Transfer Balls: Man Utd Hungry For Muller-licious Move, Juventus Ogle Ozil, Arsenal Close In On Benzema

Alan Duffy

10th, July 2015

By Alan Duffy

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

Mullerlicious Man Utd

Manchester United are readying a £60million bid for Thomas Muller, according to the Star. With Robin Van Persie destined for Fenerbahce, Louis Van Gaals needs some attacking reinforcements, with Bayern superstar Muller in his sights.

The Red Devils are a bit short of attacking options, with just Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay able to play centrally. The (still-only) 25-year-old Muller is comfortable in any attacking position and would certainly improve the quality of the United squad. However, don’t expect this one to actually happen.

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Old Lady Ogle Ozil

Another humdinger of a rumour here, with the Express claiming that Juventus are planning a swoop for Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil. The Old Lady are desperate for a world-class No.10 and were initially hoping to prize Oscar away from Chelsea. But with that move hitting the skids, the Serie A champs have turned their attention to the Gunners’ German schemer.

The 26-year-old Ozil has, despite a lot of criticism, helped the Gunners to two FA Cups in a row and will be a key man in the north Londoners’ Premier League title tilt. So even a megabucks bid from Juve is unlikely to turn Arsene Wenger’s head here.

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Arsenal On The Blower To Benzema

Arsenal remain in the hunt for Karim Benzema, according the Metro. The newspaper quotes Spanish journo, Paco Gonzalez, who claims that Arsene Wenger has phoned the £42million-rated Real Madrid star in an attempt to convince the French international to move to the Emirates.

While the La Liga giants are apparently keen on retaining the 27-year-old, a big money offer from the Gunners could change their minds. Although one wonders if Wenger is really that eager to bring in another striker.

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Race Hots Up for Hernandez

Europa League holders Sevilla have joined West Ham United in the chase for Javier Hernandez, according to the Mail. The Mexican striker is not wanted at Old Trafford while Real Madrid, with whom he endured a disappointing loan spell last season, have decided not to take up the option to buy the 27-year-old.

A fine goal-poacher, Hernandez is available for around £8million and surely still has a lot to offer. Currently out of action with a broken collarbone, the Mexican is also being eyed by MLS side Orlando City.

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Chelsea Close In On Begovic

Chelsea have offered forgotten man Marco Van Ginkel as part of the deal to bag Asmir Begovic, according to the Mail. Jose Mourinho is eager to find a top-class replacement for Arsenal new-boy Petr Cech and Stoke glovesman Begovic fits the bill.

Potters’ boss Mark Hughes apparently wanted Ruben Loftus-Cheek along with £8million for Begovic. However Chelsea refused, instead offering Dutch midfielder Van Ginkel, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan. This is all looks very plausible.

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The best/worst of the rest:

Tottenham target Yannick Ferreira Carrasco looks set for a move to Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace want QPR striker Charlie Austin while Newcastle are close to snapping up Dutch international Georginio Wijnaldum.