A round-up of the day’s most interesting news surrounding the London clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.
Chelsea will meet with representatives of recently departed Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri on Friday, as they consider potential successors to Antonio Conte, who is expected to leave the club this summer, claims a report from The Guardian.
The Blues will continue to weigh-up the future of Conte, who warned Chelsea they would be losing a “serial winner,” in quotes via The Guardian, if they decide to replace him after trumping Manchester United to the FA Cup crown.
In other Blues news, striker Michy Batshuayi will not decide whether to return to Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund until after the World Cup, according to a report from the Evening Standard.
The Belgian international bagged seven goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances this season and Dortmund are keen to land the striker on a permanent basis for a fee of around £50million.
However, the 24-year-old has claimed he would not have a problem returning to his parent club, should they see him as a first-team regular.
Across town in east London, Manuel Pellegrini is aiming to start remoulding his squad already, as he plans for a clear-out at the club, according to The Telegraph.
The Chilean boss is looking to bring in up to seven new players for the upcoming campaign, and that means some serious book-balancing must be done.
Pellegrini has already let go of former Manchester United man Patrice Evra and long serving defender James Collins, but he is said to be planning for the release of another two unnamed players before the end of the window.
The Hammers are also said to have run into their first quarrel with the new manager, as the club doesn’t agree that they should pursue Mario Husillos as the head of recruitment at the London Stadium, according to The Sun.
Husillous is leaving Malaga, who have been relegated from La Liga this term and the Hammers board are said to be concerned over his recent track record.
The Argentine failed to stop Malaga being relegated despite facilitating eight new signings in the January transfer window.
Across town in north London, Tottenham are said to be stepping up their interest in Wilfried Zaha, according to The Guardian, as he’s among Mauricio Pochettino’s priority targets for the summer.
The Report claims that the club will move for the former Manchester United man this window, but should Crystal Palace play hardball and request ludicrous fees (such as the £100million being suggested), then they will likely focus all efforts on acquiring current Red Devils’ forward Anthony Martial.
News coming from north London rivals Arsenal is that Unai Emery has identified Juventus’ veteran fullback Stephan Lichtsteiner as a target for the summer transfer window, according to The Guardian.
The 34-year-old Swiss international is unlikely to be given an extension at the Allianz Stadium, and the new Gunners’ boss is looking to swoop once the player becomes a free agent.
A common criticism of Arsenal in recent years has been for a serious lack of leaders and big personalities, and the veteran defender could shake things up at the Emirates.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
