In our weekly talk cock sessions, we look at the latest transfer news, gossips, and highlights that have football fans all over the world buzzing with excitement.
Arsenal considering Seko Fofana
Arsenal are considering making a move for Lens midfielder Seko Fofana, with Newcastle and PSG also interested. Fofana played a key role in Lens’ side last season, making 38 league appearances. Contributing eight goals from midfield, his box-to-box ability makes him an attractive prospect for clubs around Europe. The 27-year-old could be on the move this summer, with Lens reportedly willing to sell the midfielder. Arsenal, Newcastle, and PSG are interested in acquiring his services, but he will cost in the region of £25m. Arsenal have been busy in the transfer market so far, being linked with a host of players, and already securing the signing of Fabio Vieira. However, the former Porto man is more likely to operate in a more attacking role.
Leeds United raise Raphinha asking price
Leeds United are said to have raised their asking price for winger Raphinha. The Brazilian is attracting interest aplenty this summer, with Arsenal seeing a bid rejected, while Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked. But there has been a setback for all of the interested parties, with Manchester City moving to sign Leeds star Kalvin Phillips. It emerged on Friday that City had agreed a deal to sign Phillips on a deal worth around £42million, and that changes things for Leeds. Receiving such a large fee for Phillips means they can play even more hardball with the departure of Raphinha. Leeds have now raised their asking price from £55million to £65million. That could be a problem for Arsenal, in particular, who have just agreed a big deal to sign Gabriel Jesus.
Tottenham negotiating to sign Clement Lenglet
Tottenham are said to be negotiating a deal to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet this summer. The Frenchman has a long-term contract with Barca, tied down until 2026, but he has seen very little football of late. Lenglet is not one of Xavi Hernandez’s starting centre-backs, and that is not likely to change in the near future. The Blaugrana would prefer to offload his wage bill, even if temporarily, and that does seem the most likely outcome. Tottenham are in negotiations with Barca over the loan signing of Lenglet as they look to prepare for a Champions League campaign. Barca are said to prefer a permanent deal, and that has not been completely ruled out, but a loan deal is said to be more likely.
Nottingham Forest set to announce Dean Henderson transfer
Nottingham Forest are set to complete a double deal in the coming days. Steve Cooper’s men need to strengthen this summer as they look to compete with their new Premier League rivals following promotion to the top flight. There are a number of key areas Forest want to address, and they are already making progress. The loan signing of Dean Henderson from Manchester United will be completed soon. And that’s not the only deal that is about to be wrapped up. Also, Taiwo Awoniyi is about to sign up from Union Berlin, with Forest agreeing a club-record fee worth £17.2million.
Hakim Ziyech handed in transfer request
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has reportedly handed in a transfer request and is now attracting interest from Italian club AC Milan. The Morrocan had performed exceptionally well in the Champions League, and many fans were expecting him to tear up the Premier League. However, his move to Chelsea hasn’t gone to plan so far. Ziyech has struggled for regular minutes, and it’s now being reported that he’s looking to move on. The 29-year-old is now attracting interest from Italian champions AC Milan, who are looking to offer him a route out of Stamford Bridge. There’s no doubt Ziyech has the talent, as we’ve seen in European competitions as well as the Eredivisie, but it just hasn’t worked out for him in England.
Real Madrid open to selling Marco Asensio
Real Madrid are reportedly open to selling Marco Asensio amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United. Over the last few years, Asensio has struggled at Madrid due to regular injuries. The Spaniard has failed to cement a place in the side when he has been fit, and he could now be on the move this summer. Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in acquiring the services of the 26-year-old, who could now be available for transfer this summer. Real Madrid are now pushing for a sale. Asensio’s versatility could make him a useful addition to both the aforementioned clubs. Manchester United are desperate for a dynamic attacker to play across the front three, and Asensio can do just that.
