Joshua Oha, Author at Matchplug Blog

Manchester City REJECT Al-Ahli’s £18m bid for Riyad Mahrez

Premier League defending champions Manchester City have reportedly rejected an £18m offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez is one of the latest names linked to a big-money move to Saudi Arabia this summer. The club interested in signing him is Al-Ahli, who have already signed former Chelsea goalkeeper Eduaord Mendy this summer.

The recently promoted club are one of four clubs – including Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad – that were taken over in June by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, so they have money to spend.

According to reports, they have offered Man City £18m for Mahrez, but the Cityzens have rejected that offer and are holding out for more.

The Sun claim that Mahrez has already agreed personal terms with Al-Ahli, so they expect the SPL club to return with an improved offer.

The 32-year-old has spent five years at the Etihad Stadium but feels his time at the club is over. Since joining City in 2018, Mahrez has made 236 appearances for City, scoring 78 goals.

However, the winger was disappointed by being left on the bench in the finals of the Champions League and FA Cup last month, and he views Saudi Arabia as a new opportunity, where he has been offered £43m-a-year plus bonuses for two years.

Harry Kane does NOT want to join Paris Saint-Germain

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is reportedly uninterested in signing for Paris Saint-Germain despite genuine interest from the French club.

The Englishman is wanted by both PSG and Bayern Munich, who have already sent in two bids for him this summer.

However, according to Sportsmail, Kane only wants to sign for Bayern this summer. PSG want to do a swap deal with Tottenham that could see them offer emerging youngster Xavi Simmons plus cash for the 30-year-old striker.

But Kane is instead set on a move to Bayern Munich, who recently sent in a £70m bid, with Levy holding out for over £100million for his prized striker.

Despite the uncertainty around his future, the 30-year-old striker, who scored 30 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season, has travelled with Ange Postecoglou’s squad to Australia for their pre-season tour.

He returned to training last week and held talks with Postecoglou, who admitted that he had not heard anything from Bayern Munich on the forwards’ potential departure.

“There are a lot of people that know Harry better than me, but he’s not going to get fazed by anything,” the Australian manager said.

“He’s here, and while he’s here, he’s totally committed to what we’re doing.

“That’s the way I’ve seen things. In terms of me, it has zero impact on me. No one has spoken to me from Munich. If other clubs want to talk about our contracted players, that’s more of an issue for them than us.”

“Just a good chat,’ he added when asked about how the conversation went. ‘Nothing earth-shattering or defining. I introduced myself, and we spoke mainly about the club and where he thinks it’s at, and where he thinks we can improve things.

“It was more about the collective and what we’re doing. Me and Harry were perfectly aligned in that we want to see a successful team this year.”

Chelsea ready to make improved £70m transfer bid for Moises Caicedo

Chelsea are reportedly set to make an improved £70m offer to Brighton for highly-rated midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Blues have been monitoring the Ecuador international for some time and had submitted big-money offers during the January transfer window.

Although they failed in pricing him away in the winter transfer window, they have maintained their interest in him despite Caicedo signing a contract extension at the Amex Stadium.

Having sold several first-team stars this summer, Chelsea have returned for the 21-year-old, with the Blues already submitting a £60m bid.

However, Brighton rejected their offer as they value the midfielder at about £100m. The Seagulls are comparing Caicedo to Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105m this summer.

While Chelsea are unwilling to go that high for Caicedo, they are prepared to keep asking questions of Brighton. According to Standard Sport, Caicedo has already agreed personal terms with the Blues, with those at Stamford Bridge hoping that Brighton can be talked into lowering their demands.

Tottenham CONSIDER Jonathan David as Harry Kane’s replacement

Lille’s Jonathan David is reportedly being considered as a possible replacement for Harry Kane.

Kane’s future remains in doubt, given the strong interest from Bayern Munich and the fact that he has just one year left on his contract.

Although Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has insisted he is not for sale this summer, it remains possible that he could leave. As a result, Tottenham are preparing for eventualities.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Canada international David has emerged as an option for the London club. The Lille striker, who has scored 58 goals in 136 appearances for the French club, has two years remaining on his contract.

Spurs feel they can price him away from the club given that Lille value him at £50m. Per Galetti, Lille are willing to sell David if the right offer comes.

Another option for Tottenham is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian remains a target for Spurs, but PSG are leading the race for the 23-year-old with personal terms already agreed.

Marcus Rashford set to become the fourth HIGHEST-PAID player in the Premier League

Marcus Rashford is reportedly close to signing a new five-year deal with Manchester United that will make him one of the best-paid players in the Premier League.

According to reports by Sportsmail, the England international will renew his contract at Old Trafford, which will keep him at his boyhood club for the long term. The contract renewal comes after a blistering season at Old Trafford, which saw Rashford score 30 goals in 56 games across all competitions.

The 25-year-old’s deal was set to expire in 2024, but his new contract will see him stay at the club until at least 2028.

Meanwhile, contract discussions between Man United and Rashford have been ongoing for some time, with the Red Devils looking to make the England forward among the club’s highest earners.

Rashford was earning £250,000 per week in his previous contract. But according to reports, his salary is set to rise to £375,000 a week when he puts pen to paper in the new deal.

The player is being represented in negotiations with the Manchester club by his agent Dwaine Maynard, and the new deal will see him become the fourth-highest-earning player in the Premier League.

PSG to RIVAL Bayern Munich for Harry Kane

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly ready to enter the race for the signature of Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

Kane’s future is subject to intense speculation as it has emerged he wants to move to a more competitive club this summer.

However, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is playing hardball and is reluctant to sell the player despite two huge bids from Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga club believe the 30-year-old wants to join them, and their chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen met with Levy on Thursday.

According to Sportsmail, PSG are preparing to make a bid for Kane. Their presence could force the price above the £70m Bayern have offered.

The Bavarians insist they will draw the line at a certain point and consider returning in January if Kane commits to joining them.

Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of Kane, but Bayern have been unsuccessful so far in their pursuit of the England captain.

PSG’s interest will no doubt complicate things for the Bundesliga side if they are to seal the deal this summer.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, who are looking to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta now, would also return for Kane next summer if he allows his contract to run his own.

Arsenal Sign Declan Rice for £105m

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham in a British record £105 million deal.

The England international becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the week following the capture of Jurrien Timber from Arsenal on Friday.

Rice joins the defender, and Kai Havertz, who arrived from Chelsea earlier this summer at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta’s side look to regroup and compete for the title again after narrowly missing out last season.

West Ham and Arsenal had agreed on a deal over Rice last week. However, the official announcement was delayed because both clubs were still finalising the payment structure, with Arsenal expected to pay an initial £100m and an extra £5m coming in add-ons.

Rice was one of Europe’s most highly sought players this season, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City all interested.

But the midfielder chose to go to Arsenal, where he will be guaranteed regular game time and more influence in the team.

Speaking to Arsenal’s website after completing the deal, Rice said: “I’m so excited – he (Mikel Arteta) speaks for himself. You see how he works – you got a real insight into how he works on the Amazon documentary, how he works with his players and, not only as a coach but psychologically, how good he is with players, how he improves players. He’s a massive factor in the reason why I’ve come here.

“I know he’s going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels. I’m really excited to be working with him.”

Chelsea WANT Rayan Cherki after selling Christian Pulisic

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Olympique Lyonnaise attacker Rayan Cherki.

The Blues are in the market for a new attacking midfielder this summer following the departure of Mason Mount, and Christian Pulisic and Cherki has emerged as potential target.

The 19-year-old Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently following his impressive performances for Lyon.

Cherki, who sees his contract at the Groupama Stadium expire in 2025, featured 34 times for Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 last season, contributing ten goals. He has quickly established himself as a key component in Blanc’s starting lineup, and his impressive performances have attracted the interest of Mauricio Pochettino.

According to reports, Lyon wants €50 million (£42.7million) for Cherki, though Chelsea feels a deal could be done for closer to €40million (£35.2million).

But Sportsmail claims that Lyon are in a difficult financial position and would be more willing to sell the teenage sensation abroad rather than strengthen a Ligue 1 rival.

Meanwhile, Laurent Blanc has advised Cherki to remain at Olympique Lyonnais for a further year despite interest from Chelsea.

In an interview with French newspaper Le Progres, as quoted by RMC Sport, the 57-year-old said:

“OL must say, okay, if these are figures at an impressive level, but on the other hand, at this price (27 million), I tell him to stay one more year in Lyon,” said the 57-year-old. “I’d really mind if he left. It’s the same for Cherki. Especially since we made room for them, it would be a little early, but maybe I’m being a little selfish.”

Al-Ahli offer £30m for Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez could leave Manchester City this summer with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli preparing to make a £30 million ($39m) bid for the City winger.

The Algerian still has two years to run on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, but Al-Ahli have set their sights on signing him.

According to The Athletic, the 32-year-old is undecided about signing for the Saudi Arabian club despite a salary offer in the region of £25m-per-year ($32m) from Al-Ahli.

As per the report, Pep Guardiola’s side is said to be also mulling over the deal and are aren’t in a hurry to accept, even if it would represent terrific value for money considering Mahrez’s age.

As it stands, much will depend on whether both the Algerian and City are eager to accept the deal. Mahrez is still a key player for City and Pep Guardiola. The situation will continue to evolve over the coming weeks.

Chelsea hold firm on Romelu Lukaku valuation after rejecting initial Inter bid

Chelsea have informed Inter Milan that they will only accept £40 million or more to sell Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian, who spent last season on loan at San Siro, has informed Chelsea that he wants to join Inter permanently.

The Italian side has offered Chelsea £30m for the Belgian, but the Blues have rejected that offer and are holding out for at least £40m, according to 90min.

As per the report, Chelsea and Inter have been locked in negotiations over Lukaku for months, with the Premier League giants rejecting Inter’s offer to take Lukaku on loan.

The Blues want to recover as much money as possible from their initial £97.5m investment and will not budge unless an offer close to their valuation of Lukaku is met.

Sources close to the deal claim Inter will return with an improved offer in the coming days, as they want to seal the deal early before other clubs become involved.

Juventus have indicated interest in signing Lukaku, while there have also been concrete offers from Saudi Arabia. However, the player wants to remain in Europe at this stage of his career, and he prefers remaining at San Siro over a move to Juventus.

Joshua Oha

Manchester City REJECT Al-Ahli’s £18m bid for Riyad Mahrez

Harry Kane does NOT want to join Paris Saint-Germain

Chelsea ready to make improved £70m transfer bid for Moises Caicedo

Tottenham CONSIDER Jonathan David as Harry Kane’s replacement

Marcus Rashford set to become the fourth HIGHEST-PAID player in the Premier League

PSG to RIVAL Bayern Munich for Harry Kane

Arsenal Sign Declan Rice for £105m

Chelsea WANT Rayan Cherki after selling Christian Pulisic

Al-Ahli offer £30m for Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez

Chelsea hold firm on Romelu Lukaku valuation after rejecting initial Inter bid

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