Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's latest transfer news and rumours roundup. Today's stories feature the latest on Barcelona’s quest to address their biggest problems from last season, while AC Milan have been linked with a shock move for a Real Madrid superstar. So let's head right in and take a look at the major happenings across Europe that made headlines on June 28, 2017:
Serie A
Juventus close in on Federico Bernardeschi
Reigning Serie A champions Juventus have edged closer to completing the signing of Florentina winger Federico Bernardeschi, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. The 23-year-oldhas been linked with a move to Manchester United, who consider him as a viable alternative to Ivan Perisic but according to the report, it is the Old Lady who are the favorites to sign him.
AC Milan weigh up move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
According to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are very close to completing a deal for the signature of Sunderland striker Fabio Borini. However, the Italian striker is not the last of signings that the cash-rich Italian giants will make. The report adds that the San Siro outfit are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who they consider as their dream signing, but are also monitoring the situation of Florentina forward Nikola Kalinic if they fail in their pursuit of the Gabonese international.
Inter Milan interested in Atletico Madrid star
Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. However, according to Spanish daily AS, it is Inter Milan who have sounded out the La Liga giants about the availability of the 22-year-old. The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order under Diego Simeone and only managed to start 12 league games last season, courtesy of which he is open to a move away from Atletico Madrid.
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich admit defeat in Alexis Sanchez pursuit
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has confirmed that the club were interested in the services of Alexis Sanchez but a deal for the 28-year-old is not viable. Speaking in an interview with Kicker, Hoeness said: “You can't build a new team with €100m (£88m) transfers for a 29/30-year-old."
Werder Bremen goalkeeper to depart for Leeds United
Leeds United are set to sign Werder Bremen goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald in the coming days after the German side decided to not stand in the way of a potential move for the 27-year-old, who made 25 appearances for the club in the league last season.
Premier League
Arsenal prepare fresh bid for AS Monaco sensation
It was widely reported yesterday that Arsenal had their initial offer of £31m for Thomas Lemar rejected by Monaco but according to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Gunners had actually bid close to £36m for the services of the 22-year-old. The report adds that Arsenal have not thrown in the towel, at least not yet, and will come back with another bid for the Frenchman, however, they face stiff competition from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur – who are also interested in Lemar.
Chelsea to insert buy-back clause in Nathan Ake’s deal
Nathan Ake is once again close to leaving Chelsea as an impending move to former side Bournemouth draws near. The 22-year-old was recalled from his loan at Bournemouth last season, to help the Blues win the Premier League. However, according to Sky Sports, Ake is close to completing a £20m move to Bournemouth, which will include a buy-back clause.
Manchester United make move for Torino striker
Manchester United have made a move to bring Torino striker Andrea Belotti to Old Trafford, according to reports in Italian daily Tuttosport. The 23-year-old Italian notched up 26 goals in the league last season and has established himself as one of the premier strikers in world football. Belotti has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea. The report adds that United’s advances have been rejected by the Turin outfit.
La Liga
AC Milan linked with sensational move for Real Madrid superstar
AC Milan have been sending shockwaves across the footballing world with their transfer dealings so far in the window and it appears that they will not be done anytime soon. The San Siro outfit are ready to capitalize on the uncertainty regarding the future of Real Madrid midfielder Isco, and try and lure him to Italy, according to reports in Spanish outlet Don Balon. The Spaniard has only one year left on his deal with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit and is said to be considering his options.
Marco Verratti to not return to PSG training to force a move to Barcelona
According to Spanish daily Sport, PSG superstar Marco Verratti has been advised not to return to training wiht his present club on the 4th of July by his advisors to help facilitate a move to Barcelona. The Parc des Princes outfit are reluctant to let the Italian leave and a transfer saga is definitely on the cards. The report further adds that should Barcelona fail in their pursuit of Verratti, they will pursue Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez or Manchester United’s Ander Herrera.
Real Madrid have held no talks with Manchester United for superstar
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted that there have been no talks between Los Blancos and Manchester United over Alvaro Morata. It has been heavily reported in the last few weeks that Morata’s advisors have been in touch with the Madrid hierarchy in a bid to facilitate the Spanish striker’s move to Old Trafford
Speaking in an interview with El Primer Palo radio, Perez said: "I believe we are not negotiating with Manchester United, which does not mean that there are not people around him who are talking, which is normal. I have read that we have reached an agreement for I don't know how many million Euros, but it is not true."
Rest of the World
Ajax sign 17-year-old goalkeeper
Europa League runners-up Ajax have announced that they have completed the signing of Vitesse goalkeeper Issam El Maach on a 3-year-deal.
Kylian Mbappe sends cryptic message to Arsenal, PSG and Real Madrid
AS Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe has sent a cryptic message to his suitors, which includes Arsenal, PSG and Real Madrid, by updating his Twitter account with a picture of him celebrating in front of a board which reads ‘Priceless’, potentially highlighting his importance to the clubs. What is the message that the 18-year-old wants to convey to the clubs is still not clear.