Barcelona make Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decision
Barcelona will not pursue Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, says European football expert Gabriele Marcotti.
“The Barcelona thing, I wouldn’t worry about that too much,” Marcotti told ESPN FC.
“The last thing they need is another guy pushing 30 in the mix, I think that was more of something in January.
“But if he waits around until the summer, he’s got a year left on his contract, I think he will be attractive to a lot of teams.
“So I think that’s where Arsenal have got to worry.”
Ed Woodward talks Man Utd transfer plans
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has insisted the club will continue to buy “experienced, world-class players” this summer following heavy spending in the last two transfer windows.
“This season is one of rebuild, with many changes to the squad – in terms of players who have left or gone out on loan; new players who we have brought into the club; and academy graduates that we have brought through to the first team,” Woodward said.
“This process will continue as we implement our plan and our footballing vision under Ole and his coaching staff.
“Despite being linked in the media to 111 players in January, our acquisition of just one of them – Bruno Fernandes – is an important step in that direction, demonstrating our commitment to adding experienced, world-class recruits to the exciting crop of academy graduates that are at the heart of this developing team.
“We will take the same planned, disciplined, approach this coming summer.”
Arsenal to pay release clause
Arsenal are ready to trigger the release clause of Getafe full-back Marc Cucurella, it’s claimed.
The Gunners could be forced to sign a new left-sided player with Bukayo Saka refusing to commit to a new deal as of yet.
According to Spanish outlet COPE, Arsenal are just one of a number of clubs willing to pay the £21million (€25m) release clause of Cucurella.
That could leave the decision in the hands of the 21-year-old, who is on loan from Barcelona but that Getafe will sign for £5m (€6m) by exercising an option in his loan deal.
Man Utd set transfer deadline
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Aston Villa star Jack Grealish and want to complete a deal by the end of the week in a similar move to Chelsea, who are also looking to do their business this month.
Frank Lampard moved quickly to complete the £37million deal for Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech last week.
And now United are looking to do likewise to avoid the situation which happened in the last two transfer windows.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have made Grealish a top target and are ready to move for the 24-year-old this week.
It is thought Grealish would be open to moving to Manchester as he is often captured socialising in the city.
Liverpool to replace Salah or Mane with Werner?
Liverpool could sell Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane and sign Timo Werner as a replacement, transfer expert Duncan Castles claims. Castles also reckons the Reds will be desperate to keep hold of Roberto Firmino this summer.
He said on the Transfer Window podcast: “The difficulty is getting Firmino out of Liverpool. Liverpool have to look at a replacement strategy for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, who both have ambitions to play in Spain at some point in their careers.
“They’re also coveted by the biggest Spanish clubs. Liverpool are very much in control in the situation in terms of the contracts.
“They can choose when to sell them and they can do so for a huge amount of money. They can also bring in replacements such as Timo Werner.
“You can see, with his pace and his physicality, he’s a fit for Klopp’s style of football. He’s a good alternative to Mane or Salah.
“You could argue Firmino is the hardest one to replace. That complex link, shadow nine role he plays.
“You have to get a more specific type of forward in there to replace him.
“If I was Firmino’s agent, I would be welcoming talks with Bayern Munich, asking how much they’re willing to pay.”