You might as well just reveal all now Roger Wittmann.
The agent of Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino has reportedly dropped a massive hint that his player is on his way to Manchester United. “All I can say is that he’s moving to England,” Wittmann told German publication Bild, fuelling rumours that the striker will be at Old Trafford next season.
Firmino is a reported target for United, after scoring 49 goals in 153 games for the Bundesliga club over the past five years. One in three is hardly prolific, but Louis van Gaal’s side are in the market for a forward and feel the Brazilian has the potential to improve.
Firmino is currently on international duty in Chile at the Copa America, meaning any move to United won’t happen until the competition concludes next month.
In other Manchester United transfer news, (is there any other kind?), the club are interested in signing another South American. The Mirror are reporting that Nicolas Otamendi could be on his way to Old Trafford, if United are prepared to meet Valencia’s €48 million asking price.
The Argentine centre-half has reportedly told Valencia he wants to leave, but the club will not accept anything less than the player’s release clause, as stated in his contract.. United value the 27 year old at around €34, but are desperately seeking a commanding presence at central defence, and had to re-evaluate their options after Mats Hummels decided to stay at Borussia Dortmund.
With Otamendi also at the Copa America, any deal will likely not be wrapped up as long as Argentina are in the tournament.
Arsenal have rejected a swap deal from Chelsea, involving Petr Cech and €13.8 million, for Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain, according to The Mirror. While Arsene Wenger reportedly wants to sign the long-time Chelsea goalkeeper, who lost his starting spot last season to Thibaut Courtois, he’s not prepared to lose Oxlaide-Chamberlain as part of the deal.
“Every club that is interested in Petr, I can find a player that I like in that team too,” Jose Mourinho said last month, effectively foreshadowing this reported swap deal. The Chelsea boss is resigned to Cech leaving Stamford Bridge, but doesn’t want him to join a direct rival. While Wenger wants to sign the goalkeeper, he isn’t prepared to lose one of his most promising players as part of the transfer.
The two clubs will need to compromise, which shouldn’t be a problem for such good pals as Jose and Arsene.
