Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top transfer news, rumours and updates that made headlines on 1st August 2019.

Paris Saint-Germain tell Barcelona to wrap the deal up by August 10

The Neymar transfer saga will have its own expiry date. That’s according to latest reports which claim that Paris Saint-Germain have told Barcelona that if they are planning on signing Neymar, they will need to have reached a decision by August 10th - the date on which the Ligue 1 starts.

Neymar is currently tied to Paris Saint-Germain till 2022 but he is tired with life in Paris and is seeking an exit. He is eying a return to his former club Barcelona and is even willing to take a pay cut in order to force the move.

Now, the Catalans are expected to ramp up their pursuit of the Brazilian as they are yet to place an official bid for him. PSG and Barcelona find themselves well apart in their valuation of the player and the latter wants to include players in the deal so as to significantly reduce the asking price.

Barcelona are short on funds after signing Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid for a whopping €120 million. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo travelled to China to convince Neymar to stay.

However, the Brazilian has his mind set on a departure and wants the other parties involved to do nothing but expedite his exit from the Parisian club. There has been a lot of back and forth so far in this transfer saga with Barcelona reportedly open to offering Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic or Malcom in the deal but PSG not being interested.

It would be good for all parties to come to an agreement as Neymar has all but gone public about his desire to move and if a move doesn’t materialize, it could lead to an embarrassing episode for the French club.

Unai Emery says he’s fighting to keep Laurent Koscielny at the club

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has now weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding the future of club captain Laurent Koscielny. The Frenchman refused to join Arsenal on their pre-season tour as he has his heart set on a return to France and is the subject of interest from Rennes.

Despite all of this, Emery wants to keep Koscielny at the club. He said:

Niko Kovac denies Bayern interest in Leon Bailey

The Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are still being linked with Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey. However, manager Niko Kovac has rubbished all such rumours and has not taken kindly to the “false news.”

Speaking to the press after Bayern’s pre-season loss to Tottenham Hotspur on penalties, Kovac said:

Bailey signed a new contract last August and is contracted with the club until 2023.

Harry Maguire fears Manchester United move may not happen, Rodgers relaxed on the matter

Leicester City might just price Manchester United out of a deal for Harry Maguire. Manchester United have offered upto £70 million for the centre-back. However, Leicester City are holding out for £90 million and Maguire fears the move may not materialize.

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has maintained that he is relaxed about the matter and that Maguire has been “first-class” as far as his attitude in training is concerned.

Rodgers said,

Paulo Dybala at Juve’s training ground ahead of making final decision, United ready to meet his wage demands

Paulo Dybala has reached Juventus’ training ground as he expects to have a chat with Maurizio Sarri before making a decision about his future amid overwhelming interest from Manchester United.

If Dybala chooses to stay put at Juventus, then the chances of Romelu Lukaku joining the Serie A champions are scanty. This is because Juventus cannot afford to make a cash-only approach for Lukaku. United have slapped a price tag that’s in excess of £79 million on the Belgian striker.

Inter Milan, meanwhile, are waiting for Dybala’s decision to make one final swoop for Lukaku. They’ve already had a £53.9 million deal rejected. However, they’re desperate to get Mauro Icardi off their books and replace him with the Belgian. If Inter do not match United’s valuation, there’s every chance that Lukaku will remain a Manchester United player beyond the summer.

According to the reliable Romeo Agresti, United are ready to meet Dybala’s wage demands of €10 million a year. So there’s agreement on that front.

0 votes