Diego Costa has been filmed wearing Atletico Madrid jersey, saying “give Conte a hug,” as his move away from Chelsea continues to drag on. Elsewhere, AS Roma are considering a move for Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov. In England, Theo Walcott insists he would welcome the arrival of more forward players at Arsenal, while Southampton and Leicester City are tracking Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour. Here's a complete report of the latest transfer updates making rounds:
Costa's Chelsea exit draw close, posting a video wearing Atletico Madrid Jersey
Diego Costa has been permitted to skip the Blues' preseason training and was reportedly filmed partying in Brazil while “negotiations” for his move back to Atletico continue this summer window, the Bleacher report tells us.
The short Instagram video was shown Live, at what appeared to be a picnic with loud music playing in the background, the video camera then panned around to show Costa wearing the jersey of his former club Atletico Madrid. Hundreds of his Instagram followers “liked” the short video, including Blues teammate Cesc Fabregas, said, “give Conte a hug.” Chelsea manager Antonio Conte early last month revealed to the Spanish striker through a text message that he was no longer needed at Chelsea but Costa's move back to Madrid has been held up. However, Atletico Madrid are subject to a transfer ban sanctioned by FIFA and Diego Costa won't be able to play for the Spanish club until January 2018, according to 90min.com.
Roma ready to sign Kolarov
Aleksandar Kolarov is into the final-year of his current deal at Manchester City, and he is yet to begin talks over an extension. As a result, the left back may well be shown the exit door this summer window and club sides are ready to pounce if he does leave. The Serbian's former club SSS Lazio have been linked with a swoop, while Turkish Super Lig club Beşiktaş J.K are also tracking the 31-year-old situation at the Etihad.
However, AS Roma are now willing to throw their hat into the ring for Aleksandar Kolarov this summer, according to the Sun, Roma is in the transfer market for a new left back, and they believe the Serbia international could be signed up for $10.4million.
Walcott not bothered about Wenger's recent forward signings
Theo Walcott lost his place in Arsenal's starting XI towards the end of last term and it seemingly appears he will be facing a fight to earn a regular spot this new season.
The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has brought in striker Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon this summer for a club record transfer fee and is also said to be chasing another attacker, with AS Monaco midfielder Thomas Lemar on his radar. But, according to Metro, the England international Theo Walcott is not “concerned” by Alexandre Lacazette's arrival and the prospect of Thomas Lemar joining the Gunners this summer, with the 28-year-old Englishman claiming he would "relish extra competition" for places in the starting XI.
Abdennour wanted by Olympique Marseille, Southampton, and Leicester City
Aymen Abdennour has been linked with a move to the EPL for over a year now, and he was close to joining Everton FC last summer.
However, that deal ending up collapsing and the 27-year-old defender has more recently been on Olympique Marseille's radar. Olympique Marseille are big fans of the Algeria international and manager Rudi Garcia is reportedly eager to lure the defender to France this summer. However, the French giants will have to fend off competition from both Southampton and Leicester City if they want to sign the Algerian, according to the Maq.The EPL pair are said to be monitoring Aymen Abdennour, and they're ready to make offers if he becomes available.
