Anthony Gordon is this summer’s most wanted man. And the poker table is filling up fast.
Barcelona have been offered the 25 year old. That much is true. But the Catalans can’t afford the kind of transfer fee being discussed. Not even close.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand? They can.
Chelsea definitely can.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also in the mix.
The player’s agents are making a lot of calls. A lot of meetings. All across Europe. They’re allowed to do that, of course because everyone knows Newcastle need the money this summer to stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play.
That changes everything.
‘I’m personally more afraid of Chelsea’
One source with knowledge of the situation has admitted Chelsea are the biggest domestic threat.
“I’m personally more afraid of Chelsea, as they have the resources to make a deal happen.”
Not to mention, the Blues could use Nicolas Jackson as a makeweight. Newcastle are interested in the Senegal international. A swap deal? It’s on the table.
But Bayern still have a good chance. They was very early on the market for Gordon. And they have a secret weapon: Harry Kane.
The England captain can tell Gordon just how good life is in Munich. That matters.
What about Arsenal and Liverpool?
If Gordon has any doubt about jumping abroad, his domestic options are appealing. Arsenal. Liverpool. Chelsea. All three could make strong appeals to the Englishman.
Bayern have zeroed in on the 25 year old. They hope that doesn’t become a problem.
Meanwhile, in Leipzig…
Elsewhere in German football, RB Leipzig are preparing for more movement at centre back.
Castello Lukeba has a release clause of €80million. But Leipzig would negotiate from around €60million. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal are all linked.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu could also leave, though Leipzig would prefer to keep him.
Not the first time Bayern have been linked to Lukeba. Probably won’t be the last.
The bottom line on Gordon
Newcastle need to sell. Gordon is their most valuable asset. A host of Europe’s biggest clubs want him.
Bayern have the money, the Kane connection and the early mover advantage.
Chelsea have the resources and a potential swap deal in Jackson.
Arsenal and Liverpool have the appeal of staying in England.
The poker table is set. The chips are in the middle.
Now we wait to see who blinks first.
