Transfer Balls: Arsenal Splurge £40m On Benzema, Newcastle In Driving Seat For Austin, Tottenham Hoping For Moses’ Chelsea Exodus

Alan Duffy

17th, July 2015

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By Alan Duffy

Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…

Arsenal Splash Out £40million On Benzema

The Sun keep alive the Benzema-to-Arsenal story, claiming that the Gunners are now readying a £40million bid for the Real Madrid star. The French international has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu all summer, with Manchester United also thought to be interested.

While Arsenal are well stocked in attacking positions, the need for a world-class goalscorer arguably remains, with the 27-year-old Benzema sure to fit in nicely alongside the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

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Newcastle In Driving Seat For Austin

Sky Sports tells us that Charlie Austin could well be on his way to Newcastle United. Sky Bet suspended betting on the move after seeing bets at as short as 1/10. The QPR star has been expected to leave the Hoops after their relegation back to the Championship, with a number of Premier League sides, including Liverpool and Chelsea, linked with the 26-year-old.

A proven top-tier striker, the £15million-rated Austin would provide the Magpies with a potent goal-threat, something they lacked in the 2014/15 campaign.

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Tottenham Hoping For Moses’ Chelsea Exodus

Tottenham are keen to get their hands on Chelsea winger Victor Moses, according to the Express. With Aaron Lennon set to leave White Hart Lane, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is on the look out for a winger, with the 24-year-old Moses fitting the bill. The Nigerian international has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge, spending last season on loan at Stoke (and the season before that at Liverpool), and is desperate for regular football.

The Lilywhites are ready to spend £8million on the player, although having already sold Petr Cech to Arsenal, Jose Mourinho might not be too keen on letting another player go to another London club.

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Felipe Luis Set For Atletico Return

Another player who could be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer is Felipe Luis. The full-back has failed to secure a regular starting berth ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta and is now looking to leave Chelsea ahead of the forthcoming season. According to the Mirror, former club Atletico Madrid is the 29-year-old’s expected destination, with a move coming just a year after he left the Rojiblancos for £15.8million.

Felipe Luis’ dpearture would also pave the way for the arrival of Augsburg full-back Abdul Baba Rahman. The pacy 20-year-old impressed in the Bundesliga last season and Jose Mourinho is keen to bring him to west London.

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Everton Look To The (Jonny) Evans

The Manchester Evening News tells us that Northern Ireland international Johnny Evans is on the cusp of moving to Everton. With Louis van Gaal eager to bring in a top-quality centre-half (with Sergio Ramos a possible purchase), the Manchester United defender would more than likely only play a bit part for the Red Devils next season. Toffees’ boss Roberto Martinez has been tracking Evans for some time and is apparently ready to meet United’s £8million valuation of the player.

After the poor season in 2014/15, Everton are keen to strengthen their ranks, with the experienced Evans a solid option at the back.

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The best/worst of the rest:

West Brom want to take Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry on loan, Wayne Rooney is open to a move the MLS (when is Man Utd career is over) and Crystal Palace want QPR ‘keeper Alex McCarthy.