Transfer rumor roundup 7/24: Inter Milan to pursue Vidal
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.
Monday’s biggest transfer news is La Gazzetta dello Sport’s report that Inter Milan will soon make a €45 million offer for Arturo Vidal.
The Bayern Munich midfielder was reportedly the most prominent target discussed during a Sunday night meeting between Inter’s hierarchy.
Manager Luciano Spalletti insisted the Nerazzurri sign four or five more players this summer, including Vidal, who is seen as an ideal addition to Inter’s midfield.
In order to lure the former Juventus man back to Italy, Inter are prepared to offer the 30-year-old a four-year contract worth €7 million per season.
Along with Vidal, the report states Inter will aim to ink a full-back, a center-back, another central midfielder and a forward to bolster their ranks.
Another transfer saga that’s picking up steam is Marseille’s pursuit of Celtic striker Moussa Dembele.
Sky Sports reports the French club have held talks with Celtic over a move, with the understanding that Brendan Rodgers’ side isn’t open to a sale until its Champions League qualifying matches are concluded.
At that point, Dembele is anticipated to be available for just £20 million, potentially representing excellent value for the 21-year-old Frenchman.
In his first season in Scotland last year, Dembele registered a whopping 32 goals and nine assists across 49 total appearances.
Like Dembele, 21-year-old Spaniard Pablo Fornals enjoyed a breakout campaign last term, which, according to Marca now has resulted in Villarreal acquiring him for just €12 million.
That figure meets Fornals’ release clause from Malaga, from whom he made 31 starts in various midfield positions last season.
Overall, the finished with six goals and two assists, catching the attention of clubs from both Spain and abroad.
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In other news across Europe, the Birmingham Mail reports West Brom are preparing a £10 million offer to Manchester United for defender Chris Smalling.
In the wake of the Red Devils adding center-back Victor Lindelof this summer, it’s believed Smalling could be on his way out of the club, and Baggies boss Tony Pulis is monitoring the situation closely.
In fact, once West Brom return from their preseason tour of Hong Kong, they’re ready to test Manchester United’s standing with Smalling by submitting a formal bid.
Should they succeed in luring him to the Hawthorns, Smalling would be reunited with former United defender Jonny Evans, providing Pulis with a formidable central partnership.
Another player that could be set for a Manchester exit is Manchester City stiker Wilfried Bony, who Wales Online reports has permission to hold talks over a return to Swansea.
The Swans have apparently come to a basic agreement with City to re-acquire Bony, but the Ivorian’s current £130,000-per-week wages pose a stumbling block to completing a deal.
In Swansea’s favor, though, is the fact that Bony is said to still hold a special appreciation for the club after starring there from 2013 to 2015.
Over that span, Bony hit for 26 goals in 54 Premier League outings, and although he’s scored just eight league goals since, his presence would significantly bolster the Swans’ attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.