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Nick JuddTransfer writer
The coronavirus pandemic has made the transmission market uncertain – and you can find out when the windows open here – but here are the rumors floating around Europe’s major leagues and beyond.
TOP STORY: Messi sees his future away from Barcelona
Lionel Messi new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has said he is more likely to leave Camp Nou than stay, according to Catalan radio station RAC1.
Messi reports his holiday to meet Koeman on Thursday, and although the international Argentina remains under contract for another year, he is believed to have given the club a fresh blow, days after their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in ‘ and Champions League quarterfinals.
ESPN sources said that new Barcelona boss Koeman and Messi have met, and that the club is calm about Messi leading the new project on the field under the leadership of the former coach of the Netherlands.
Koeman himself said he wanted the chance to sit down with the no. 10 and explain his vision, but now he is in favor of the 33-year-old having to remain convinced.
The news has obviously put other clubs on red alert, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City the only realistic targets.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN + (US only)
– Hunter: How Koeman’s Barca dream could be a nightmare
Arsenal and Juve are considering player swaps
Arsenal and Juventus are said to be discussing a swap deal that would show Alexandre Lacazette head to Turin and Federico Bernardeschi move to London.
That’s according to the Daily Star, which reports that Juve are leading the move as they look to add the Frenchman Lacazette to their attacking armor, and who have even reportedly opened talks with the Gunners despite the fact that Wolves striker Raul Jimenez remains the Bianconerithe top goal. Lacazette has yet to agree on an extension of his contract to the Emirates, which is currently running in 2022.
Arsenal are of course still waiting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign an extension for his deal, and if they could convince the Gabonese striker to stay, they would be more willing to move Lacazette, especially if it meant boosting their midfield.
Arsenal see Bernardeschi as the perfect addition to an area that currently needs improvement.
Man United joins the race for Magalhaes
While some sources suggest that Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes is set to undergo a medical at Arsenal in the coming days, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio believes Manchester United have joined the race for his signing.
Napoli are also believed to be interested in the services of Magalhaes, although Arsenal would be on the verge of adding the consistent central defender to their back line. In fact, Lille president Gerard Lopez told TalkSport radio station that he believed Magalhaes would choose between Arsenal and Napoli in the next 24 hours.
However, it seems Manchester United are hoping to hijack Arsenal’s move, along with PSG.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United want to defend themselves for the new season, while PSG are looking to replace the outgoing Thiago Silva. Napoli, meanwhile, would like to sign a central defender Kalidou Koulibaly expected to leave.
Tap-ins
Leeds United hope to sign Valencia striker Rodrigo of summer, reports Di Marzio. Marcelo Bielsa, who reports on the verge of conceding his own stay at Elland Road, is envious of strengthening his championship-winning squad before his side face Liverpool on the opening day of the season. The 29-year-old Rodrigo scored seven goals in 34 appearances for Valencia last season.
– Aston Villa make a bid for forward of Brentford Ollie Watkins the Daily Mail reports in the coming days. Watkins, they say, is Villa’s top scorer and is valued at £ 25m by the Champions League club after scoring 26 goals for the Bees in all competitions last season, while Villa’s bid is reported to be closer to £ 18m and therefore likely to be rejected,
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