The summer transfer window is unlike any other. See all great deals and Check out how we scored largest contract. And just because the window is closed until January, that doesn’t mean the rumors won’t keep popping up. Here are the latest rumors and speculations.
TOP STORY: Barca, Atleti vs Azpilicueta
Barcelona and Atlético Madrid interested Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta free transfer, say Sport.
The Spain The international is one of a number of Blues defenders out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer, meaning he is free to discuss deals with foreign clubs as of January 1.
The 32-year-old has spent nearly 10 years at Chelsea, joining from Marseille in 2012 and made 446 appearances for the club during that time.
ESPN Covering Barcelona after the versatile defender returned in November, with new coach Xavi Hernandez hoping to add experience and leadership to his young squad.
With Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva All have contracts expiring in the summer, leaving Thomas Tuchel likely without a centre-back next season.
Rudiger has been closely linked with the move to Real Madrid in recent months, with the Blues beginning to negotiate a new contract, but have yet to receive it Germany international to commit to stay in London.
Barcelona have also been heavily linked with Christensen, with whom Chelsea are said to have been in talks over a new deal, but they have stalled with Denmark international was disqualified for a game due to an ongoing problem.
As for Silva, it is believed he will sign another year’s contract at Stamford Bridge, impressing since a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Time will tell if Tuchel still has a shortfall in the backline, however, that could force him into the transfer market to build defensive options.
– ESPN FC 100: Ranking the best players in the world by position
– ESPN+ guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (US)
– Daily ESPN FC live stream on ESPN+ (US only)
WRAPPING PAPER
– West Ham are pushing to sign a contract Liverpool defender Nat Phillips in January, report Evening Standard. The Hammers were dealt a heavy blow to the defence, with Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma set to miss a spell due to injury. As a result, David Moyes is hoping to sign the 24-year-old, who is valued at £10m by the Reds.
– Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana The door is not yet closed for a future return to Barcelona, with the 25-year-old out of contract in the summer.
Talking to Sport, he said: “I continue to have contact with Barca. I have a very, very good relationship since I left. Barca is my home and there have always been connections. Obviously it is my home. me and I grew up there. If it was Barca, it would be Barca.”
– PSG are eyeing a move Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, based on Calciomercato. The 25-year-old’s contract expires with the Bavarian club at the end of the season, leaving him free to leave the club or agree to sign a pre-contract with clubs abroad in January.
– Kieran Trippier is a transferable preference for Newcastle United Football Club manager Eddie Howe in January, reported Daily mail. The right-back is said to be open to a return to the Premier League from Atletico Madrid, with the Warblers looking to bolster their squad for the relegation battle.
– Manchester United looking at targets in between just in case Paul Pogba left the club on a free transfer the following summer. The France international out of contract at the end of the season, with Daily telegram reports that any replacement will have international standing, but won’t be a well-known name like Pogba.
