Euro Paper Talk: Five at risk as Chelsea devise strategy for £68m target

Chelsea are prepared to offer a choice of five players in a swap deal for a defensive target, while Manchester United are among three Premier League clubs who could pounce for a Juventus striker – all according to Tuesday’s Euro transfer gossip.

FIVE OPTIONS TO FUND CHELSEA SIGNING

Chelsea could put Hakim Ziyech, Kepa Arrizabalaga or Tammy Abraham on the table as part of a swap deal to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

Kounde is one of the most wanted defenders in the world at present. He has established himself as a cornerstone of a Sevilla side that won last season’s Europa League and are currently in the top four in La Liga.

It seems he will be on the move from Sevilla at some point. In fact, reports have claimed the Spanish club welcome the prospect of a bidding war for their prize asset.

Chelsea are one of the latest clubs to express an interest. They have joined Manchester United in the race to sign the Frenchman.

According to AS, the Blues have a strategy to beat their rivals to the defender. The Spanish source claims three players are on offer to sweeten the deal.

Ziyech has struggled to live up to expectations since his summer move from Ajax. He has managed just one Premier League goal and could make an early exit.

La Liga has been suggested as a potential destination, but Sevilla have not been mentioned as a suitor yet. Whether they would be willing to take the Morocco international remains to be seen.

Chelsea boss: Ziyech still adapting to England

Chelsea boss: Ziyech still adapting to England

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says Hakim Ziyech is still adapting to English football but has the quality to decide matches.

Kepa, meanwhile, has also struggled to justify his own price tag. Still the world’s most expensive keeper, he has been replaced as number one at Stamford Bridge by Edouard Mendy.

Chelsea continue to hunt for more goalkeepers too, with Gianluigi Donnarumma a top target. If another player arrives, Kepa would have to make way and could return to his native country.

As for Abraham, opportunities have been limited this season due to injuries and competition for places. He remains their top scorer in 2020-21 so far, but may have to leave.

Thomas Tuchel cannot promise him a bigger role yet and links with Erling Haaland and Sergio Aguero do not help. Abraham has thus been linked with a move to another Premier League club, but could be given an option abroad.

Two loanees also on offer

In addition, Chelsea could sacrifice two of their players out on loan. Tiemoue Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi do not seem to have long-term futures at Stamford Bridge and could be sold.

Sevilla, for their part, are unwilling to stand in Kounde’s way if he wants to leave. It seems they will have plenty of options to pick from in return if Chelsea is the destination.

Kounde has a £68m release clause in his contract but Chelsea want to lower that fee via this type of swap deal.


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PREM TRIO THREATEN PSG FOR DYBALA

Alex Sandro, Paulo Dybala, Adrien Rabiot, Douglas Costa Juventus TEAMtalk

PSG are in pole position to sign Paulo Dybala from Juventus in the summer. However, Manchester United and Chelsea are also contenders. (Tuttosport)

Alternatively, Dybala could be offered to Manchester City in a swap deal for Gabriel Jesus. (Calciomercato.it)

AC Milan have contacted the agent of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has also been linked with a Premier League move. (Tuttosport)

Saul Niguez and Jose Gimenez are among a group of seven players Atletico Madrid could allow to leave this summer. (El Larguero)

Florentino Perez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president for another four years. (Official)

ARSENAL SET TORREIRA CONDITIONS

Lucas Torreira Arsenal TEAMtalk

Arsenal have told Boca Juniors they must pay a €1m loan fee to sign Lucas Torreira, as well as some of his wages. (TyC)

Paris Saint-Germain are eyeing England winger Jadon Sancho as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe. (The Athletic)

Crystal Palace teenager Zion Atta has emerged as a possible target for Roma. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Wolves striker Rafa Mir has offers from other, unnamed Premier League clubs. Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Getafe also want him in La Liga. (Marca)

AND MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Milan will try to keep Diogo Dalot one way or another after his loan from Manchester United. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Barcelona are stepping up their pursuit of Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero on a free transfer. (Sport)

PSG have joined the race to sign Real Madrid wide man Lucas Vazquez when his contract expires. (AS)

Borussia Monchengladbach have appointed Adi Hutter as their head coach from next season. (Official)