Euro Paper Talk: Massive Chelsea deal a step closer as agent breaks silence, bait identified
Chelsea move a step closer to a big transfer for a Serie A star, while Everton foray into a raid on Jose Mourinho’s Roma – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.
CHELSEA, HAKIMI TRANSFER STEP CLOSER
A transfer to take Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan to Chelsea has moved a step closer after the Serie A club identified a Blues player they want in the deal, a report claims.
Chelsea head into the newly-opened summer transfer window off the back of becoming European champions. However, the next couple of months will still be crucial, with the Premier League title the next big target. If Thomas Tuchel’s first spell in charge is anything to go by, Chelsea have a lot to look forward to.
While a new striker is reportedly a key priority for Tuchel, full-back is also a key area. Indeed, Morocco international Hakimi has reportedly been identified as a target.
While previous reports have mentioned Emerson Palmieri and Andreas Christensen as player-plus-cash candidates for Inter, though, Calciomercato reports that the Serie A club are eyeing up Marcos Alonso.
The Spanish left-back has had a mixed time at Chelsea since Frank Lampard’s appointment in summer 2019.
He rarely featured for the Englishman last term, before being brought somewhat back into the fold by Tuchel.
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As for Hakimi, he enjoyed a fantastic season, chipping in with seven goals and eight assists in his debut season after signing from Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old’s agent has also spoken out about the chances of his client leaving Inter this summer.
Alejandro Camano told Argentine show Como Te Va (via Sport Witness): “The only one who will leave the Nerazzurri for the moment is Hakimi, while as regards Lautaro [Martinez] we have to work because there is still no clear situation.”
Hakimi four years left on his contract at Inter and so will not come cheap.
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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Everton have asked Roma for information on defender Chris Smalling‘s availability. (Sky Italy)
Arsenal still have an interest in Real Sociedad and Sweden forward Alexander Isak. (Mundo Deportivo)
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has lavished praise on Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho. United have made the 21-year-old their top target again, but have yet to seal his transfer. (Bild)
AC Milan want United full-back Diogo Dalot back next season after his loan spell, but the Red Devils have set their release clause stall out. (Calciomercato)
Meanwhile, Milan chiefs will meet with Chelsea counterparts on Wednesday to seal Olivier Giroud‘s transfer switch. (Calciomercato)
PSG CHIEF HOLDS POGBA TALKS
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has held talks with Paul Pogba‘s agent, Mino Raiola. (Calciomercato)
Rafa Mir has made the concrete decision to leave Wolves this summer. While Valencia want his signature after last season’s loan, though, Wolves’ €15million fee could put them off. (Super Deporte)
However, Everton are yet to make a concrete approach for PSV and Netherlands star Denzel Dumfries. Indeed, the Toffees must deal with super-agent Mino Raiola to secure the transfer. (De Telegraaf)
Barcelona could look towards a double swap deal with Manchester City including Sergi Roberto, Ousmane Dembele, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva. (Sport)
MAN CITY EYE KANE ALTERNATIVES
But City are also looking at alternatives for Harry Kane, who could be priced out of a move away from Tottenham. (Eurosport)
Newcastle and Leicester have registered interest in Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby. (AS)
West Ham and Crystal Palace are two of the early leading candidates to sign Juventus and ex-Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey. While his next club remains unclear for now, his time at Juve is up. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
ADRIAN TALKS ARSENAL MAN’S TRANSFER
Meanwhile, Gunners full-back Hector Bellerin would be keen on a move to Real Betis, according to fellow Spaniard Adrian. (Canal Sur Radio)
Roma boss Jose Mourinho has stepped in to try to dampen Lorenzo Pellegrini’s chances of moving to Tottenham or Liverpool by having a crucial phone call with the midfielder. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Chelsea are considering making an offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, with boss Thomas Tuchel an admirer. (Mundo Deportivo)
Inter Milan have forayed into a deal for Gremio striker Ricardinho, who has also been linked with Arsenal. (TNT Sports)