The Hard Tackle takes a look at the latest transfer news surrounding Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
With a chaotic summer transfer window done and dusted, Premier League clubs have turned their attention towards the pitch as they look to reach their goals and objectives with their respective new-look squads.
But after a window that saw a host of talented players newly arrive in the Premier League, it appears a number of existing stars could be on their way out of England come the January transfer window. Reigning champions Manchester City had a difficult time signing Harry Kane, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo and may have to offload some star players before they can afford new ones.
The same can be said for Chelsea, who couldn’t even offload all the fringe players during the summer transfer window. Arsenal, too, are yet to complete a full overhaul and it appears Mikel Arteta is now looking to get rid of the remaining unwanted players in January.
Here at The Hard Tackle, we will delve into the latest transfer happenings surrounding these Premier League bigwigs.
Borussia Dortmund eyeing Timo Werner as Erling Haaland replacement
Our transfer roundup starts with Chelsea, who are apparently expecting a raid from Borussia Dortmund for the signing of Timo Werner. According to Fichajes, the former RB Leipzig forward is being targeted as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland with the player already being linked with a return to Germany in the past.
It is apparent that Dortmund anticipate the sale of Erling Haaland, who was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer before they eventually opted for Romelu Lukaku. While Stamford Bridge might not be a destination for the Norwegian superstar anymore, Chelsea may well do business with Dortmund, regarding Werner, who is seemingly falling out of favour, especially after the arrival of Lukaku.
The Black and Yellows had raided the Blues earlier in the summer for the services of Callum Hudson-Odoi. But the move was blocked by Thomas Tuchel, who wanted to keep the Englishman as a potential back-up for the wingers as well as Reece James at right wing-back. Whether the Bundesliga club fare better in their pursuit of Werner remains to be seen.
Bayern Munich eyeing Gabriel Jesus as Robert Lewandowski replacement
Borussia Dortmund aren’t the only club looking towards the Premier League for attacking reinforcements next summer, it appears. According to another report from Fichajes, Bayern Munich have identified Gabriel Jesus as one of the potential candidates to replace Robert Lewandowski next season, as they look to take advantage of the forward’s precarious situation at Manchester City.
The reigning English champions were unwilling to offload the Brazilian in the summer despite targeting a move for Harry Kane. But it appears they will be ready to cash in next summer, knowing they would need the sale in order to be able to sanction a move for top targets like Kane and Haaland.
Even Lewandowski was linked with a move to Etihad in the summer, and it is highly speculated that the Polish international will be on the move next summer, as he is determined to seek out a new adventure. Pep Guardiola would be certainly open to having him at Etihad, having worked with the former Dortmund superstar during his time at Bayern.
And should Lewandowski leave the German champions, for City or some other club, they are eyeing Gabriel Jesus as a potential replacement for the Polish hitman who has started the new season like a house on fire.
Arsenal ponder offloading Bernd Leno next summer
Our final news of the day covers Arsenal, who are now considering a sale for Bernd Leno next summer, having signed Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United late in the transfer window, reports Daily Mail. The Englishman was brought in for a hefty fee, with the expectation of overtaking Leno as the club’s number one choice in between the sticks.
Although we are still in the early phase of the campaign, Ramsdale certainly hasn’t disappointed, even starring in the recent win over Norwich City. Mikel Arteta himself was quick to sing praises of the Englishman over his performance against the Canaries, which certainly isn’t good news for Leno.
The German international hasn’t quite performed well over the past 12 months and looks certain to lose his place in the side to Ramsdale. Arsenal, therefore, will be keen on offloading him as quick as possible, knowing it would serve them as a significant financial boost for the club.
Recent speculation suggests that Inter Milan are monitoring the former Leverkusen shot-stopper, as a potential replacement for the ageing Samir Handanovic. They could emerge as the number one suitor for the German next summer, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
