The winter transfer window is closed, but now it’s time to look ahead to the summer! Here are the new rumours floating around Europe’s big leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Atletico eyeing surprise Willian swoop
Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring the contract situation of Chelsea midfielder Willian, according to Tuttomercatoweb, with manager Diego Simeone preparing a summer swoop for the Brazilian on a free transfer.
The report suggests a two-year contract offer is on the table from Frank Lampard’s side, but the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger wants an additional 12 months on top of that, and with talks appearing to stall yet again, Atletico are set to make their move in the coming months.
There is also interest in the Brazil international in Russia, with Lokomotiv Moscow reportedly considering a move, and the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in recent weeks.
Willian has been a mainstay in the Chelsea side since signing from Anzhi Makhachkala in the 2013-14 season, and has made more than 300 appearances for the West Londoners, winning five major trophies in the process.
European heartbreak jeopardises Arsenal summer recruitment
Arsenal’s early exit from the Europa League is set to do serious damage to Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans this summer, the Sun writes, with moves for three players now in major doubt.
The Gunners could now find themselves at least £60 million worse off following their exit to Greek side Olympiakos at the round-of-32 stage on Thursday, with the Londoners now set to bank only £15m in prize money from European governing body UEFA.
Arteta had hoped to launch summer bids for Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah and Gent striker Jonathan David, but the huge loss of European income could mean the Spaniard has to go back to the drawing board as he looks to finalise his transfer wish list ahead of the close season.
Jesus heading for Juventus?
Calciomercato reports that Juventus are interested in signing Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, with the club’s sporting director Fabio Paratici growing increasingly impressed with the Brazilian’s displays during a string of scouting visits.
The 22-year-old shone in City’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in midweek, but is reportedly frustrated at playing second fiddle to Sergio Aguero for the lone starting berth at centre-forward. Despite a lack of consistent starts, Jesus has notched 18 goals in all competitions this season, and Barcelona are also reportedly keeping tabs on the former Palmeiras man.
The Brazil international, however, is said to be uninterested in leaving the Etihad this summer, and has pledged that he will depart the Premier League champions only if Pep Guardiola decides to sell him.
Tap-ins
– Lazio have knocked back an approach from West Ham for striker Felipe Caicedo, according to Calciomercato. The former Manchester City forward has scored eight goals in 20 Serie A appearances this season, but the Italian side have no intention of selling the 31-year-old.
– Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso is already making plans ahead of a busy summer of transfer activity, and Calciomercato reports that his side are closing in on a deal for Fiorentina captain German Pezzella. The 28-year-old is already said to have agreed terms with Napoli, but a fee is still yet to be agreed between the two clubs.