The transfer window is easing shut and with it, the tension and panic is ratcheting for the clubs who lazily drifted through the summer without making necessary signings... ahem Arsene. As such, the transfer rumour roundup has been dominated by news of Arsenal's intent to panic buy, but not today! Today we start with Chelsea!
Transfer Rumour Roundup
So off the the Bridge where Cesc Fabregas is feeling unwanted and upset. The Guardian are reporting that Italian bullies Juventus are the favourites to sign the Spaniard. Although it seems that he is happy to stay and fight for his place. Fair play to you Cesc, believe in yourself!
#CFC could offer a club record £60m for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly https://t.co/GWwvU87obQ pic.twitter.com/Az1lMQfArr
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 17, 2016
The Telegraph are reporting that Chelsea have made a club record £60m bid for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The introduction of the 25-year-old could see Conte switch to a back three, a system he favoured at both Juventus and Italy.
Sticking with the Chelsea themed rumours, Juan Cuadrado is reportedly on his way out after failing to impress Antonio Conte. His likely destination is a loan move to Juventus where he had been in good form last season.
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly looking to sign Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi. The 24-year-old can play at centre back and at left back, something which will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans as Moreno continues to be not good at football.
Joe Hart is still looking for a way out of Manchester City and The Guardian are reporting that Sevilla and Everton are Head & Shoulders above the rest of the competition. I'm not even sorry about that one.
The Daily Mail are reporting that Tottenham have not given up on Marseille's Georges-Kevin N'Koudou and are set to launch an £11m bid. Clinton N'Jie will would move to Marseille on loan should the deal go through.
Arsenal have offered £16m to West Brom for Jonny Evans, that's according to the Mirror. West Brom are reportedly set to reject the bid, however.
Among many others, The Mirror have reported that Valencia could be forced to sell long-time Arsenal target Shkodran Mustafi as they need the money.
The Daily Mail are reporting that Arsenal are lining up a bid for Athletico Madrid's Jose Giminez although the price tag of £40m could be a stumbling block. Knowing Wenger, I'd say that's a definite stumbling block.
Arsenal are now linked with Jonny Evans, Simon Kjaer, Marcel Tisserand, Fabien Schar, Jose Giminez and of course, old-flame Mustafi.
German publication Bild are reporting that Hertha Berlin are considering a move for 21-year-old Arsenal midfielder Serge Gnabry after his impressive outing in the Olympics.
Marca are reporting that if Barcelona want Valencia duo Paco Alacer and Bruno Alves, they will have to fork out a combined €36m.
Let's end on a funny one, why not sure it's Thursday!
Liverpool gossip: Mario Balotelli considering move to SHOCK English club? https://t.co/InSs4kabqa #LFC pic.twitter.com/R3dfJeOwG4
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 18, 2016
Mario Balotelli is reportedly considering a shock move to Port Vale. The Mirror are genuinely reporting that Balotelli could be set to drop two divisions to prove himself... <laughing emoji>
