The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.
Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Monday.
Will any of the following deals happen?
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JUVENTUS EYE BELLERIN AS LICHTSTEINER REPLACEMENT
According to Tuttosport, Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has re-emerged as a target for Juventus. The reigning Serie A champions are resigned to losing Stephan Lichtsteiner after his season, and Bellerin is being lined up as the Swiss man’s replacement.
RATING: 5/10
VERDICT:
Juventus may need a replacement for Lichtstenier, but they already have a young, quality full-back in Mattia de Sciglio. The Italian has impressed since being given more playing time this season, and it seems counterproductive to bring in Bellerin for the same position – although de Sciglio can switch to left-back, where incumbent Alex Sandro is likely to leave after this season. More importantly, Bellerin hasn’t convinced as a defender, although he’s excellent in attack. Whether that’s good enough for Juventus is debatable.
Hector Bellerin is a target for Juventus.
MKHITARYAN PLANS SHOWDOWN TALKS WITH MOURINHO
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is planning to have showdown talks with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho over his future at the club, reports the Daily Star. The Armenian has been frozen out at Old Trafford having lost form, and has been linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund.
RATING: 7/10
VERDICT:
Mkhitaryan is right to be concerned – this is the second time he’s been frozen out of the United squad after losing form, and at the moment it’s difficult to see a way back for him. Mourinho has shown with Anthony Martial, to a certain extent with Luke Shaw, and with Mkhitaryan previously that he’s willing to give players second chances, but as Shaw is finding out, it’s much harder to get a third – not to mention, United have been linked with other, more celebrated players such as Paulo Dybala for Mkhitaryan’s position.
Whether returning to Dortmund is the right option – the German giants have Christian Pulisic, Shinji Kagawa, Marco Reus, and Mario Gotze on their books already – is a different story, but the Armenian’s days in Manchester could be numbered.
Is Mkhitaryan’s time at Manchester United coming to an end?
REAL MADRID TURN ATTENTION TO HUGO LLORIS
Real Madrid have switched their transfer focus to Hugo Lloris, the Sunday People claims. The Spanish champions have been linked with moves for David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois, and while they remain keen on both goalkeepers, Lloris may be easier to prise away from his current club, Tottenham.
RATING: 6/10
VERDICT:
Despite Keylor Navas’ success and occasional heroics in goal, it’s been no secret that Real Madrid have been looking for a new goalkeeper for a while. De Gea remains the No. 1 target, but Madrid have repeatedly seen attempts to land the Manchester United goalkeeper fall through, and Chelsea will likely be as stubborn with Courtois. Spurs have always been willing to sell their best players at the right price, and it should be no different with Lloris.
Real Madrid could settle for Hugo Lloris in their search for a goalkeeper.
