Thursday, December 26, 2024

Kimmich, Silva, Felix, Kilman & Zirkzee: The Essential Transfer Round Up – Friday, April 5th

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Arsenal eyeing a Kimmich swoop

Although Declan Rice might have certainly made an immediate impact after completing a £105million move from West Ham, there has been continued speculation that Mikel Arteta has another central midfielder at the top of his summer wishlist.

With reports that the Gunners could be willing to cash in on Ghana international Thomas Partey, Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich has suddenly been speculated as a standout target for the Premier League title contenders.

While the German ace might have often been in possession of Bayern’s captain’s armband this season, it has been suggested that Kimmich is keen on a summer move away from the Allianz.

Entering the final 18 months of his current deal with the German heavyweights, there has been no progress over a contract extension and the 29-year-old is attracting plenty of Premier League interest.

Although Manchester City might have remained heavily linked with a blockbuster move for Kimmich, it has been suggested that Arsenal have moved into pole position.

Silva’s release clause activates this summer

Although Manchester City might have managed to keep hold of Bernardo Silva last summer, it has been heavily suggested over the past months that the Portugal international could finally be heading for the Etihad exit at the end of the season.

Putting pen to paper on a one-year contract extension with the reigning European champions, the one-time Monaco starlet has cemented his spot as a fan favourite around the blue half of Manchester.

Featuring in 26 of Manchester City’s Premier League appearances this season and notching 10 goals across all competitions, Silva is certainly a man in demand.

While Guardiola might have once again made it clear that he wants Silva to extend his stay at the Etihad, it is no secret that the Portuguese playmaker is attracting plenty of heavyweight interest from across the continent.

With it confirmed this week that Silva’s £50million release clause is set to activate this summer, both PSG and Barcelona have remained long-term admirers and will once again test City’s resolve.

United keeping tabs on Kilman

With Lautaro Martinez suffering another injury setback and continued speculation that Raphael Varane will be heading for the Old Trafford exit this summer, Manchester United are desperate to recruit a new long-term central defender.

Although Erik ten Hag might have major pressure on his shoulders, it appears that the Old Trafford hierarchy are already identifying their summer targets.

While Wolves might have eventually balanced their books ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, it has been heavily speculated that Gary O’Neil’s side could see a number of their first-team stars make a move away from the Midlands.

While defensive talisman Max Kilman might have been linked with a move to reigning Italian champions Napoli last summer, the 26-year-old is attracting more heavyweight interest.

Featuring in all of Wolves’ 30 Premier League appearances this season and looking to make a late charge for Gareth Southgate’s EURO 24 squad, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Kilman.

Felix makes it clear he wants to stay at Barca

Making a controversial season-long loan switch from Atletico Madrid last summer, Joao Felix has made it no secret that he wants to make his temporary move to Barcelona a permanent one ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Although the 24-year-old might have only bagged six La Liga goals in his 23 La Liga appearances this season, he has gained plenty of plaudits for his industrious approach in the final third.

However, while the Portugal international might have publicly stated that he wants to stay put in Catalonia, Barcelona are still dealing with a host of financial issues behind the scenes.

Stating that the only way he can complete a permanent move to the defending Spanish champions is if all parties can reach an agreement, Felix doesn’t look set to receive any guarantees until the end of the season.

Although Atletico might be desperate to get the ex-Benfica starlet off their books, Diego Simeone’s men are looking to receive a substantial transfer fee and the ball is firmly in Barca’s court.

Zirkzee keen on AC Milan move

With Bologna in the midst of what has been a remarkable Serie A charge this season, Joshua Zirkzee is certainly spearheading the Grehounds’ charge for a famous Champions League ticket.

Already notching 10 Serie A strikes this season and continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, the former Bayern Munich starlet has been one of Italy’s standout performers this year.

However, although Premier League giants Manchester United might have remained heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old over the past few months, it has been suggested that Zirkzee is keen on staying put in Italy.

With ex-Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud set to complete a move to the MLS this summer, it appears that the Dutch international is favouring a move to AC Milan.

With the Italian giants identifying Bologna’s attacking talisman as one of their standout targets ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Zirkzee has reportedly made it clear he has his sights set on a switch to the San Siro.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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