Players on the move: Join Razeen Gutta for a weekly roundup of all the biggest deals taking place around South Africa and Europe.
Manchester City look set to sell two of their star players to Big Six teams as Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling look set for moves away. Meanwhile, Pretoria boy Keegan Allan is sparking interest in Italy. Here’s the latest.
Europe
Gabriel Jesus’s move to Arsenal is on the verge of completion, with the Brazilian set to sign a five-year deal in a transfer reportedly worth £45 million (±R900 million).
His Man City teammate Raheem Sterling is reportedly closing in on a move to Chelsea with the Premier League champions set to lose two forwards to Big Six opposition in a matter of days.
Liverpool were also rumoured to have been in the race for their former player. However the England international has already agreed on personal terms with the Blues. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a second transfer bid is being readied by Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Whether Chelsea get Sterling or not remains to be seen, but they do look to have secured the services of Leeds winger Raphinha for £60 million (R1.2 billion). News emerged on Tuesday evening that they had moved ahead of Arsenal and Barcelona in the race for the Brazilian’s signature.
Elsewhere in Europe, Ajax star Lisandro Martinez is set for a move to the Premier League with Manchester United and Arsenal said to be showing interest in the Argentine international.
Having already worked with the defender, there has been speculation that Erik Ten Hag wants to bring him to Manchester United.
The Gunners, on the other hand, are believed to have already made two bids for the player. GOAL reports that following the rejection of a £29 million bid, Mikel Arteta’s side have now offered Ajax £35 million (±R700 million) for the 24-year-old.
Reports in Europe state that Liverpool are interested in bringing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham to Anfield.
The Reds have just come off the back of losing Takumi Minamino to AS Monaco this week, while their legendary striker Divock Origi, too, confirmed his move to AC Milan.
And while the two strikers have departed just days after the big departure of Sadio Mané, Jurgen Klopp does not seem to have forgotten about his lack of depth in the midfield department.
South Africa
In local news, former Mamelodi Sundowns starlet Keegan Allan has reportedly garnered interest in Italy. The 21-year-old defender, currently plying his trade at the University of Pretoria, has been eyed by Orlando Pirates for a while.
However, Soccer Laduma have now reported that Serie A clubs Hellas Verona and Spezia Calcio are also keen on bringing the player to Europe.
Bafana Bafana international Pule Mmodi has also made the news of late, with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates reported to be keeping an eye on the 29-year-old.
The Golden Arrows midfielder has been spotted training with his club. However SABC Sport have reported that Arrows would still be willing to sell and that Chiefs would be the first option on any deal.
