Premier League transfer news and rumours
Martial wants to stay at Man United
After a summer of speculation, Manchester United misfit Anthony Martial has performed a “stunning U-turn” on his Old Trafford future.
According to The Sun the 22-year-old French forward, who fell out of favour with Jose Mourinho last season and was not selected by his country for the World Cup, has decided to stay and fight for his place.
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That is despite claims from his agent earlier in the summer that he wanted out and reports that Mourinho was desperate to offload him before the end of the month.
“But it is understood Martial is relishing his chance prove himself after United’s refusal to sell to a Premier League rival,” says the Sun, which insists he will not look to move abroad.
Instead, Martial “looks set to fight for his place, even with Alexis Sanchez returning from injury soon and England pair Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard pushing for starting places”.
The Frenchman could be in for a tough season though. He was left on the bench against Leicester on the opening day and was hauled off after an hour against Brighton, having failed to pass to striker Romelu Lukaku even once during the match.
Barcelona eye Gabriel Jesus
Barcelona have identified Man City striker Gabriel Jesus as the man to replace the ageing Luis Suarez, according to reports in Spain.
With Suarez no longer the player he was, Don Balon claims Barca have drawn up a list of transfer targets for next summer.
And website Sportslens says it includes Jesus, along with Harry Kane and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner.
“The Brazilian international has lost his place in attack to Sergio Aguero early on this season and is believed to be on the Catalan giants’ shortlist,” says Sportslens.
But it adds: “City manager Pep Guardiola may have Aguero starting ahead of the Brazilian currently, but it won’t last over the long-term… and Jesus will surely be the long-term successor to the throne.”
Chelsea to reject Alonso offers
Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is being hunted by Atletico and Real Madrid in the final few days of the European transfer window.
The two Spanish clubs are prepared to offer £27m for the 27-year-old Spaniard, but the Blues are not prepared to sell, says the Daily Star.
Atletico are after a replacement for Filipe Luis, while Real coach Julen Lopetegui is a long-term fan of Alonso.
But Alonso, who scored against Arsenal at the weekend, “is a key part of new boss Mauricio Sarri’s plans and the Blues are not willing to discuss selling him with no chance to bring in a replacement”.
The defender has three years left on his contract and started both Chelsea’s Premier League matches this season.
“He has also been involved in more Premier League goals than any other defender since he joined Chelsea in September 2016, his winner against Arsenal being the 20th,” notes the Star.
Man City chase La Liga keepers
With reserve keeper Claudio Bravo ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles problem, Manchester City are hunting a replacement.
Under Premier League rules, City can use an emergency loan deal to plug the gap in their squad and it is claimed they are eyeing two big-name keepers in La Liga.
El Mundo claims that Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas is Pep Guardiola’s preferred option and a deal makes sense, says website Managing Madrid. “Navas’s status in Madrid is uncertain now that Los Blancos [have] signed Thibaut Courtois, so a deal between Los Blancos and City could happen.”
However, Sports Bible picks up on a report in Mundo Deportivo, which says City want Barcelona understudy Jasper Cillessen instead.
“Cillessen is reportedly fed up with life on the bench behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen,” says the website. It notes, however, that a move to City would not make life any better for Cillessen, as he would remain second choice at the Etihad.
Liverpool open Origi talks
Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund are in talks over a deal for striker Divock Origi, who is surplus to requirements at Anfield. The Reds are demanding £27m for the Belgium international, but the German club hope to reach a compromise as Origi has no future with Liverpool. Dortmund want to take the 23-year-old on loan with a view to a permanent deal after missing out on other targets, including Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea. (ESPN)
Rabiot hunt hots up
AC Milan have entered the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who will be out of contract next summer and could leave next summer. The 23-year-old has been linked with Arsenal in the past, but Liverpool and Barcelona are believed to be the two clubs leading the hunt for his signature. (TeamTalk)
