A number of players are being linked with Barcelona as the Spanish giants are looking to bolster their defence, with futures of centre-back Javier Mascherano and right-back Dani Alves in doubt, with a number of clubs chasing the two veteran players. The transfer market is also abuzz with rumours surrounding Premier League clubs, with marquee managers looking to build their teams afresh and teams looking to splash out the huge amounts of money coming in from the television deals.
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Here are the transfer news and rumours from June 2nd.
Serie A
- Lazio are preparing a €10 million bid for Fenerbache’s Robin van Persie, according to reports coming in from Turkey. Van Persie is open to a move to Italy after having an inconsistent period with the Turkish giants. Earlier reports had suggested that the Dutchman was frustrated with the lake of gameplay at the Turkish club. Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua are also said to be chasing the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker.
- AC Milan are looking for a defender and are reportedly interested in Barcelona’s Aleix Vidal, according to Mundo Deportivo. He arrived from Sevilla last summer but has not been able to live up to expectations at the Catalan club. However, Vidal is currently considered not for sale by Barcelona, especially with doubts surrounding the future of their first-choice-right-back Dani Alves. Milan are planning to meet with the 26-year-old’s representatives to convince him to move to San Siro, on a permanent basis or on loan.
- Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has admitted of being “tired” of speculations regarding a possible return to Real Madrid. The Los Blancos are favourites to sign the Spanish forward with a buy-back clause of £24million. The 23-year-old was asked about his situation on Spanish radio show Al Primer Toque and said: "Each thing that is said now will be seen in one way or another. I said what player would not like to go to the best club in the world (Real Madrid), not that my desire was that nor what I wanted."
English Premier League
- Manchester City have officially completed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal. As reported by BBC, City appear to have paid £20million for the midfielder. "I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City,” the 25-year-old told City's official website. "When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly.” City's director of football Txiki Begiristain added: "Ilkay is an excellent addition to our team and we are delighted to have him on board.”
- Hugo Lloris has turned down Tottenham Hotspur’s offer of a new contract, as reported by The Independent. The French goalkeeper has three years remaining on his contract but has sparked interest from the likes of PSG and Manchester United following his stellar performances for the North London club. It is reported that the 29-year-old is looking for an improved deal reflecting his status as one of the world’s best, and the club are confident of agreeing on a deal before August.
- Ryan Giggs’ 29-year association with Manchester United is in danger of coming to an end, as the Welshman has not received any offers for a new role under Jose Mourinho, according to Sky Sports. Giggs had joined the Red Devils at the age of 14, and enjoyed a decorated career with the club, winning almost everything there is to win. He has been the assistant manager since retiring for three years now, but will have to take a depleted role if he wants to stay with the club.
- Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho could move to Ligue 1 champions PSG, as the Paris-based club is reportedly planning to offer the Merseyside club €60 million for the Brazillian attacker according to Le10Sport. PSG are looking to make a marquee signing as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and can very well lure Coutinho into moving to Paris with the opportunity to play in Europe.
La Liga
- Barcelona’s sporting director Robert Fernandez has confirmed that Dani Alves will leave the club this summer. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Robert said: "I don't like the idea that Alves is leaving. His performance has been fantastic both on and off the field, but it is his decision to go and we must respect it." Juventus and PSG are leading the race to sign the right-back.
- Real Madrid midfielder Isco will not leave the club, as confirmed by Real’s manager Zinedine Zidane. Isco, who has a contract with the Los Blancos for two more years, has reportedly sparked interest from a number of clubs including Juventus, Arsenal and Manchester United. Zidane has insisted the playmaker is still a part of his plans, saying: “Isco is a Real Madrid player and he is not leaving. We have just finished the season and haven't had time to talk about the market or any players who may be of interest to Juventus."
- Barcelona are looking to re-sign Denis Suarez this summer from Villarreal, according to sporting director Robert Fernandez. The 22-year-old was sold to Villarreal on a four-year deal last August, but Barca retained a buyback arrangement that would allow them to buy him back. "Villarreal have received a notification that we are interested in the player, I think it's July 1 but I don't know the dates very well," Fernandez is quoted in FourFourTwo magazine. "And on July 1 he will be notified that he will be recovered."
Rest of Europe
- Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos is desperate to leave the French capital this summer as he eyes a move to Barcelona, according to Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte. Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the race to sign the defender, but the 22-year-old is reportedly keen to link up with Brazilian teammate Neymar at the Catalan club. It is also believed that PSG will want at least €50million for Marquinhos if they decide to sell the player.
