Transfer rumor roundup 6/1: Atletico Madrid’s ban upheld
By Nick Pitner
Here’s a roundup of the latest news and transfer rumors surrounding which players could be joining new teams in the coming months.
The month of June kicks off with a development that should have considerable implications on the summer transfer window, as Atletico Madrid’s recruitment ban has been upheld, the BBC reports.
Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Thursday that Atleti indeed violated FIFA’s rules regarding the signing of minors, which will prevent Diego Simeone’s side from buying any players until next year.
Unsurprisingly, in the wake of that news, the BBC also claims Manchester United have cooled their interest in Atleti star Antoine Griezmann, who now may not be allowed to leave this summer.
Furthermore, with the Spanish outfit unable to acquire anyone, Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette is suddenly available to the rest of Europe.
The Frenchman reportedly had a verbal agreement to join Atleti, most likely as Griezmann’s replacement, but that obviously won’t happen this offseason.
As a result, The Independent have linked Arsenal with a move for Lacazette, who Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed last summer was the subject of an unsuccessful bid from the Gunners.
One player that will leave Atleti is defender Lucas Hernandez, according to Cadena COPE.
The 21-year-old has seen Manchester City’s whopping €50 million bid for his services accepted by Atleti, but since the latter club’s ban remains in effect, Hernandez won’t move to England until next season.
The older brother of Theo Hernandez – who is reportedly leaving Atleti for cross-town rivals Real Madrid this summer – Lucas is capable of playing either center-half or left-back, filling a couple of Man City’s needs defensively.
The Frenchman started just 13 league matches this past season, but impressed by winning 76 percent of his aerial duels, per Squawka.
With Hernandez not scheduled to arrive for another year, City boss Pep Guardiola will in the meantime aim to bolster his rearguard with Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.
The Times reports the transfer-busy Citizens are preparing an offer upwards of £50 million for the Dutchman, who they intend on giving a five-year contract worth around £180,000 per week.
Standing 6-foot-4, van Dijk would figure to slot next to John Stones in Guardiola’s ideal central-defensive pairing, but City are anticipated to face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for his signature.
In 21 Premier League outings prior to a season-ending ankle injury, the 25-year-old led Southampton with averages of 4.7 aerial duels won, 2.6 interceptions, and 6.8 clearances per game, per WhoScored.
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Another defensive enforcer, albeit of the midfield variety, is Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, who The Independent reports is in discussions over a £42 million transfer to Chelsea.
The powerful Frenchman started 25 matches during his team’s majestic title run, which has garnered the attention of the English champions as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.
Should the 22-year-old indeed join the Blues, however, he could push veteran Nemanja Matic out the Stamford Bridge door, potentially to Manchester United.
The Serbian would reportedly relish a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho, and an Old Trafford switch has been discussed between intermediaries as well.
In starting 30 games for Chelsea’s championship-winning side, Matic scored once and doled out a career-best seven assists.
A lesser-known defensive midfielder that could be on the move is Brazilian Thiago Maia, according to France Football.
The 20-year-old is close to securing a swap from Santos to Lille after representatives from the French club arrived in Brazil to negotiate a deal this week.
Although Maia has been linked with various European outfits, Lille’s intention to pay around €14 million could put them in the pole position for the youngster.