Manchester City line up Jude Bellingham and Mateo Kovacic for double summer swoop - Paper Round
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Updated 01/03/2023 at 09:03 GMT
Manchester City hope to sign Jude Bellingham and could also bring in Mateo Kovacic as his contract approaches expiry, while Inter Miami are keen on Angel Di Maria. Elsewhere, Arsenal are considering a move to sign Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling, and there are suggestions that the Glazer family may be given the chance to stay on as owners of Manchester United.
'They can spend a little money, yeah' - Guardiola on Manchester United transfer activity
City target Kovacic as Chelsea face multiple departures
The Telegraph reports that Mateo Kovacic is a target for Manchester City, with his contract expiring in 2024. While Jude Bellingham is the priority target, there is competition to sign the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, and it may be that a number of midfielders are also leaving City, opening up the possibility for more than one arrival.
“Mateo Kovacic has attracted the interest of Manchester City with the midfielder facing a big decision over his Chelsea future,” the paper reports.
“Midfielder Kovacic is one of a number of players whose current contract runs until 2024 and Chelsea are determined to avoid a scenario in which they all enter the final 12 months of their deals.
“But Chelsea now have Kovacic, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, César Azpilicueta and Silva all approaching the final year of their contracts.
“The situation is understood to have alerted City, whose manager Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of Kovacic and is expected to make changes to his midfield in the summer.
“City’s top midfield target is Jude Bellingham, but the club face competition from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea. The futures of Ilkay Gundogan, who is wanted by Barcelona, and Bernardo Silva are uncertain, while it remains to be seen what happens to Kalvin Phillips, who has made little impact since joining from Leeds United.”
Juventus may make fresh Di Maria offer
After signing Angel Di Maria on a one-year contract from Paris Saint-Germain in the season, Juventus could offer the Argentine midfielder fresh, but reduced, terms to extend his stay, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The paper reports that Di Maria wants to stay in Europe, but his wages could influence a decision to instead move to Inter Miami.
“Meanwhile, Di Maria has been linked with a move to MLS. His contract with Juventus expires in the summer and it is believed that Di Maria wants to stay in Europe,” the report states.
“Juventus could offer him a reduction in wages, which means that Inter Miami's offer could be attractive for the 35-year-old star.
“The MLS franchise, which is co-owned by David Beckham, want to bring in a world-class signing.”
Arteta tracking Sterling at Chelsea
After Chelsea’s mammoth expenditure, the Mail suggests that the club may need to balance their books. While unlikely to want to leave, Raheem Sterling is being tracked by Arsenal, whose manager Mikel Arteta worked with the forward during their shared spells at Manchester City.
The paper claims: “The high-flying Gunners know they will need to bolster their squad in the summer as they prepare to make their long-awaited return to the Champions League.
“Sterling and Arteta worked together for a number of years while the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola's assistant at City.
“His ability to play across the front three is one of the biggest factors in any potential move.
“Sterling is believed to be content at Chelsea but the Blues will no doubt have to let some players go at the end of the season after their recent big [spending].”
Manchester United may not be sold
The Sun believes that Genevra Associates may provide financing that would allow fans to buy shares in Manchester United, but that the same move could see the Glazer family remain in charge at Old Trafford.
Recent reports suggested that the Glazer family are split over both a desire to sell, and the valuation they would accept.
“The bidders hoping to take over Manchester United are expected to hear on Wednesday if they are allowed access to the Old Trafford club’s books,” begins the story.
“But growing fears that the Glazer family will not sell have increased after the latest valuation of United by financial experts - and an offer by a new investment consortium to help them stay in charge.
“Luxembourg-based hedge fund Genevra Associates say they want to take a “minority stake” alongside the “current majority owners” - the Glazers.
“But they also say they aim to open up 50 per cent of the ownership of the club to fans.
“In comments likely to alienate the Glazers from the off, Genevra’s Shah Farsi said: ‘We understand that United fans have been rightfully frustrated over the last several years.
“‘Our aim is to act as the force of reformation that harmonises the interests of the owners and the fans and push for some much-needed transformation at the club.’”
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