Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in La Liga on Wednesday, July 29.
Wednesday morning's La Liga transfer talk news roundup:
Inter Milan chief admits Lionel Messi signing is "fantasy football"
© Reuters
Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that any hopes of signing Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi are purely "fantasy football".
The Serie A giants have regularly been linked with an audacious move for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner this summer amid reports that Messi is unhappy at Barcelona.
The 33-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Camp Nou, and speculation over his future was fuelled further this week when his image was projected onto Milan's cathedral.
However, Marotta has played down speculation that such a deal could take place, despite admitting his desire to see it happen both for the club and for Serie A as a whole.
"Messi on the cathedral? It wasn't my idea. It reminds me of football from the past with such situations. We are talking about an icon, a great player, a desire that everyone has," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
"[It would be] extraordinary to see such a champion at Inter. It's fantasy football, a utopian situation. Our football [in Italy] needs a lift. Champions raise the value of the Italian brand and football.
"If we could consider ours to be a championship in which the great champions come and stay, it would be better. No Italian team is capable of carrying out such an operation unless extraordinary factors arise related to the shareholders, and therefore the actual owners.
"Let's not forget that we must respect FFP (Financial Fair Play). This year, COVID-19 has ensured that there is some flexibility, but afterwards the rules will have to be respected."
Messi has spent his entire career with Barcelona so far, scoring 633 goals in 729 games for the club across all competitions.
Arsenal 'have almost finalised deal to re-sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid'
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on an agreement with Real Madrid to keep Dani Ceballos on loan for another year.
The Spain international spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at the Emirates Stadium, making 35 appearances in all competitions.
Ceballos is due to return to Madrid next month but, according to Spanish outlet AS, Arsenal are working hard to extend his loan stay by a further 12 months in time for next season.
The report suggests that Los Blancos are edging towards accepting the Gunners' offer due to a lack of any bids elsewhere to take the 23-year-old on a permanent deal.
Madrid signed Ceballos from Real Betis in 2017 and the midfielder, who struggled to break into the first team before being loaned out, still has three years to run on his contract.
More transfer news from La Liga:
Atletico Madrid president rules out Chelsea move for Jan Oblak
Jan Oblak will remain an Atletico Madrid player for as long as he is under contract, club president Enrique Cerezo tells rumoured suitors Chelsea. Read more.
Report: Arsenal reluctant to trigger Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang extension
A report claims that Arsenal are stalling on triggering Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's one-year contract extension as they are concerned about the financial implications. Read more.
Real Madrid showing interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde?
Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating an approach for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde before the start of next season. Read more.
Sports Mole looks at how Chelsea could line up next season if they sign Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid this summer. Read more.
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