Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: A Ram raid is not on the cards for Arsenal

Tom Bodell
LiveScore
Reports suggest Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is surplus to requirements at Juventus
Reports suggest Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is surplus to requirements at Juventus

Matchday two at Euro 2020 starts today — meaning the group stage is beginning to take shape.

Minnows Finland get us up and running against Russia before Wales look to build on a point in their opener when they face Turkey in Baku.

The action finishes in Rome with the impressive Italy tackling Switzerland in this evening's big clash.

All this takes place against a backdrop of transfer gossip and we have rounded up the best rumours involving players from today’s fixtures.

Ramsey return?

Aaron Ramsey might be one of the most important players Wales have but the midfielder has never established himself at Juventus.

He made just 11 Serie A starts in his first season in Italy, followed by a further 13 in 2020-21.

According to reports, the Bianconeri are trying to offload the 30-year-old Welshman — but there has been no contact from former club Arsenal.

Ramsey is no longer part of Juve’s first-team plans and the Turin outfit are keen to free up his wages for a summer rebuild.

Swiss stalemate

Arsenal and Roma continue to haggle over the asking price for Granit Xhaka
Arsenal and Roma continue to haggle over the asking price for Granit Xhaka

Someone who is expected to leave Arsenal rather than join is Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka — but not just yet.

The Switzerland captain is wanted by Jose Mourinho as part of his Roma revolution.

But the Giallorossi cannot agree a fee with the Gunners and the deal is at an impasse after the North Londoners rejected a £12.9million offer.

Dollar-rumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma will be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer.

The goalkeeper, 22, is available for nothing with his AC Milan contract expiring on June 30 and the Rossoneri have signed Frenchman Mike Maignan to replace him.

Paris Saint-Germain are close to completing a deal for Donnarumma and will pay him a reported £10.3m a year.

But there is also late interest from Barcelona and Tottenham.

Turkish delight

Hakan Calhanoglu recorded nine assists in Serie A for AC Milan in 2020-21
Hakan Calhanoglu recorded nine assists in Serie A for AC Milan in 2020-21

Turkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu insists he is focused on his country’s Euro 2020 campaign amid speculation he will leave Milan.

Chelsea and Arsenal were linked with the playmaker earlier this year but Calhanoglu, who is also out of contract at the San Siro this summer, has yet to make a decision on his future.

He said: "I spoke to Paolo Maldini [Milan’s technical director] three days ago, he called me and we spoke about AC Milan.

"I wish to focus on Turkey. I have great respect for Ricky Massara [Milan’s director of football] and Maldini and if something does come to pass, I will talk to them."

The Rossoneri can only offer a salary of £3.4m and 27-year-old Calhanoglu is allegedly looking for £4.2m.

Demiral deal

Scorer of the first goal at Euro 2020 — an own goal for Turkey against Italy — Merih Demiral could leave Juventus this summer.

The defender, 23, is being chased by Atalanta, according to reports in Italy.

Demiral, 23, made just 10 Serie A starts for the Old Lady last season but has previously shone in Italy for Sassuolo.

Tags

WalesTurkeyItalySwitzerlandEuropean ChampionshipAaron RamseyGranit XhakaHakan Calhanoglu