Philippe Coutinho wanted by Chelsea if CAS overturn transfer ban - European Paper Talk

Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Otamendi all feature in the latest transfer news from the European papers.

Our friends at Football Whispers have rounded up all the latest news, views and gossip from across the continent...

Spain

Barcelona are the clear favourites to sign Antoine Griezmann after the Frenchman announced his intention to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. Barca were initially not going to pursue the 28-year-old’s signature but the club’s Champions League collapse against Liverpool signalled a shift in their thinking. Although the Catalans’ immediate priority is winning the Copa del Rey on May 25, they are expected to pay Griezmann’s £108m release clause. (Marca)

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The Liga champions are also set to wrap up the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt, with the 19-year-old Ajax captain set to arrive at the Nou Camp before the 2019/20 season. De Ligt has been assured of significant game time and viewed by the club as the ideal long-term successor to Gerard Pique. (Marca)

One player who may not be part of Ernesto Valverde’s exciting new-look Barcelona is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian has been a disappointment since signing from Liverpool in January 2018 and is tipped to move on this summer. However, finding a potential suitor is proving difficult, with Chelsea - who are under a transfer ban - the only club to have expressed an interest in his services. The Blues see the playmaker as a replacement for Eden Hazard, who is expected to join Real Madrid. Chelsea have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to have their ban overturned. (Cadena Ser)

Atletico Madrid are weighing up a move for Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi. The Argentine was a regular starter during City’s Premier League triumph in 2017/18 but fell behind Aymeric Laporte, Vincent Kompany and John Stones in the pecking order during their successful title defence. City value Otamendi at £26m. (AS)

Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez is set for a move to the Premier League this summer. The 22-year-old Uruguay international, who has scored 30 goals in 73 appearances for Celta, has attracted interest from Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool. If Celta, currently 17th in La Liga with one game remaining, suffer relegation, Gomez’s £43.4m release clause will be halved. (Estadio Deportivo)

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France

Barcelona have made initial contact with Alexandre Lacazette’s representatives. Barca view the Arsenal striker as the ideal alternative to Griezmann should they fail to agree terms with the Atletico star. Lacazette has been a hit for the Gunners since joining from Lyon in 2017, netting 36 times in 87 games. (le10sport)

Neymar is pushing Paris Saint-Germain to sign Coutinho. With Barca willing to listen to offers, PSG may yet emerge as frontrunners for the 26-year-old. The French champions are expecting several players to depart the Parc des Princes this summer. If they do, they may turn their sights to Coutinho. (Paris United)

Italy

Despite finishing third in the Premier League and reaching two finals, Maurizio Sarri is facing the sack at Chelsea. Blues owner Roman Abramovich is considering the Italian’s future after an up-and-down first season at Stamford Bridge. If Sarri leaves, Roma and AC Milan are two possible destinations for the former Napoli boss. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

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Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella is edging closer to completing his move to Inter. The 22-year-old, who was chased by Chelsea in January, has spoken to Inter boss Luciano Spalletti ahead of the move and will become the Nerazzurri’s first signing of the summer. (Calciomercato)

Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Trippier have been offered to Juventus. Alderweireld, also admired by Manchester United, is out of contract in 2020 while Trippier’s representatives have made contact with the Serie A champions to see if they are interested in his services. (Calciomercato)

Germany

Borussia Dortmund are poised to complete a double swoop for Thorgan Hazard and Nico Schulz. Hazard, who has impressed at Borussia Monchengladbach, will cost around £25m while Schulz will arrive from Hoffenheim for approximately £20m. (Kicker)

Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Kai Havertz may leave this summer if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League. Bayer are fifth in the Bundesliga with one game to go. Level on points with fourth-placed Monchengladbach, they must win at Hertha Berlin and hope title-chasing Dortmund take points off of the team above them. Havertz, 19, has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Bild)

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