Newcastle could beat Tottenham, Manchester United and AC Milan to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer this summer, while Roberto De Zerbi may leave Brighton to join Bayern Munich. Elsewhere, Barcelona need to raise funds and so may sell defender Ronald Araujo, and Will Still has left Reims, meaning he will cost nothing if Sunderland want to appoint him.
DE ZERBI ‘FAVOURITE’ FOR BAYERN JOB
Roberto De Zerbi looks like he could leave Brighton this summer, with a job opening up in Germany at Bayern Munich.
The Daily Mail reports that the Italian has hinted he could leave the south club side this summer, and with Ralf Rangnick staying with Austria, the Bavarian hotseat remains vacant with Thomas Tuchel set to depart at the end of the campaign. The paper writes: “A Premier League manager has emerged as the favourite to become the next Bayern Munich manager.
“De Zerbi raised concerns over his future earlier this season, refusing to commit to the Seagulls and admitting he needed to ensure he had the same ‘vision’ as the club. He has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona, but those sides seem to have settled their futures, with Arne Slot close to being appointed Reds boss and Xavi opting to stay in Spain.
“De Zerbi, 44, could opt to jump ship this summer, with the opportunity to take charge of one of Europe’s top clubs potentially presenting itself.”
NEWCASTLE SET TO SIGN ADARABIOYO
Newcastle United look likely to beat Manchester United, AC Milan and Tottenham to Tosin Adarabioyo.
The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and is not anticipated to remain with his current club Fulham.
The Sun reports: “Newcastle are closing in on a free transfer for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
“The 26-year-old has reportedly been offered a long-term deal at St James’ Park worth more than £100k-a-week.
“The former Manchester City kid recently reiterated his desire to leave Fulham in the summer when his deal expires – which SunSport revealed back in December.
“Numerous clubs from home and abroad have been eyeing up Tosin, including Manchester United, Tottenham and AC Milan.”
ARAUJO LIKELY VICTIM OF BARCA SALES
Barcelona need to raise money in the summer, according to The Athletic, and the outlet believes that Ronald Araujo is a prime candidate to be sold.
The Uruguayan cost just £3.4 million, meaning that he would provide the club with a healthy profit if they get market value.
The report explains: “Barca, as you might not be surprised to hear, will likely see their summer shaped by how successfully they bring themselves in line with La Liga’s salary limit. They certainly need to sell before they buy, and there are only a few players considered untouchable: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and probably Pedri.
“Barcelona paid around €4million (£3.4m; $4.2m at current rates) for Araujo in 2018, signing him for the club’s reserve team from Uruguayan top-flight side Boston River. Transfermarkt now estimates his value at €70m, while the CIES Football Observatory puts it at €80m. That’s a healthy profit.
“Then there’s the 25-year-old’s contract, which expires in the summer of 2026.”
STILL POISED FOR SUNDERLAND JOB
The Mirror reports that Will Still’s immediate departure from Reims means there is no issue of compensation for his next side.
The 31-year-old has been linked with Sunderland before and could yet move to the Championship club.
The paper reports: “Will Still is free to join Sunderland without the Black Cats paying compensation after quitting Reims yesterday.
“The 31-year-old head coach announced he was leaving the French side by mutual agreement and is now a free agent. Still is expected to head to the Championship. He was the leading contender to succeed Tony Mowbray in December.
“However he penned a new deal at Reims and Sunderland limped to the end of the season with Michael Beale and then interim appointment Michael Dodds in charge.
“Sunderland are scouring Europe for a young coach who can develop their promising kids, including Jobe Bellingham, and conjure a promotion push. It is unclear if Still’s departure is related to Sunderland wanting to announce a new boss immediately after the season ends next week.”