Rumour reel: Gabriel Barbosa in Leicester link, Bony to Arsenal?

But, after Arsene Wenger saw another defender in Gabriel Paulista be ruled out of the opening few months of the season with injury, the Frenchman may have to turn his attentions to signing a centre back instead.

Gabriel Barbosa in Leicester link?

While, speaking of famous Gabriels, another Brazilian star of the same name could be bound for the King Power stadium, as Premier League champions Leicester’s pursuit of Samba Boys forward Barbosa has reportedly ramped up.

The up-and-coming attacker, currently at the Olympics, is supposedly the subject of a £23m bid from the Foxes, a fee which would smash the club record of £16m for summer signing Ahmed Musa.

Though, 19-year-old wonderboy Barbosa is also an apparent target for Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan, meaning this capture would be a real coup if Claudio Ranieri can pull it off.

Chelsea keen on Kone?

Finally, Chelsea’s continued chase for a top class centre back goes on, with the Blues believed to have failed in their bid to land Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

So, Antonio Conte’s attention is rumoured to have turned to Sunderland centre half Lamine Kone. The Paris-born Ivory Coast international helped the Wearside team avoid the drop last term as he marshaled the heart of defence, and could be a shrewd signing at Stamford Bridge.

Though, the Blues could also face competition here from Everton, who are seeking a replacement for Stones after his lucrative Citizens switch.

Either way, the Black Cats appear to be braced for a raid on their rearguard, with Anderlecht’s Kara Mbodji and Blackburn Rovers’ Shane Duffy both mooted options should Kone complete a switch to London or Merseyside.

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