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Latest Coutinho, Rafinha, Mendy, Mahrez Transfer News
Liverpool Turn Away Barcelona
Liverpool have turned down a €80m (£72m) offer from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho.
The Merseyside club failed to keep hold of their star players in recent years when the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City came calling and turned the heads of players with huge wages and the prospect of winning trophies, but now Liverpool have taken a different stance, having all but secured a place in the Champions League and looking to climb back to the top of English and European football.
Barcelona are in search of a suitable long-term replacement for playmaker Andres Iniesta and Coutinho is perceived as a good option.
Riyad Mahrez to Serie A?
Craig Shakespeare has confirmed that Roma have had a bid for Riyad Mahrez. While unaware of the amount put forward by the Italian Club, Shakespeare reveals it was rejected because it was a “low offer.”
Roma are looking to fill the void left from the departure of Mohammed Salah to Liverpool and Mahrez would provide a similar style of dynamic wing play.
Mahrez failed to secure a move away from Leicester following their sensational title winning season. This past season, the Algerian was unable to recreate the form which saw his valuation shoot to €50million. If Mahrez is insistent on leaving the King Power, Leicester may need to accept a reduced bid or they risk fielding a disinterested Mahrez again this season.
Benjamin Mendy sought by Blues
With Manchester City having a £44.5m bid rejected for Monacos Benjamin Mendy, it appears Chelsea have joined the race for the French fullback.
A buccaneering wingback with terrific pace, Mendy is an alternate option at left wingback for the Blues. Given the additional fixtures due to European football, the extra depth would go a long away.
After securing the signature of Tiemoue Bakayoko last week, the Blues may be willing to enter negotiations with Monaco once more. As they have already sold off two key pieces, expect this saga to continue a while longer.
Here, Arsenal, take Rafinha
Several publications including Sky are repoting that Arsenal have been offered Rafinha. Some close to the 24-year-old claim that Barcelona is expecting offers of more than €30m. With the Gunners needing help in the midfield, it’s difficult to tell at this point if the information has been leaked purposely by the player’s agent, knowing Arsenal are in need. Whether there is any interest from Arsene Wenger is unknown, especially with Arsenal still away from London.
Matic to Manchester?
With Manchester United struggling to sign a defensive midfielder this summer, they may have finally got their man. Earlier in the transfer window, Nemanja Matic had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester. Recently the Metro reported that ‘Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given the club the green light to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United in a deal that could reach £50million.’ The arrival of Matic would be a great addition the current United squad as it is evident that a defensive midfielder is missing. The Serbian is experienced and proven in the Premier League which is exactly what Jose Mourinho’s side is looking for. Although £50million is a hefty price tag for Matic, Mourinho’s side desperately needs a CDM, therefore this a transfer very likely to happen.
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