Will Chelsea finally complete the transfer of long-awaited target Tiemoué Bakayoko or will Manchester United snap him up right under the Blues' noses? All that and more in this week's transfer window update.
Welcome to this week's transfer rumour roundup where we bring to you all the latest transfer gossip from European football.
Let's start with a trip down to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are reportedly in the hunt for a striker after top target Romelu Lukaku opted for a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
The Guardian and AS both report that Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata is on top of Antonio Conte's shopping list. Real Madrid want ‚¬70-80 million for Morata and Conte has told his bosses to stump up the amount. Conte, who highly rates Morata, had earlier signed the Spaniard for Juventus but didn't get to work with the striker as he chose to take up the position of the Italian national team's coach.
The Daily Star reports that Diego Costa is ready to bury the hatchet with Conte and stay at Stamford Bridge. The Brazil-born Spanish international had a bust-up with Conte in January last season over a move to China. Costa then revealed that Conte had informed him via text message that he was no longer part of the manager's plans.
However, The Telegraph claims that Conte has ruled out any possibilities of Costa staying at the club.
Chelsea are not placing all their eggs in one basket as they have also made a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. According to Marca, the 28-year-old Gabonese striker is subject to a bid of ‚¬70 million from the Premier League champions with PSG also interested in the forward.
Tiemoué Bakayoko's move to Chelsea has dragged on throughout the transfer window with fans and followers alike wondering what the hold-up has been. Fans have taken to Twitter to express their frustration at the saga with some hilarious results.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have been waiting to assess the Frenchman after he underwent surgery on his knee. The Daily Telegraph writer Matt Law too confirmed the news on Twitter and said that the move will be completed this week.
Bakayoko's move to Chelsea would pave the way for Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United. However, after losing Lukaku to United, Chelsea are said to be reluctant to let Matic leave for Old Trafford and strengthen their rivals. Frustrated at Chelsea's reluctance to sell the Serbian international, United have gone ahead and bid for Bakayoko if the Daily Mail is to be believed. If the deal does happen, it will be interesting to know how Conte would react to two of his transfer targets being signed by United.
The Mirror reports that United have identified Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier to strengthen the midfield. The England international has an admirer in Jose Mourinho with the Portuguese tactician telling his transfer negotiators to bid as high as £60 million to force the hand of the notoriously stubborn Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
Ivan Perisic has made up his mind to join United, reports the Manchester Evening News and The Independent. The Croatian winger has been under United's radar for a long time and the club now tabled a bid of £40 million for the Inter ace.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is adamant in not allowing Manchester City target Alexis Sanchez leave this summer. The Independent reports that the Chilean star is willing to run down his contract and leave Arsenal on a free transfer next season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have joined Manchester City and Chelsea in the race to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Djik. The Dutch defender was a target for Liverpool but the Merseysiders had to tender an apology to the Saints after Southampton complained about Liverpool trying to sign Van Djik using unfair means. The Sun claim that Wenger believes the £60-million valued defender is a perfect replacement for captain Per Mertesacker, who is set to retire at the end of the season.
Premier League runners-up Tottenham Hotspur are set to let Austrian international Kevin Wimmer leave after an unimpressive two-year stay at White Hart Lane according to the Mirror. The 24-year old though wants to stay in the Premier League with Southampton interested in Wimmer.
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have targeted Spanish centre back Inigo Martinez to shore up City's defence. The Citizens are also in the hunt for Virgil Van Djik but have also set their sights on the Real Sociedad player and are set to bid £27 million according to Manchester Evening News.
It is turning out to be a season of transfer hijacking, with Paris Saint Germain reportedly making move for Dani Alves. The Daily Mail reports that the Parisian club are waiting for Alves to respond to their offer. Alves had earlier terminated his contracted with Juventus to reportedly team up with Pep Guardiola again at Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho is all set to join Leicester City for £27 million according to Sky Sports. The 20-year old Nigerian forward had fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City after the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.
With Bayern Munich announcing the arrival of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a two-year loan deal, the Bavarians will be aiming to sell Douglas Costa to free up some space in the team for the Columbian. Serie A champions Juventus are closing in on a deal for the Brazilian winger with Bayern Munich, reports ESPN. While a fee has not been agreed upon, the report states that Bayern and Juventus are also willing to work out a loan deal for the former Shakhtar Donetsk forward. View More
