Barcelona have reportedly given up on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin and have now shifted their focus to Chelsea versatile defender Cesar Azpilicueta. Elsewhere, Real Sociedad have announced the signing of winger Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United, while Real Betis want to sign Stoke City striker Bojan Krkic on loan. In France, SM Caen is ready to sell West Ham United, Southampton, Newcastle United, and Everton FC target Yann Karamoh. Here's the complete report of the latest transfer updates Making The Rounds in the world of soccer.
Barca enters chase to sign Azpilicueta
La Liga giants Barcelona are keen on signing a new right back defender this summer after failing to “fully” replace Dani Alves last summer, following his transfer to Serie A side Juventus FC. The Catalan giants regularly “deployed” Sergi Roberto on the right-side of the defense, but new manager Ernesto Valverde is said to want a new player there. Arsenal fullback Hector Bellerin had been Barca's top transfer target but, according to Metro, they'll not sell Hector Bellerin and Barcelona have now shifted their attention elsewhere. Specifically, the Catalan giants are now going after Chelsea's defender Cesar Azpilicueta after being “impressed” with his brilliant performances last term.
Azpilicueta played every single minute of Chelsea's EPL title winning campaign and Ernesto Valverde is attracted by the 27-year-old ability to play anywhere on the defense line.
Januzaj joins Real Sociedad
Adnan Januzaj finally joins Real Sociedad from Manchester United on Wednesday. It is understood the Belgian winger joined the Spanish club for an initial fee of $10.3m, although the transfer fee could “rise” to $12.6m, and that Manchester United have a buy-back clause for the 22-year-old winger.
Adnan Januzaj “sensationally” broke into Manchester United first team as an 18 year old, scoring two-goals on his full debut Premier League match against Sunderland back in 2013. Ever since then the Belgium international stock has “fallen” drastically and after two “forgettable” loan spells at Sunderland and Borussia Dortmund, Januzaj has now moved on this summer
La Liga clubs line up for Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkic fell out of favor with Stoke City manager Mark Hughes last term and spent the second stanza of the season on loan at Bundesliga side Mainz.
Now it is unlikely whether Bojan will remain at Stoke City or leave the Potters again this summer window in search of a regular playing time football elsewhere. The 26-year-old striker is said to be “mulling” over the decision but if he does want out then La Liga club Real Betis are willing to sign him, according to Football Espana. Real Betis are one of a number of La Liga clubs “tracking” the former Barca player and are ready to snap him up on loan this summer. La Liga trio Valencia, Las Palmas and Espanyol are all also keeping close tabs on the Spaniard and may firm-up their interests with formal bids in the coming days.
Caen ready to sell Karamoh
Yann Karamoh broke into the Caen first-team last term and significantly impressed during his first season scoring five times in French Ligue 1.
The 18-year-old forward form has apparently attracted serious interests from West Ham United, Southampton, Newcastle United and Everton FC are all keen on landing Karamoh. SM Caen want to keep hold of the France under-21 international, and they've offered him an extension on his current deal, which expires next year. However, Karamoh has subbed that offer and, according to Shields Gazette, the 18-year-old striker will now be sold out elsewhere.
