Real Madrid to pursue multiple top superstars in staggering £345m splurge, Arsenal and Liverpool receive boost in chase for PSG star as Barcelona back out, and more: Transfer Roundup, 2nd March 2019
Welcome to Sportskeeda's daily transfer roundup.
With the summer transfer window just a few months away, teams across Europe's top five leagues already seem to be preparing for next season. As usual, there has been plenty of transfer talk and speculation today.
Today's top transfer stories feature giant clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, among others. They also feature some high-profile stars who are being linked with moves away from their current clubs.
On that note, here is a look at the top transfer news, rumours, and updates for the day:
Manchester City to look for replacements for Benjamin Mendy
Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy is unquestionably a talented left-back. However, serious knee injuries have continuously hampered his time at the club, allowing him to make just 16 Premier League appearances since joining the club ahead of the 2017-2018 season.
Now, the club's manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted that they might have to start looking at replacements for the injury-prone Frenchman. As per reports from Sky Sports, Guardiola spoke about the matter and said:
"I don't know what's going to happen but we are thinking about the chance to find some players in that position. Today he (Mendy) is not fit. It (injury) happened two seasons, it can happen three. Hopefully not, he's working on that, but the truth is we have only been able to use him a few games, that is the reality."
"So at the end, the strongest guys are there every day and that is the truth, so that is why we are looking maybe for next season."
Arsenal target Nicolas Pepe to be sold for 'right price'
As a result of some excellent performances for Lille, Nicolas Pepe seems to have found his way onto Arsenal's radar, as the Premier League giants reportedly look to secure the 23-year-old winger.
Now, according to reports from The Daily Express, Arsenal have been handed a significant boost as Lille have reportedly admitted that they will be prepared to sell Pepe for the right price.
The club's sporting director, Luis Campos, spoke to Telefoot (via Goal.com) and said:
“We are not a rich club. It means that if a really good proposal comes for Pepe, we have to sell him.”
Manchester United to resume pursuit for Alex Sandro
Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Juventus' Alex Sandro last summer but had failed to snatch him. Subsequently, the Brazilian signed a new contract that lasts until 2023.
However, reports from The Sun claim that Juventus could be willing to offload the 28-year-old in favour of a move for Real Madrid's Marcelo. The report suggests that if Juventus successfully sign Marcelo, they will look to sell Sandro to balance the books.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, who will also be looking for reinforcements in the summer, will be expected to monitor the situation as they look to reignite their interest in the left-back.
Arsenal and Liverpool to battle it out for Adrien Rabiot after Barcelona bow out
Adrien Rabiot's well publicised falling out with Paris Saint-Germain, after refusing to sign a new contract, has put several top clubs on red alert. The Frenchman was initially linked with a potential move to Barcelona, who were believed to be keen on signing him.
Premier League's Arsenal and Liverpool were also believed to be interested in the 23-year-old. However, contrary to popular belief that Barcelona (who had reportedly made an offer of £8.7million) were top contenders, the latest reports from The Daily Express claim that the Catalan giants have decided to end their pursuit for the midfielder.
Barcelona have reportedly grown frustrated with the lack of developments, as well as with Rabiot's representatives, forcing them to back out of the race. This will leave just Arsenal and Liverpool in what promises to be quite a transfer saga.
Real Madrid plan massive overhaul with massive £345m summer splurge
Real Madrid's defeat to Barcelona and subsequent Copa del Rey elimination has only made matters worse. The club's failure to successfully replace Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have come back to haunt them, and the club's president, Florentino Perez, is reportedly planning to make amends.
Reports from The Sun claim that Madrid are set to spend as much as £345m on new players in the summer transfer window, seeking a major squad overhaul. Los Blancos are reportedly targeting several of the world's best players, including Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, Chelsea's Eden Hazard, and Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar, among others.
The report also claims that Spurs are desperate to retain Kane.
However, it is widely believed that Kane is growing uneasy with the lack of silverware with Spurs and could consider his options in the near future.