Monday’s transfer round-up sees a big development in the Antoine Semenyo transfer saga, while Manchester City defender Nathan Ake edges closer to an exit.
Monday Transfer Rumours Roundup
Antoine Semenyo Finalising Contract Terms
Antoine Semenyo has moved a step closer to joining Manchester City, with the player’s representatives holding talks with club chiefs today.
Reports claim his agent will iron out his personal terms ahead of signing a long-term deal.
Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which is active in the first two weeks of the transfer window.
Liverpool haven’t given up hope of bringing him to Anfield, while Manchester United have also shown an interest.
However, City remain the key favourites, and his arrival will only help bolster their Premier League title bid.
Nathan Ake Availability Sparking Interest
It could be one in one out at Manchester City, with Nathan Ake braced to leave the Etihad should the club receive an offer in the region of £21million.
Ake has only made seven Premier League appearances this season, with his last start coming in the 2-0 victory over Everton on October 18.
The 30-year-old would be open to leaving in able to ensure he’s playing regular football ahead of the World Cup at the end of the season.
Spanish publication Sport claims that Barcelona are holding an interest, particularly given the recent injury to Andreas Christensen.
It’s also suggested that Crystal Palace may make their move as they look for a new central defender.
The Eagles need a new centre-back as they prepare to lose Marc Guehi at the end of the season on a free transfer.
Ake’s wages are the biggest stumbling block to preventing a deal with the former Bournemouth man earning £200,000-a-week at Man City.
Fulham Looking At Ricardo Pepi
Fulham want to bolster their strike force with the signing of American striker Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven.
The Mail write that the Dutch club will hold out for £40million if they are to let him leave during the January transfer window.
Fulham boss Marco Silva wants a new striker to provide competition for Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz.
Jimenez turns 35 on his next birthday, while Muniz is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Pepi, 22, has scored nine goals this season, which comes on the back of firing in 17 last campaign.
West Ham have previously been linked with Pepi, but Fulham are most likely to step up their interest during the January window.
Sunderland Plot Ligue 1 Raid
Sunderland want to keep their Premier League momentum alive by bolstering their squad with a Ligue 1 double deal.
It’s reported that the Black Cats want Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi and Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
Bouabbi, 18, has been a key figure in Lille’s midfield this season and is touted as one of the brightest prospects in France.
He’s been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, but Sunderland hope their impressive campaign that convince him that they could be a stepping stone to bigger things.
Senegalese midfielder Camara, 21, is another who is impressing in France.
He’s identified as more of a defensive-minded player and already has Champions League experience under his belt.
Sunderland want a new midfielder in the January window and have sent enquiries to Lazio over Matteo Guendouzi’s availability.
