Transfer Rumours: Chelsea step up goalkeeper pursuit as world record fee demanded

News

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 20 June, including the latest updates on Diogo Costa, Michael Olise and Mateus Fernandes.

Chelsea reignite Costa pursuit

Chelsea are once again in the mix to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to Record, citing the Daily Mirror.

The Portugal international is a long-standing target for the Blues, and he is now back on the club's radar following the appointment of Xabi Alonso. The manager wants a new goalkeeper as Filip Jorgensen has requested to leave.

Costa is once again being considered, but Porto do not want to lose him. Consequently, Chelsea may have to be forced to trigger his whopping €60 million release clause.

World record Olise deal?

Real Madrid could be compelled to pay a world record fee for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, AS claims.

The France international is the dream target of president Florentino Perez this summer, and it is expected that he will launch an approach for him after the World Cup. Real Madrid are working on a deal behind the scenes.

Bayern insist that Olise is not for sale at any price, but the Spanish outlet claims that they could be forced to sell should Olise express a desire to move to Real Madrid. However, even in that scenario, Los Blancos may be forced to shell out more than the €222m PSG paid for Neymar.

Fernandes "obstacle"

The same outlet also reports that Man Utd are Real Madrid's "main obstacle" in their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Both clubs are chasing a deal for the Portugal international, but the Red Devils are currently believed to be the favourites for his signature. Man Utd are "making a strong push" to get a deal done with the Hammers.

However, there seems to be confidence at Real Madrid that they would be able to agree a deal with West Ham if they were to receive the green light from Fernandes that he is ready to snub Man Utd.

Liverpool back in for Thuram

Liverpool have rekindled their interest in Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, as per Corriere dello Sport.

The France international was a target for the Reds before he made the move from Nice to Turin. Liverpool are now keeping tabs on the 25-year-old once again.

Despite some impressive performances in Serie A, Juventus are willing to sanction Thuram's exit. They are keen on a quick departure, with reports in Italy suggesting that they need to secure at least one lucrative sale before the June 30 deadline of the current fiscal year.

Barcelona's next signing?

Barcelona are giving "serious consideration" to signing Racing Santander full-back Jorge Salinas, Fabrizio Romano writes.

The 19-year-old is coming off an impressive season in LaLiga 2, where he helped Racing return to the top flight for the first time in over a decade. The left-back produced seven assists, while he is also capable of playing at centre-back.

Salinas is understood to be keen on the move to Barcelona, who could sign him for just €8m due to a release clause. No final decision has been made, but the youngster could be their next signing after Anthony Gordon and Hamza Abdelkarim.

More transfer rumours

Tottenham are accelerating their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton amid growing concerns over their ability to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. (TEAMtalk)

Arsenal are "one step away" from signing Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga. (Nicolo Schira)

Atletico Madrid are closing in on a deal for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo. (Fabrizio Romano)

Real Betis are in talks over a deal for Fran Garcia, who is for sale after Real Madrid signed Marc Cucurella. (AS)

Marseille have rejected a €10m offer from Besiktas for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. (L'Equipe)

Leeds are exploring a deal for Julian Brandt, who is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund. (Graham Smyth)