Welcome to JOE’s Transfer Digest, a daily breakdown of the biggest, best and yes, sometimes worst transfer stories in football today.
As pre-season kicks into gear, so to does transfer season, with a host of teams now making their moves ahead of the new campaign.
Neymar excited for next legal career move
Brazilian forward Neymar has been heavily linked lately with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, after the French side reportedly decided to activate his release clause, which is believed to stand at £196 million.
While contract talks are yet to take place, sources close to the Barcelona star suggest that the time is right for him, and that he is now excited for completing the next totally not dodgy move of his career.
Speaking to friends and family today, the 25-year-old admitted that he feels ready to embark on an entirely legitimate move unworthy of investigation.
“It is true. I have been at Barca a long time, but maybe now is the time to move. I feel I want to experience something new, a new league, so perhaps we must again plan for an entirely above-board transfer which warrants no scrutiny,” said the former Santos man, adding that he is particularly excited to pay his fair share of taxes on his image rights, as he has always done.
“It will be so wonderful to once again not break the law, which is all part of conducting a transfer between two teams and definitely no third parties. I really cannot wait.”
Atletico consider loaning Costa out to local fight club during transfer ban
Atletico Madrid are continuing in their pursuit of Chelsea striker Diego Costa, despite the transfer ban which prevents the club from registering players until January 2018.
According to sources at the La Liga side, manager Diego Simeone is desperate for the former striker to return to the team and is willing to loan him out to a local fight club in bid to keep him fresh during his lay off.
“We want Diego. He is a wonderful player and Atletico is his home. We cannot play him until next year and we need to keep him fit, sharp and angry, so we will look into sending him to one of the local fight clubs,” said Simeone today, adding that he wants Costa to give a particular emphasis to shoulder charging and elbows while taking part.
“After a few months, Diego should be raring to go and, if things go well, even more furious than ever.”
Coquelin hoping no one notices he still at Arsenal
Sitting quietly in his hotel room while avoiding all unnecessary human contact, sources close to Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin say the Frenchman is hoping that no one notices he is still at the club.
A host of Gunners midfielders have been linked with moves away from the club, with Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny the targets of bids from Sampdoria and Leicester City respectively, but Coquelin is yet to see his further speculated upon.
The 26-year-old, according to those with knowledge of his circumstances, believes the club may forget he exists, something he hopes may prolong his stay.
“Francis faced a lot of criticism last season for his play. He was expecting lots of talk this summer about a move but nothing has been said. He is beginning to think no one notices he’s there. And if they don’t know he’s there, they can’t really sell him,” said the source.
