Premier League transfer news and rumours
Perez backs Bale to stay at Real
Gareth Bale’s uncertain future at Real Madrid has been a consistent talking point for the world’s football media but it appears that the club’s president, Florentino Perez, wants the Welshman to stay at the Bernabeu.
After an indifferent season due to form and injuries, the 28-year-old forward has been linked with potential moves to Premier League clubs Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. But The Sun reports that Bale has support from Perez and the Real board to “bounce back” and thereby prove his worth to the Madrid club.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Latest Videos FromThe Week
Last week Bale was also asked about joining Bayern Munich, but there are claims he’s ready to “fight for his place” in Spain.
Mbappe wants Kante to join him at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe believes Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante would be a perfect signing for the French side. Mbappe was asked which player he would want at PSG and replied: “Kante, according to our needs and also the quality of the player. I think he’s a player that would suit our team perfectly. He is French, bring back a Frenchman for the attractiveness of our Championship, it would be good. I think all the French like N’Golo Kante, and it would be a pleasure to have him in our league.” (Daily Mail via beIN Sports)
Jesus takes time on City contract talks
Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus will wait on opening contract extension talks with the Premier League champions. Jesus, who has three years remaining on his current deal, said: “When the time comes to talk about it, we will talk about it. I am extremely happy here, with my personal life and my achievements.” (Sky Sports)
Arsenal offer improved deal to Wilshere
Jack Wilshere, who’s out of contract at the end of the season, has been offered an improved deal to stay at Arsenal. The midfielder, who’s a target for Everton, Wolves and a host of clubs in Italy, would be available on a free transfer this summer. It’s believed that Arsenal have now offered a contract “in excess of £100,000-a-week” to the England international. (Daily Mirror)
Jack Butland: Stoke City to Wolves
Championship title winners Wolves want to sign Stoke and England goalkeeper Jack Butland. The Premier League new boys are ready to make a £35m swoop for the stopper if Stoke are relegated. (Daily Express)
Meyer banished from Schalke training
Liverpool and Arsenal target Max Meyer looks certain to leave Schalke this summer after being expelled from training with the German club’s first team for the rest of the season. The out-of-contract midfielder has accused Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel of bullying during contract negotiations. (Sky Sports via Bild)
Fellaini keen on longer United deal
It was reported yesterday that Marouane Fellaini is “close” to extending his contract at Manchester United, but the midfielder could be seeking a “longer deal than the one currently on the table”. The Belgian, who’s out of contract at the end of the season, has reportedly been offered a one-year deal to stay at Old Trafford. (ESPN)
Bruno Fernandes: Sporting Lisbon to Chelsea
Chelsea have emerged as favourites to sign Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes. The 23-year-old midfielder has been linked with Tottenham and Liverpool, but it’s reported that Chelsea have now made contac with the Portuguese international. (The Sun)
Jorginho agent says there’s interest from ‘several clubs’
The agent of Napoli midfielder Jorginho has confirmed that a number of clubs are keen to sign the 26-year-old. Manchester City and Manchester United are leading the chase for the Italy international. Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos says “several clubs” have made contact about a potential deal. (Daily Mail)
Bryan Cristante: Atalanta to Arsenal/Chelsea
Atalanta midfielder Bryan Cristante is a target for London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals in 44 matches for Atalanta and is reportedly keen on a move to England. (Sky Sports)
Premier League news and talking points
Klopp: Liverpool stars will follow Firmino’s lead
After Roberto Firmino agreed a new five-year deal, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expects the Brazilian striker to be the first of many players to “commit their future” to the Anfield club. Klopp said: “At the moment every player knows about our plans. He’s the first [to commit] but for sure he won’t be the last.” (The Daily Telegraph)
Carroll sent home from West Ham training
West Ham manager David Moyes and striker Andy Carroll were involved in a “heated exchange” at the club’s training ground. Carroll was sent home early from training after questioning Moyes’s decision to leave him on the bench during the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday. (The Times)
