Man Utd eye Thiago Almada
Manchester United have initiated contact to sign Velez Sarsfield star Thiago Almada in this summer’s transfer window, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The 19-year-old has impressed for the playmaker, who has scored nine goals and registered four assists since making his debut in 2018. And he could be heading to Old Trafford this summer.
It’s unclear whether the contacts have taken place between the Red Devils and the teenager or between both United and Velez.
He has a release clause of £22million in his contract.
Bukayo Saka Arsenal contract latest
Arsenal will keep Bukayo Saka even if they do not agree a new contract with the teenager before the closure of the next transfer window, according to 90min.
Saka has enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign this season and is a real contender for Gunners’ Young Player of the Year award.
The majority of his appearances have come in an unfamiliar left-back role deputising for injured duo Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac.
But Saka is out of contract at the Emirates in a little over a year’s time on the terms of the deal he signed aged 17, which pays him less than £10,000 a week.
Talks between the 18-year-old’s representatives and Arsenal chiefs have not gone well.
Man Utd swap deal
Juventus could offer Adrien Rabiot to Manchester United in a bid to bring Paul Pogba back to the Allianz Stadium.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning to restore the Frenchman to his first-team squad but Old Trafford bosses are likely to be inundated with offers for his services.
According to Bleacher Report, the Red Devils want £100m for Pogba, which Juventus cannot afford in the current climate due to the coronavirus crisis.
The upcoming transfer window is likely to be dominated by swap deals and Juventus could use their approach to tempt United.
An exchange involving Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to materialise so Rabiot could be used as bait.
The Red Devils are reportedly long-term admirers of Rabiot, who joined Juventus on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Arsenal blow
Dayot Upamecano’s agent Volker Struth believes it is highly unlikely the defender will move to Arsenal this summer, despite RB Leipzig having made clear that the Bundesliga club will not allow any of their high-value players to run down their contracts and leave on a free.
“I don’t believe large transfers will take place this summer,” Struth told German TV channel Sport 1.
“And I think Upamecano is a player who will demand a large fee.
“So the statement has already been made.”
FULL STORY: Dayot Upamecano to Arsenal transfer doubt raised by star’s agent despite RB Leipzig stance
Man Utd to axe trio
Manchester United are planning to make room to seal the signing of Joe Rodon from Swansea City for £20million, according to the Daily Mirror.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs has tipped off Ole Gunnnar Solskjaer about Rodon, who has enjoyed a brilliant season in the Championship.
The Red Devils boss is set to follow through by sealing the switch to create further competition at centre-back but he needs to create room.
As a result, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo are all set to be shipped out.
Chelsea plan
Chelsea have formulated a plan in case they lose N’Golo Kante to Real Madrid, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Blues have identified West Ham’s Declan Rice as their dream successor if Kante departs for the Bernabeu.
Roman Abramovich is intending to spend despite the coronavirus crisis’ impact on the transfer market.
Kante is not pushing to leave Chelsea but has leapfrogged Paul Pogba on Real’s wish list.
