Transfer Talk: Sarri plans Higuain reunion at Chelsea

Published on: 15 July 2018

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The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.

TOP STORY: Sarri era to begin fast with Higuain prime target

Maurizio Sarri is the new Chelsea manager and he has already spent £57 million on Jorginho as his first signing, but there is plenty more to come it appears. The Mirror claims the Italian is prepared to sell both Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud (who has just 12 months left on his contract) to make room for Gonzalo Higuain.

The Blues, however, will face stiff competition for the Argentina striker's signature, with AC Milan also circling, according to Corriere dello Sport. Chelsea could use Morata, who they paid £58m to Real Madrid for 12 months ago, in a swap deal for the Argentinian striker, who has previously worked with Sarri at Napoli.

Higuain's best season of his career, which included 38 goals in all competitions, came under the Italian in 2015-16, and Juve are prepared to recoup some of the £75m they paid Napoli two years ago having pulled off the signing of the summer in Cristiano Ronaldo. And Sarri will gladly welcome his former player, with the £240,000 per week forward likely to be the focal point of his attack, especially if Eden Hazard departs.

Corriere dello Sport's Alfredo Pedulla claims the Blues will pursue Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, CSKA midfielder Aleksandr Golovin and possibly Roma goalkeeper Alisson -- should Thibaut Courtois exit Stamford Bridge.

LIVE BLOG

09.00 BST: Not content with signing one Galactico, Juventus have made initial contact to sign Real Madrid full-back Marcelo, according to CalcioMercato.

PAPER TALK (By Jack Rathborn)Barcelona target De Jong

Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Frenkie De Jong from Ajax, with Sport detailing the Dutch prodigy's price tag is set at €50m.

The Catalan newspaper claims the deal will be finalised in the coming days.

The player himself appears to have confirmed a willingness to move to the Nou Camp at just 21 years of age, off the back of a goal and nine assists last term.

"I can't promise that I'll stay," De Jong said. "I have the option of moving to Spain."

Arsenal in for Bentancur

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Rodrigo Bentancur with a view to making a bid for the Juventus star, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Uruguayan midfielder shone at the World Cup, but the Old Lady may not be able to grant him a regular place in their starting lineup, which could open the door to a sale.

Unai Emery could utilise the former Boca starlet alongside new signing Lucas Torreira as he bids to reshape the Gunners squad after succeeding Arsene Wenger this summer.

Tap-ins

- Luke Shaw has knocked back Everton in a bid to save his Manchester United career, according to the Times.

The left-back has one year remaining on his deal at Old Trafford, but with the impending sale of Daley Blind to Ajax, Shaw may be thrown a lifeline. Ashley Young will return late after the World Cup, too, meaning Shaw could start in United's first Premier League game in less than four weeks.

- Jorge Mendes, agent of Cristiano Ronaldo, offered his client to Aurelio De Laurentiis and Napoli, as well, reports Corriere dello Sport.

Ronaldo is on the verge of officially being unveiled as a Juventus player, though Napoli seemingly were also an option as Mendes plotted a route out of Real Madrid.

- Wolves are closing in on Joao Mario after his loan spell at West Ham last season.

The Sun claims that the Premier League newcomers could sign the Inter Milan midfielder, with the Italians keen to recoup most of the €35m they paid Sporting in 2016.

- Tottenham are lining up a move for Benjamin Pavard should Toby Alderweireld move on this summer, reports the Mirror.

The Stuttgart star has shone for France at the World Cup as a right-back, but his natural position is at centre-back, with his versatility appealing to Mauricio Pochettino.

- Australia captain Mile Jedinak is on the verge of leaving Aston Villa, according to SBS.

Steve Bruce's side fell at the last hurdle in last season's Championship playoff final and are now expecting to lose a host of first-team stars to fall in line with Financial Fair Play rules.

Source: espn.co.uk

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