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Man City eye move for Barcelona star Sergio Busquets as Arsenal chase Juventus defender Daniele Rugani

David Cooper

13:17 23/12/2017

The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.

Here, we take a look at the biggest stories dominating the headlines on Saturday.

Will any of the following deals happen?

Let us know your thoughts.

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SERGIO BUSQUETS

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is set to launch a bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Segio Busquets, according to Spanish media.

The Sky Blues are preparing a replacement for Yaya Toure – who is expected to leave the club for an MLS outfit in 2018.

Busquets is understood to have a €200 million release clause on his contract at the Camp Nou, but the Manchester hierarchy believes a bid of €55 million will be enough to lure the Spaniard to the Etihad Stadium.

Although the 29-year-old has another four years left on his current contract, Philippe Coutinho’s possible arrival to the club could force him to move away.

RATING: 5/10

VERDICT

Guardiola indicated his interest in the midfielder earlier this year but the move never materialised.

The manager is desperate to bolster his squad as he looks to dominate in Europe, but it is unlikely Busquets will leave the Camp Nou even if a player of Coutinho’s calibre comes into the Barcelona set-up.

DANIELE RUGANI

Arsenal are to set launch a €35 million bid to sign Juventus star Daniele Rugani, according to the Sun.

The 23-year-old defender has failed to seal a place in the starting XI for the Serie A champions – with Mehdi Benatia in superb form this campaign.

The Gunners are bidding to take advantage of the situation by offering him a four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The ace defender has played 78 times for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

RATING: 5/10

VERDICT

Arsene Wenger is believed to be looking at defensive reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window as his side have been leaking goals so far this campaign.

Rugani is understood to be an ideal candidate to bolster their defensive options, with the Italy international boasting outstanding pace, timing, strength and a pin-point passing ability.

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