Transfer News: Duran returns to Europe with Fenerbahce, Chelsea and Newcastle want Joao Pedro

Giroud joins Lille, Duran eyes Fenerbahce move, Chelsea and Newcastle chase Joao Pedro, Werner linked to NYRB, and Arsenal bid again for Mosquera.

Jhon Duran is on his way back to Europe after one year in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Lots of deals are crossing the line across different leagues as clubs try to bolster their squads ahead of the preseason. What deals interest us at this time? Here you go!

Olivier Giroud returns to Europe with Lille.

Olivier Giroud’s time in the MLS is over, as the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has now agreed on terms with French side Lille and will join on a one-year deal.

Giroud was part of the LAFC side that crashed out from the group stage of the Club World Cup; his preference has always been to return home, and Lille’s offer came at the right time. He adds experience and goals to the Lille ranks ahead of the new season.

Jhon Duran is in talks to leave Al Nassr.

Now, this is an interesting one. Al Nassr had conversations with Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, and he even went to have a medical, but the Saudi club pivoted to Jhon Duran when he became available.

Duran is now pushing to leave Al Nassr after just one year, and he’s in talks with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Talks are advancing, and it’s now clear that the Colombian striker will return to Europe next season, and guess what? Al Nassr is now talking to Boniface as his replacement.

Chelsea and Newcastle lock horns for Joao Pedro.

Joao Pedro is itching to leave Brighton and Hove Albion in search of Champions League football, and that is what the duo of Chelsea and Newcastle are offering him.

Negotiating with Brighton isn’t the easiest thing, but as Chelsea have come to understand, it’s a case of paying what they’re asking for. No fee has been publicly announced, but it looks like £60m could be the figure; we keep an eye on this one.

Werner to be shipped to the MLS?

Timo Werner will return to RB Leipzig this summer, but the German side will not keep him beyond this summer, as he’s in talks with New York Red Bulls.

Werner didn’t feature for Ange Postecoglou in the final three months of the season, which ended with the Europa League triumph, and will now find a new club in the coming weeks. NYRB is part of the group that owns Leipzig; this one should move quite fast.

Valencis rejects Arsenal’s Mosquera bid.

Arsenal’s pursuit of the 20-year-old Christian Mosquera is still on despite Valencia rejecting Arsenal’s first bid for the defender.

The Spanish side is thought to want something around £20m for the youngster, who is highly rated, and the Gunners are expected to meet his valuation with a second bid. Arsenal continues to work hard for reinforcements, and announcements are expected in the coming days.