Transfer rumor roundup 6/9: Morata to join Manchester United
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.
Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has agreed to join Manchester United, leaving the clubs in negotiation of a transfer fee ahead of a summer move, The Telegraph reports.
After Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s long-term knee injury, the Red Devils were always expected to add a center-forward this offseason, and following disappointing developments in their pursuit of Antoine Griezmann, it appears Morata is now their man.
Despite being linked with AC Milan recently, Morata revealed that Juventus is the only club for him in Italy, having spent two seasons on loan in Turin.
The 24-year-old returned from that spell to register 20 goals and six assists in 1,872 minutes across all competitions this past season, but too often fell behind Karim Benzema in Real Madrid’s first-team setup.
In search of consistent minutes ahead of next summer’s World Cup, Morata believes Old Trafford is an ideal destination, and is familiar with manager Jose Mourinho from his time at Real Madrid. In fact, Mourinho handed Morata his senior debut in 2010.
According to the report, Man United’s initial bid of £52.3 million has been rejected by Real, but a subsequent offer of closer to £60 million is expected to be enough to secure the transfer.
A player long-rumored to leave the Premier League this summer is Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, who after being mentioned with Manchester City earlier this week, is now the subject of intensified interest from Bayern Munich, the Mirror reports.
Contrary to reports from German outlets earlier this offseason, the Mirror states Bayern are now willing to make Sanchez the club’s highest-paid player.
It’s suggested that manager Carlo Ancelotti’s side is ready to reward Sanchez a weekly salary of £350,000, which would trump current leader Robert Lewandowski’s £300,000-per-week pay packet.
As reported weeks ago, Sanchez’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, has already held talks with the Bundesliga champions over a transfer, which would see Sanchez would link up with international teammate Arturo Vidal, who Felicevich also represents.
With just one year remaining on his Arsenal contract, Bayern are apparently prepared to offer £40 million for Sanchez.
After arriving in England for around £33 million last year, Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi could be on the move again this summer, according to ESPN.
The 23-year-old saw playing time hard to come by behind Diego Costa in Antonio Conte’s Premier League-winning side this year, but still managed to score 11 goals in 792 minutes across all competitions.
That came after Batshuayi hit for 23 goals during his final season at Marseille, and a return to Ligue 1 could now be on the cards.
Next: 5 dumbest transfer rumors this week, June 10
According to the report, French champions Monaco lead the race to sign Batshuayi on loan for the coming campaign.
Known to relish incorporating young talent in their side, Monaco could offer Batshuayi a partnership with upcoming superstar Kylian Mbappe, should he decide to stay, or veteran Radamel Falcao.
Given Chelsea’s reported interest in Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, it’s possible a Batshuayi loan could help lessen the Blues’ transfer expenditure.
Along with Bakayoko, Chelsea are said to have their eyes on Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso, but according to recent reports, they face increased competition in their chase.
France’s Foot 365 reports Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has spoken directly over the phone with Tolisso about joining his team.
However, AC Milan have also thrown their hat into the ring, as Gianluca Di Marzio reports.
Although Tolisso, who tallied 14 goals and seven assists this season, desires to play for a Champions League club, Milan’s recent overhaul is something they hope to use to attract him.
Ultimately, though, it seems Chelsea and Bayern Munich are the 22-year-old’s most likely destinations being mentioned at the moment.