Welcome to our daily transfer news roundup from across Europe. The transfer window has opened and the frenzy has gripped clubs and newspapers around the world – some challenging for the title while the others trying to stave off relegation.
The big news of the day is Manchester United willing to splash the cash on another Premier League striker. On the other hand, Real Madrid are set to enter a three-way battle for a Borussia Dortmund star.
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So without further ado, here are all the transfer news and rumours from 2nd January 2017:
Serie A
Axel Witsel snubs Juventus for China
In what can be termed as a bizarre move, Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel has snubbed Juventus in favour of a move to Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Quanjian. The 27-year-old has insisted that the offer from China was crucial for his family and as such he couldn’t turn it down despite having the chance to sign for a prestigious club like Juventus.
Speaking in an interview with Tuttosport, Witsel said: “It was a very difficult decision because on one hand there was a great team and a top club like Juventus.
"But on the other there was a crucial offer for my family that I couldn't turn down.”
Juventus reject Barcelona bid for Paulo Dybala
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Serie A giants Juventus have rejected an offer from Barcelona for the services of Argentine sensation Paulo Dybala. Dybala has oft been hailed as the successor to Lionel Messi and as such an interest from the Catalan giants is expected.
However, according to the report, the Old Lady have maintained their stance that Dybala is not for sale and are inclined to offer the Argentine a new contract to hold on to their prized asset.
Bundesliga
Wolfsburg to allow Luiz Gustavo loan exit
Struggling Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg are willing to allow midfielder Luiz Gustavo to leave on loan if the agreement includes an option to buy at the end of the season. According to Sportmediaset, the Volkswagen Arena outfit are prepared to end their three-and-a-half year long association with the Brazilian outfit with Premier League and Serie A clubs interested in his services.
Arturo Vidal to leave Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has sent the rumour mills into haywire after liking an Instagram post which suggested that Antonio Conte was prepared to bring the Chilean to Stamford Bridge. Vidal and Conte were together at Juventus and it had been suggested that the Italian held secret talks with the 29-year-old to persuade him to move to Chelsea.
Premier League
Manchester United plan big-money move for Harry Kane
Manchester United are willing to spend big for the services of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. According to Calciomercato, the Red Devils are willing to spend up to £80m for the transfer of the 23-year-old. Kane has continued his prolific form from the last two seasons and has notched up 12 goals and 2 assists so far in the season.
Chelsea enter race for Virgil van Dijk
Premier League title favourites Chelsea have entered the race for the signature of in-demand Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, if reports in Daily Express are to be believed. The Dutch international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City with Everton also reportedly interested in his services.
According to the report, the Stamford Bridge outfit are willing to bid £60m for the services of the 25-year-old.
Jose Mourinho interested in signing Pepe
Real Madrid veteran Pepe’s contract is set to expire in the summer and the Portuguese has been linked with a move to the big-spending Chinese Super League. However, according to the Sun, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is interested in his services but will face stern competition from China.
La Liga
Real Madrid to battle it out with Barcelona and Manchester City for Julian Weigl
Real Madrid have entered the race to sign highly-rated Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl. According to Spanish daily AS, the Santiago Bernabeu outfit are willing to snap up the midfielder albeit there is a catch, as Los Blancos are willing to wait until 2018 to sign the 21-year-old.
The German midfielder has been compared to Sergio Busquets due to the similarity in their playing style and both Barcelona and Manchester City are willing to snap up Weigl in the summer transfer window. However, the good terms between Madrid and Dortmund could tilt the balance in their favour in the race for Weigl’s signature.
Barcelona to fight AC Milan for the services of PSG full-back
The dearth of established right-backs in Barcelona’s squad is visible to all and as such the Camp Nou outfit have been linked with a transfer for every big name full-back available. According to Football Italia, AC Milan are long-time admirers of the full-back who always courts controversy but Barcelona are weighing up a move for the Frenchman in the ongoing transfer window as they look to close the gap on Real Madrid in the link.
Arsenal and Barcelona want Red Bull Salzburg wonder-kid
Arsenal and Barcelona are set to battle it out for the services of Red Bull Salzburg defender Dayot Upamecano. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 18-year-old has attracted the interest of both the European giants despite his tender age and will most likely command a hefty transfer fees.
Rest of the World
Olympique Marseille want to sign Dimitri Payet
According to L’Equipe, Olympique Marseille are planning an audacious bid to sign wantaway West Ham United midfielder Dimitri Payet. The report adds that the Stade Velodrome outfit are willing to pay something between £25m and £35m for the services of the 29-year-old despite Payet signing a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the London outfit in February of 2016.
Diego Costa targetted by Chinese Super League outfit
Chelsea hitman Diego Costa is the latest big-name footballer to be targetted by Chinese Super League clubs. According to the Sun, Tianjin Quanjian are planning an audacious £80m bid for the Spanish international, who is currently Premier League’s top-scorer. Chelsea have already let go of midfielder Oscar in December of 2016, who signed with Shanghai SIPG for £60m.
