Daily transfer news and rumours roundup - 29th March 2017
Welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature speculation regarding the future of Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez and regarding Juventus’ pursuit of an Arsenal star. On that note, let's take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on March 29, 2017:
Bayern Munich lead race to sign James Rodriguez
German giants Bayern Munich have emerged favourites to sign out of favour Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez. The Colombian have found game time hard to come by under Zinedine Zidane and was expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the January transfer window, however, that didn’t materialize.
Manchester United, Liverpool and several other clubs have been heavily linked with the Colombian midfielder but according to Spanish daily Don Balon, Bayern Munich are the front runners to secure the services of the 25-year-old.
The Colombian playmaker is looking forward to working under Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, the astronomical price tag of the 25-year-old could prove to be a huge stumbling block for his move to the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid are looking to recoup what they spent on the Colombian international and some more and are hoping to receive something in the region of £73 million for his services.
Juventus enter race to sign Hector Bellerin
Reigning Italian champions Juventus have entered the race for the signature of Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin. Barcelona have been heavily linked with the move for the Spanish international but the 22-year-old has reiterated his commitment to the Gunners.
Accordin to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the Old Lady have been handed a three-man shortlist by manager Massimiliano Allegri which includes the Spaniard along with Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio and Athletic Bilbao speedster Inaki Williams.
AC Milan want Cesc Fabregas and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
According to Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, fallen giants AC Milan are planning a summer overhaul of the squad and have chalked up a list of their summer targets which includes Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Borussia Dortmund superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lazio forward Balde Keita and Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio.
The Rossoneri have struggled to participate in the UEFA Champions League in recent seasons following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. To get back in contention for challenging for top honours across Europe the club’s hierarchy has decided that a huge influx of talent is required for which they need to invest heavily in the squad.
Cesc Fabregas has found game time limited under Antonio Conte, mostly due to the arrival of N’Golo Kante from Leicester City and is expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer. The San Siro outfit are also targeting their former reject in Aubameyang, who has made a name for himself as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers while terrorizing defenses in the Bundesliga.
Manchester City ready to splash €60m for Leonardo Bonucci
Manchester City’s defensive woes this season are well documented and considering their enormous spending power, a summer overhaul of the defensive unit is definitely on the cards. Manager Pep Guardiola had tried and failed in his attempt to lure Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci to the Etihad Stadium last summer but according to Calciomercato, the Spaniard has renewed his interest in the 29-year-old.
Bonucci renewed his contract with the reigning Italian champions to fend off interest from potential suitors but Guardiola is determined to land his target to improve the defence of his side. The former Barcelona manager wants the Citizens to break the transfer record by spending €60m for the services of the Italian – a world record for the transfer of a defender.
Arsenal superstar open to Germany move
English Premier League giants Arsenal have hit a new low this season. The club is in turmoil with uncertainty surrounding the future of their manager and their two best players. To add fuel to fire, superstar Mesut Ozil has opened the possibility of a return to Germany by admitting that nothing is decided at the moment and anything can happen.
The World Cup winning German has around 15 months left on his deal with the Gunners and has failed to agree on a new contract. There have been reports linking him with some of the biggest clubs in Europe but the 28-year-old has insisted in a recent interview with SportBild that his mother would prefer if he moved closer to home, presumably Bayern Munich – given that they are the only club who can afford his astronomical wages and match his lofty standards.
Speaking in an interview with the German daily, Ozil said: "I don't want to exclude that.
"Many family members - my mother especially - would welcome it if I were closer to home."
“I still have a year on my contract and I love running for this club. At the moment, everything is still open.”