Transfer Rumours: Cole Palmer saga begins as Chelsea fight rivals for defender

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours from 29 March, including the latest updates on Cole Palmer, Maxence Lacroix, and Khephren Thuram.

Cole Palmer on his way out at Chelsea

Cole Palmer has reportedly become ‘disillusioned’ at Chelsea, which could lead him to seek a transfer this summer, according to The Sun.

Manchester United are looking to bring him back to his hometown, but Chelsea view him as a key player for the future.

Palmer is reportedly frustrated with Liam Rosenior’s tactics, which he feels do not get the most out of him. He is also said to miss playing with Nicolas Jackson, whose pace and movement got the most out of Palmer.

Chelsea and Liverpool to battle over Premier League centre-back

Chelsea are looking to fix one of their biggest problems by signing Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, but they will face competition from Liverpool for his signature, according to TeamTalk.

Lacroix played a key role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win last season, and he could be the latest important player to leave the club after Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi departed in consecutive transfer windows.

Chelsea need experience in their team and 25-year-old Lacroix could provide that, while Liverpool will have to replace Ibrahima Konate, who is set to leave on a free transfer this summer.

Xabi Alonso identifies first Liverpool signing ahead of managerial appointment

Xabi Alonso has selected Arda Guler as the first player he wants to sign before taking over as Liverpool manager, according to Fichajes.

The two worked together at Real Madrid, where the Turkish playmaker has scored 16 goals with 23 assists in 106 appearances across three seasons.

Guler has 15 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, both of which are career bests, and he is one goal away from equalling his highest-ever total of six goals in a season.

The question would be how he, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak would fit together if Alonso sticks to his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, but Guler being left-footed would help Liverpool replace soon-to-depart Mohamed Salah.

Khephren Thuram’s future up in the air

Khephren Thuram’s future at Juventus is up in the air, as the club may need to raise funds if they do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Juve sit three points behind fourth-place Como, who occupy the final Champions League spot in Serie A, with eight matches remaining.

The club would likely demand between €60-€70 million for the 25-year-old all-action midfielder, who has two goals and two assists in 28 league appearances this season.

Rangers winger set for imminent contract termination

Rabbi Matondo, the former Schalke wonderkid who plies his trade for Rangers, is set to see his contract terminated before its expiration this summer, according to The Herald.

Matondo has played three times for Rangers this season and has been included in the matchday squad just five times this season.

The ex-Manchester City wonderkid will be able to seek a new team before free transfers pick up when most Europe-based players’ contracts expire on 30 June.

More transfer rumours

Man Utd will battle Barcelona for Benfica left-winger Andreas Schjelderup. (Fichajes)

AC Milan are close to completing the signing of 19-year-old Partizan Belgrade striker Andrej Kostic for €3 million. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Atletico Madrid are set to make a double swoop for Arsenal attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, with the North London club open to the possibility. (TeamTalk)

Arsenal are said to be the favourites in the race to sign Club Brugge’s German striker Nicolo Tresoldi. (Christian Falk)

Man Utd are aiming to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Sandro Tonali and have begun talks with his agent through an intermediary. (Centre Devils)

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