The transfer deadline may have passed across Europe’s top five leagues but there is still business to be done this summer. And, with only four months until the January window opens, the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest, and you can check out our list of all the major done deals.
TOP STORY: Osimhen frozen out by Napoli
Victor Osimhen has been excluded from Napoli’s Serie A squad list after his proposed move to Chelsea fell through, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The 25-year-old is also set to lose his No. 9 shirt number at the club, which will be worn by deadline-day signing Romelu Lukaku for the rest of the season.
Romano adds that the relationship between the player and club is “broken,” with Osimhen effectively ostracised from the first team.
No Saudi clubs are expected to make a move for the Nigeria international despite the window staying open for another three days, according to Rudy Galetti.
Sources told ESPN’s James Olley on Friday that the Serie A club had accepted an €80 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, but he expressed doubts about leaving European football.
That left Chelsea in a position to potentially pounce, stepping up their longstanding interest in Osimhen as talks intensified over Thursday and Friday. However, sources have told ESPN that a deal could not be reached in time.
As a result, the striker is set to remain at Napoli until the January window reopens for European clubs.
PAPER GOSSIP
Arsenal are lining up a future move for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon despite bringing in Raheem Sterling on loan, according to the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old is reported to be on the Gunners’ shortlist with sporting director Edu a “big fan” of him, but with the Magpies keeping hold of him beyond the recent transfer window deadline, it is thought that talks over a transfer could take place next summer. Gordon, who was linked with a potential move away from St. James’ Park amid interest from Liverpool, is said to be happy on Tyneside, with contract talks ongoing to reward him for his form from last season. Club sporting director Paul Mitchell sees Gordon as a key part of the squad, and was keen not to lose him this summer, but it looks as though their resolve could be tested again when the window re-opens, with Arsenal seeing him as a strong fit for manager Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Adrien Rabiot will not be joining AC Milan this summer, Fabrice Hawkins reports. The former Juventus midfielder, who is now a free agent, is set to continue his search for a new club after this latest setback. The deal also looks to have scuppered Marseille’s hopes of signing Milan’s Ismaël Bennacer.
Como and Monza are to set to battle it out for Ivan Perisic‘s signature after the 35-year-old terminated his Hajduk Split contract, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. Monza could be set to capitalize on Como’s failure to close a deal in recent days. According to Di Marzio, Perisic would need to be convinced to join Monza, who are currently without a win in Serie A.
Mario Hermoso is set to decide on his future “soon” after receiving offers from Galatasaray and Roma, Fabrizio Romano reports. Roma are still negotiating over a deal to sign the Atletico Madrid defender, after deals for Tiago Djaló and Kevin Danso collapsed. Hermoso, 29, is a Spain international with five caps to his name.
Sporting Lisbon have increased their bid for Nordsjaelland striker Conrad Harder, according to the Daily Telegraph. The 19-year-old Dane has also attracted interest from Brighton this summer, and could yet join the Premier League club next year. However, Sporting currently lead the race for Harder, with the Portuguese transfer window remaining open until September 2nd.
David Datro Fofana is still expected to leave Chelsea in the coming days, Fabrizio Romano reports. Fofana is attracting interest from clubs in Turkey Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands. Hoffenheim and Sunderland opened talks on deadline day with the forward, but negotiations collapsed.
