Premier League news and talking points
Real rejected Alexis Sanchez deal
The Daily Star, via Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, reports that Real Madrid turned down the chance to sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal. The Gunners offered the Chilean striker to the La Liga giants last month before his move to Manchester United. But Real rejected any deal because of his “staggering wage demands”.
Fowler: Salah can break all records at Liverpool
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After a superb start to his Liverpool career Mohamed Salah has been tipped to break “every record in sight” by club legend Robbie Fowler. Salah became the fastest Reds player to score 20 Premier League goals and Fowler believes this is just the start for the Egyptian forward. Fowler told the Daily Star: “He’s been phenomenal. He’s really hit the ground running. He looks like he’s got goals in him every game. I hope it continues. We, as ex-players who are still big Liverpool fans, want him to keep going. We want him to break all the records going because if he’s scoring goals, it means we’re doing the right things.”
Enrique is preparing for move to England
Antonio Conte is reportedly safe in his position as Chelsea manager, but the favourite to replace him, Luis Enrique, is already planning for a move to England. Reports claim that the Spaniard has “already verbally agreed personal terms” with the Blues. But The Daily Telegraph says that the former Barcelona boss is on a sabbatical and “would not be keen” on taking over at Stamford Bridge before the end of the season.
Aubameyang: Mkhitaryan persuaded me to join Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan was a “big factor” in his decision to sign for Arsenal. The duo are former team-mates from Borussia Dortmund and striker Aubameyang is delighted to link up again with the midfielder. Aubameyang told the Arsenal Weekly Podcast: “It’s like [being reunited with] a brother, a good friend. We played together in the past and I’m really happy to see him again. He called me a few times, he asked, ‘Will you come or not?’ I said, ‘First you have to tell me if you sign or not’. He told me all was done and of course it was a big factor in coming here.”
Shaw to sign new deal at Old Trafford
Luke Shaw looks to have won over manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United and will be rewarded with a new long-term deal, says the Daily Mirror. The England left-back had been struggling at Old Trafford, but reports suggest he will sign a new contract before the end of the season.
Premier League transfer news and rumours
No more City bids for Mahrez
The Daily Mirror reports that Manchester City will not make a summer move for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez. The league leaders had a £60million bid rejected on deadline day and since the move broke down Mahrez has gone on strike and refused to turn up for training. The Mirror says City boss Pep Guardiola has “major concerns” over Mahrez’s reaction to the fall-out and will “look elsewhere” in the summer.
Abdoulaye Doucoure: Watford to Tottenham
Spurs are interested in signing Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure after manager Mauricio Pochettino was “left impressed” with the midfielder’s performance in the 4-1 win over Chelsea. Pochettino was at Vicarage Road “on a scouting mission”, says the Daily Mail, and he is now “set to swoop” for the Frenchman. Spurs could face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool for the 25-year-old.
Fabinho: Monaco to Manchester United
Monaco’s Brazilian star Fabinho has admitted that he may need a “new challenge”, Metro reports. Manchester United are keen on the midfielder and he could make his exit from Monaco this summer. He told Lancenet: “My time with Monaco was good, but I feel my time here is coming to an end. I arrived as an unknown, I made my name at the club, won things - but maybe I need a new challenge.”
Fred: Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester City
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred will choose to sign for Manchester City over Manchester United, his former coach has said. Mircea Lucescu, who signed Fred for Donetsk, told the Daily Mirror: “Shakhtar Donetsk’s best player is Fred in the centre of midfield. He was a bit anarchic on the left. I moved him in front of the defence. He will go to City like Fernandinho before him.”
