Transfer Gossip: Kepa isn't a keeper, Juve tracking Atalanta star

Nothing can dampen the never-ending nature of transfer talk. Here’s a look at the wildest rumors that made the rounds this week.

Chelsea keen on ‘keepers not named Kepa

Imagine the things you could buy with €80 million. A house, or a boat, or maybe even a house and a boat. Better yet, a houseboat. Heck, you’d assume a decent ‘keeper could be purchased for that money. Unless you’re Chelsea.

Naturally, the Blues are linked with anyone better than Kepa Arrizabalaga, and many goalkeepers fit that description. Chelsea are willing to double Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson’s wages, according to the Manchester Evening News, though there are indications he’s set to battle David De Gea for the Red Devils’ No. 1 spot.

Mundo Deportivo reckons Chelsea are keen to offer Kepa to Barcelona for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, which is like trading lint for gold. Meanwhile, Goal reports Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak will cost the Blues €120 million, and that Valencia want Kepa, presumably because they haven’t seen him play.

Turkish duo interested in Arsenal outcast Ozil

Sticking with players not worth their value, banished Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is pocketing a hair less than €400K each week to stay home and work on his baklava recipe. Great work if you can get it.

Ozil’s wages are an obstacle for the Gunners and a source of leverage for the 31-year-old. Bild says Ozil has rejected Fenerbahce’s approach, while 90min claims Turkish champs Istanbul Basaksehir are preparing to make an offer, as Turkish President Recep Erdogan suggested.

Newcastle eye loan for lockdown misfit Jovic

Newcastle United scouts have been told to behave as if a lucrative Saudi takeover won’t happen. With that in mind, talent evaluators have begun identifying potential low-cost additions in attack, like Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson.

Joelinton, Andy Carroll, Dwight Gayle, and Yoshinori Muto have combined for five goals, so adding scoring is an understandable desire. A report in the Shields Gazzette also suggests the Magpies want to borrow Real Madrid’s €60-million flop Luka Jovic, who had an interesting time while in quarantine.

Real Madrid’s rotating cast of characters

Real could make more transactions in attack besides Jovic. The Sporting News notes that Bayer Leverkusen will look to take Brazilian teen Reinier on loan to help fill the void that Kai Havertz’s impending move to Chelsea leaves behind.

El Chiringuito TV claims that Real’s Bayern Munich loanee James Rodriguez has drawn interest from Benfica, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and United. Meanwhile, Borja Mayoral, who was at Levante on loan, is due to join Lazio if the two sides can agree on a fee of around €20 million, according to El Espanol.

Juventus’ striker search turns to Zapata

If you can’t beat them, join them. Such is the privileged position in the Italian football ecosystem that Juventus occupies. They’re now eyeing Atalanta’s Thanos understudy Duvan Zapata, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Old Lady have offered €30 million and netminder Mattia Perin. Juventus have also targeted Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik, Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette, and Wolves’ Raul Jimenez as potential replacements for Gonzalo Higuain, who’s expected to leave the club to pursue a modeling career.

Dortmund’s contingency plan seals Sancho exit?

Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United remain €20 million apart on a €120-million valuation of Jadon Sancho, which will surely result in the transfer window’s most drawn-out saga. United, come get your boy.

A report in the Telegraph boosts the Red Devils’ desires. It outlines Dortmund’s contingency plan, which is 24-year-old Werder Bremen star Milot Rashica, who should fetch no less than €25 million, and RB Leipzig, Liverpool, and Southampton previously tracked him.

Bits and bobs

In England, Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has attracted interest from Brighton, and Manchester City will face stiff competition from PSG for Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer because he’s buddies with Riyad Mahrez.

Montpellier are considering Liverpool ‘keeper Loris Karius, who’s also probably better than Kepa. The Ligue 1 side has been linked with Luca Zidane too, who’s leaving Real Madrid after 16 years with the club.

Elsewhere in France, with Lille striker Victor Osimhen departing for Napoli, Les Dogues have shortlisted Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, who’s a cheaper alternative to Red Bull Salzburg’s €30-million valuation of Patson Daka.

Finally, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach, Freiburg, and Hoffenheim are watching 19-year-old Philadelphia Union playmaker Brenden Aaronson amid his stellar showing at the makeshift MLS tournament in Florida.