Transfer gossip: Ranieri linked with Liverpool’s Matip
Some of the recent transfer speculation involving the area’s clubs…
New Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri wants to sign Liverpool defender Joel Matip, reports claim.
Ranieri’s priority will be to shore up the Whites’ leaky defence following his arrival at Craven Cottage as replacement for the sacked Slavisa Jokanovic.
And Talksport have picked up on reports in Turkey claiming that Fenerbahce want Matip but now face competition from Fulham.
Chelsea favourites to sign Pulisic, Guardian say
Chelsea are favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund’s American winger Christian Pulisic in the summer, according to The Guardian.
Pulisic, 20, has long been touted for a move to the Premier League and Chelsea have repeatedly been linked with him, as have Liverpool and Tottenham.
The Guardian believe Chelsea have shown the most interest and are favourites to snap him up after the end of this season.
The story is based on Pulisic indicating that he is open to a move to England.
“England, the Premier League, is a league where lots of kids dream of playing so there is no reason why maybe one day I won’t play here,” he said.
“As you can see, we are having a great year at Dortmund and I am enjoying every moment of that. Then when the time comes for me to talk in the breaks about my future, then that’s when those things happen.”
Arnautovic touted for move
Marko Arnautovic’s brother and agent claims Chelsea are interested in the West Ham forward, the Daily Mirror reports.
The Austrian wants to join a big club and is therefore being touted for a move away from the London Stadium.
Daniel Arnautovic told gianlucadimarzio.com: “It’s not that he really wants to leave, but we believe this is the moment in his career when he has to take a step forward and try to win a few trophies, maybe even the Champions League.
“There are a lot of Premier League clubs tracking him. Chelsea and Everton, for example, but not only them.”
Fulham among clubs linked with Cahill
Chelsea will allow Gary Cahill to leave on loan in January, The Guardian say.
Cahill said in September that he planned to seek a move when the transfer window reopens if he is still being overlooked by Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Guardian say Chelsea will agree to a loan move in recognition of his six years of service to the club.
It would effectively mean the end of his time at Stamford Bridge as his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Guardian also suggest that Fulham, Southampton and West Ham could offer him the chance to stay in the Premier League and that Cahill’s former club Aston Villa – where his ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry is now assistant manager – might also look to snap him up.
Sun say Giroud is closing in on move
Olivier Giroud is again being linked with a switch to Marseille.
The Sun say Giroud is closing in on a move to the French club when the transfer window reopens.
The Chelsea striker only moved to the Bridge from Arsenal in January but has been unable to make an impact this season.
Reports claim Sarri phoned Fekir
Chelsea continue to be linked with Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir.
The Sun have picked up on reports – started by El Gol last week – claiming that Sarri has telephoned the France international to try to convince him to move to the Bridge.
Rugani also linked
Chelsea also continue to be linked with Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.
The Express say Italy international Rugani, 24, has started learning English ahead of a possible move to London.
Saurez linked too
Chelsea are interested in Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez, the Daily Star claim.
It is claimed that Sarri, who currently has a wealth of midfield options, tried to sign Suarez during his time as Napoli boss and is again keen on the Spain international.
