Arsenal are OUT of the race to sign Mbappe while Chelsea set sights on Boateng

Sport360 staff 15:36 30/06/2017
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  • With the transfer window set to officially open in a couple of days, 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?

    Get in touch with your thoughts on Twitter and via Facebook.

    KYLIAN MBAPPE

    Arsenal are reportedly out of the race to sign Kylian Mbappe as they turn their attentions to sign Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Lemar, according to the Daily Mail.

    The 18-year-old was Arsene Wenger’s top priority this summer but with Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool interested, the Gunners have accepted the chances of signing the Monaco striker are slim.

    Mbappe was an inspirational presence for the French Rivera side last season, scoring 26 goals and creating eight assists in 46 games last season.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Although a move to the Premier League or La Liga will happen at some point over the next 12 months, it would suit Mbappe better to stay at Monaco for another season to further his development.

    Even when the rumour first came to light three weeks ago, it looked unlikely Arsenal would spend in excess of £100 million for the Frenchman.

    Lemar and Lacazette have been heavily linked with the Gunners, so it is possible both players could sign deals at the Emirates Stadium during this transfer window.

    JEROME BOATENG

    Chelsea are considering a move for Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, according to the Mirror.

    The 28-year-old is reportedly open to a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea now earmarking him as a potential replacement for Nathan Ake and the departing John Terry.

    With the Blues struggling to sign defensive targets Leonardo Bonucci and Virgil van Dijk, Conte has been linked with launching a fresh bid to land the German international’s signature.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    With Southampton and Juventus continuing to be hold firm over the sale of their star defenders, a move for Boateng looks to have some credence with the 28-year-old falling down the pecking order with injuries curtailing his career.

    It’s clear the Premier League champions are looking elsewhere in the market with Roma’s Kostas Manolas another who has been linked but Boateng represents a world-class option and with Bayern reportedly happy to sell up at £30million he’s also significantly cheaper than the likes of Van Dijk or Bonucci.

    Jerome Boateng.

    Jerome Boateng.

    KELECHI IHEANACHO

    Southampton have joined the race to sign Manchester City’s £25million-rated striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to the Sun.

    Iheanacho is already on the radars of Saints’ Premier League rivals West Ham, Everton and Leicester, but the south coast club may hold the edge in the race to land the 20-year-old if they are willing to include Ryan Bertrand as part of any deal, with City boss Pep Guardiola a huge fan of the England left-back.

    The Nigerian international is under contract until 2021, but given his options are limited under Pep Guardiola, he has been tipped with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.

    Iheanacho has started only five games this season and with Gabriel Jesus in sparkling form, it could be a similar case next campaign.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    First team football would do Iheanacho wonders and a move to Southampton would offer this opportunity.

    Although a fee of £20 million is a lot for a striker who has had limited game time, it’s clear the 20-year-old has a lot of potential.

    Saints face stiff competition from Palace and West Ham, though.

    Manchester City’s Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho

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