Declan Rice tops Chelsea trio of targets in summer window
The January 2022 transfer window has closed, but there are still plenty of rumors floating around about who is going where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, whereabouts and, of course, closed deals!
TOP STORY: Rice tops Chelsea’s summer wishlist
Chelsea are chasing a trio of players to sign this summer and West Ham United Declan Rice tops the list, reports The Athletics.
Report claims Les Bleus are considering a move for Rice, AS Monaco Aurelien Tchouameni and Jules Kounde from Sevilla at the end of the season, although there is strong competition for all three from other clubs.
Thomas Tuchel opted out of bolstering his first-team squad in January, despite injuries, in a bid to make improvements at the end of the season.
Rice, 23, has been a long-term target for the Blues since Frank Lampard was in charge of Stamford Bridge. The England international impressed, captaining West Ham and becoming an important player for the senior national team.
A move for the midfielder may come at a price, however, with David Moyes previously claiming a £100million worth for him was a ‘bargain’.
Tchouameni is another midfielder who impressed for Monaco at a young age. The 22-year-old has been linked with Chelsea as well as a number of other clubs, with the promise of being one of the hottest prospects.
Given the aging Blues midfielder, the pair could be brought in with an eye on the future prospects as well as competing in the present.
As for Koundé, the centre-back was reportedly close to a move to London last year, although it never materialized. The 23-year-old is believed to have a £68million release clause at Sevilla, who still value him at that figure.
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GOSSIP PAPER
– Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus are interested in AS Roma’s attacking midfielder Nicolas Zaniolosays Calciomercato.
The 22-year-old is out of contract in 2024, although talks over a new deal have stalled and have opened up a potential opportunity for other clubs to land him. Spurs director of football Fabio Paratici is said to be a particular fan of the player.
– LA Galaxy have offered the winger a contract Douglas Costa until December 2022, with the option of another season, depending Nicolas Schira.
Sources confirmed to ESPN last week that the 31-year-old is being pursued by MLS after his loan to Brazilian club Gremio was cut short due to their relegation to the second division.
– Napoli consider moving Adnan Januzaj to replace the outgoing Lorenzo Insigne at the end of the season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Insigne, 30, has already signed a pre-contract with MLS club Toronto FC, which will see him leave the Azzuri in summer. Real Sociedad winger Januzaj is considered a potential replacement, with the Belgium international’s contract with the LaLiga club expiring at the end of the season.
– AC Milan eyes potential double whammy this summer for Lille players Renato Sanches and Sven Botman.
According to Gazzetta dello Sportla Rossoneri consider the pair as replacements for players who come to the end of their deals with the club in both Frank Kessie and Alessio Romagnoli. Botman was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, although the deal was never completed.
– Two clubs have made offers to sign the former Chelsea striker and free agent Diego Costareports Nicolas Schira.
The 33-year-old recently left Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro, with Antalyaspor and Corinthians both offering contracts. Antalyaspor have reportedly offered a six-month contract, while Corinthians have made an offer until December, although neither has yet reached a salary agreement.
