Premier League transfer news: Mesut Ozil, Paul Pogba, Serge Aurier, Alisson
Arsenal star could move to US to escape gang warfare
Ozil to America
Mesut Ozil is set to flee London for the USA after being caught up in the capital's gang war. The Sun says that the German midfielder, who along with teammate Sead Kolasinac missed yesterday's trip to Newcastle for fears over their safety, is increasingly concerned about his family's welfare in north London. He and Kolasinac were attacked by knife-carrying hoodlums last month and the Sun says that “the nightmare is far from over with the Gunners pair unable to play and under 24-hour protection”.
Two men have recently been arrested outside Ozil's home and the Sun says that consequently he has told his agent to sound out DC United about a possible move. Having lost Wayne Rooney to Derby County, the MLS outfit are in search of a marquee signing and the Sun says the club will meet with Ozil's people in Washington this week. If he does make the move, Ozil would “have to take a pay-cut on his £350,000-a-week wages” but it's reported that he's ready to make that sacrifice in order to feel safe in his own home.
Pogba speculation persists
The transfer window may have closed but that doesn't appear to have dampened the tabloids' enthusiasm for Paul Pogba gossip. According to the Daily Express, Juventus “aren’t giving up hope” that they will be able to sign the Manchester United midfielder, who played his part in Sunday's thrashing of Chelsea with two assists. The Italian transfer window doesn’t close until September 2 and according to the Express Juventus are “desperately scrambling around to raise the funds”. The paper adds that United are prepared to listen to offers for Pogba, provided those offers meet their £150m estimation for the Frenchman. The Sun believes that Pogba's remarks to a French broadcaster after Sunday's match hint that a move this month is still on the cards: “Only time will tell,” he replied, when asked if he was staying at Old Trafford. “There's always that question mark.”
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Real Madrid not interested
One place Pogba won’t be going this summer is Real madrid, accordin to MailOnline. It says that the Spanish club remain unwilling to pay the £180m asking price for Pogba even though they have until next month before the Spanish transfer window shuts. “Real look set to sign Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek, who has reportedly claimed the two clubs are in talks over a transfer,” it adds.
Aurier wants out
Serge Aurier wants to leave Tottenham this month, says the Daily Mail, and PSG and AC Milan are both interested in taking him on. Since arriving at Spurs in 2017 from PSG, the 26-year-old defender has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and the Mail claims that the Ivory Coast international “has made it clear to team-mates that he would welcome a chance for a fresh start”. That would suit Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino who reportedly has no further use for Aurier in his squad, and a move is expected to be arranged before September 2.
Liverpool considering Lonergan
According to The Guardian, Liverpool are considering a move for veteran keeper Andy Lonergan after Alisson's calf injury in Friday's win over Norwich. Reports suggest that the Brazilian stopper is “expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a calf injury,” and while Adrian will deputise in his absence, the Guardian says that with third-choice Caoimhin Kelleher recovering from a broken wrist another keeper is required. The 35-year-old Lonergan is available on a free transfer having left Middlesbrough in the summer and he is already familiar with the Reds' way of doing things, having provided cover during their summer tour of the US as Alisson recovered from international duty.
Mangala to Valencia
Manchester City’s forgotten man, Eliaquim Mangala, is set for another season on loan at Valencia. The Frenchman was the second most expensive defender in British history when he moved to the Etihad Stadium for £31.8m from Porto in 2014. But after playing regularly in his first two seasons, he fell out of favour and spent 2016-17 on loan at Valencia and 2017-18 at Everton. (MailOnline)
Khedira to Arsenal
After literally years of speculation Arsenal could finally get their hands on Sami Khedira, who is unsettled at Juventus and wants a move to the Emirates. Juve are keen to offload the 32-year-old German and could facilitate a move by cancelling his contract and allowing the midfielder to join the Gunners as a free agent. (Daily Star)
United land teen star
Highly-rated Monaco teenager Hannibal Mejbri is heading to Manchester United in a €10m deal, subject to Fifa clearance. The 16-year-old's future has been subject to widespread speculation this summer, with Leicester and Spurs also after the midfielder. (The Independent)
Inter in for Darmian
Inter Milan are set to offer Matteo Darmian a way out of Manchester United – but not until next summer. Reports in Italy say the defender has an agreement with the Milan outfit which will see him move for nothing when his contract expires next summer. Darmian, who joined United in 2015, has made just 92 appearances across four years at Old Trafford. (MailOnline)
PSG fans turn on Neymar
Neymar’s days at Paris Saint Germain appear numbered after the fans turned on the Brazilian during their Ligue 1 opener against Nimes. The 26-year-old was not playing as he is injured but fans chanted and held up banners that made their opinion of the player very clear. Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in the Brazilian. (The Sun)
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