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Premier League transfer latest as Arsenal, Leeds United and Man City plot summer business
Another day, another piping hot batch of transfer stories freshly delivered. The rumour mill have been picking up speed in recent weeks, as scouts do their final checks, sporting directors crunch the numbers, and football agents dreaming of their next yacht lay the groundwork to get their clients a big summer move.
The transfer window opens on June 15th, but with the World Cup set to be already underway by that point, we’re expecting most of the big business to be done in July and August. However, clubs will be keen not to miss out on their top targets, and will be looking to have a lot of their business done in principle before the big kick-off in North America next month.
Today’s rumours round-up begins at the Etihad, where Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is said to be attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer. Team Talk state that both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are “preparing to open talks” with the Citizens with a view to signing the Croatia international, who has two years left on his current contract.
The report indicates that City are keen to keep the versatile 24-year-old, and will prioritise retaining his services once they’ve successfully extended Phil Foden’s deal. It’s also noted that the player is happy to remain at the club, and is of the belief that contract talks will “progress positively” once they get underway.
The 3AM Verdict: Well, that was a bit of a damp squib. Player has some interest from a couple of good teams but he’ll probably just sign a new deal? That’s not the kind of transfer drama that gets out blood pumping. Could links to European giants ahead of contract talks be a means of securing leverage when asking for a bigger wage? We would never suggest such a thing.
Arsenal and Liverpool join Gordon race
Another transfer story involving Anthony Gordon? It would appear so. However, this isn’t yet another update involving his potential move to Bayern Munich. No, no! The largely reliable CF Bayern Insider bring word that, apparently, the Bavarian giants aren’t the only club to have made an early move for the England international - Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all believed to have held talks with his entourage too.
In the report, it’s suggested that Bayern may struggle to stump up the £80m the Magpies apparently want for Gordon - something we covered in Saturday’s column. This could open the door to the Premier League elite, although there’s no detail on the level of interest bar the aforementioned alleged meetings with various club representatives.
The 3AM Verdict: From a neutral perspective, it would be a lot of fun to see Gordon set out on a bold Bundesliga adventure, linking up with England teammate andpotential Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena. That said, he likely wouldn’t get in the side over Luis Diaz, and may need to stay in the Premier League if he wants to start every week.
With the unconvincing Jamie Gittens and equally uninspiring Alejandro Garnacho currently Chelsea’s only left wing options, they could do with Gordon, but they need to spend that £80m elsewhere. Liverpool could do with an upgrade on Cody Gakpo, so that makes sense, while Arsenal could look to do the same with Gabriel Martinelli. One to watch, for sure.
Leeds United to stump up ‘big wages’ to seal Openda
He’s currently on loan at Juventus, who will sign him permanently in the summer due to an obligatory clause in the deal. However, the Serie A giants are looking to move him on immediately, and get back as much of the £35m they owe RB Leipzig as possible. Coventry City are also said to be highly interested in the 26-year-old, but appear to be well behind in the race to sign him.
The 3AM Verdict: Leeds United have done an excellent job staying up this season, but will need to sign a reliable striker if they’re to establish themselves as a permanent Premier League fixture once again. With three goals in 33 for Belgium and two in 34 for Juventus, he’s clearly no goal machine. However, he’s been prolific in the past, and clearly Leeds believe they can help him recapture his once clinical prowess in front of goal.
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