Despite the virus shutting down football, there is still reportedly activity going on behind the scenes. Here are some of the most interesting stories doing the rounds in the European press:
Barcelona looking to exchange players for Martinez
According to Sky Sports, Barcelona are attempting to sign Inter’s highly-rated Argentinian forward Lautaro Martinez by using players in exchange for the star.
Martinez is likely to be their main transfer target in the next window, as the Spanish champions look to strengthen their attack. The striker is believed to be looking to make the deal happen
The forward has a buy-out clause of £97million in his Inter contract. However, due to the financial loss caused by the coronavirus, the Catalan giants are unlikely to be able to afford the big fee.
Several discussions involving intermediaries have taken place over a potential deal. Inter hoped to sign Brazilian midfielder Arthur in part-exchange, which Barcelona dismissed immediately. However, more likely players to be involved in the deal seem to be full-back Nelson Semedo and central midfielder Carlos Alena, who Inter are interested in signing.
Sadio Mane linked with Real Madrid move
Sky Sports are also reporting that Real Madrid may be set to reignite their interest in signing Liverpool winger Sadio Mane. The Senegalese winger is reported to be unhappy with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for voting for Virgil van Dijk in the Ballon d’Or voting.
The winger has been linked with a move to Los Blancos on numerous occasions in recent years, with a fee of around £150million mooted. The COVID-19 pandemic could well bring the fee down, with uncertainty about what will happen with transfer fees post-COVID-19.
Mane is believed to be highly interested in making the move to the Spanish capital in the near future.
Will Martinez and Mane be on the move in the next transfer window?
