--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-28T05:49:37.425Z last_updated: 2026-07-27T10:25:05+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/coventry-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY292ZW50cnl0ZWxlZ3JhcGgubmV0L3Nwb3J0L2Zvb3RiYWxsL3RyYW5zZmVyLW5ld3MvY292ZW50cnktY2l0eS10cmFuc2Zlci1ub3RlYm9vay1uZXctMzQzNTcyMzE --- # Coventry City linked with exciting Mainz forward Paul Nebel - **Source:** - **Published:** 27 Jul - **Club:** Coventry City - **Original URL:** https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/transfer-news/coventry-city-transfer-notebook-new-34357231 Coventry City have just less than four weeks until they kick-off their Premier League return at Arsenal. The club has just over five weeks to get their summer transfer business over the line before the window shuts at 11pm on September 1. Having added just two new signings so far in Burnley winger Loum Tchaouna and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda, some Sky Blues supporters are beginning to get a bit anxious. City have been linked to a constant stream of players from across Europe and at home in recent months and fans continue to eagerly await concrete news on the transfer front. Here's a round-up of the latest news being reported on claimed summer targets. French journalist Sébastien Vidal claimed at the weekend that Newcastle “speeds up” their interest in Fikayo Tomori, saying that the Magpies are “closely eyeing” the AC Milan defender. He adds that with one year left on his contract, the England international could be available for around €20M (£17m), while his departure from the San Siro seems “increasingly likely.” However, Lee Ryder who covers Newcastle for our sister title, the Newcastle Chronicle, writes: “#NUFC sources indicate there have been no bids for Fikayo Tomori submitted despite reports.” He adds that the “player is being offered around Europe" and despite previous interest in the player from the Toon, there have been no bids so far. Tomori, who played for Frank Lampard at both Derby County during a season-long loan from Chelsea and for the Blues while the City boss was in charge at Stamford Bridge, was in the UK at the weekend as Milan continued their pre-season tour with a 2-2 draw against Celtic. Tomori started the game on the right of a back three and played 45 minutes. He was one of eight changes at the break as new boss Ruben Amorim got match minutes into his wider squad. Fellow reported Sky Blues target Ruben Loftus-Cheek – also claimed not to figure in Amorim’s plans – played the first hour. CoventryLive verdict: Lee Ryder’s observation that Tomori is being “offered around Europe” seems about right as both Milan and the player look for the best exit option – the club seeking the highest return for the centre-back and Tomori the right move in terms of his career and contract. Coventry’s strongest card appears to be the Frank Lampard factor as this transfer link rumbles on, much to the frustration of Sky Blues fans. According to reports from Germany, the Sky Blues “lead the chase” for FSV Mainz 05 forward Paul Nebel. Journalist Ekrem Konur, who describes himself as a ‘global transfer expert’ and has 246k followers on X, claims to have an exclusive on the story in which he says the Bundesliga club have offered a new deal to the winger, while Stuttgart and RB Leipzig “monitor the €22M–€25M (£18.8m-£21.3m) valued talent.” He continues: “The board and coaching staff of FSV Mainz 05 consider Paul Nebel a cornerstone of the club’s long-term squad structure and attacking strategy. Club officials are extremely pleased with the player’s development and his tactical versatility on the pitch. The club’s top priority is to retain the young talent and entrust him with a leadership role in attack. Mainz 05 is firmly committed to keeping the player in order to maintain the squad’s competitiveness.” Nebel’s current contract runs until June 30, 2027, which, Konur says, is putting the club under some pressure and resulted in Mainz in offering the player a new contract. The club and player’s agent are said to be in “discussions” as Mainz offer a “significant salary increase and a central role within the team hierarchy.” He claims, however, that “at the same time, the club will also consider its financial constraints in the event of a potentially high transfer offer.” The article says Mainz would only agree to the player’s departure if a “comprehensive transfer package” is presented that meets the club’s expectations (between €22M–€25M). Described as an attacking midfielder who can play centrally or on either wing, his strengths are his dribbling, speed, crosses, volleys and powerful shots, which also enables him to play as a winger. Nicknamed ‘Der Wirbelwind’ (The Whirlwind) due to his short physique, he is known for his high work-rate and for helping his team defensively, which has led to three red cards in 2025, one for a late tackle with his studs showing. He's scored 15 goals in 75 Bundesliga games (52 starts, 23 sub). He scored five league goals in 44 appearances in all competitions last season, during which he was sent off twice with straight red cards. He scored ten Bundesliga goals in 2024/25 and ended the season with two more for Germany Under-21s in the European Championships. He was called up for senior team World Cup qualification duty but is yet to earn his first cap for his country. CoventryLive verdict: I like the sound of this lad. His versatility of being able to play anywhere across the midfield forward line, ability to score goals and his impressive work-rate in tracking back to help defend make him an exciting prospect. On the brink of recognition for his senior national team, Nebel should have decent re-sale value if he does well. Every day, the CoventryLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Coventry City content. Social media: Our dedicated reporter Andy Turner - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows the Sky Blues home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between. We also have a Facebook page updated throughout the day, every day, and is a place where you can share your views and reactions with other fans - click here There's a our Coventry City account on X, too - click here WhatsApp: You can also get all your favourite content from CoventryLive's Sky Blues team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.App: If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the CoventryLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Coventry City as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.