Premier League transfer news: Costa, Zaha, Ozil, Higuain, Vazquez, Ceballos, Fernandes
Diego Costa is linked with a stunning return to English football with Everton
Premier League transfer gossip and rumours
Costa toffee
Former Chelsea star Diego Costa could be set for a return to the Premier League.
The Spanish striker left Stamford Bridge for Atletico Madrid in January 2018, but according to The Sun he is prepared to make the move back to England.
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Everton are keen to sign Costa and the 30-year-old is ready to talk to the Merseyside club about a “stunning” switch.
He is open to moving to Merseyside and the Sun says that his arrival would solve Marco Silva’s “problem” No.9 spot.
The Sun adds that the Toffees could be set to offload a number of players this summer. Among those facing the exit are Yannick Bolasie, Cenk Tosun, Mo Besic, Oumar Niasse and Kevin Mirallas.
Zaha offer
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Arsenal are “refusing to give up” on signing Wilfried Zaha and are preparing to table what the Daily Mirror describes as a player-plus-cash bid.
The club’s opening offer of £40m was kicked into touch by Crystal Palace, with the Eagles informing their London rivals that they expect twice that figure for the gifted playmaker.
Unable to meet that asking price, Arsenal are “discussing putting players into the deal” with Calum Chambers, Carl Jenkinson and Mohamed Elneny all expected to be used as bargaining chips.
However, if that doesn’t work, then Arsenal could offload captain Laurent Koscielny to Bordeaux and use the money to boost their Zaha bid.
Vazquez link
Meanwhile, hot on the heels of the news that Arsenal are ready to make a bid for wantaway Real Madrid star Mariano Diaz comes a rumour linking the Gunners with another Bernabeu star.
This time it’s right winger Lucas Vazquez with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claiming that him and Diaz are keen to make the move to the Emirates.
In reporting the news, Caught Offside says that Arsenal boss Unai Emery is reportedly “ready to fork out” €60m (£53.9m) for the two players, both of whom are considered surplus to requirements at Real.
Ceballos to Spurs?
Another Real Madrid player who might be moving to north London in the coming weeks is Dani Ceballos, although in his case it’s Tottenham who are hoping to lure him from the Spanish capital.
The Daily Express says that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is a fan of the 22-year-old playmaker, and he’s “trying to get a deal done before the end of the transfer window”.
According to the paper the Spain Under-21 star “would like to join Tottenham but would prefer to move to north London on loan”.
Pochettino is reluctant to sanction such a move, explains the Express, “unless it contains an option-to-buy clause”. Otherwise Pochettino fears Spurs will simply help develop a player who’ll then return to Madrid next summer.
Fernandes talks
There is bad news for Manchester United in their bid to sign Bruno Fernandes with the report in the Daily Mirror saying that Manchester City have held talks to beat their rivals to the £50m midfielder’s signature.
The Red Devils have been strongly linked to the Sporting Lisbon star in recent weeks but City have now joined the race to sign the Portugal midfielder.
The Sky Blues are said to be confident of landing the 24-year-old Fernandes as part of a “partnership between the two clubs” that will see them develop talented youngsters from around Europe.
United optimistic over Maguire
Another player linked with both Manchester United and Manchester City is Leicester centre-back Harry Maguire. Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has “renewed optimism” the Red Devils can beat their rivals to the 26-year-old’s signature. United could fund their move for Maguire by selling Romelu Lukaku. (Daily Mail)
Fenerbahce priced out of Ozil move
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was this week linked with a move to Fenerbahce. However, the Turkish club have issued a statement saying “under the current economic conditions, such a step is not possible for both parties”.
Higuain to be a Hammer?
After failing to secure a permanent move to Chelsea, Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain could be set for a “second chance to shine in London”. The Argentine is reportedly a target for West Ham United and the Hammers could make a loan move for the 31-year-old. (Daily Mail)
Roma eye Alderweireld
Italian club Roma are interested in Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld. The Belgium international has a £25m buy-out clause in his contract which expires on 26 July. (Sky Sports)
United to bid for Milinkovic-Savic
Manchester United are preparing a £72m offer to Lazio for midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. However, Lazio president Claudio Lotito wants £90m for the 24-year-old. (Sky in Italy)