As these glorious pages reported on Thursday, Galatasaray wanted Gabriel Martinelli. In the following 24 hours things changed a bit, creating greater complexity, something we do not approve of. Arsenal have supposedly been offered the chance to involve the Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in exchange for the Brazilian, which could be tempting for a side looking for a new No 9. To further sweeten any potential deal, Ethan Nwaneri could be chucked into it too to make it a mega swap.
Tijjani Reijnders may struggle to find a perfect role within Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City. The Dutchman has already been linked with Nottingham Forest, which has stirred some interest in Saudi Arabia from Al-Qadsiah, who are managed by Brendan Rodgers and are willing to cough up £51m for the midfielder.
Newcastle are also searching for a central midfielder after losing Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães to Spurs and Arsenal. They did at least get around £175m for the pair, so are eyeing up a deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Rafik Belghali could head to St James’ Park if the Magpies are willing to stump up £12m for the Hellas Verona right-back.
Leeds are trying to progress a move for Nico Elvedi from Borussia Mönchengladbach, where the centre-back played under Daniel Farke. The 29-year-old wants out and only has a year remaining on his contract, so will almost certainly end up at Elland Road.
There is very little like the signing of a third-choice goalkeeper to get fans excited. Nottingham Forest are giving their people what they want by bringing in the former Swansea man Steven Benda for nothing. One assumes he will be met at East Midlands airport by thousands of excited supporters eager to welcome their new hero.
Down at Crystal Palace, getting greater strength in depth is part of the plan. Anan Khalaili is set to help out with that by joining from Union Saint-Gilloise to provide competition for Daniel Muñoz at right-back. Palace could be involved in a battle royale for the services of the Lecce centre-back Tiago Gabriel, who is valued at £25m. Bournemouth are also tracking the defender, who was previously the subject of a bid from Benfica.
It transpires that Wilfried Zaha is out of work so is back training at Crystal Palace to keep fit. Would he be worth a punt for the Eagles? He came through the ranks at Selhurst Park and returned for a second spell after things did not work out at Manchester United.
Hull are the sources of relentless rumours currently and the latest comes in the form of the Real Betis man Pablo García. The winger is wanted by numerous teams but the Premier League has plenty of allure. The Tigers are also in the market for a central midfielder and have sent a £15m bid to Everton for Tim Iroegbunam.
