Real close on Gundogan; Arsenal to return for Demba Ba

Real close on Gundogan

Real Madrid are lining up a summer move for Borussia Dortmund playmaker Ilkay Gundogan, according to El Confidencial.

Los Blancos have chosen the German international as an ideal long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso, who looks set to leave the club in the near future.

Real Madrid plan to make a move on Gundogan next summer, when he will have just one year left on his contract, meaning Borussia would be forced to sell.

Having rejected a new contract offer at Signal-Iduna Park on numerous occasions, the 23-year-old will probably be leaving next summer, and it appears Santiago Bernabeu is the most likely destination.

Ilkay Gundogan has developed into one of Europe’s top midfielder during his time with the Millionaires, and he is also believed to be on the radar of Manchester United.

The highly rated footballer has made a total of 55 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, scoring 6 goals in the process.

Arsenal to return for Demba Ba

Daily Star is reporting that Arsenal are set to reignite their interest in Chelsea striker Demba Ba.

The Gunners are desperately short of cover for star striker Olivier Giroud and that is likely to be the first issue Arsene Wenger will address in the January transfer window.

And according to Daily Star, the Gunners are set to launch a fresh assault on Chelsea’s Demba Ba, as they are reportedly planning a £15 million bid for the player’s services.

Arsenal attempted to sign the Senegalese on a season-long loan in the summer, but the Blues opted against letting the striker leave for their title rivals.

However, Chelsea officials are likely to be interested in outright transfer, especially since Ba has utterly failed to prove his worth this season.

The interesting thing is that both Arsenal and Chelsea are priced at 10/3 for the league title after the Gunners suffered a narrow defeat at Old Trafford.

Leverkusen eyeing Milan starlet

Italian TV station Mediaset has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen are keeping close tabs on AC Milan midfielder Bryan Cristante.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as the brightest talent to have come out of the Rossoneri’s youth academy in recent years and he was handed his Serie A debut this weekend in the goalless draw against Chievo.

Top European clubs are already lining up for the player’s signature, with Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart the latest sides to have shown interest.

Mediaset has suggested that Cristante would prefer a switch to Bay Arena, where he would have the chance to work under Sami Hyypia.

While Milan are keen to keep hold of their prized asset, the midfielder is reportedly unhappy by the lack of playing time and is ready to explore other options.

Cristante is a member of Italy Under-19 side and has scored 2 goals in 3 appearances during the Under-19 European Championship qualifying campaign.

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