; Adrien Rabiot decides on next club
Manchester United are ready to ramp up their efforts to sign a prolific LaLiga forward currently starring at the World Cup, while Premier League target Adrien Rabiot has decided on his next move – all in Friday’s Euro transfer gossip.
UNITED STEP ON GAS IN STRIKER HUNT
Manchester United are reportedly looking to improve their attacking options by stepping up their bid to sign Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
The 31-year-old has been outstanding during France’s path to the World Cup final, where they will play Argentina on Sunday.
Playing in a No.10 role behind Olivier Giroud, Griezmann has been dictating play with his clever movement and link-up play – as he did in the quarter-final win over England.
The fact that Atletico are now out of the Champions League means they could opt to cash in on some of their top stars. And Griezmann is one who could be offloaded.
The Frenchman only rejoined Atletico on a permanent deal from Barcelona in the summer of 2021. But he currently has a contract that runs until 2026 and will not come cheap.
Versatile Griezmann can fill several roles
United’s need for another attacking option has stepped up a notch after Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious exit.
Griezmann has showed in Qatar that he is still a quality performer. However, the fact that he plays in a deeper-lying role makes it hard to see where he fits in under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman already has Bruno Fernandes in the playmaking role, while Christian Eriksen can also play there. And while Griezmann can play as a No.9 he is not as effective in that position.
Another option would be to play Marcus Rashford through the middle and Griezmann off the left wing. That is something he has done before but, again, it’s not where he is at his best.
Much now depends on Ten Hag and what he actually wants from Ronaldo’s replacement.
PREM TARGET RABIOT DECIDES ON NEXT CLUB
Adrien Rabiot would rather join Barcelona than make the move to the Premier League. (Sport)
Liverpool will match any offers that Benfica receive from other suitors for Argentina starlet Enzo Fernandez. (O Jogo)
Contract talks between PSG and Lionel Messi, Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe and Sergio Ramos have been heading in a positive direction. (Le10 Sport)
Inter are in a hurry to extend Milan Skriniar’s contract and hope to finalise a deal by the end of the year for the Premier League target. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)
Milan and Inter are interested in emerging Morocco star Azzedine Ounahi, but Leicester City are ready to offer €45m for the 22-year-old. ( Gazzetta)
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Daichi Kamada, who is a target for Tottenham, has yet to commit to joining Bundesliga rivals Dortmund. (Sky Sport Germany)
MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP
Barcelona will only look to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko on a free transfer at the end of the season, rather than attempt to sign him in next month’s transfer window. (Sport)
Jorge Mendes opened talks with the Portuguese Federation on Thursday over Roma boss Jose Mourinho taking the Portugal job. (Il Corriere Dello Sport)
Atalanta are demanding €40m for Giorgio Scalvini with Inter Milan hoping to sign the 19-year-old centre-back. (Calciomercato)
FC Porto president Pinto da Costa doesn’t believe a return to Portuguese football is on the cards for Cristiano Ronaldo. (Record)
Bouna Sarr is likely to be allowed to leave Bayern Munich despite his contract running until 2024. (Kicker)
Papu Gomez could leave Sevilla next January, there are clubs interested in different leagues including MLS. (Fabrizio Romano)
FC Porto players will only leave the club in the January transfer window if their release clauses are met, according to club president Pinto da Costa. Keeper Diogo Costa has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea. (Record)
Juventus youngster Samuel Iling Junior is close to signing a new contract with the Serie A side. (Calciomercato)
