11 days in the transfer window and the clubs are slowly turning the screw to improve their squad. Here are three deals that are closing in on completion this month.
Francis Coquelin bound for Valencia
Valencia have agreed a 12m fee with Arsenal for midfielder Francis Coquelin.
Talks were still in progress between the clubs, with Coquelin preferring a Spanish move, over one to West Ham and Crystal Palace. However, Valencia have now confirmed the deal, Sky Sports have just reported.
The 26 year-old has been at Arsenal since 2008, but has made three loan moves in that time to Lorient, Freiburg and Charlton Athletic. The French international has made over 100 appearances for the Gunners, however only six league starts this season.
The reemergence of Jack Wilshere has pushed through the move with fellow midfielders Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny rated above Coquelin in the pecking order.
Valencia have started the season in great form. Sat in third place, nine points behind leaders Barcelona, shows the clubs improvement from their last campaign.
http://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/11202718/valencia-agree-12m-francis-coquelin-fee-with-arsenal
Russian Captain Smolov wants West Ham move
Russia Captain Fyodor Smolov is hoping to sign for West Ham this transfer window.
The striker is pushing through a move to London from current Russian club Krasnodar. The deal is likely to go through if Diafra Sakho moves on this month.
Smolov has scored 59 goals for Krasnodar and 11 times in 28 games for Russia.
The 27 year-old speaks fluent English which would help him settle into the London club. A 15m bid is expected to be enough to persuade Krasnodar to sell.
West Ham have improved under current manager David Moyes, but injuries have limited their attacking options.
http://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11685/11202756/russia-captain-fyodor-smolov-wants-to-sign-for-west-ham
Arda Turan in talks to return home
Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan is in talks with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.
The 30 year-old is keen to leave the Spanish giants after three unimpressive seasons, spending much of the time in the shadow of Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Turan joined in 2015 from Athletico Madrid, after shining through in his four seasons in the capital. However, a first team place at Barcelona has been scarce and has yet to feature in the league this season.
The Turkish league leaders have seemingly come from nowhere to overtake fellow giants Beskitas, Fenerbache and Galatasaray and are looking to carry on. The side already have number of notable players in the form of Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Eljero Elia.
The deal is rumoured to be a six month loan deal with a view to a permanent move.
Basaksehir’s chairman Goksel Gumusdag said in a statement that he held talks in Barcelona with Turan and Barcelona chief executive Oscar Gomar. He said that he left talks “feeling positive” on the transfer due to the player’s enthusiasm and the backing of its sponsor.
Barcelona have already signed Philippe Coutinho and have fellow wingers Ousmane Dembele and Gerald Deulofeu ahead of Turan in the selection order.
http://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/11202691/barcelonas-arda-turan-in-talks-with-istanbul-basaksehir