Premier League transfer news and rumours
Griezmann to stay at Atletico
Barcelona and Manchester United have missed out on signing Antoine Griezmann after the French forward confirmed he is staying with Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann revealed his decision in an “extraordinary manner”, via a 30-minute documentary broadcast on Spanish TV channel Movistar, Sky Sports reports.
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Two endings are believed to have been filmed for the documentary, titled The Decision, but the one broadcast concluded with Griezmann tweeting: “My fans, my team, my home: Atletico Madrid.”
Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague said that Griezmann “got in touch with the TV company an hour before the show to tell them which one to put out there”.
Balague added: “As you can imagine, there has been a lot of criticism, even from Atletico fans who feel they have been taken for a ride.”
Barca target Ericksen and Gundogan
After missing out on Griezmann, Barcelona is being linked to a number of other top players. The Catalans are looking to replace midfielder Andres Iniesta, and top of their target list are Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen and Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan. Spanish publication Sport says securing a deal for Eriksen could be “complicated”, with an expected asking price in the region of £196m. Meanwhile, The Sun says that City star Gundogan is the top choice to replace Iniesta.
Real to make bid for Alisson
Real Madrid are set to make an opening £43.7m bid for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, according to reports in Italy. The Brazil stopper has also been a target for Liverpool. (Sky Sports)
Chris Smalling: Manchester United to West Ham
West Ham’s new boss Manuel Pellegrini is keen to strengthen his defence this summer and may make a move for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling. (Metro)
Daniele Rugani: Juventus to Chelsea
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani may be on his way to Chelsea. The 23-year-old is reportedly “becoming frustrated” in Turin and would “relish a move to the Premier League”. (Football Italia)
Newcastle want £20m for Mitrovic
Newcastle United will demand a £20m transfer fee for Fulham target Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbian striker, who is part of his country’s World Cup squad, scored 12 goals in 20 games during a loan spell with Fulham last season. The London club secured promotion via the play-offs, with Mitrovic playing a key role. (Sky Sports)
Patrick van Aanholt: Crystal Palace to Juventus
If Brazilian left-back Sandro leaves for Manchester United then Juventus will turn their attentions to Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt. The Italians could make a £25m move for Dutch international van Aanholt, 27, should Sandro depart for Old Trafford. (The Sun)
Mario Gotze: Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal
The Gunners have once again been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Gotze. The forward, who scored Germany’s winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, may be up for grabs if the side can stump up £18m. (The Guardian)
