Chelsea are planning a big summer transfer window after their takeover got the green light, while Everton are after a winger – both in all the latest Transfer Gossip.
BIG CHELSEA SUMMMER PLANNED
Chelsea plan to ‘move quickly’ in this summer’s transfer window after the Todd Boehly-led takeover got the green light on Wednesday morning.
The Blues have faced a tumultuous few months of uncertainty following the sanctions on previous owner Roman Abramovich. Boehly subsequently became the leading contender to take Abramovich’s place. However, red tape and concerns over the deal have forced delays – until now.
Indeed, the UK government revealed on Wednesday morning that it had “reached a position where it can issue a license that permits the sale of Chelsea”.
And according to The Telegraph, the Stamford Bridge club will not hang around once the deal has been completed.
In fact, the new Boehly-led consortium will reportedly hand Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel a £200million war chest.
Adding to the defence is Tuchel’s top priority amid the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
As a result, the manager has eight targets on his shortlist to revamp his back line. Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol are at the top of his list.
The pair are right-footed and left-footed, respectively, so are an ideal fit for Tuchel. Chelsea almost signed Kounde last summer before Sevilla changed the goalposts on a deal.
Meanwhile, Villarreal’s Pau Torres is also on Tuchel’s radar. However, new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag also reportedly has eyes on the Spaniard.
Having already won the Champions League under Tuchel, Chelsea‘s big aim is to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2017.
They will also want to get over the line in a domestic cup competition having lost three FA Cup finals in a row.
EVERTON EYE ISMAILA SARR DEAL
Everton are in the running to sign Watford winger Ismaila Sarr after Newcastle dropped out of the race, a report has claimed.
The Hornets star has become an exciting target for a number of clubs in recent seasons following his rise at Vicarage Road. He initially caught the eye when his brace helped inflict Liverpool’s first defeat of their Premier League title-winning season.
He subsequently had the chance to move to Anfield but they opted to sign Diogo Jota instead. Sarr then impressed in the Championship, firing Watford back to the Premier League.
But following another relegation, Sarr is widely expected to finally leave Vicarage Road.
Newcastle had him on their radar, but according to Football Insider, they have now dropped out of the running.
Indeed, the Magpies have decided to look elsewhere, with Sarr falling down their transfer shortlist.
As a result, Everton are looking to capitalise on the situation by registering interest. Crystal Palace are also looking to sign Sarr.
Sarr hit five Premier League goals this season and the Senegal international’s contract expires in 2024.
TRANSFER GOSSIP – BALE OFFERED TO ATLETICO MADRID
Atletico Madrid have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Gareth Bale from city rivals Real Madrid.
Bale has been at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2013 but is out of contract this summer. The 32-year-old is set to move on this summer as a free agent.
According to Marca, Bale’s agent recently met with Atletico’s sporting director to discuss a potential deal.
However, Andrea Berta told Jonathan Barnett that Atletico are not interested in signing the Wales international.
Bale has had a mixed career at Madrid. While he has enjoyed standout moments such as his overhead kick that helped Los Blancos win the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool, he has also been jeered by fans.
He spent last season on loan at Tottenham and it remains unclear what his next move will be, amid rumours of potential retirement if Wales do not qualify for the Qatar World Cup.
