Pogba wants Juventus return
Italian champions Juventus are already benefiting from the Ronaldo effect, with reports in Italy claiming that Manchester United’s World Cup winner Paul Pogba is open to the idea of a return to Serie A.
Pogba began his career at Old Trafford and then moved to Juventus before returning to United two years ago for a then world record £89m. Now, according to the Daily Mirror, he has “called Juventus in a bid to rejoin the Italians”.
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“With the addition of Ronaldo, Juventus are feasibly better equipped to conquer Europe than United, with the Champions League now the biggest goal for Pogba after inspiring Les Bleus to glory in Russia,” says the paper.
But it also notes that Pogba has three years left on his contract and that United would “surely demand a world record fee to relinquish the player”.
However, a move in 2019 could be a possibility.
Higuain Chelsea deal close
Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain could be a Chelsea player this week, reports TalkSPORT, as Juventus look to offload the forward following the arrival of Ronaldo.
Higuain is the top target of new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri and the pair enjoyed a successful spell together at Napoli.
“Sarri wants to reunite with his former striker, and negotiations have reportedly already been held between Chelsea and Juventus for Higuain’s transfer,” says the website.
It adds that reports in Italy suggest that “talks are so far along the deal taking Higuain to Stamford Bridge could be closed as soon as Wednesday”.
Arsenal in for Coman
New Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s summer spending spree may not be over, as the Daily Express claims he wants to sign Bayern Munich striker Kingsley Coman “to bolster his attack, despite already having a plethora of options at his disposal”.
The Gunners are said to be preparing a £45m raid for the 22-year-old Frenchman.
“Arsenal reportedly think Coman may leave Bayern Munich after struggling last term. The player spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines and missed out on a place in France’s World Cup winning squad.”
Spurs close in on Grealish
Aston Villa youngster Jack Grealish could join Spurs before they embark on their pre-season tour of the US – although the two clubs are still haggling over a fee.
“Grealish would provide competition for Dele Alli and is ready to quit his boyhood team for a return to the top-flight,” says the Daily Mirror.
“But Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been stalling to try to drive down the price for the 22-year-old, with Villa in a financial crisis after failing to go up from the Championship last season.”
Villa were demanding £40m but may now settle for a figure around £20m. Grealish will be offered a five-year deal that will see his £20,000-a-week salary “rocket”.
Sidibe back on the market
Arsenal and Manchester United are considering a move for Monaco star Djibril Sidibe.
Picking up on reports in France, website Sports Mole says that the defender could still be available this summer.
“Sidibe was thought to be closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid prior to the World Cup, but he remains at Monaco having helped France to be crowned world champions in Russia,” says the website.
“L’Equipe reports that the lack of progress in his proposed move to Spain has alerted both United and Arsenal, who are considering an approach for the 25-year-old.”
