EPL Transfer Roundup: Chelsea to lure Pogba, Neymar to United, Arsenal closing in on Benzema

Today’s round-up of some of the hottest trending transfer rumours from across the English footballing world!

In a bid to improve their squad, Chelsea are on the lookout for more talent across the footballing world. According to The Express, Chelsea are currently trying to lure John Stones from Everton and Paul Pogba from Juventus to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have offered Juan Cuadrado and cash for the 22 year old French midfielder (who would mostly partner Matic), an offer valued at nearly £86 million. Juventus who had a series of stars leaving their team this window rebuffed the bid, but Chelsea will be back with an improved offer.

For the back-line, Chelsea have had a 4 bid for John Stones rejected by Everton. Chelsea are now offering in the excess of £30 million for the 21 year old English centre back, but have been rebuffed once again by Martinez who wants Stones for his campaign. Chelsea view Stones as a long term replacement to the ageing John Terry.

After missing out on Pedro and Ramos, the biggest and most shocking story circulating in the papers indicate United have opened “secret” talks with Brazilian sensation, Neymar. This would have started when Woodward had flown to Barcelona on Monday when it looked like they were set to confirm the signing of Pedro.

While it would seem a real coup, this is not going to happen given Neymar just settled with Barcelona and has already tasted immense club success with the Catalans. Besides, it would take a mammoth offer to even tempt Barcelona for them to consider selling.

Arsenal are in dire needs of a world class striker. It seems they have finally got it. Multiple sources have said Benzema will be flying in to London and undergoing a medical with the Gunners before completing the move before Monday night’s match against Liverpool. He is estimated to cost the gunners in the region of £45 million.

Another Gunners target is Joao Moutinho and Monaco and Arsenal have been known to be long term admirers of the Portuguese midfielder. If Monaco cannot reach the Champions League, sources say Moutinho will hand in a transfer request and Arsenal are favourites.

Another fantastic rumour linking a striker to the Gunners is Edinson Cavani, who has not had the best two seasons at French Champions. However given Zlatan might be leaving Paris, this move is the least likely to happen.

Liverpool are linked for Borussia Dortmund’s Armenian midfielder, Henrikh Mkhitaryan. £15 million is the fee being offered by the Anfield top brass to the Bundesliga side who are looking to rebuild. While his agent had claimed in February that he was open to a move, the move may not go ahead now, given his key role in Dortmund’s season right now.

Liverpool are still in the hunt for Illarramendi, who has found his chances sparse at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has been deemed surplus by new boss Benitez. However, while Liverpool were once willing to give €20 million, they seem willing to exploit the relationship they have with Benitez by lowering their maximum amount to €15 million for the 25 year old midfielder.

Looks like the dragging transfer saga might be at an end. Manchester City have reportedly agreed personal terms with De Bruyne with a five year contract, £200,000 a week salary being offered to the talented Belgian midfielder. They just need to meet Wolfsburg’s evaluation of the player or make an acceptable offer, but City believe £50-55 million will be enough to tempt Wolfsburg to part with their star.