Fans love transfer rumours. We love transfer rumours. Unfortunately, because there is such a huge demand, a large number of 'rumours' aren't really true - so it's hard to figure out what's true and relevant and what isn't. That's what we're here for. We've had a busy weekend bringing you all the best news in the transfer window so far.
Here's what's important, what's not, and what's eyebrow raising from the rumours this morning.
Eurosport France are claiming that Riyad Mahrez has agreed to sign for Arsenal. The fee is rumoured to be around £41 million, which should help Gunners fans deal with the news that Gonzalo Higuain has joined Juventus. That news broke this morning from Sky Italia, and is just waiting for confirmation. The fee is rumoured to be €94 million - which would be a world record transfer fee until Paul Pogba is confirmed. You'd wonder where they got the money for that...
BREAKING: Sky in Italy: Gonzalo Higuain has medical with Juventus ahead of potential move from Napoli #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/sOJt74dyL9
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2016
Speaking of Arsenal and strikers, former captain Robin van Persie is being linked with a loan move to FC Porto. This comes from Jornal de Noticias in Portugal, and while it seems unlikely - so did van Persie going to Fenerbache. This potential move though has some way to go before it happens.
Kolo Toure's move however doesn't have that much left to go. Brendan Rodgers is raiding his old club to sign the veteran for Celtic (BBC). Toure is having a medical in Glasgow today, and Rodgers did say he wanted defensive reinforcements, and it's curious as to what this will mean for the future of Shane Duffy.
Speaking of Irish internationals, Robbie Brady isn't likely to ask for a move from relegated Norwich. That's according to his manager Alex Neil. That doesn't mean that Brady won't leave, but he won't force through a move to get the asking price of £20 million down to something more palatable. Via Sky Sports:
We are still as you were. Since he has come back and re-joined we have had a chat about all that and there will be no problems whatsoever. He is fine, We are happy he is here and that will remain the case until when or if someone comes in with the right money. Then we will consider it and have a look but right now we will crack on. Robbie understands the situation.
That's the main news, but there is still some other notable things including
- Saido Berahino - West Brom have rejected two bids of £20 million from Crystal Palace and Stoke City. (BBC)
- Juan Cuadrado - AC Milan are keen on the Chelsea flop, and are prepared to play €30 million for him. First David Luiz, and now Cuadrado - it's remarkable. (Antena)
In "bleedin' obvious" news, James Rodriguez wants to stay at Real Madrid amidst reports of a move to Man United (Sky Sports), and Juventus manager Massimo Allegri confirms that United are in talks to sign Paul Pogba (Mail). Well thanks for that, fills the quota of Pogba stories for the day.
BREAKING: #MUFC defender Guillermo Varela to join Eintracht Frankfurt on a season-long loan #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2016
Speaking of United, they've confirmed that Guillermo Varela will be joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a year long loan.
The one player that United are probably not in for (yet) is John Stones. But it's being reported that Man City are now taking a long hard look at him. £50 million is the fee that the Mirror thinks it'll take, but Stones is one of those players that there is a whole lot of fuss over without a huge amount of action. I'll just leave Paul Merson's rant about him here.
