Transfer rumours of the day: 16 November 2015
Winter is fast-approaching and the preparation for Christmas and New Year’s celebration has already begun in some parts of the world. As we all know, the month of December and January are always a busy period and it is more than just a ‘festive season’ in the football world.The winter transfer window is set to open soon and several clubs around Europe are on the lookout for players. Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United will be compelled to ‘shop’ during the festive period in order to pose a serious title challenge on Manchester City, who boasts the league’s most well-rounded squad and are topping the league table at the moment.While Spanish giants Real Madrid, as usual, are tempted to bring in big names in every transfer window and in January they might add a few players to the side’s attacking force. Perhaps, in the form of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski?So here are some of the major transfer rumours doing the rounds in Europe today.
#1 La Liga
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has shown his support for Karim Benzema amid the alleged involvement of the French striker in Mathieu Valbuena's sex-tape scandal. However, Perez has now made it known that his days at the Santiago Bernabeu could be numbered if he is to be found guilty over his alleged involvement and has threatened to relieve him of his duties.
It has been reported by Marca that Los Blancos are ready to offload the France international and are lining up a move for Bayern Munich’s in-form striker Robert Lewandowski, who could soon be partnered alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The agent of the Polish international has refused to silence rumours linking his client with a move from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid. Lewandowski's agent, Cezary Cucharsk said: "You cannot deny that there is interest from Real Madrid.”
The player himself has also admitted that he is learning Spanish but has insisted that there has been no contact over the past few months.
According to FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is set to leave for Barcelona soon, as per reports on Tuttosport. Pogba has been the engine in the heart of Juve’s midfield but he could well be tempted to a move to Nou Camp in the summer.
English champions Chelsea are ready to make a £40 million for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, according to the Mirror. The Blues are ready to offload their misfiring, highly-controversial striker Diego Costa and the Frenchman is seen as the ideal replacement at the Stamford Bridge.
Another La Liga star Ever Banega is reportedly being watched by Premier League side Everton. The Merseyside club are mulling over a move for the Sevilla midfielder, whose contract with the Europa League winners runs out in the summer. However, Everton will have to fight off competition from Manchester United, Juventus and Roma who are also interested in securing the Argentinian’s signature, as per reports on Liverpool Echo.