Premier League teams have made significant progress in the ongoing transfer market, with Frank Lampard's Chelsea arguably winning the lot amongst the others. With a month still left until we hit deadline day, business is expected to hit the peak despite the severe effects of the global pandemic.
That said, we dive deep to bring you the trending transfers stories of the day:
Bayer Leverkusen to battle PSG for Bellerin
Days after Paris Saint-Germain tabled a £25m plus £5m in add-ons bid for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly entered the race as well. Bellerin remains Arsenal's first-choice right-back, but could well and truly see himself leaving the side in order to take new challenges.
The Spaniard's current contract runs until 2023, but Leverkusen decided to express interest after selling Kai Havertz to Chelsea in a club-record deal worth as much as £89m. The German side are also considering Tottenham's Serge Aurier as a potential option. The 25-year-old has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus, but it is PSG who have been in contact with Arsenal over the past week. It is understood that although manager Mikel Arteta wants to rebuild the squad, Bellerin is someone that he wants to keep.
Talks between the French champions and Arsenal are expected to continue, and it is certain that if the Gunners do decide to sell, they will demand a significantly greater amount than £25m.
Fraser joining Wilson at Newcastle
Former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has reportedly agreed terms with Newcastle United and is set undergo a medical ahead of his move. The 26-year-old's contract with Bournemouth ended in June this year and he decided not to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium. He has previously been linked to West Ham and Crystal Palace, but Sky Sports quote that Newcastle got the deal after the player had a face-to-face discussion with Steve Bruce on Friday.
The news comes days after his former teammate Callum Wilson decided to join hands with Bruce for a reported £20m fee. It is said that Fraser initially wanted to know whether Wilson would actually join Newcastle United before taking a firm decision. The Magpies, in fact, fended off interest from Aston Villa, who withdrew their £21m bid for the striker after the player himself was keen on moving to Tyneside.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are also closing in on acquiring Norwich City's left-back Jamal Lewis for a fee reported to be around £13.5m.
Wijnaldum available for £15m
Gini Wijnaldum's future at Liverpool has been thrown in the air since Ronald Koeman was appointed the new Barcelona manager. It is said that the Blaugrana are working on bringing the likes of Memphis Depay from Lyon and Gini Wijnaldum for less than €50/55m. The Liverpool midfielder has entered the final year of his contract and sources have it that the negotiations over a new deal have hit a rock.
Previously, there was no confirmation whatsoever about whether they will sell the midfielder or not as they awaited an official approach from the Spanish side. In a recent development though, it is being quoted that the Reds have told Barcelona it will cost them £15million to land the midfielder as they are aware that keeping him in remains an arduous task. The Reds are adamant on the fact that Wijnaldum will not leave on a free transfer next summer and thus, a middle ground is expected to be reached soon.
And if Wijnaldum does move to Barcelona, the Reds will contact Bayern Munich for Thiago Alcantara.
...and also Liverpool are now waiting to understand Barça ideas [or the official bid for Wijnaldum that has not arrived yet - Barcelona just contacted with his agents]. 🔴 #LFC #FCB #transfers https://t.co/FHLRTfsNkM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020
In a recent development, however, reports have emerged that Barcelona are plotting a surprise move for the Bayern Munich midfielder. The conflict though remains that Koeman is looking forward to working to Wijnaldum, while the Barca board wants a reunion with Thiago
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Phil Noble
