Transfer Gossip: Mbappe, Lukaku, Vardy

Sport360 staff 13:30 06/06/2017
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • With the transfer window set to open next month, the frenetic nature of speculation has already begun.

    Rumours are starting to gather pace and we take a look at the latest stories doing the rounds in the media.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Share with us your thoughts – get in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    KYLIAN MBAPPE

    The young French sensation has a number of clubs circling around him, with Arsenal the latest to be linked with a move for the 18-year-old.

    Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was spotted in Nice with chief executive Ivan Gazidis, with reports suggesting Arsenal are preparing a bid for Mbappe that would shatter the club’s transfer record.

    The Monaco striker is also wanted by Real Madrid, who are said to be preparing a £118 million bid.

    Mbappe is coming off a headline-grabbing season for Monaco, with his goals leading the club to the Champions League semi-final. His performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League have led to him becoming one of the hottest properties in football.

    RATING: 3/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT:
    Mbappe moving this summer wouldn’t be a shock, but moving to Arsenal would be. The amount of money it would take to persuade Monaco to sell their young star is well beyond what Wenger is usually willing to pay for a player. And if Arsenal are considering a huge bid, it’s likely that other clubs are considering even bigger ones.

    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Kylian Mbappe of AS Monaco scores their second goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Manchester City FC and AS Monaco at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

    Where will Mbappe be playing next season?

    ROMELU LUKAKU

    Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the fray in the battle to sign Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

    The Belgian was expected to be the subject of a tug-of-war between Chelsea and Manchester United, but the German champions are now also in the running according to Manchester Evening News.

    Lukaku has refused to sign a new contract with Everton, although as his current one runs until 2019 the club are under no pressure to sell, with rumors suggesting it would take a world-record transfer fee to prise him away from Goodison Park.

    The Belgian has said his future has already been decided, although he’s remained tight-lipped on where he will be playing next season.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT:
    Lukaku is definitely a wanted man, but Bayern Munich already have one world-class striker in Robert Lewandowski. Would the Bundesliga outfit really sanction a bid in the region of £100 million, which is said to be Everton’s asking price? It seems unlikely. If the Belgian does leave Everton this summer, it’s likely to be for either Manchester United or Chelsea.

    Lukaku could be playing for the German champions – a fearsome prospect.

    JAMIE VARDY

    If Lukaku does leave Everton this summer, Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is the man being tipped to replace him.

    Vardy played a starring role in the Foxes’ miraculous Premier League triumph a year ago, and although he failed to hit the same heights this season there were signs that he was rediscovering his best form towards the end of the campaign.

    The Englishman’s bruising, all-action style would be a good replacement for Lukaku.

    RATING: 5/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: 
    Leicester City may finally be ready to cash in on Vardy and Everton could easily be the highest bidders if they raise funds from a sale of Lukaku.

    Lukaku out, Vardy in at Everton?

    Lukaku out, Vardy in at Everton?

    WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON

    The Daily Mirror reports that Lyon striker – Arsenal and Liverpool target – considers a Premier League move an “interesting option.”

    Newcastle are close to landing two of Rafa Benitez’s targets, Sporting Lisbon duo Ruben Semedo and Marvin Zeegelaar, according to the Daily Star.

    Recommended