Transfer Gossip Column – Chelsea to Add Capacity to The Bridge

Another edition of the Playing for 90 Transfer Gossip column by co-editor Kevin Kelly. Today we hear of the ins and outs of the Premier League and abroad, including news of Roberto Firmino and Harry Kane.

Blues to Add Seats to Stamford Bridge 

Guardian Sport report that Chelsea may have to play the opening couple of games away for the next two seasons as they plan to add seats to Stamford Bridge with the hope of reaching a 60,000 capacity. The Premier League champions are to reveal proposals to residents and fans at an exhibition at the stadium running from 30 June to 2 July.

The consultation meeting will include an explanation of “the rationale for expansion”, with Chelsea, who are restricted by a site comprising around 12 acres when around 20 acres would normally be required for a stadium of the proposed size, likely to build over the adjacent railway tracks. They are also considering digging below street level.

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Meanwhile the Daily Mirror report that Petr Cech’s goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon believes the Chelsea star wants to go to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is understood to be confident of a deal to take the 33-year-old Blues veteran from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates this week.

Lollichon, who has worked with Cech for ten years, believes the Gunners have the ambition to match that of the Champions’ no.2. He said: “I think [Cech] still has three or four excellent seasons in him. His family like England. And a player is happy when his family is happy. The advantage is that Arsenal is a top club, with a philosophy that pleases him and that is at London. It is a base for consideration,” he said.

Firmino Heading to Premier League

The agent of the Brazilian Bundesliga star Roberto Firmino has stated his client is on the move to the Premier League this summer. “All I can say is that he’s moving to England,” Wittmann told Germany’s Bild newspaper.

It may take a while before a deal is announced, though, since the Brazil international is current representing his country at the Copa America. Firmino, who scored seven Bundesliga goals last season, is valued between 25 (£18m) and 30 million euros (£21.7m).

Man United Must Pay Full Clause for Otamendi

Man United have been told they must pay the full buy out clause for Nicolas Otamendi, which is reportedly £35m. The Valencia star is allegedly a target for the Red Devils this summer as they look to bolster their defence. Otamendi has told Valencia officials of his desire to leave, but they have insisted they will not accept anything less than the full escape clause value outlined in his contract.

United want to pay a maximum of £25million for Otamendi, but are likely to have to meet Valencia’s valuation if they are determined to land the 27-year-old. Otamendi, currently on international duty at the Copa America, played in all but three of Valencia’s La Liga games last season and is friends with United defender and compatriot Marcos Rojo.

Liverpool Consider Move for Charlton Starlet

Guardian Sport report that Liverpool are weighing up a bid for the Charlton teenager Joe Gomez as a replacement for the centre-back Sebastián Coates, who is expected make his loan move to Sunderland permanent in a £4m deal.

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Gomez, aged 18, is understood to be of interest and while no formal offer has been made, Liverpool believe there is a possibility of signing the England Under-19 defender for £3.5m.

Liverpool have four senior central defenders in Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, last summer’s £20m arrival Dejan Lovren, and Kolo Touré. Skrtel, who is out of contract in a year’s time, is stalling over the terms of a deal offered towards the end of last season while the 34-year-old Touré, whose new 12-month extension keeps him at the club until next summer, is not a long-term option.

Everton Swoop for Deulofeu

The Daily Star report that Everton are close to sealing a deal to sign the Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu for £3m. The winger was on loan at Goodison Park during the 2013/14 season and has been on manager Roberto Martinez’s radar ever since.

Barca loaned the young Spaniard, 21, out again to Seville last season But Deulofeu wanted a permanent move this time around and has opted to re-join the Toffees.