The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but you can click here to review all the deals. Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
Jump to: Chelsea want Pepe to replace Hazard | Busy summer looms in Milan
TOP STORY: Spurs leading race for Sessegnon
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham are the favourites to land Fulham wide man Ryan Sessegnon this summer, according to the Sun.
Fulham are expecting plenty of cash offers for their left-sided starlet, whose contract runs out at the end of next season, following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. However, the report states that the Spurs boss is rumoured to be at the front of the queue.
Spurs will face pressure from Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, but Sessegnon will know he can expect plenty of opportunities across London, such has been Pochettino’s propensity to play his young players.
Fulham will be reluctant to let their star man leave Craven Cottage as they seek to return to the top flight at the first attempt, but they will take a huge offer this summer over losing the 18-year-old on a free a year later.
Chelsea want Pepe to replace Hazard
Chelsea have identified Nicolas Pepe as the man to replace Eden Hazard, should the Belgian depart for Real Madrid this summer, reports the Mirror.
Hazard is widely expected to team up with Zinedine Zidane at the end of the campaign and Pepe is keen to leave Lille at the same time. Chelsea would have to not only part with £70 million to seal the deal, they would also have to first successfully overturn their transfer ban if they’re to land their man.
Pepe has been irresistible this season. The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international has scored 19 goals and added 11 assists in 32 matches, which has seen Lille climb to second in Ligue 1.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are all keeping tabs on the winger, too.
Busy summer looms in Milan
The arrivals and departure lounges at Milan airport could be busy this summer if rumours circulated by Calciomercato are to be believed.
First, two potential incomings at AC Milan, with the expected permanent signature of Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea first on the agenda. The Brazilian-born Italy international could return to Serie A if the Rossoneri meet Chelsea’s £25m valuation.
They’re also suggesting that Milan are contemplating returning to Camp Nou in an effort to tempt Malcom away from the Catalan giants. The two clubs discussed the possibility of a loan deal in January, but talk has now switched to the possibility of a £50m move.
At Inter, it would appear that Ivan Perisic‘s time is up. Calciomercato reports that the Croatian is keen on a move away from the San Siro this summer, and despite having three years left on his contract, both club and player appear to have agreed to let the player leave for €35m.
Tap-ins
– Gareth Bale‘s future remains unclear, with Marca suggesting the Welshman doesn’t figure in Zinedine Zidane’s plans beyond this season. The Spanish paper is suggesting that Bale’s lack of minutes under the returning Real boss — getting just 10 minutes against Leganes at the weekend — means that he’ll be off in the summer.
– Arsenal could activate a buy-black clause to bring home Ismael Bennacer amid interest from Napoli, according to the Mirror. Arsenal offloaded the youngster to Empoli, for whom he has helped win promotion from Serie B before holding their own in the top flight. Arsenal have the option to buy him back, but the Algerian international could be tempted to stay in Italy if Napoli come calling.
– Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted he will be making as many as four signings this summer as he looks to close the gap on Tuesday’s conquerors Barcelona. The Norwegian boss hinted that there could be a number of ins and outs this summer, and he will be given a transfer kitty of £200m, writes the Standard.