Real Madrid close to signing world-class winger, Barcelona lead race for £200m-rated superstar, and other La Liga news: 31st July, 2018

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With the transfer window entering its final month, teams are frantically scrambling to get deals completed in time. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been relatively quiet this window by their usual standards and are set to make massive moves in the next few days. Aside from the big fish, there were a few other teams that made their mark in the last 24 hours.

On that note, here is a round-up of the latest happenings concerning Spanish clubs in the transfer market:

Sime out, Arias in

Atletico Madrid have moved quickly to replace outgoing right-back Sime Vrsaljko. Reports in Marca suggest that Atletico are closing in on PSV defender Santiago Arias. Arias, who represented Colombia at the World Cup this year, won the Player of the Year award in the Eredivisie last season.

Valencia set to hijack Arsenal move for Guedes

Goncalo Guedes, who impressed in a loan spell at Valencia last season, could return to the club after becoming the subject of a €50 million bid. Arsenal too were interested in signing the young PSG winger, but it looks like Valencia have stolen the march on the English side.

According to reports, PSG are yet to respond to the offer made by Valencia.

No father-son reunion at Atletico

Rumours have it that Fiorentina have rejected outright a €40 million bid from Atletico Madrid for Deigo Simeone’s son, Giovanni Simeone. Fiorentina are holding out for a fee in the region of €50 million at the very least. Giovanni scored 15 goals for the Italian side last season in 41 appearances and is touted to be one of the brightest prospects in Europe at the moment.

The 23-year-old is under contract till 2022 but is unlikely to remain at the Italian club for more than another season considering the vast potential he has shown the past couple of years.

Barcelona

Barcelona set their sights on Eden Hazard

A new twist in the Eden Hazard saga. Reports in Barca Blaugranes have indicated that Barcelona have contacted Chelsea regarding the possibility of signing the Belgian. Hazard was a Real Madrid target up until last week when they were put off by Chelsea’s valuation of the player and now their Spanish rivals seem to have stepped up their interest in securing the services of the Belgian attacker. Barcelona are yet to make a marquee signing this window and Hazard could be the one.

Board wants to offload Vermaelen; Valverde wants him to stay

According to reports in Football Espana, Ernesto Valverde feels former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen will be a part of his plans this coming season and has urged the board not to offload him. Vermaelen has hardly featured for the side since joining them in 2014 and the top brass are eager to cash in on him while they still can. However, Valverde is doing his best to block a possible exit.

It was initially believed that Arsenal wanted to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele on a season-long loan deal, but the Catalans are now demanding Aaron Ramsey in return. According to the Sun, Arsenal value Ramsey at around £30 million which would cover the Dembele loan fee.

Real Madrid

Madrid suffer massive blow in Cavani pursuit

Reports in Daily Express have suggested Real Madrid’s top target Edinson Cavani will be staying at PSG. New manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the same when he said: “This is my feeling and my biggest wish and I have not heard such a thing [that Cavani wants to leave]. I talked to Edi some days ago and he didn’t mention anything.

“He said he is looking forward to coming back and looking forward to achieving all his goals with us and our team. He is a key player for us and there’s no thought in giving Edi away.”

Madrid have constantly been in the hunt for a striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo but it now looks like they will have to turn their attention elsewhere.

Madrid deny interest in Willian

Reports from multiple sources earlier in the week had confirmed that Los Blancos had tabled a €110m double bid for Thibaut Courtois and Willian, but the club themselves have spoken out about the issue, stating that they were never interested in signing the Brazilian. According to AS, Madrid have reached out to Chelsea to confirm that they are not keen on signing the midfielder, however, they do remain the favourites to bag the services of Courtois.

Chelsea keen on Kovacic

After failing in their pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Chelsea have set their sights on Madrid outcast Mateo Kovacic, who is also keen on a move away from Spain. Reports in Daily Mail indicate that Maurizio Sarri has identified Kovacic as the ideal man to help take the club forward. The Blues have just about 8 days to get the deal done and will need to move fast.

Real Madrid close in on Pulisic

According to Don Balon, Real Madrid are close to completing a €70m deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic. Pulisic had already expressed his desire to leave Germany and now Madrid have identified him as their top target after failing to lure Hazard from Chelsea.