Arsenal want Sturridge to fill void at striker
The summer transfer window will be opening before you know it, and rumours around the world are picking up steam. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest gossip. See the latest deals here.
Top Story: Arsenal target £30m move for Sturridge
Arsenal hope to end their long search for a top-class striker with a £30 million move for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge as Jurgen Klopp is undecided as to whether the England forward will be his first choice, according to the Mirror.
Sturridge’s future was thrown into doubt after the German manager left him on the bench against Villarreal at El Madrigal in the Reds’ Europa League semifinal, though a vital goal in the second leg proved his worth.
Liverpool value Sturridge way above £30m, but the 26-year-old’s patchy injury record might force the Reds to come down in negotiations.
West Ham identify Icardi as star signing
West Ham will attempt an audacious move for Inter Milan’s star striker Mauro Icardi ahead of their highly anticipated move to the Olympic Stadium, according to the Mirror.
The Hammers want a big summer signing to appease fans and generate buzz ahead of their move away from the Boleyn Ground and Icardi has moved ahead of Michy Batshuayi as their number one target.
The 23-year-old, who finished as last season’s Capocannoniere in Serie A as the top goal scorer, is also interesting Arsenal, but West Ham hope to move quickly and trigger the Argentine’s €35m buyout clause.
Leicester to splash £40m on Bolasie and Deeney
Leicester City plan to spend big this summer and have identified Watford’s Troy Deeney and Crystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie as target, according to The Sun.
The Foxes will look to tempt the Eagles with a £20m for the Congolese winger as well as parting with a further £20m for the Hornets’ star striker Deeney.
Arsenal were previously linked to Deeney this summer and the 27-year-old has now attracted the newly crowned champions ahead of their debut campaign in the Champions League.
Man City to beat Barcelona for £11m right-back
Pep Guardiola could be set to beat former club Barcelona for the signing of Genoa right-back Sime Vrsaljko and could complete a deal for £11m, according to the Star.
Manchester City hope they have moved quickly enough to beat off competition from the Blaugrana, as well as Juventus and Atletico Madrid, for the Croatian international.
Any deal for the 24-year-old will cast doubt on the futures of Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna as Guardiola attempts to reshape City.
Tap-ins
– The Star also link Zabaleta with a move to Inter Milan, with City prepared to accept a knock-down fee of £1.5m as a goodwill gesture for their long-serving right-back.
Zabaleta has amassed over 300 appearances for City and only has a year to run on his £80,000-per-week contract and now former boss Roberto Mancini is keen to be reunited with the 31-year-old.
– City midfielder Fernando could follow Zabaleta out of the Etihad with Villarreal keen to bring the Brazilian to El Madrigal for £10m, according to the Express.
The Yellow Submarines will offer the 28-year-old a three year contract, but City will demand at least £12m for the former Porto star.
– Stoke and Everton will do battle for newly promoted Burnley’s Michael Keane, according to the People.
The 23-year-old has been outstanding for Sean Dyche’s side all season, but despite promotion back to the Premier League, the Clarets may have to fend off interest for their centre-back this summer.
— The Potters will also attempt to prize Nathan Redmond away from Norwich this summer, should the Canaries be relegated, according to the Mirror.
With Marko Arnautovic set to depart and Saido Berahino’s price tag of £15-20m thought to be too high, Mark Hughes will target the former Birmingham winger.
