Day: July 25, 2018

Arsenal’s move for Stephen Nzonzi is being held up by a unique clause in his current Sevilla contract that entitles his father to some money when he leaves the Spaniards.

Nzonzi joined Sevilla in 2015 after spells in the Premier League with Blackburn and Stoke City, and he won the Europa League in his first season under current Arsenal manager, Unai Emery.

The Spanish boss and the World Cup winner are keen on being reunited at the Emirates Stadium but the two clubs are still far from reaching an agreement.

Nzonzi has a release clause of £36 million written into his current contract, but the Gunners don’t want to pay that much for his signature.

Reports in Spain claim that if his father can forfeit his own percentage of any sale of the midfielder, the Spaniards would be willing to listen to offers below his release clause, otherwise, the Gunners would have to pay up his release clause.

Chelsea attacker Michy Batshuayi could be set to make yet another loan move out of Stamford Bridge this summer, with La Liga side, Valencia interested.

The Belgian has failed to impress since he joined the Blues from Olympique Marseille in the summer of 2016. He was shipped out on loan in the second half of last season and scored 7 goals in 10 league games for Borussia Dortmund.

The Germans were impressed and wanted to take him on a permanent basis this summer, but Chelsea wanted Maurizio Sarri to have a look at him first.

However, the Italian is currently intensifying efforts to be reunited with Gonzalo Higuain and that would surely push Batshuayi further down the pecking order. He is already behind the likes of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud.

Reports in Spain claim that the attacker has now been linked with a move to Valencia on a season-long loan deal. The Spaniards are said to have made their offer known to the Blues and they are now waiting to see if the Blues would want to add an obligation to buy at the end of the short-term deal.

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire after his stunning performance at the World Cup.

Maguire was one of England’s stand out players at the just concluded World Cup in Russia and helped the Three Lions to reach the semifinal for the first time since 1990.

While he was solid at the back he also chipped in with some important goals as Gareth Southgate’s side impressed.

His performance at the competition has prompted several top-flight teams to consider a swoop for him, but Manchester United have been the most serious suitor.

Jose Mourinho has been looking to sign a new centre-back before this transfer window closes. He had set his sight on the likes of Jerome Boateng and Toby Alderweireld, however, Maguire is seen as a better option due to his age as he would be a longer-term solution to that spot.

Leicester City have said that the defender is not for sale, however, a bid of £65 million could be enough to tempt them into a sale, and Manchester United have reportedly asked them for their price.