Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda’s daily transfer news and rumours roundup for 23rd April 2017. Today’s biggest news comes from Manchester United and their pursuit of a striker, made even more urgent now considering Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury. Apart from that, Chelsea, Barcelona and Manchester City all have their own transfer shortlists which we will take a look at. Let’s head right in.
Manchester United closing in on Torino’s top striker
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Manchester United are hot on the pursuit of a striker after their highest goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has sustained a long-term injury. According to the Sunday Mirror, United are closing in on signing Torino’s Andrea Belotti with a deal likely to be struck soon. However, the 23-year-old forward has a £84 million release clause which was inserted in his new contract last year itself.
It will have to be met by United if they intend on wrapping up the deal soon. Belotti has attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid but United with their urgent need of a striker for next season are the front-runners at the moment. United could spend big in the attacking department so watch this space for more.
Barcelona want Eriksen and Aurier
Barcelona are looking to add Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen to the roster at the Camp Nou. The Danish international is seen by Barcelona as the ideal candidate to support the Catalan club’s forward line of Messi, Neymar and Suarez and the club are impressed by his performances playmaking for Spurs this season according to the Sunday Mirror.
The Tottenham midfielder recently signed a new contract up until 2020 but that hasn’t deterred Barcelona from wanting to sign him. Eriksen has scored 11 goals this season but his most significant contribution has come playmaking for Spurs registering 20 assists for the club. Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday report that Manchester United target Serge Aurier’s representatives have met with Barcelona regarding a potential £17 million move to the Catalan giants.
The Spanish champions are looking to signing wing-backs this summer and Aurier fits the bill perfectly.
Pep Guardiola shows Alexis Sanchez interest
Pep Guardiola has shown interest in signing Arsenal’s Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez. In an interview recently he was quoted saying, “All the clubs in the summertime are going to try to improve. How do you improve the teams? Better players. Of course [people will watch] all the players around the world. Alexis is one of them. They are going to know his situation.”
Sky Sports report that Manchester City are looking at signing the player with Pep Guardiola wanting a reunion with the player he signed during his time at Barcelona. The Chilean’s situation at Arsenal has not improved with no news of a contract extension on the horizon at the moment. Expect a host of clubs to pounce for Sanchez with Europe’s biggest clubs interested.
Chelsea's pursuit of Koulibaly intensifies
Chelsea have been linked with Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli a considerable amount of time and recently in an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentis has further indicated the Blues’ interest in signing their centre-back.
While speaking to the Italian outlet De Laurentis said, “Should I have a new offer from Chelsea for Koulibaly? It will depend on the player's will because who doesn't want to stay can leave.” Chelsea will be looking at strengthening their squad next season with Champions League football back at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United cautiously optimistic about Eric Dier
Manchester United have cautiously approached the signing of Eric Dier from Tottenham. According to the Daily Telegraph, United are ready to bid £40 million for the central midfielder who can play in defence as well. They are expected to make a formal offer for Dier’s signature in the near future as Mourinho looks to revamp his squad at Old Trafford for next season.
The England international has been linked with a move to the Red Devils since January and could swap Tottenham’s colours for United’s. Expect more updates on this development in our daily transfer roundup column.
