Transfer rumor roundup 5/19: Manchester City close to Fabinho move

Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.

Friday’s biggest transfer news comes from Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, who claims Manchester City are close to signing Monaco standout Fabinho.

Equally capable of playing in central midfield or at right-back, the Brazilian seems to be an ideal fit under Pep Guardiola and would represent an upgrade to countryman Fernandinho at the Etihad.

When questioned about Fabinho’s situation earlier this year, his father revealed interest from Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United, before proceeding to say the player has “a soft spot for Manchester City”, according to ESPN.

That admission certainly lends credence to Friday’s report, which comes after Fabinho helped Monaco clinch the Ligue 1 title on Wednesday.

At 23 years old, he proved instrumental in the principality side’s setup, evidenced by his nine goals and four assists across all competitions, as well as his team-leading averages of 54.4 passes and 3.0 successful tackles per game, courtesy of WhoScored.

Besides Fabinho, Monaco could also be bracing for the sale of his midfield partner Tiemoue Bakayoko.

According to French outlet RMC, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are all vying for Bakayoko’s signature, with the first two clubs reportedly leading the race at the moment.

In fact, Chelsea are expected to substantiate their attraction by imminently submitting a transfer bid of €45 million for the Frenchman.

After being groomed into Monaco’s team during his first two campaigns at the club, the 22-year-old powerhouse has become a regular fixture in the side this season, appearing in 31 of their 37 league matches thus far.

His athleticism, combativeness and ability to carry the ball forward figure to fit nicely in Antonio Conte’s press-heavy system at Chelsea, should the Blues’ bid prove successful.

Back in Conte’s homeland, Sampdoria striker Patrik Schick is pushing for a transfer to Juventus, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

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The 21-year-old has been an absolute revelation in his first season in Italy, registering 11 goals and an assist in merely 1327 minutes of league action.

Those returns have caught the eye of Juventus vice chairman Pavel Nedved, who is said to be leading the club’s pursuit of his fellow Czech Republic native.

Thanks to positive discussions between Nedved and Schick’s representatives, the player appears set on switching colors this summer, even though Sampdoria would prefer to keep him another year.

With a release clause of €25 million in his contract, however, Schick’s situation may be put out of Sampdoria’s hands before long, as Schick’s agent plans to accelerate the process next week.

Along with Juventus, Champions League semifinalists Atletico Madrid are already putting their summer plans into motion, with L’Equipe reporting they’ve been in ‘continuous contact’ with Aston Villa defender Jordan Amavi.

The French left-back arrived at Villa in 2015, only to see him suffer a season-ending knee injury early into his first Premier League campaign.

However, following the club’s relegation, Amavi has used a year down in the Championship to return to his best form, which has brought about interest from abroad.

Resigned to losing starlet Theo Hernandez to cross-town rivals Real Madrid, Atleti reportedly see Amavi as a long-term successor to Felipe Luis, and would be willing to meet Villa’s reasonable €10-12 million asking price.