Daily transfer news and rumours roundup - 13th February 2017
Welcome to our daily transfer news roundup from across Europe. With the Champions League extravaganza starting from tomorrow, the depth of the teams involved in the knockout stages will be tested. Here are the biggest stories that made headlines on 13th February 2017:
Italian giants set to battle it out for one of Premier League's best players
Alexis Sanchez's refusal to sign a new deal with Arsenal has led to several clubs eyeing a deal for the Chilean. Inter Milan and Juventus are said to be at the front of the queue of clubs interested in the Gunner.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, the forward has been garnering a lot of interest from Italian clubs who want to make him the new face of Serie A while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also said to be interested in the Premier League's top scorer of the 2016/17 season.
Manchester City preparing a record-breaking deal for Spurs superstar
Dele Alli has been identified by Pep Guardiola as his main summer target according to the Sunday Express. The former Barcelona manager has been impressed by Alli's vision and work rate this season and wants the Englishman to join him at the Etihad in the summer.
City are expected to offer him a record-breaking deal which will see him become the most expensive English player ever. Guardiola has emphasised the importance of homegrown players recently and Alli fits that bill perfectly.
Former Liverpool manager is a surprise target for Arsenal
Arsenal's shortlist of potential managers to replace Arsene Wenger in the summer is making headlines for the past week or so. In that list, the surprise addition is Rafael Benitez, who is currently in charge of Newcastle United and is doing a fine job in the Magpies' bid to return to the Premier League.
According to the Sunday Mirror, the club hierarchy has turned a keen eye towards the Spaniard. The former Liverpool boss joins the list which is believed to include the likes of Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Tuchel, Barcelona's Luis Enrique and Monaco's Leonardo Jardim.
Bayern Munich identify Philip Lahm successor
After Lahm's decision to retire at the end of the current season, the Bavarians have identified Benfica full-back Nelson Semedo as his replacement in the summer. O Jogo reports that Bayern have scouted the Benfica man a number of times this season and wants Semedo to be the first summer signing for Carlo Ancelotti next summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal to fight it out for Kasper Schmeichel
Both Petr Cech and Simon Mignolet have failed to command consistent performances this season which means that both Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, are looking to sign an upgrade at this position in the summer.
Leicester City's Kasper Schmeichel has been reported to be a target for both with the Star reporting that the Foxes will look for a £30 million fee for their experienced custodian. If Leicester get relegated this season then their valuation of Schmeichel might get lower.