Transfer Gossip: Morata, Mertens, Bakayoko

Sport360 staff 09:02 01/05/2017
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  • On the move? Real forward Morata.

    With only a few weeks to go until the end of the season, transfer gossip is beginning to gather pace!

    Here, we look at three key transfers that could happen this summer as clubs and players alike look for new moves and opportunities.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    ALVARO MORATA

    The Real Madrid forward is expected to leave the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season and has indicated Chelsea is his preferred destination.

    According to Madrid-based newspaper AS, the 24-year-old is set to snub Manchester United and join the Premier League leaders this summer.

    Since returning to his boyhood club at the start of last season after Los Blancos exercised a buy-back clause they had with Juventus, Morata has been frustrated by irregular first-team start time under Zinedine Zidane.

    However, when called upon, the Spaniard has shown his class – scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions. As the tweet below shows, his record this term is better than Karim Benzema and he’s not too far behind Cristiano Ronaldo (20) in the La Liga goalscoring stakes either.

    But, after Morata revealed he wishes to play in England, Chelsea are set to rev up their interest in the close season especially given the uncertainty surrounding Diego Costa’s long-term future.

    Morata’s Bernabeu deal runs until 2021 and Madrid are expected to command at least €30m (AED120m) – the sum they paid for him last year – from Antonio Conte’s charges.

    Rating: 8/10

    Sport360 Verdict: Whatever trophies Real Madrid end up with at the end of the season, the Whites are set for a shake-up in the transfer window and a number of changes will be made. Morata’s future will certainly be under the spotlight and it’s likely he could move on, especially if Real secure their No.1 striking target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

    Dries Mertens

    Napoli are braced for a long summer struggle to keep hold of top talent Dries Mertens, according to Italian station TMW Radio.

    The Belgian, who has once again shone for the Naples club this term – scoring 22 Serie A goals to all but secure Champions League qualification, has been touted as a future Juventus star.

    Mertens’ name has also been linked with Manchester United but Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted during an on-air interview that he will do all he can to keep the tricky winger and head coach Maurizio Sarri at the Partenopei.

    Napoli are hoping to scupper rivals’ hopes of signing Mertens by offering him a new deal, but no contract proposal has yet to be made.

    Rating: 7/10

    Sport360 Verdict: Mertens is a fans’ favourite at the Stadio San Paolo and Napoli will want to do all they can to keep this season’s dream team together. However, the Belgium international is 29 and may not get another chance for a big move.

    TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO

    Chelsea won’t waste any opportunities to strengthen their squad this summer and have already moved to sign Monaco ace Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to L’Equipe.

    The promising French defensive midfielder, who has been compared to N’Golo Kante, is firmly on the Blues’ radar and the English giants believe they can land the 22-year-old.

    Although Bakayoko is reportedly settled in France and enjoying life under Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim, a big-money bid should test the resolve of the would-be Ligue 1 champions.

    Just where the midfield star fits into Chelsea’s team is a question for Antonio Conte, but the Italian believes he needs extra strength and depth in all departments as he targets success in Europe too.

    Monaco have been linked with Anderlecht midfielder Youri Tielemans as a replacement for Bakayoko.

    Rating: 7/10

    Sport360 Verdict: Bakayoko is one of the hottest properties in European football and world-class defensive midfielders are typically hard to come by so expect Chelsea to lead the race for his signature once the season comes to a conclusion.

    What else is going on?

    Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez is yet another name linked with Real Madrid.

    With Pepe’s advancing years and regular injuries to key men in defence this term, Zidane could turn to the 20-year-old Colombian to strengthen his defensive ranks.

    However, Real face competition from eternal rivals Barcelona.

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