Transfers

PSG eye Osimhen as Mbappe replacement

Kylian Mbappe is believed to have made his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the end of the 2023/24 season and the Ligue 1 champions placed Nigeria international and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a leading candidate to replace Mbappe.

Mbappe’s contract expires in June 2024 and he is set to leave the Parc des Princes as a free agent at the end of the current season.

Osimhen, 24, has emerged as a perfect replacement for Mbappe and PSG is considering a transfer approach this summer.

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and has scored 67 goals in 119 appearances for the Italian club.

The Nigerian was instrumental in Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years last season, netting 26 times in 32 league appearances.

According to TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens, Osimhen and other stars are being lined up to replace Mbappe.

Osimhen, Rafael Leao and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are three of the players on Paris Saint-Germain’s shortlist to replace the departing Kylian Mbappe, says TNT Sports expert Julien Laurens.

Laurens confirmed on Wednesday night that this is Mbappe’s “last season in Paris”, as reported earlier this month, with Real Madrid heading the queue of suitors.

But now for PSG, the focus is on activating “plan B”, which involves bringing in a “marquee replacement”.

Laurens, speaking at the Parc des Princes for PSG’s UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Real Sociedad, told TNT Sports: “This is Mbappe] last season in Paris.

“He has decided now to leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent. The likely destination is Real Madrid. They’ve been chasing him for all those years; for so long, and finally, it will happen this summer.”

Laurens added: “[Paris] will try to get a marquee signing to replace him, of course. They expected a decision anyway, so there was a plan A if he stayed, and a plan B if he left.

“Plan B will be activated now, and on that, there is a shortlist with players like Osimhen from Napoli, Rafael Leao from Milan too. There are a few players there – Kvaratskhelia as well.

“Maybe not of the standard of Kylian Mbappe right now, but certainly with great potential.”

Laurens explained that Real Madrid had nearly secured Mbappe’s signature two years ago, but he decided to stay with PSG in an attempt to win the UEFA Champions League.

“Seven years breaking a lot of records, scored a lot of goals, had a lot of success – not so much in the Champions League – but this could be the year,” Laurens said.

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.