Transfer Talk: Arsenal swoop in on Chelsea target Osimhen،
The winter transfer window has now closed across Europe's top leagues, but there are plenty of moves afoot and gossip swirling as summer approaches. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Gunners consider deal for Osimhen
Arsenal to join Chelsea in battle for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in summer, according to The Mirror.
The Nigeria international – currently in action at the Africa Cup of Nations – has made it clear he will leave the Italian side at the end of the season, and although Chelsea are favorites to activate the £100million release sterling from the 25-year-old. clause, Arsenal should now face their London rivals.
The Gunners were unable to sign a new striker in the January transfer window due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) fears, but that could change this summer if, as expected, they manage to part ways with some of their players marginal.
Arsenal also remain keen to pursue a move for the Brentford striker Ivan Toney if Osimhen proves difficult, but Osimhen's power in front of goal – he has scored 67 goals in 199 appearances for Napoli – is seen as the missing piece of the puzzle for Mikel Arteta's side.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also said to be keen on bringing in Osimhen, although any interest from The Whites This seems unlikely given that sources told ESPN that Kylian Mbappé will join the La Liga giants this summer.
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Paper gossip
– Aston Villa are looking to strengthen their squad this summer, but to do so they will have to part ways with the midfield Douglas Luiz, according to Football Insider. The Villans are increasingly reluctant to break FFP rules, meaning they would have to sacrifice Brazilian Luiz, 25, before they could further strengthen the squad. Luiz has attracted interest from across Europe, but with him signing a contract extension in October 2022, he will likely command a significant fee – up to £100million – if he were to leave. Liverpool and Barcelona are among the interested clubs.
– A number of top Premier League clubs will take on Barcelona and PSG to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder. Joshua Kimmich in summer depending on Ekrem Konur. Barcelona are long-time admirers of the 28-year-old and attempted to sign him last summer but were turned down due to their own financial constraints. The Catalan club will attempt to review the situation this summer and although they are desperate for a player in the pivotal role that Kimmich occupies, he could be looked at by PSG, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United also interested.
– Some may call this disruptive timing with Internazionale and Juventus due to face each other on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash, but the Nerazzurri would be interested in signing Adrien Rabiot of their rivals this summer, says Tuttosport. The 28-year-old Frenchman is in the final six months of his contract with Juve and is therefore available on a free transfer this summer, unless he agrees to an extension before the end of the season.
– Arsenal remain keen on signing long-term target and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but they face tough competition from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to The Mirror. Sociedad have made it clear that the 25-year-old will only be allowed to leave if his release clause is met, and although Arsenal are favourites, they are not alone in their admiration. Arsenal hope Zubimendi will replace him Thomas Partey summer, but Zubimendi's recent meeting with Bayern chief Christoph Freund suggests several clubs are laying the same ground for a potential transfer this summer.
– Orlando City SC forward Duncan McGuire's move to Blackburn Rovers continues to hang in the balance following a clerical error on the Championship's part, according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic. Maguire, 22, was due to go on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move, but Blackburn had to pull out on Wednesday as Maguire was in the air on his way to England to complete the move. Rovers have resurrected the deal, albeit on new terms, but once again it appears the Lancashire club have failed to register it properly. Blackburn are appealing a decision which currently states Maguire can only join in the next transfer window.
