European Transfer Round-Up

The World Cup may be in full swing, but there is still plenty going on, in terms of transfer activity, at club level across Europe.

Here are the latest developments on who might be moving where during the current transfer window.

Wilshere chase on

At least four Premier League clubs are understood to be chasing the signature of Jack Wilshere, who has confirmed he will leave Arsenal this summer.

The England midfielder will see his contract expire with the Gunners at the end of this month and despite prolonged talks over a new deal, the two parties have been unable to reach an agreement.

Speaking on his Instagram account, Wilshere confirmed: “I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.

“Following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remained, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.”

The 26-year-old is understood to be a target for Everton, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Wolves during the current transfer window, although Turkish side Fenerbahce are the current 1.57 favourites to sign the midfielder.

Fabianski seals Hammers switch

Lukasz Fabianski has become West Ham’s third summer signing, after completing a £7million move from Swansea.

The goalkeeper, who is currently at the World Cup with Poland, was the subject of a failed bid from the Hammers last week. But the London club improved their offer and the former Arsenal man has put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract.

Fabianski joins defenders Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks as summer arrivals at the London Stadium and stated on signing that he feels it is an ‘exciting time’ to be at West Ham (19.00 Top Six Finish).

The 33-year-old will be a replacement for Joe Hart, who is set to return to Manchester City following the end of his season-long loan deal.

Hazard waits on Conte

Eden Hazard has suggested his future at Chelsea depends on Antonio Conte and says Real Madrid know what they need to do to sign him.

The 27-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but that has not stopped speculation suggesting he could be heading to Real at some stage.

Hazard (2.45 to move to Real this summer) is focused on Belgium and World Cup duty for now, but says he expects his future to get sorted one way or another in the next few weeks.

He accepts that his future will become clearer when it’s revealed who will be in charge of Chelsea next season.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Hazard said: “I wait to see whether the [Chelsea] coach will stay or leave. If I stay it’s for the club to be better than last season. I don’t want to stay for us to be poorer.”

Kovacic faces Real frustration

According to reports in Spain, Mateo Kovacic reportedly wants to leave Real Madrid this summer but the La Liga giants have told him they are not willing to sell.

The Croatia international is believed to be unhappy with the lack of first-team opportunities at the Bernabeu, having only started 37 league game in the last three seasons.

Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Schalke are all understood to be keen on the 24-year-old, who is currently behind the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro in the pecking order at Real.