Euro Paper Talk: Arsenal near impressive double swoop as Arteta finds upgrades; second Atletico star eyes Man Utd move
Arsenal are readying a double deal that will not cost the earth and give Mikel Arteta two decent player upgrades, Liverpool have missed out on a top midfield target, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims a second Atletico Madrid star is open to a move to Manchester United.
LOKONGA, CALHANOGLU TIPPED FOR ARSENAL
Arsenal have been given the green light to sign Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer.
The 21-year-old midfielder has risen through the ranks at the Belgian club and is one of his nation’s outstanding young talents.
Lokonga has just been called into the senior Belgium squad, though is on their standby list for Euro 2020.
A tigerish midfielder, he has been valued at around €15m – €20m by Anderlecht, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
His deal runs until 2023 and appears unlikely to sign an extension.
And with his profile rising, Anderlecht see this summer as the perfect chance to cash in.
The Gunners have tracked his progress for some time and are now intensfying their hunt. The asking price is not likely to dissuade them either.
Indeed, Mikel Arteta wants to sign Lokonga and cash in on Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder is a target for Roma.
And if Lokonga proves to be as good as expected, that would represent a bargain signing for Arsenal.
Arsenal also want Calhanglu
The Gunners are also being tipped to sign Hakan Calhanoglu on a free transfer.
The Turkish playmaker will depart AC Milan this summer after failing to agree terms on a new deal, reports Tuttosport.
And it seems Arteta sees the 27-year-old as an obvious replacement for Martin Odegaard, who will return to Real Madrid.
The Gunners can sign him, but the €60m asking fee is too steep.
Odegaard claimed one goal and two assists from his 14 Premier League appearances with Arsenal.
But Calhanoglu’s stats are stronger. He scored four goals and assisted nine more from 33 appearances in Serie A.
Manchester United are also reportedly keen on Calhanoglu.
JAN OBLAK OPEN TO MAN UTD MOVE
Jan Oblak insists he’s happy at Atletico Madrid but refuses to rule out an exit amid links to Manchester United. (Marca)
Liverpool target Florian Neuhaus has agreed to join Bayern Munich for €40m in summer 2022. (Bild)
Tottenham have rejected a €15m bid from Ajax for Steven Bergwijn, with Daniel Levy holding out for €25m. (De Telegraaf)
Thomas Tuchel is pushing Chelsea hard over a summer deal to sign Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule this summer. (Bild)
CHELSEA WANT HAKIMI AND TRAORE
Chelsea want to sign Inter full-back Acharf Hakimi and Wolves winger Adama Traore. (Fabrizio Romano)
Man City are considering a surprise approach to sign Sergi Roberto – and the versatile Barcelona star is open to the move. (Sport)
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is on the brink of signing a new one-year deal, having impressed Thomas Tuchel. (UOL)
Granit Xhaka is hoping he can stay at Arsenal, although admits interest from Roma manager Jose Mourinho is flattering. (Blick)
LAZIO LINE UP MAURIZIO SARRI
Maurizio Sarri is holding talks with Lazio sporting director Igli Tare over replacing Inter-bound Simone Inzaghi. (Sky Italia)
Barcelona are on the verge of triggering their €9m buy-back option on Real Betis defender Emerson next month. (Marca)
Arsenal will have to pay Real Madrid €60m if they want to make Martin Odegaard’s loan deal into a permanent signing. (Defensa Central)
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AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Real Betis have agreed a deal to sign defender Juan Miranda from Barcelona, who will sign on a two-year loan. (Marca)
Paulo Dybala is set for fresh contract talks at Juventus, with new manager Massimiliano Allegri keen for him to stay. (Calciomercato)
Allegri is also keen to keep veteran defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the club. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Joao Mario is close to returning to Sporting CP on a permanent €8m deal from Inter. (Calciomercato)
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