Welcome to JOE’s Transfer Digest, the first of a summer transfer window which promises to be both illuminating and informative in equal measure.
This week sees a host of moves reach their final stages, as clubs around the world insist on getting business done early.
Lacazette excited for inevitable City move
First up we have Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, who this week is expected to complete a record transfer to Arsenal.
The North London club are reported to be negotiating a deal close to £50 million for the French international, who has already spoken with excitement of his inevitable move to Manchester City in two or three years time.
The 26-year-old, who has 11 caps for France, has admitted that he cannot wait to get his 24 months at Arsenal over and done with before excelling at Pep Guardiola’s side.
“It’s very exciting for me. Having a manager like Arsene Wenger sign me shows I am doing something right, and it is a real honour to get the chance to use this great club as a stepping stone to a team that can actually win the league.”
Hart spotted doing individual shouting practice
He may be unwanted by his club Manchester City, but that doesn’t mean Joe Hart isn’t putting in the work on the training pitch.
The England international, who spent last season on loan at Serie A side Torino, was this weekend spotted in a local park practicing his shouting by himself.
According to witnesses who saw the goalkeeper screaming, pointing and chest-beating at nothing in particular, Hart seems well prepared for whatever the season may bring.
“Even though he doesn’t have any concrete interest at the moment, it doesn’t seem to be affecting him at all. He was out there showing so much passion and heart and it really shows his commitment to staying loud for the season ahead,” said one neighbour of the player.
Jorge Mendes admits he’s “just taking the piss” at this stage
Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes has responded to the confirmation of Porto starlet Ruben Neves’ move to Wolverhampton Wanderers by admitting that he’s just taking the piss at this stage.
Speaking shortly after the midfielder’s shock move to the mid-table Championship side, Mendes – who represents both the club and the player – revealed that the transfer was literally just a way for him to show off his influence and, hopefully, wind some people up.
“I’m really just taking the piss,” said the agent today. “No one really wanted this move – the player didn’t and the club weren’t that bothered – but I was kinda bored so thought it might be funny.”
Mendes later went on to say that if he really gets bored this summer he’s going to see which clubs he can convince to spend £45 million on his maternal grandmother.
And finally…
Arsenal are said to be on the verge of announcing the signing of Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez. Should the deal go through, the Algerian attacker has vowed to never take the season off again.
