The transfer deadline may have passed across Europe’s top five leagues but there is still business to be done this summer. And, with only four months until the January window opens, the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest, and you can check out our list of all the major done deals.
TOP STORY: Willian considering Greek adventure
Willian travelled to Athens on Sunday night to visit Olympiacos and discuss a potential move to the Europa Conference League champions, reports Fabrizio Romano. The 36-year-old winger has several options and is assessing them as a free agent, having departed Fulham upon his contract’s expiration this summer.
The former Brazil international impressed during his time with the Cottagers, scoring five goals and assisting another two in 37 appearances across all competitions last term. He has also represented Chelsea and Arsenal, winning two Premier League titles plus a Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup with the former.
“I decided to leave Fulham much before the end of the season, in January or February. I had it in my mind that I would leave after speaking with my agent and family. It wasn’t a decision made at the end of the season but a couple of months ago,” Willian said to the BBC last week. “I am looking at some options at the moment. I am thinking about possibilities in Europe, England, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the MLS — just not Brazil as an option for me.
“I am trying to see all the possibilities and think about making the right decision right now. I have some offers already and this is the key moment to decide my next challenge.”
PAPER GOSSIP
— Juventus are willing to let Arthur Melo leave and the midfielder is considering offers from Turkey and his home nation of Brazil, reports Calciomercato, while there could be further offers from other countries. There had been contact between Juventus and Napoli regarding the 28-year-old toward the end of the Italian transfer window, but Gli Azzurri instead pushed through the deal to sign Billy Gilmour from Brighton & Hove Albion.
— Nicolas Jackson has agreed a contract extension that will keep the striker at Chelsea until 2033, reports The Athletic, with the deal extending his stay in west London another two years. Even with all the interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, the 23-year-old Senegal international is considered key to Chelsea’s attacking core.
— Nice are looking for a new left-back to challenge Melvin Bard due to Jordan Lotomba‘s likely departure to Feyenoord, according to L’Equipe. Despite the Ligue 1 transfer window being closed, clubs can sign free agents, players already in France or granted an exception for medical reasons, and Les Aiglons are considering 30-year-old Ali Abdi from Ligue 2 side Caen.
— Bologna’s option to permanently sign Nicolo Casale from Lazio will become an obligation if they qualify for European competition again this season, according to Calciomercato, which adds that I Rossoblu can bring that forward in January if they are impressed by the centre-back. The 26-year-old’s initial loan to Bologna was completed on Aug. 30.
