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With all eyes on the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it's common tendency to forget that the transfer window is open and clubs all over the world are monitoring their respective transfer targets. While contracts may not be signed just yet, clubs are free to sign up players before the World Cup ends.
La Liga clubs are no different and many of them seem to be engaging in business with several transfer rumours and updates emerging. On that note, here is a look at some of the most notable transfer rumours, news and updates pertaining to La Liga:
Chelsea lead race for Marco Asensio
Having struggled to find playing time and establish a place for himself in the first team under Zinedine Zidane, Marco Asensio has been linked to moves away from the club for the past 12 months.
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Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea have predominantly been the sides rumoured to be interested in the Spanish star with both clubs boasting of sufficient monetary wherewithal to sign the 22-year-old.
Now, after Zinedine Zidane's departure, new Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui, reportedly wants to secure a big-money signing to bolster the side ahead of what promises to be an incredibly challenging season on multiple fronts.
As a result, reports from El Gol Digital (via The Daily Express) claim that Asensio is further worried about his role at the club and will look to depart this summer. The report also claims that Manchester United and Chelsea are still very much in the race, with the latter reportedly leading the race.
This is supposedly because Asensio is keen on living in London, thus handing Chelsea a boost in the race. According to the same report, the player's agent recently spoke up about the situation, saying:
“Madrid have received two offers for Marco Asensio, up to €150m (£131m), but the club rejected them. He has an extraordinary future. You can imagine that they come from England because they can afford it without any problems. They could even raise it"
Could this become the transfer saga of this summer? Watch this space for more.
Barcelona to bring in 4 players after Antoine Griezmann snub
After being linked with a potential move for Antoine Griezmann for months, Barcelona's transfer plans recently took a huge hit after the Frenchman announced that he would be staying at Atletico Madrid for the foreseeable future.
Subsequently, latest reports from Sport claim that the Catalans could make up for missing out on Griezmann by recruiting as many as four new players for multiple positions.
As per the report, Barcelona are targetting two central midfielders, one of which could be Gremio's Arthur, as well as an attacking player to replace Paco Alcacer, who is expected to depart the club in the near future.
The club is also reportedly at an advanced stage at sorting out a move for Sevilla's centre-back, Clement Lenglet, to reinforce the back-line.
Further, reports from Barca Blaugranes claim that Juventus star Miralem Pjanic could be another potential target, despite the existence of rumours that insist that the Bosnian is expected to sign a contract extension at Juventus.
Atletico Madrid announce Thomas Lemar and other contract extensions
Atletico Madrid have announced that a deal for Thomas Lemar has been completed. The Frenchman reportedly cost a fee of £63 million and will join compatriots Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez, who have also reportedly signed new long-term contract extensions.
The three deals were announced late last night by the club from France's training base in Russia. Antoine Griezmann's new contract will reportedly keep him at the club until 2023, while Lucas Hernandez's will see him remain at the Wanda Metropolitano until 2024.
Here is a look at the tweet the club's official Twitter handle put out:
Exciting times ahead for Atletico Madrid and their fans.
