Transfer Gossip: Traore, Mathieu, Biglia

Sport360 staff 09:08 07/06/2017
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  • Chelsea star Bertrand Traore spent last season on loan at Ajax.

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

    BERTRAND TRAORE

    Premier League champions Chelsea have received up to six offers for the Burkina Faso international striker, according to reports in England.

    The 21-year-old, who signed for the Blues back in 2013 but has spent the last three seasons out on loan – including a memorable spell at Dutch giants Ajax last term, is likely to join up with Antonio Conte’s men for pre-season before a decision is made over his long-term future.

    And with plenty of offers on the table, including rumoured interested clubs Everton, West Ham and Lyon, Chelsea may decide to send Traore back out on loan if they feel they already have enough strength in depth in attack.

    There has been talk the forward could be part of a deal which sees Romelu Lukaku return to Stamford Bridge.

    However, Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that Chelsea are prepared to wait and assess the situation before making a concrete decision on Traore.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT:
    Chelsea clearly rate Traore and Conte would have been impressed by his goalscoring for Ajax (13 goals in all competitions last term) but, if he isn’t guaranteed first-team football for the coming season, the Blues will be willing to let his progression continue elsewhere.

    🇧🇫#9 ❌❌❌

    A post shared by TRAORE (@bertrandtraore10) on

    JEREMY MATHIEU

    Marseille want to sign the Barcelona defender this summer, according to L’Equipe.

    Boss Rudi Garcia has made the experienced French centre-back a priority as he begins to mould a squad together to challenge for Champions League football next term.

    Having reportedly withdrawn their interest in Bacary Sagna, the Olympians are confident they will land the 33-year-old who has been nothing more than a squad player since his arrival at the Nou Camp three seasons ago.

    Mathieu, who has previously had stints with Sochaux and Toulouse in France, has one year to go on his current Barca deal and would be available on the cheap.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT:
    By all accounts, this looks like a done deal as new Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde gets to work on clearing out the dead work.

    BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: Jeremy Mathieu of Barcelona walks off after being sent off during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC at Camp Nou on October 19, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

    Heading for the exit door: Mathieu.

    LUCAS BIGLIA

    The Lazio captain is on the brink of joining AC Milan in a deal worth £20m, according to reports in Italy.

    The Argentine, who has become a cult hero for the Serie A club, was expected to pen new terms with Simone Inzaghi’s men but it now looks likely he will leave the Stadio Olimpico club.

    Biglia, who has spent four seasons with Lazio, will reportedly join the San Siro side in the coming weeks – with Sky Sport Italia suggesting he will be offered a three-year contract.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: 
    The 31-year-old has been a key man for Lazio in recent seasons but he’s unlikely to spurn the chance of joining the revolution at Milan.

    ROME, ROMA - MAY 21: Gary Medel of FC Internazionale compete for the ball with Lucas Biglia of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 21, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

    Set for the San Siro: Biglia.

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