We’re in the final few days of the transfer market, and the while the footballing action is well and truly underway, clubs from across Europe are still actively looking for new additions. That said, here are three top transfer stories of the day.
Serge Aurier rejects Spartak Moscow
With Matt Doherty arriving from Wolves earlier in the window has rightly put Serge Aurier’s starting place at Tottenham in bother. Earlier linked with a move to AC Milan, the 27-year-old Ivorian has now become a top priority for the Russian side Spartak Moscow.
The deal, however, might hit a block as reports claim that the right-back has outrightly turned down the transfer as a move to Russia holds no appeal to him. He looks keen on fighting for his palce, and with Tottenham involved in Europa League coupled with the departure of Kyle Walker-Pieters to join Southampton, there are chances that the Ivory Coast international might stay.
Aurier is yet to play a game this season, as he was an unused substitute for the opening two Premier League matches of the season. It now remains to be seen how the saga folds before the transfer window slams shut.
Barkley on Aston Villa’s radar
Aston Villa have reportedly shown an interest to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley on a season-long loan and are also considering Ruben Loftus Cheek if an attempt to get the former Everton man falls down.
Daily Mail quotes that Dean Smith’s side also enquired about getting Tammy Abraham earlier, but the striker seemed reluctant on moving and thus the move failed. As far as Barkley is concerned, he has proved to be a utility player for Chelsea, while Loftus Cheek has struggled to get a firm footing in the first team. The 24-year-old was heavily criticised for a poor showing in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Brighton, and allowing him to leave would ideally benefit all parties involved.
Chelsea ready to sell Rudiger
While Barkley and Loftus Cheek’s future are in jeopardy, Chelsea’s centre-back, Antonio Rudiger finds himself on thin ice. The German international wants to play regular football, but with Frank Lampard using Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen, he is reportedly considering his future at Stamford Bridge.
It is said that West Ham United are interested in Rudiger but they are wary of the situation that Chelsea might demand Declan Rice in the deal, something that the Hammers’ boss, David Moyes, is reluctant on doing. After being left out against Liverpool in the Premier League, Rudiger was omitted from Chelsea second game in a row. Lampard, however, cleverly turned down the reports, saying that omitting him was just a choice.
“That he (Rudiger) was not in the squad, that’s just a choice at the moment; with the centre-halves I have I can’t have them all in the squad,” said Lampard.
“Yes, there may be movement in the squad, we know that, but nothing is concrete so don’t read too much into those selections at the minute.
“It will have to be things that are right for the club, the individual and me, in terms of what happens in the next couple of weeks.”
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Alastair Grant
