Paper Talk: Granovskaia under pressure to deliver huge star after £60m Chelsea blow; agent shoots down Arsenal transfer
Marina Granovskaia is under pressure to seal a big-money Chelsea transfer after a move for a £60m star appeared to fall through, while Thursday’s transfer gossip reports that the agent of an Arsenal target has shot down talk of a switch.
CHELSEA SUFFER HAKIMI BLOW
Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia is under pressure to pull off a blockbuster transfer this summer, with top wing-back target Achraf Hakimi looking set to snub the Blues in favour of a switch to PSG.
Reports from Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano have indicated that Hakimi’s proposed transfer to PSG is now at an advanced stage.
That would come as a big blow to Chelsea, who were confident of sealing the signing of the Inter star.
Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso were both mentioned as makeweights in a deal to take Hakimi to Stamford Bridge.
However, with cash-strapped Inter needing funds this summer, a simple transfer fee was the preferred option – and that is exactly what PSG can provide.
All eyes will now switch to Chelsea’s bid to land prolific striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
With 41 goals in 41 games last season, a fee in the region of £150million would allegedly tempt the Bundesliga oufit – who could lose him for substantially less next summer.
A release clause of around £68m becomes active in 2022, meaning Dortmund would receive half of what they could get this summer.
Granovskaia needs to strike deal
But with the likes of Real Madrid also ready to swoop, the Daily Express reports that Granovskaia’s hunt for Haaland has ‘reached a new level of importance’.
The Blues made great strides under Thomas Tuchel last season, winning the Champions League. However, the absence of a top goalscorer remains an issue.
Timo Werner has struggled since his move from RB Leipzig last summer, but the arrival of 20-year-old Haaland would certainly give Tuchel an elite-level attacker to take the club to the next level.
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AGENT RULES OUT ARSENAL RETURN
Aaron Ramsey’s agent has shot down talk of a return to Arsenal this summer. (The Sun)
Alisher Usmanov is the driving force behind the move to make Rafa Benitez Everton’s new boss. (The Sun)
Tottenham are reportedly set for a U-turn and will hold talks with Nuno Espirito Santo. (The Sun)
Gareth Bale is set to be handed a Real Madrid lifeline by Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports. (The Sun)
Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is reportedly being chased by Lazio and Fenerbahce amid uncertainty over his future. (The Sun)
Manchester United are expected to complete a deal for Jadon Sancho next week. (The Times)
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EVERTON STAR ON WAY OUT
Everton midfielder James Rodriguez is being offered to clubs across Europe following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti. (Daily Mail)
Crystal Palace expect to appoint Lucien Favre as their new manager. (Daily Mail)
PSG have reportedly made initial contact with Sergio Ramos with the ex-Real Madrid captain now a free agent following the expiration of his contract. (Daily Mail)
Leicester City are on the verge of signing Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand on a free transfer. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United initially thought Raphael Varane wouldn’t be an attainable transfer target. However, that stance has now changed with the Red Devils determined to sign the Real Madrid star. (Daily Express)
Arsenal youngster Nikolaj Moller is being targeted by several European teams who are keen on signing the striker on a season-long loan. (Daily Express)
MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Concern is growing at Barcelona as captain Lionel Messi continues to delay on signing a new contract to stay at the Nou Camp. (Daily Mirror)
England medical staff are seeking permission for Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell to take part in socially-distanced training with their team-mates. (Daily Mirror)
Wales fans are furious at being banned from attending their last-16 clash with Denmark in Amsterdam. The Danish fans have a 12-hour window to go watch their team. (Daily Mirror)
Premier League newcomers Brentford are close to signing 23-year-old Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka from Danish sister club FC Midtjylland. (Sky Sports)
Steven Gerrard could make an audacious bid to bring Billy Gilmour back to Ibrox next season if Chelsea agree to let the Scotland youngster leave Stamford Bridge on loan. (Daily Record)
Celtic kid Armstrong Okoflex is likely to seal a move to West Ham. (Daily Record)
Porto will step up their efforts to land Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos next week. (Scottish Sun)
Ange Postecoglou jetted in on Wednesday to start work as Celtic boss – as the Hoops stepped up their bid for £5m defender Mario Vuskovic. (Scottish Sun)
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