Transfer Talk: PSG hope move for Leipzig’s Nkunku makes Mbappe stay
The summer transfer window is fast approaching and there’s plenty gossip about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you the latest gossip on comings and goings, and !done deals HTML1.
TOP STORY: PSG want Nkunku return
Paris Saint-Germain are hoping to bring Christopher Nkunku back to the club from RB Leipzig, according to Foot Mercato.
The 24-year-old is one of many who have come through PSG’s famed academy before leaving without making their full impact on the first team and then going on to impress elsewhere.
Nkunku made a total of 78 appearances for Les Parisiens during his time there, including 40 from the bench, before joining RB Leipzig in 2019.
He is now one of the most sought-after players in Europe, having recorded an incredible 27 goals and 17 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this term.
Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona are all among those interested, but PSG are the most serious about signing the France international. Reports claim that PSG has begun negotiations with his representatives in preparation for a possible move.
In addition to bringing in a talented player, PSG are also hoping that re-signing Nkunku could even persuade Kylian Mbappe to stay past this season, despite persisting reports that have linked the World Cup winner with Real Madrid.
Sky Sports Deutschland reports that RB Leipzig will do all they can to keep Nkunku and are offering a contract extension to keep him past his deal through 2024 that would see the attacking midfielder receive a pay rise.
Leipzig would also include a release clause that could rise as high as EUR65 million in an effort to show that they are willing to compromise.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– ESPN sources say that Manchester United are close to finalising an agreement to hire Ajax Amsterdam manager Erik ten Hag, and The Sun is reporting that the incoming manager has already started a wish list of players to add to the squad at Old Trafford.
Atop that list is Wolverhampton Wanderers‘ Ruben Neves. The Red Devils have been longtime admirers of the Portugal midfielder, and the reported new boss is said to share their enthusiasm for the 25-year-old.
– Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who is set to be a free agent in the summer, is at least EUR2m per season away from Juventus‘ wage valuations as the player and club discuss a possible move, according to Calciomercato. If a deal is reached, the signing bonus and commissions will total EUR20m, adds the report.
The Germany international’s representatives are also in conversation with Barcelona, PSG and Real Madrid. There is also the possibility that he could remain at Stamford Bridge, depending upon the Blues’ situation.
– AC Milan are close to completing a deal for Lille centre-back Sven Botman worth an initial EUR30m plus a possible EUR3m in add-ons, reports Calciomercato. Before signing a contract with the Dutchman, the Serie A leaders will wait to see how much money is available for next year’s Champions League.
– Rubin Kazan winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has decided that he wants to join Napoli, who are willing to sign him for EUR8m and are offering a contract until 2027, reports Corriere dello Sport.
He is playing for Dinamo Batumi in his homeland of Georgia, following FIFA’s ruling that foreign players in Ukraine and Russia are allowed to leave their clubs. There has previously been interest in him from Liverpool and Sevilla.
– West Ham United have registered their interest in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, writes Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has rejected various renewal proposals from the Gunners with his current contract culminating in the summer. The Bundesliga has shown a lot of interest in the Arsenal academy graduate, but he has not signed a precontract. This has led to the Hammers asking for information about any developments.
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