Transfer News, Arsenal Targets Sevilla Center-back
In today’s transfer news, FA Cup winners Arsenal are targeting Sevilla’s 27-year-old Brazilian centre-back, Diego Carlos, as manager Mikel Arteta plans a summer overhaul. Arteta has called Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, 32, to discuss a potential move to the Gunners. Arsenal will offer Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 31, a £250,000-per-week three-year contract later this week.
However, Aubameyang wants to see the Gunners make big signings before he agrees on a new deal after helping the club win their 14th FA Cup. Crystal Palace’s 27-year-old Ivory Coast winger Wilfried Zaha is a target for Arsenal.
Manchester United are considering a move for Leicester City and Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, 33. Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has held transfer talks with the agents of Lille’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, 22. Meanwhile, United are hoping to use England centre-back Chris Smalling, 30, as part of a swap deal for Inter Milan’s 25-year-old Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar.
Also in the transfer news, Liverpool has moved ahead of Paris St-Germain in the race for Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara and is now “very likely” to sign the Spain midfielder. Aston Villa is targeting a summer move for Liverpool’s 25-year-old Belgium striker Divock Origi. Tottenham Hotspur will compete with Everton to sign Lille’s 23-year-old Turkey right-back Zeki Celik, 23, with Spurs considering selling Ivory Coast right-back Serge Aurier, 27.
Smalling is set to return to Old Trafford following his loan spell at Roma, with the Serie A club running out of time to complete a deal according to today’s transfer news. Italian giants AC Milan and Napoli are in talks with Norwich City’s English defender Ben Godfrey, 22 after the Canaries were relegated from the Premier League.
Eddie Howe will take a break from management after leaving Bournemouth. Cardiff City is leading the race for 27-year-old Barnsley and Wales striker Kieffer Moore.