Daily transfer news and rumours roundup - 28th March 2017
Welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature speculation regarding the future of Alexis Sanchez and regarding Juventus’ pursuit of a PSG superstar. On that note, let's take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on March 28, 2017:
Antonio Conte makes Alexis Sanchez his #1 target
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has told the club hierarchy that he wants Arsenal sensation Alexis Sanchez at Stamford Bridge next season, according to the Guardian. The Italian is currently negotiating a new contract with the Blues after having a successful start to life in London, as the Blues are in pole position to win the Premier League this season.
The Italian tactician has discussed summer targets with the recruitment team of the Blues – which includes director Marina Granovskaia and technical director Michael Emenalo. According to the reports, Sanchez and a left-sided defender are at the top of Conte's summer wishlist.
The Chilean has failed to agree on a new contract with the Gunners and is nearing the last 15 months of his original deal. It has been reported that Sanchez is looking for a bumper pay rise and has also been disgruntled by the lack of progress of the Emirates outfit since he joined them nearly three years ago.
While Chelsea willl be able to afford his astronomical wages (reportedly £250,000-a-week), they will have to fend off interest from European giants including PSG, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich among others.
Juventus ready £69m bid for Marco Verratti
According to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, Juventus are preparing to raid reigning French champions Paris Saint-Germain for the services of superstar midfielder Marco Verratti. The Italian has also been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona but these fresh reports cast a doubt over the Blaugrana’s pursuit of the 24-year-old.
There has been growing speculation regarding Verratti’s future ever since PSG’s spectacular elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Barcelona as Unai Emery’s side catapulted and let a 4-goal lead slip away.
Barcelona were hoping the signing of Verratti will help sort their midfield woes, which has had a detrimental effect on their season so far. But with Juventus in pole-position to sign the Italian, the Camp Nou outfit will have to look elsewhere.
Manchester United prepared to splash €50m on Marcelo Brozovic
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has shifted his focus from Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic to midfielder Marcelo Brozovic after the San Siro outfit refused to let the Croatian leave in the summer. According to tuttomercatoweb, the Red Devils are prepared to pay up to €50 million for the services of the 24-year-old.
Brozovic has 5 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances for Inter this season and has caught the eye of Mourinho, who wants to beef up his midfield to challenge for top honors next season. The Old Trafford outfit have already splashed a significant amount on transfers during the last summer transfer window but still fell short of challenging for the title this season.
Real Madrid want Brazilian wonderkid
According to reports in Spain and Brazil, Real Madrid are interested in Brazil Under-17 midfielder Alan Souza Guimaraes – who plies his trade with Palmeiras. The 17-year-old has a £43.3m buyout clause in his contract with his present deal set to expire in 2019.
According to ESPN Brazil, Los Blancos have sounded out the player’s agent – Juan Figer, who has informed Palmeiras of the Spanish giant's interest in him. There are also reports that suggest that Manchester United are monitoring the situation very closely. It remains to be seen which out of the two clubs will win the race to sign the wonderkid.
Barcelona willing to cough up £25.9m for Monaco star
According to French daily L’Equipe, Barcelona are interested in bringing AS Monaco star Thomas Lemar to Camp Nou and are willing to fork out £25.9m for his transfer. The report adds that Barcelona have been scouting the 21-year-old since the start of the season and have been impressed by his performances this season.
Lemar has been one of the players who have been instrumental in Monaco’s rise to the top of Ligue 1 standings and has notched up 11 goals coupled with 10 assists in 42 appearances for the Stade Louis II outfit.
Lemar can be seen as an ideal replacement for Arda Turan – who has struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular ever since his move from Atletico Madrid. There have been reports linking Turan away from Camp Nou and it looks certain that the Turkish international will leave the club in the summer.
Also Read: Reports: Real Madrid promise Eden Hazard Cristiano Ronaldo's salary as talks progress