Arrivals
According to Sport24, relations between Sardar Azmoun and Zenit St Petersburg have completely broken down due to his 'poor attitude' in the past month, most likely due to the nature of his signing, having broken Zenit's coronavirus protocols by leaving the Russian club's training camp in Dubai. Consequently, their transfer of Yuri Alberto to replace the Iranian has been brought forward. Azmoun is now expected to join up with the squad before the window shuts.
No longer just inside info... Ramy Bensebaini IS being seriously considered as a Bakker substitute! Bild report a few minor differences to what is being said on Transfermarkt however. The major one is the price. Rather than the mooted €12m, the real price is likely to be €20m or more as Gladbach have no interest in selling the Algerian international below market value. Whilst the left back has a contract running until 2023, there is also the option to extend it which is something that of course strengthens the foals' negotiating position. Should he come, we would be getting one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga whilst weakening an already struggling rival. It would represent yet another Rolfes masterclass, even if it means sadly losing Bakker prematurely. Going back to the 'inside' information, it is believed that he should attend a medical as early as Friday!
The loan of Junior Dina Ebimbe will last two years claims Loic Tanzi of RMC Sport. This explains why there is such a need on PSG's end to come to an agreement over a two year contract extension. It also makes the move considerably better in terms of value given the €15m option to buy is currently expensive when compared to his performances so far. Were he to join, which now seems inevitable, he could explode in the same manner as Diaby and Bakker. As a consequence, we have a deal which is great economically and in sporting terms - again, Rolfes get it done!
Departures
Lucas Alario now has more interested suitors from the Bundesliga. In addition to Borussia Monchengladbach, Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt have both enquired whether they would be able to take him on loan writes Kicker. The Berlin team in particular has 'good prospects. Frankfurt plan to offload Ragnar Ache and use Alario as his replacement. In addition, Palmeiras still haven't given up on Alario either as they hope to sign a centre forward before the start of the Club World Cup. Egool say that there are still two options on the table from the Brazilians - one which is €9m, strangely above the so-called release clause, another being a loan with purchase option. For a loan to take place, Bayer 04 demand a fee of €1m to €2m to be paid up front.
Mitchel Bakker's representatives are now in Newcastle to finalise a transfer. Sky Sports report that the transfer may have to be put on hold until deadline day as whilst they have met our valuation, we still haven't signed his replacement. Were the Bensebaini rumours to continue to develop as anticipated, the Dutch left back and Bayer Leverkusen might soon have to part ways.
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