As London enjoys the warm evening, its enigmatic football clubs continue to sort out their pre-season routine: checking, listing and arranging players’ profile. London’s grip on the league loosened last season, and they must tighten up. So what if there is a World Cup coming? The transfer window has its own unique aura. Sit back and relax as we lay down the key transfer sagas, unfolding behind the closed doors.
1. Tottenham express an interest to sign Xherdan Shaqiri
Tottenham Hotspur have expressed a desire to sign Swiss winger, Xherdan Shaqiri. Following, Stoke City’s relegation to the Championship, it has been revealed that Shaqiri has a relegation release clause of £12m-£13.5m. Last week, the 26-year-old revealed his intent on leaving the club. “Yes, of course. It is no secret that I will leave the club,” Shaqiri said in an interview with Swiss newspaper, Aargauer Zeitung,
“I would love to stay in England, I think the league is perfect for me. It’s the best league with the best players, but I do not want to exclude anything.”
“Everyone wants to compete with the best, that was one reason why I chose the Premier League. And that’s why I want to take the next step now.”
Southampton, and now Liverpool have also shown interest in the winger.
Shaqiri’s pace can be a real nightmare for any defender, and together with his set-pieces ability, creativity and decisiveness in the final third, he can be a potential lethal weapon in any club’s armory.
2. Chelsea ahead in race to sign Jean Michaël Seri
Chelsea have emerged as surprise frontrunners to sign OGC Nice midfielder, Jean Michaël Seri. Arsenal were previously interested, but they seem to have cooled down in favour of other top targets.
Seri’s impressive performances over the last two seasons, led to interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona last season – with whom he nearly reached an agreement.
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The 26-year-old has a £35m release clause, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea go ahead with the deal as their managerial status is under scrutiny. However, there will be no short of suitors for the Ivorian international as Borussia Dortmund and Napoli all sniff around.
“It’s true that there are possibilities in England, so we’ll see,” the player’s agent told Sport Witness last month. “Basically, he works via his emotions. He’ll go where he’s most desired, so if you really want him and you’re welcoming.”
3. Tottenham prepare to accelerate Anthony Martial talks
Anthony Martial has been heavily linked with a move to the North London club, ever since the transfer window opened. The Frenchman has fallen out of favour at United and looks set to leave Old Trafford after three seasons. Talks between Tottenham and United are set to be accelerated. According to the Daily Mail, both the club’s officials are set to meet next week over a possible agreement. Mauricio Pochettino has been given a £100m transfer kitty, and he is willing to spend a significant sum of it on the 22-year-old.
Martial wasn’t called up to France’s World Cup squad. Hence, a deal could be swiftly reached if fees are agreed upon.
Let us know which of these players will be the best business for the London based clubs in the comment section below.
