Karim Benzema’s exit from Real Madrid could have a knock-on effect for four of the Big Six, while Arsenal have struck a deal with Moises Caicedo…
KANE, HAVERTZ ON REAL RADAR
Real Madrid confirmed on Sunday that Karim Benzema will be off in the summer, setting in motion a chain of events that could have big consequences for a number of Premier League clubs.
Benzema is set to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad on a two-year contract, according to L’Equipe, worth around half-a-squillion a week. Which leaves Real in greater need of a centre-forward than they already were.
Marca says the Spaniards have already been in touch with Tottenham over the prospect of a deal for Harry Kane, who is also wanted by Manchester United but the feeling at Old Trafford, says The Telegraph, is that a deal to sign the England striker is ‘unlikely at best’. If Daniel Levy is forced into selling Kane, doubtless he would prefer to park Spurs’ record goalscorer at the Bernabeu rather than have him continue to tear up the Premier League for a domestic rival.
But Real also have other irons in the fire. Bild reckons they are working on a ‘mega deal’ to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea, and Fabrizio Romano concours, but adds that the Blues want ‘important money’ for the Germany attacker.
The feeling has always been that Erling Haaland would one day end up at Real and Benzema’s exit, along with the prospect of the Norwegian winning everything in his first season with City, could hasten their move. But The Telegraph suggests City are hoping the Treble might entice Haaland to make a longer-term commitment in the form of a new contract.
Read more: Real Madrid signings from Premier League ranked as Spanish giants pick between Kane and Havertz
CAICEDO AGREES ARSENAL DEAL
Arsenal need midfielders this summer and it seems they are getting their ducks in a row to get at least one through the door as soon as possible.
According to Teradeportes in Ecuador, the Gunners have already agreed personal terms with Moises Caicedo. Though that was never going to be the sticking point in the Brighton midfielder moving to the Emirates. Arsenal would first have to cough up whatever fee the Seagulls expect, which is said to be in the region of £80million.
West Ham want even more for Declan Rice and Arsenal are biding their time until after the Europa Conference League final to avoid antagonising the Hammers. Once Rice has played what is expected to be his final game in claret and blue, Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal will be straight in with an offer, though Bayern Munich are still lurking despite conflicting reports over their prospects of landing the England midfielder.
CHELSEA WALK AWAY FROM UGARTE
Chelsea were also keen to get a midfielder in early doors – but it probably won’t be Manuel Ugarte.
The Blues were said to have agreed terms with Sporting that would see the Uruguayan move to Stamford Bridge for £52million.
But Fabrizio Romano says PSG have made a higher offer and Chelsea aren’t prepared to enter a bidding war that would take the fee above what they consider to be Ugarte’s martket rate.
