Atletico Madrid rebuff Arsenal swap deal for Thomas Partey

Atletico Madrid have reportedly snubbed a swap proposal from Arsenal for Thomas Partey.

Mikel Arteta has identified the Ghana international as the missing link in his team, and is said to be determined to land his man.

Spanish journalist Kike Marin claims the Gunners have offered Atleti their choice of Lucas Torreira, Hector Bellerin or Alexandre Lacazette in exchange for the midfielder.

However, Atletico have told Arsenal they will have to meet Partey’s £45million release clause to conclude a deal this summer.

Photo Credit: Twitter @ atletienglish

Man United turn to former Chelsea target as Borussia Dortmund maintain grip on Jadon Sancho

Manchester United have turned their attention to former Chelsea target Federico Chiesa and Douglas Costa after
Borussia Dortmund announced Jadon Sancho is staying.

Frank Lampard was reportedly interested in bringing the international to Chelsea, but later dropped the idea.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are said to be keen to sign Jadon Sandon this summer as widely reported that the England international was their number one target.

Borussia Dortmund are, however, not ready to let go as declared by the Bundesliga club’s director Michael Zorc, who made his position very clear on Monday.

He said: “We plan on having Sancho in our team this season, the decision is final. I think that answers all our questions. Last summer we adjusted Jadon’s salary to match the development of his performances. So, in context, we had already extended his contract until 2023 back then.”

Manchester United are now being forced to look elsewhere for an attacking right-sided winger and could, according to Football Italia, turn their focus to Serie A.

The 22-year-old can play equally in a variety of positions.

He is on the market, but Fiorentina made it clear they will only sell for the right price, believed to be in the region of €60-70m.

Despite the Viola struggling this term, Chiesa still scored 11 goals with nine assists in 37 competitive games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

A more experienced alternative, as named by the Daily Mail and Sun newspapers, is Douglas Costa, who turns 30 next month.

The Brazilian is not part of Juventus plans for the future and has also been linked with Manchester City.

Photo Credit: Twitter @ BlackYellow

Bayer Leverkusen manager responds to Kai Havertz’s Chelsea move after defeat to Inter Milan

Peter Bosz has jokingly reacted to the speculation that Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Harvetz has played his last match for the club after they were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in the Europa League quarter-final on Monday night.

The Germany international is heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Chelsea, with latest reports claiming that Havertz has agreed personal terms with Frank Lampard’s side.

With Germany teammates Timo Werner and Antonio Rüdiger already on the books, it looks like a suitable fit for the 21-year-old.

Losing Havertz, who has been at the club since the age of 11, would be a massive blow for Leverkusen and Bosz.

Kai Havertz finished Leverkusen’s season wearing the captain’s armband and with a goal to his name. But his side’s 2-1 loss to Inter Milan at the quarterfinal stage could signal an end to his time at the Bundesliga club.

After the match, Bosz was asked if Chelsea transfer target Havertz has played his final game with Bayer Leverkusen and replied with a joke.

“Yes, I can exclusively announce he’ll play for Heracles Almelo!”

It was a lackluster first-half performance which sealed Leverkusen’s exit as they were sluggish in possession and failed to press their opponents effectively.

Goals to Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku were enough to seal victory for the Italian club and they could even have won more handsomely with a number of spurned opportunities.

For Havertz it was a frustrating night, despite scoring to bring the score back to 2-1. He was inches from connecting with a Leon Bailey cross in the second half as Leverkusen fought hard, but based on the 90 minutes Inter Milan were far the superior team.

Photo Credit: Twitter @ bayer04_en