Welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature speculation regarding the future of Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez and Barcelona’s interest in bringing back a former player. On that note, let's take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on March 30, 2017:
Barcelona interested in resigning Gerard Deulofeu
Barcelona have struggled to hit the heights of yesteryears this season and while it is partly down to the management of Luis Enrique, it is also because of the players available in the squad. According to Spanish daily Marca, the Catalan giants are inclined to bring back La Masia product and former player Gerard Deulofeu to Camp Nou.
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The 23-year-old only managed to make 6 appearances for the Blaugrana before he was loaned to Everton and Sevilla, which followed by his eventual sale to the Goodison Park outfit. The Spaniard was loaned to AC Milan in the January transfer window and while he has struggled to get the goals he has put in some impressive performances.
This has reignited Barcelona’s interest in him and they are prepared to bring him back to Catalunya. The Camp Nou outfit will not have to shell out an astronomical figure for the 23-year-old as he has a €12m buy-back clause in his contract, which the club can activate anytime.
Atletico Madrid want to sign Alexis Sanchez but face a few roadblocks
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are keen to sign Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez and are closely monitoring his situation in London. According to Spanish daily AS, the Vicente Calderon outfit will make a move for the Chilean in the summer if their transfer ban is lifted by FIFA. However, that is not the only problem they face in their pursuit of the 28-year-old.
Diego Simeone’s side will have to negotiate and bring down the asking price of Arsenal for Sanchez – which is currently believed to be £50 million – as they cannot afford to sanction a purchase of more than €40m. Further to that, the former Barcelona man will have to take a pay cut to play for the Madrid-based club.
Sanchez has less roughly 15 months left on his contract with the Gunners and has been holding out for a bumper pay-hike – believed to be in the region of £250,000-a-week, nearly double of what he earns right now. Considering that it is unlikely that Sanchez would agree to take a pay cut to join Atleti, given that he has already expressed his desire to stay in London.
Manchester United, Manchester City and two Spanish clubs have made inquiries for Joshua Kimmich
According to German newspaper Kicker, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is being courted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe with the two Manchester clubs coupled with two unknown clubs from Spain having already sounded out the reigning German champions for his services.
Kimmich started the season in fine form and although his form has dipped in recent weeks, he is still one of Europe’s most exciting prospects and has the added advantage of versatility, given that he can play across various positions. The 22-year-old moved from RB Leipzig to the Allianz Arena in the summer of 2015 and has since seen his stock grow, almost astronomically.
Chelsea will not sell Eden Hazard as they don’t want to upset Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte is having a dream of a first season at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are 10 points clear at the top of the league table and look favourites to land their 5th Premier League title. However, according to London Evening Standard, the club is currently working on a new deal to keep the Italian at the helm of the club and don’t want to risk upsetting him by allowing the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid or any other club.
Hazard has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid but the Spanish giants are expected to be left disappointed as the Blues have no intention of selling their best player to them. A departure in subsequent transfer windows might still be a possibility for the Belgian but as things stand, it is unlikely that he will move now.
Arsene Wenger confident Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will stay
Under-fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that superstar duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are set to stay at the club despite both entering the last 15 months of their contracts with the Gunners.
Both Ozil and Sanchez are reportedly holding out for huge wage hikes and any discussions over a new contract are set to be put on hold until the end of the season.
Speaking in his press conference, Wenger said: "In a positive way, there’s only one team in London, so he’s [Alexis] happy. I have not a lot to add. I think he’s happy here. We have not extended his contract, I hope he will stay at the club.
"You have to be cautious when they give interviews in their home country. The interpretation is not always correct. It happened before when we had to sell our best players. But that’s not the case any more. He has one and half years contract. I don’t think it is an immediate concern for Arsenal.
"I personally believe both of them want to stay. I hope the club will find an agreement with them.”
