Arsenal’s continual attempts to sign a key transfer target have taken a huge hit as a Premier League giant enters the race for his signature while Memphis Depay could return to a former club.
A four-horse race has firmed for Leeds’ French prodigy’s services, as 22-year-old keeper Illan Meslier could be on the move.
Meanwhile, Southhampton have made a number of desperate moves in an attempt to climb the ladder and escape relegation while Chelsea have a big headache on their hands.
Catch up on all of the transfer whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!
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MESLIER’S WORLD CLASS SUITORS
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has reportedly caught the eye of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Newcastle United according to BTFM Sport.
In 2021, the 22-year-old became the youngest ever Premier League keeper to record 10 clean sheets and has been one of Leeds’ best across his 99 games.
Bayern Munich are looking for a long-term replacement for veteran Manuel Neuer, who also suffered a season-ending injury while skiing after the World Cup.
Newcastle’s spending spree could continue and the newest Premier League force are keeping an eye on Meslier’s situation, while Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the Frenchmen.
United consolidate top 4 spot with win | 00:59
ARSENAL’S TRANSFER WOES
Arsenal have reportedly upped their offer for Ukrainian gun Mykhailo Mudryk however remain below the $150 million price tag set by Shakhtar Donetsk.
That has reportedly opened a window for Premier Legaue rival Chelsea to swoop according to The Sun, with discussions having already begun.
Mudryk has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal and has suggested multiple times a move to the Emirates is on the cards.
He has reportedly agreed a £120k ($212k) per-week deal over five years, but Chelsea could hijack the move with an improved offer as Graham Potter’s side look to turn their woes around.
The 21-year-old watched Arsenal’s win over Brighton with keen interest, posting an Instagram story of a screenshot featuring Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and Brighton manager Roberto De Zebri with the caption: “Two top coaches.”
Shakhtar sporting director, Darijo Srna is reportedly travelling to London to discuss a potential deal with the interested clubs.
DEPAY’S UNITED HOMECOMING
Manchest United powerbrokers are reportedly considering making a move for Netherlands star Memphis Depay.
The 28-year-old’s Barcelona contract is set to this year and the Red Devils are reportedly considering making a cut-price offer for his services according to Metro.
Depay made the move to Barcelona on a free transfer from Lyon in 2021 after a 33-game stint in Manchester.
The Dutch international, who has been capped for his country 86 times, was signed for £31 million ($55 million) in 2015 from PSV but failed to find his feet at Old Trafford.
Depay has only started twice for Barcelona in the La Liga this season but coach Xavie Hernandez is adamant he wants the attacking player to remain in Catalonia.
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CHELSEA’S HESITANT MOVE
Chelsea remain in discussions to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez but are reportedly not willing to meet the club’s £105.8 million ($187 million) release clause.
Fernandez is reportedly pushing for the deal to get over the line according to The Telegraph after lifting the World Cup trophy with Argentina.
Reports suggest super agent Jorge Mendes is acting on behalf of Benfica and is in discussions with Chelsea’s American co-owner Todd Boehly who is desperate to add recruits to Graham Potter’s squad.
While Fernandez wants the move, Benfica are reportedly in no rush to sell but will be willing to let the player go in January.
If Chelsea do agree to the lofty free it will be the record paid by a Premier League club, topping Manchester City’s £100 million deal for Jack Grealish.
Boehly and Chelsea bosses are reportedly confident they can get a deal over the line at a reduced price.
Arsenal kept scoreless by Newcastle | 00:42
SOUTHAMPTON’S RECRUITMENT
Southampton are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League ladder after 17 games — and club powerbrokers are hoping to recruit their way out of the relegation battle.
The Saints first target is Dinamo Zagreb attacker Mislav Orsic, who was an impressive performer for Croatia during the World Cup.
According to The Sun, the Saints are plotting a £7.5 million ($13.3 million) as well as a £12m ($21.25 million) move for Racing Club midfielder Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is also reportedly a target of Inter Milan and Benfica and the 20-year-old star nicknamed ‘Charly’ is considered an impressive talent.
Meanwhile, manager Nathan Jones, who has drafted in to replace Relph Hasenhuttl wants to recruit a striker.
Lorient‘s Terem Moffi is reportedly at the top of his list and the 23-year-old sits in elite company in Ligue 1, with only Neymar and Mbappe scoring more goals this season.
