Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma's proposed loan move to Valencia has hit the buffers, with the France international intent in fighting for his place at Chelsea. In Italy, AS Roma are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for teen sensation Cengiz Under. Elsewhere, Everton have turned their attentions to former Manchester City striker Edin Džeko as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, while former Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic is on the verge of finalizing a move to AS Roma. Here's a complete report of the latest transfer updates Making The Rounds:
Zouma not ready to leave Chelsea
Kurt Zouma has been identified as Valencia's top transfer target this summer window, with Chelsea ready to let the Frenchman leave on a “temporary” basis.
However, according to Express, the France international desire to stay at the Stamford Bridge is “scuppering” Valencia's hopes of finalizing a deal this week. The 22-year-old France defender wants to fight for a place in the Blues starting XI lineup this new season, despite the arrival of fellow center back Antonio Rudiger from AS Roma. The La Liga outfit have “guaranteed” Zouma regular playing time in an attempt to revitalize his soccer career, following a lengthy spell on the sideline after sustaining a serious knee injury last year February.
Roma keen on signing Cengiz Under
At just nineteen, Cengiz Under has apparently impressed with his displays in the Turkish Super Lig for İstanbul Başakşehir F.K and is now attracting lots of interests from several top European club sides.
Manchester United are keeping close tabs on the young striker, while it was recently speculated that fellow EPL club Manchester City had sent a delegation to İstanbul to lay the “groundwork” for a possible move. However, according to Football Italia, it is AS Roma who're now in the “pole” position to snap Cengiz Under. AS Roma are closing in on Cengiz, though no details of the potential deal for the Turkey international have yet emerged.
The Turkey striker's agent went on the record early July stating that he feels it would be best for Cengiz to remain with Başakşehir for another year.
Edin Džeko wanted by Everton
Romelu Lukaku finalized his $96m move to Manchester United early this week and, despite the “acquisition” of former England captain Wayne Rooney, manager Ronald Koeman is still searching to replace Lukaku.
And now, according to Calcio Mercato, AS Roma striker Edin Džeko has emerged as an ideal replacement for Romelu Lukaku, with the Toffees preparing for discussions with AS Roma in the coming days. However, Everton are expected to find “luring” AS Roma into selling the Bosnia international a “tough task,” given Džeko's brilliant form in the Italian Serie A last term. Edin Džeko scored twenty-nine goals in thirty-seven matches as AS Roma apparently pushed Juventus FC all the way in the contention for the Italian Serie A trophy.
Roma close in on Nastasic
Matija Nastasic, who spent three seasons at Manchester City before joining Schalke 04 in 2015, is expected to complete the move within the next twenty-four hours.
Nastasic was a “prominent” figure for Schalke last term, racking-up thirty-five appearances in all competitions. According to AS Roma 360, the 24-year-old defender stellar performance are set to be “rewarded" with a multi million dollar switch to AS Roma this summer. The Serbian was deemed surplus to requirements by Manchester City in 2015, with Schalke 04 agreeing to sign him up. Nastasic has since “rediscovered” his form and despite interests around Europe, looks “likely" to finalize a move to AS Roma ahead of this new season.
