The coronavirus pandemic has made the transfer market uncertain -- and you can find out when the windows open and close here -- but here are the rumours floating around Europe's big leagues and beyond. Plus, check out all the latest major completed transfers across Europe.
TOP STORY: Bayern ready to reignite Hudson-Odoi pursuit
Bayern Munich nearly recruited Chelsea academy prodigy Callum Hudson-Odoi in January 2019, with the England youngster going so far as reportedly putting in a transfer request before ultimately penning a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge nine months later. Nearly two years on, the eight-time defending German champions are preparing to take another run for the 19-year-old.
Editor's Picks
- Ronaldo, Lampard, Neymar, Lewandowski: The best attacking transfers by position since 2000What are the best defensive transfers by position since 2000?Transfer window: Grading every big signing from Europe's top clubs
2 Related
The Mail reports that after a summer spending spree that's seen Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech join an attacking corps that already included Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount, Hudson-Odoi may feel opportunities are too limited in west London as he prioritises playing time ahead of next summer's European Championship. And Bayern are growing increasingly hopeful that Chelsea may entertain offers for the winger with their newfound depth in attack.
The report suggests that there is hope that a deal could be concluded before the transfer window closes on Oct. 5, with Juventus also said to be monitoring the situation.
Chelsea fought tooth and nail to keep the prized academy product two years ago. Will they be as committed to keeping one of their own with such a glut of coveted young attackers in their ranks? Bayern will be hopeful those in the Blues boardroom are asking themselves the same question.
- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Olley: New-look Chelsea show they'll need time to gel
Goalkeeper Runarsson to join Arsenal on five-year deal
Iceland goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson has been targeted by Arsenal as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
The Sun reports that the 25-year-old had a medical at the club today ahead of putting pen to paper on a five-year deal, which will cost the Gunners £1.5m in transfer fees.
TRANSFERS
• How the summer transfer market works
• Kuper: Coronavirus' impact on transfers
• Barnwell's best moves: 100-51 | 50-1
• Best statement signings ever
• Summer transfer grades
• Latest completed major transfers
The report adds that Runarsson will act as the Gunners' No. 2 behind Bernd Leno, and he will be expected to play in cup competitions and the Europa League.
Money secured from Martinez's move to Aston Villa will be used in other areas, with midfielders Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar top of Mikel Arteta's wish list.
Palace eye Bees star Benrahma
Brentford's Said Benrahma could be set to join Crystal Palace for £25m, according to the Evening Standard.
Benrahma starred for the Bees in their failed attempt to earn promotion to the Premier League last term, and the west London club is said to be all-but-resigned to losing their prolific winger.
The Standard's report adds that Palace chief Roy Hodgson is keen to invest in attacking talent this autumn, while reducing the average age of their first-team squad. On those terms, 25-year-old Benrahma fits Palace's bill nicely. Palace are also said to be monitoring Sassuolo's Jeremie Boga should Wilfried Zaha move elsewhere.
Tap-ins
- Leeds United haven't given up hope on signing Udinese playmaker Rodrigo De Paul, according to Football Insider. The website reports that Leeds are ready to table a loan-to-buy offer for the 26-year-old, who could join them permanently should Marcelo Bielsa meet Udinese's £37m price tag.
- Chelsea could have goalkeeper Edouard Mendy between the sticks for this weekend's Premier League clash against Liverpool with Canal+ reporting that a deal between Blues and Stade Rennes has been agreed. The report says that Chelsea will pay £25.74m for the shot-stopper, £20.2m of that sum will be paid up front with the rest in bonuses.
- Sheffield United's initial £3m plus add-ons bid for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been laughed off, with the Gunners demanding at least five times the sum of Blades' current offer, according to the Daily Mail.
Source: espn.co.uk