Transfer Gossip: James Rodriguez, Ben Arfa, Belotti

Sport360 staff 08:58 14/05/2017
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  • Is Rodriguez's three-year Bernabeu spell about to come to an end?

    Every day we will be keeping you updated with the latest transfer rumours as the season draws to a close and the window opens up…

    Which move do you think will happen out of these three key transfer rumours?

    Share your thoughts with us, get in touch on Twitter or via Facebook.

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ

    The mercurial talent is expected to play his last match for Los Blancos on Sunday evening against Sevilla, according to Madrid-based daily newspaper Marca.

    Rodriguez, when called upon, has largely delivered for Zinedine Zidane’s side this season – scoring 11 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions as well as creating a batch of key assists.

    However, his days with the Whites appear to be numbered.

    “I understand why James Rodriguez is annoyed, I have nothing against him,” were the words of Zidane when asked why the Colombian hasn’t featured regularly.

    With both the La Liga and Champions League trophies still left to fight for, Rodriguez could yet have a part to play at the business end of the season but it looks certain he will be leaving the Spanish capital in the coming months.

    It has been widely reported Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement to sign him.

    RATING: 8/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: There’s plenty of gossip flying around as to the 25-year-old’s next destination and the Red Devils are at the front of the queue to land the playmaker. Expect Real to cash in on the 2014 World Cup star soon.

    HATEM BEN ARFA

    Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is set to leave the French giants at the end of the season, according to L’Equipe.

    The former Newcastle star has struggled to settle in his first season at the Parc de Princes and found first-team opportunities inconsistent under Unai Emery, making only five league starts.

    PSG are set to shake-up their squad this summer, especially if they lose out on the Ligue 1 title to Monaco, and it seems Ben Arfa will be one of the players who departs.

    Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has declared his club are interested in signing the player and could launch a summer bid for his signature.

    Nice, the talent’s former club, could also be interested in re-signing Ben Arfa while a return to the Premier League shouldn’t be ruled out.

    RATING: 9/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Ben Arfa’s PSG days are numbered and a move would suit all parties – expect the 30-year-old to be wearing a different jersey next term.

    ANDREA BELOTTI

    Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking Torino hotshot Andrea Belotti, according to reports in Italy.

    The 23-year-old striker has been one of the stars of the season in Serie A, smashing in 25 goals in 29 outings, as well as becoming a key man for Italy.

    Both Premier League clubs are tracking the former Palermo forward and could activate his €100million release (AED 401m) clause this summer, which can only be breached by teams outside of Italy.

    With uncertainly over Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract situation and the likely departure of Wayne Rooney, Jose Mourinho will be keen to bolster his attacking ranks while champions Chelsea are unsure whether Diego Costa will stay in west London.

    Calciomercatoweb have also stated San Siro giants Inter Milan and AC Milan are hot on the heels of Belotti and he is likely to move on this summer given Torino won’t be playing European football next term.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT: Belotti is without doubt one of the hottest properties right now but goalscorers come at a premium cost. The Torino man’s release clause is steep but expect him to try and force a move – meaning the clubs chasing him need to be ready to pounce.

    WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON…

    It is understood Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Porto winger Yacine Brahimi to Old Trafford, according to reports in the English press.

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