Gossip: Rodriguez, Payet, Batshuayi, Bravo

Daniel Storey

CHELSEA TO SIGN BATSHUAYI
Well well, Chelsea have sneaked up on the inside with this one. Reports on Tuesday suggested that Crystal Palace had agreed a fee with Marseille for Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi, but most people saw that as a leak from the player’s camp to force the hand of other clubs. 

However, the logic was that Tottenham would be ones to sign Batshuayi. Now even that has been blown out of the water by news that it is Chelsea who will sign the striker for a fee of £33m.

The Guardian are among the outlets claiming that Batshuayi will have a medical ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge. They cannot offer the striker European football, but the lure of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea rebuild has persuaded him. This window really is starting to warm up.

 

CHELSEA AND MAN CITY WANT JAMES RODRIGUEZ
Now off to Spain, with news from El Confidencial that both Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez. This one might have some legs.

Rodriguez is almost certain to leave Real Madrid this summer. After an impressive first season, the Colombian’s form has tailed off badly amid reports that he is enjoying the Madrid nightlife a little too much. Zinedine Zidane is likely to move him on before adding to his squad. Paul Pogba, anyone?

While Chelsea and City may well hold serious interest in Rodriguez, Paris St Germain are still the favourites to sign him. El Confidencial say that PSG have gone straight to Rodriguez’s agent. Yaaaay, a Jorge Mendes mention.

 

INTER TO GO FOR PAYET?
Internazionale is a club now flush with cash. Having been taken over by Chinese conglomerate Suning Commerce Group, the club’s new owners have reportedly give Roberto Mancini a huge transfer budget.

The first name on Inter’s list might be West Ham’s Dimitri Payet, with honorary president Massimo Moratti urging the club to make a move for the French midfielder.

“As a fan, I would love to see Payet in an Inter shirt. However, the great champions are currently elusive, you have to be lucky enough to find the right opportunity.

“We are missing 2-3 players to be competitive. The important thing is to have solid players that ensure continuity.”

Yeah, it’s not going to happen pal. If Payet is to leave West Ham, it’s surely only going to be Real Madrid.

 

BRAVO IN TO REPLACE HART
Joe Hart hasn’t had a great week. The goalkeeper was at least partly responsible for England’s European Championship exit, and now the predictable rumours have started regarding his Manchester City future.

Before the Euros began, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the goalkeeper tipped to replace Hart at City, but now it’s Ter Stegen’s Barcelona teammate Claudio Bravo.

The Daily Mail reckon that Pep Guardiola could make the Chile goalkeeper his No. 1, but we’re not completely convinced. If City are going to replace Hart, or at least provide competition for him, will they really go for a goalkeeper who is 33?

 

ARSENAL INTERESTED IN GABIGOL
Arsenal are ready to rival Fiorentina for the signing of highly-rated Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa, according to ESPN Brazil.

The striker, 19, has already been the subject of a £25m bid from Fiorentina, but ESPN Brazil claim Arsenal are ready to challenge Fiorentina after missing out on Jamie Vardy. Yeah, because a 19-year-old Brazilian is the obvious equivalent to a 29-year-old Leicester striker.

Gabigol recently revealed he has offers from Europe, but is also reluctant to leave his hometown right away. It’s just a non-starter, isn’t it?

 

AND THE REST
The FA is considering waiting a year to appoint Arsene Wenger as Roy Hodgson’s successor, with chief executive Martin Glenn confident in the abilities of Gareth Southgate to hold the fort… Michy Batshuayi is set to reject a move to Crystal Palace as Marseille accept £31.6m offer with the 22-year-old being linked with a switch to Tottenham in the summer… Nolito, 29, is flying in for talks with City on Wednesday as he closes in on a £13.8million move… Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, 28, will not be renewing his contract with Napoli, according to his agent… Southampton are set to out-bid Stoke in the battle to sign West Brom striker Saido Berahino, 22, by offering £16m… Newcastle and Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul, 28, could join north-east rivals Middlesbrough, as Rafa Benitez prepares to complete a £5m deal for Gent goalkeeper Matz Sels, 24… New Everton boss Ronald Koeman is interested in signing Poland winger Kamil Grosicki, 28. The Rennes player would be available for around £10m… Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is desperate for the chance to be a part of the new national team set-up