EPL Transfer Rumour: Chelsea and Liverpool to battle it out for Moussa Sissoko
Newcastle could lose several key players this summer following their relegation to the Championship, with the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Ayoze Perez, Aleksander Mitrovic, and Moussa Sissoko linked to several clubs. The Magpies boss, Rafael Benitez, recently, promised fans they’d try to keep their best players at the club, but that’s unlikely.
Sissoko has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Newcastle for a while now, and despite the club’s relegation, he has several suitors in the Premier League and abroad. According to French newspaper L’Equipe, several top European clubs are interested in signing the French midfielder, including Chelsea and Liverpool.
Bundesliga side Hamburg, however, appear to be the most interested ones, as they’ve already submitted a bid of £9.5 for Sissoko, but the offer isn’t tempting enough for Newcastle. L’Equipe reckon Newcastle would consider selling Sissoko for around £12m, which shouldn’t be a problem for Chelsea or Liverpool, if they’re genuinely interested in the player.
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Although Newcastle-based daily The Chronicle have already dismissed reports linking Sissoko to Hamburg. It is reported Hamburg’s bid of £9.5 for Sissoko is ‘wide of the mark’, and that there have been no enquiries for the French star.
The Magpies are under no obligation to sell any of their players, and they’d only leave if Rafael Benitez sanctions a move. Sissoko was recently asked about his future by the French media, to which he replied: “At the moment, I’m only thinking about the Euros, and I’ll decide my future after that.”
The 26-year-old is currently with the France national team at the Euro 2016, and it’s unlikely he’d be making any move before the completion of the tournament. A move to Chelsea or Liverpool should be tempting for the player, and both the clubs are likely to sign a midfielder this summer.
Chelsea have already been trying to sign Radja Nainggolan, and could turn their attention towards Sissoko if they don’t reach an agreement with AS Roma soon. Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski is on Liverpool’s radar, and Jurgen Klopp could sign another midfielder, with Joe Allen likely to depart this summer.
Sissoko was actively involved for Newcastle this season, and has 1 goal and 8 assists to his name in 37 league appearances. The Frenchman has another three years left on his contract, so Newcastle can’t be easily forced to sell, whilst a loan move to a club in top division can’t be ruled out either.