Transfer rumor roundup 5/23: Griezmann tips Manchester United move

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

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has fueled speculation by revealing to French TV show Quotidien that there are “six chances out of ten” that he’ll transfer to Manchester United this summer.

The French star was promoting his autobiography and elaborated more than expected on the matter, saying, “If I have to move, it’s not a problem. It can be England, because it’s the trend, Germany, China or USA. I’m ready to leave.”

That quote comes courtesy of L’Equipe, which also details Griezmann’s admission that his future “will depend on transfers”, perhaps eluding to Atletico’s pending appeal of their current transfer ban.

According to Spanish outlet COPE, Griezmann, who has scored 60 goals in 111 appearances since arriving at Atleti in 2014, has a €100 million release clause in his contract, and Man United are not only prepared to pay that, but also double his wages from the £130,000 per week he’s earning at the moment.

While Atleti are anticipated to receive a verdict on summer recruitment by the end of the month, the club was recently reported to have an agreement in principle with Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.

That gives them a potential replacement for Griezmann, who will no doubt still have his eye on the result of Wednesday’s Europe League final, which will determine whether Man United qualifies for next season’s Champions League campaign.

Set to take part in next month’s Champions League final, Juventus on Monday confirmed their signing of midfielder Juan Cuadrado from Chelsea.

The 28-year-old Colombian international has spent the past two seasons on loan in Turin, where his versatility has made him a key member of manager Max Allegri’s setup.

Juventus will pay Chelsea €20 million in three annual installments to secure Cuadrado’s permanent transfer, and the player has already signed a three-year contract tying him to the Bianconeri until 2020.

Another deal close to completion is Monaco’s signing of Belgian prodigy Youri Tielemans, whose current manager, Herman Van Holsbeeck, told Het Nieuwsblad that the player will undergo a medical with the newly crowned French champions later this week.

On Monday evening, Tielemans was named the Jupiler Pro League’s Footballer of the Year for his role in helping lead Anderlecht to a record 34th Belgian title.

Just 20 years old, the central midfielder compiled 18 goals and 15 assists across all competitions this season, which earned him his first senior call-up last November.

After making his Anderlecht debut back in 2013, Tielemans has long been touted as one of his generation’s brightest talents, meaning Monaco will have another gem in their side next season.

Next: Ajax’s young stars on brink of Europa League glory

In fact, Tielemans could walk straight into Monaco’s starting lineup in the likely scenario that both Tiemoue Bakayoko and Fabinho depart this summer.

Should all go well with his medical, Tielemans is expected to earn Anderlecht a €25 million transfer fee.

Elsewhere in Belgium, Arsenal are in talks to sign KAS Eupen attacker Henry Onyekuru, according to Sky Sports.

Despite being 19 years old, Onyekuru registered a whopping 24 goals and nine assists in 41 total appearances this season.

That production, along with a reported £6.8 million release clause, has alerted a number of clubs across Europe, including Borussia Dortmund, Everton and Southampton.

Arsenal, however, seem to be the Nigerian’s first choice, as he previously admitted, “The shirt I dream of wearing is Arsenal’s because I’ve always had Thierry Henry as a role model since I was little,” per the Metro.

To conclude, SFR Sport reports 20-year-old Rennes defender Joris Gnagnon has been the subject of an unsuccessful €13 million transfer bid from Sevilla.

The Spanish club have apparently offered Gnagnon a four-year contract, but face stiff competition from eight other interested parties: Inter Milan, Tottenham, Chelsea, Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach.

In his first Ligue 1 season, Gnagnon displayed ability beyond his years, completing 88 percent of his passes, 60 percent of his headed duels and 62 percent of his tackle attempts, according to Squawka.

Not only have his performances been flagged by some of Europe’s top scouting departments, but they’ve also brought about a struggle between France and the Ivory Coast for his representation at the international stage.