Today’s transfer roundup features Manchester United finding what they’ve been searching for a very long time — a prolific striker. Stamford Bridge could be the site of a touching reunion between teacher and student, and Alexis Sanchez is apparently frustrated at Arsenal.
The Champions League and Europa League draws are done and dusted, and there are three Premier League clubs who were expected to be part of them, but unfortunately aren’t. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all dealing with the consequences of this and are set for some big moves in the summer.
Arturo Vidal looking to reunite with former mentor Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge
The Chilean box-to-box midfielder has established himself as one of the best in the world. In the past five years, he was won four Serie A titles, and seems to be on course to win his first Bundesliga crown this season. On the international front, he was an integral part of the Chile team that won the Copa America last year.
The man who helped him reached the top was none other than Antonio Conte, who looks all but set to take over at Chelsea next season. Conte brought Vidal to Juventus in 2011 and shares a very good personal relationship with him. The departure of the Italian manager could even have had a part to play in Vidal’s 37 million euros move to Bayern Munich.
Conte has his sights on acquiring some top players when he takes over at Chelsea, and Vidal is reportedly one of them. Even the Chilean himself recently played up the possibility of a move to join his former manager at Stamford Bridge.
“I have always said if I go to war I would take Conte with me. We will see what happens,” said Vidal, according to the Evening Standard.
The 28-year-old signed a four-year deal last season though. Hence any move could involve some big money, even surpassing the 37 million euros he is presently rated at.
Alexis Sanchez stung by bad press, could leave Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez arrived at Arsenal amidst much fanfare for a 42.5 million euro transfer fee. However, after two trophy-less seasons at the club and the recent exit to Barcelona in the Champions League, Sanchez is reportedly thinking twice about his future with the Gunners.
Sanchez hasn’t been the same player since he was injured late last year, and his tally of 10 goals so far, after a promising start to the season, is below par for the winger.
All of this has combined to make Sanchez cut a frustrated figure at the Emirates Stadium. Sanchez even went to the extent of confronting club officials and saying, “If you do not want me, I’m leaving,” according to Spanish outlet donbalon.com.
The same report goes on to say that there is rumoured interest from a number of La Liga sides including Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Valencia. The winger is presently rated at 55 million euros by transfermarkt.com.
Manchester United on the verge of snapping up Gonzali Higuain
The Red Devils’ scoring woes this season have been well documented. With just 37 goals in the Premier League this season, Manchester United are in desperate need of a prolific goalscorer.
Gonzalo Higuain has been just that for Napoli in the Serie A this season, having notched up 29 goals in all competitions for I Partenopei. His exploits this season have seen the Argentine striker become a wanted man, as a number of top clubs across Europe including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with a potential move for the 29-year-old.
It looks like Manchester United have taken over as the leaders of the pack though. Jose Mourinho has held talks with Higuain’s father and agent to seal a 100 million euro transfer to Old Trafford, according to Italian news site calciomercato.com.
The report also suggests that Jose Mourinho is already looking forward to taking over at Manchester United next year, and it looks like the speculation surrounding the Special One’s move to Old Trafford is rapidly reaching fever pitch.
