Frank Lampard’s Chelsea have made significant headway into the transfer market, while other clubs across Europe are also busy acquiring suitable acquisitions for the upcoming 2020/21 season.
Amongst all the other news though, a certain Lionel Messi remains on the top of the chart after expressing his dissatisfaction with Barcelona. The global pandemic has certainly altered the approach of most of the clubs in the market, but the buzz of activity is the same as always.
That said, here are some of the top transfer stories from Europe:
Tottenham reject Aurier bid
Serge Aurier’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur is all but imminent. The 27-year-old right-back, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for £23m, has already been replaced by Matt Doherty, but his reported move to AC Milan has hit a rock as Spurs recently rejected the Rossoneri's first bid for the player.
Sky Sports say that both Tottenham and AC Milan remain way apart in their valuations of the Ivory Coast international. The twist in the tale, though, remains an interest of Bayer Leverkusen as well. Whoever bids the highest, gets the player.
Bayern out of Messi race
Since expressing his discontent with Barcelona, Lionel Messi has been linked with a number of clubs including Manchester City, PSG, and even Manchester United. Amongst the many were the recently crowned UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich, but club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has ruled his side out from the race.
"No. We can't pay a player of that size. It is not part of our policy and philosophy," Rummenigge told Tuttosport.
“Honestly, hearing that Messi could leave Barcelona makes me a little sad. Leo has written the history of that club and in my opinion, he should end his career with the Blaugrana.
“There are internal and private aspects there that I don't know about and that is why I will not interfere.”
While Bayern have distanced themselves from the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remain firm favourites to land the Argentine, with reports emerging that he is in touch with Guardiola over a potential move.
United in talks with Villa for Jack Grealish
Manchester United are yet to make a mark in the ongoing transfer market but it is being quoted that they are in talks with Aston Villa over a potential move for midfielder Jack Grealish.
As per the Daily Mail, the two clubs have spoken over the past week, and as far as Grealish himself is concerned, he is looking forward to joining a team that plays in the Champions League. Villa, meanwhile, are adamant about keeping the midfielder, but they won’t stand in the way if a suitable fee is put on the table.
It is believed that the midfielder is rated at £75m by his club. But in order to lower the fee, United could offer a couple of players as part of the negotiation, which includes a move for goalkeeper Sergio Romero on loan, while full-back Diogo Dalot remains a possibility as well.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Andy Rain
