The transfer rumour mill is a fast-paced smattering of elements of truth mixed up with a whole lot of smoke. Nonetheless, sifting through the mess can be fruitful (sometimes), so let’s take a look at the transfer turnstile that was today.
Transfer Turnstile: David Luiz, Steven N’Zonzi, Eden Hazard and Antoine Griezmann
David Luiz’s time at Chelsea cut short again?
A forgotten man as of recent, Chelsea’s David Luiz is reportedly looking for an escape from the London side. According to Catalunya Radio, the Brazilian shifted his attention from rehab to business, as he has offered himself to the Spanish giants. With tensions running high with Antonio Conte after a bust up earlier in the season, a switch may be the only answer for Luiz’s lack of playing time. Since his dropping from the main eleven, Chelsea have done just fine with Danish teenager, Andreas Christensen operating from the back. Luiz was bought back by the blues after a short stint at Paris Saint-Germain but it is unknown to whether they would be able to recoup the estimated 35 million euros payed in 2016. While a move to Barcelona may be a bit out of reach, the standout defender is too talented to sit on the bench and will likely part ways with Chelsea if the issue is not resolved.
Hazard reuniting with Mourinho this Winter?
Eden Hazard is linked with a reunion with his former manager Jose Mourinho according to The Sun. Man United who have already signed Nemanja Matic from Chelsea this summer are looking to add more players from Stamford Bridge as Mourinho eyes a move for the Belgian. The talented winger, who has won Premier League Player of the year in 2015, has also been linked to Real Madrid. If Hazard actually moves to Man United, it will definitely leave Chelsea fans fuming. Eden Hazard has been one the best players in the Premier League since he’s arrived at Stamford bridge, and losing him to a rival will not feel good for their fans. However, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has responded to these rumours by saying “In this period there are a lot of rumours. We have to leave these rumours and for sure my players are very clever to be focused on this period to play”. Conte definitely won’t want to sell one of his best players and will do his best to prevent that.
Arsenal and Everton battle for Sevilla Midfielder
Steven N’zonzi is linked with a move to Arsenal or Everton ahead of the January transfer window. The 29-year-old Frenchman has been with Sevilla FC since 2015. He’s been impressive with the Spanish side and no wonder big clubs like Arsenal would want his services. The defensive-midfielder is no strange to the Premier League having played for Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City. Arsenal would very much need a player with his qualities. He’s a player who can provide protection for the defense and allow the more creative players like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to do the damage at the other side of the pitch. While Everton who have been resurgent under Sam Allardyce would also benefit from the arrival of the Frenchman.
Will the Griezmann saga be over this time?
It looked like a move to Manchester United was imminent last season. The English side is said to have followed and pursued the Frenchman for much of the year. Following a transfer ban imposed on Atletico Madrid, Griezmann made the decision to stay with the club. It was a decision that certainly helped increase the player’s popularity with the Atleti faithful. The transfer rumors were abundant once more in the winter of 2017. Important clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan were said to be pursuing the player. The pursuit was intense enough to warrant Atletico to report rivals Barcelona to FIFA for approaching the player directly, without having previously discussed with the club. Manager Diego Simeone added to the speculation. The Spaniard confirmed that Griezmann was free to leave the club should a very attractive offer come his way. It seemed like only a matter of time before a transfer would be in place. The French forward now embraces a new challenge. Playing for … should add the extra incentive needed in further advancing his reputation. The 26-year-old, versatile forward has made himself known as one of Europe’s best-attacking players. The French international is expected to also play an important role in France’s pursuit of the World Cup trophy in Russian hosted tournament, in the Summer of 2018.
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