Transfer News: Manchester United Convince Real Madrid Star to Move, Arsenal to Spend £30 Million on Defender
With the international break over and players returning to their clubs, the focus returns to the Premier League and the final run-in.
Teams are looking to fight for a place in the top four, to climb into the top half of the table, and to scramble away from the relegation places.
But they already have an eye on the summer. Managers know where their team’s weaknesses lie and they can address those in the offseason during the transfer window.
Here, Newsweek guides you through all the news and rumors swirling around the Premier League on Thursday (March 29) morning:
First off, to the leaders and the champions-elect. It would feel like a giant transfer if Manchester City could get this piece of business done: ESPN say Pep Guardiola’s team is looking to wrap up a contract extension for Raheem Sterling before the end of the season. He currently has two years to run on his deal.
City’s closest pursuers Manchester United are set for another superstar signing this summer, according to Marca. The Spanish newspaper says that Jose Mourinho has convinced Gareth Bale to leave Real Madrid and return to the Premier League.
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In North London, Tottenham are preparing an offer for Sporting Lisbon’s 23-year-old midfielder Bruno Fernandes, according to Portuguese outlet Abola. But Mauricio Pochettino’s team would have to pay a club record £87 million to sign the Portuguese player.
There is an exit set for elsewhere in North London. According to the Daily Star, if Jack Wilshere ends up leaving Arsenal this summer, with his contract set to expire, the 26-year-old midfielder would choose Everton as his destination.
Arsenal may look to replace him with Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure because, according to the Daily Mirror, Javi Gracia’s team is likely to sell the player valued at £40 million. However, Arsenal face competition for him from both Tottenham and Liverpool.
Arsenal are also looking to sign Turkish defender Caglar Soyunca from Freiburg, according to the Daily Mail, but the Turkish international is valued at around £30 million.
And finally, former Chelsea defender John Terry is likely to remain at Aston Villa next season, according to director of football at Villa Park Steve Round, the Birmingham Mail say. He was expected to retire at the end of the season and take up a coaching role at Stamford Bridge.