Transfer Rumours: Ibrahim Mbaye bombshell as €75m Chelsea deal imminent

News

Tom Weber | Writer

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

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 22 August, including the latest updates on Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson and Edmond Tapsoba.

Liverpool stunned by Mbaye price

Liverpool have been quoted a price of at least €70 million by PSG for Ibrahim Mbaye, according to RMC.

PSG have set various price tags for the 18-year-old during transfer talks in recent weeks, with the quoted figure changing depending on the club trying to sign him. The €70m now being discussed is more of a starting point rather than the final fee.

However, this figure has scared off several of Mbaye's suitors. Even Liverpool's interest has cooled, hence their strong pursuit of Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh in recent days. Two bids have been rejected by the Seagulls, but the Gambian is keen on the move.

Jackson bid imminent

Chelsea are "braced" for an offer from Aston Villa for Nicolas Jackson, as per The Telegraph.

The Blues have informed the striker that he is surplus to requirements and value him at around €75m. Villa are believed to be the frontrunners to sign him, with Jackson keen to reunite with his former Villarreal boss Unai Emery.

Villa are expected to make their opening move imminently. Previous reports suggested that Chelsea were keen to have finalised Jackson's future by the end of the week, though it remains to be seen whether this can actually be achieved.

Man Utd lead Tapsoba race

Man Utd are at the front of the queue for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, TEAMtalk claims.

The Burkina Faso international has long been linked with a Premier League transfer, but he signed a new long-term contract in April and has just been made club captain, which makes these fresh links rather curious.

Leverkusen are said to value the 27-year-old at €50m. In addition to Man Utd, who have made contact with his camp, Tapsoba is also a target for Tottenham and Newcastle.

More BlueCo deals

After Filip Jorgensen and Genesis Antwi, Chelsea are set to offload more players to sister club Strasbourg before the deadline.

According to L'Equipe, BlueCo are set to trade forgotten Chelsea forward Deivid Washington to Strasbourg for around €10m, while there are also still ongoing talks over a permanent deal for Omari Kellyman.

Meanwhile, the BBC has revealed that midfielder Dario Essugo has been made available for loan. While there is Premier League interest, he is a "strong contender" to fill the final loan spot at Strasbourg. Mykhailo Mudryk, who was previously an option for Racing, is in talks over a move to Leeds.

Decision time for Balde

Superagent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona duo Alejandro Balde and Marc Casado on Friday, Mundo Deportivo has confirmed.

The Portuguese held discussions over the pair's future at Barcelona, with Casado expected to be sold before the window closes, while Balde has been the subject of an enquiry from Man Utd in their search for a left-back.

The latter is facing a major decision. His intention was to stay this summer, but the signing of Joao Cancelo has seen him slip down the pecking order. Barcelona would not stand in his way if offered a suitable fee.

More transfer rumours

Newcastle and RB Leipzig are in talks with AC Milan over a deal for Christopher Nkunku. (Fabrizio Romano)

Arsenal are interested in Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, but he would have to take a sizeable pay cut for the move to become a possibility. (Foot Mercato)

Juventus goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio has approved a loan move to Bournemouth. (Fabrizio Romano)

Arsenal have finally reached an agreement to sign Blackburn youngster Igor Tyjon after failing to strike a deal in January. (The Athletic)

All parties involved in Liverpool's pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola believe that a deal will be agreed for north of €120m. (Fabrice Hawkins)

Celtic are on the verge of signing Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermin Mahmic and Chelsea defender Landon Emenalo. (Sky Sports)