wicked.football

One Arsenal starlet has been identified as a target for Aston Villa, while West Ham have learned their main rival for the signature of a Chelsea striker – all in Thursday’s transfer gossip.

ARSENAL PLAYMAKER EYED BY VILLA

Aston Villa have identified Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe as a potential target, along with Norwich City’s Emi Buendia, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Villa enjoyed a much-improved 2020-21 season after narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year. Their form eventually tailed off and they finished mid-table, but there were strong signs of progress nonetheless.

Now, they are looking to strengthen in the summer to ensure they can build upon that progress.

One priority is to bring in extra competition in attacking midfield, having seen the difference it makes when Jack Grealish is unavailable. To that end, according to the Telegraph, they now have Smith Rowe in their sights.

The academy graduate was one of the bright spots of Arsenal’s disappointing season. He made 33 appearances in all competitions, providing four goals and seven assists.

But reports recently emerged that Arsenal were looking to bring in further options in his position, which could force the 20-year-old to consider his future.

The Telegraph claim that Villa would be willing suitors should Smith Rowe fail to agree an extension to his Arsenal contract, which runs until 2023.

The Gunners are desperate to keep hold of him, but are looking at other players. For example, Norwich’s Buendia is a target for them.

But the Telegraph confirm that Villa want Buendia as well, so it could be a case of one or the other.

Buendia impressed when Norwich were last in the Premier League and helped them regain promotion this year. He may still move on, though, with Arsenal and Villa offering two different progression paths.

Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…

WEST HAM MAKE STRIKER OFFER

West Ham have made an offer to Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, but so have New York City. (Calciomercato)

Meanwhile, the Hammers are close to a deal for Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral, which could rise above £20m. (Football Insider)

Bernardo Silva could leave Manchester City amid their rebuilding project and has suitors in Spain, France and Italy. (Daily Telegraph)

Celtic are looking at Rui Faria as a potential next manager as well as main target Ange Postecoglou. (Daily Record)

West Brom are looking at alternative candidates to be their next manager after talks with Chris Wilder. (Football Insider)

Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku says he is “staying at Inter” after holding talks with their next manager. (VTM)

REAL MADE MOURINHO APPROACH

Real Madrid approached Jose Mourinho before Carlo Ancelotti, but he refused after recently signing up with Roma. (Daily Telegraph)

Ancelotti has confirmed that Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard could both have futures at the Bernabeu after his appointment. (The Guardian)

Nuno Espirito Santo and David Moyes are the two highest names on Everton’s shortlist after further talks over finding a new manager. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa are in a three-way battle for Burnley striker Chris Wood, who could cost as much as £30m. (Football Insider)

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo still thinks it was a good decision to sack Thomas Tuchel, who just won the Champions League with Chelsea. (The Sun)

Kevin De Bruyne will miss Belgium’s Euro 2020 opener even if he has a protective mask, according to Roberto Martinez. (Daily Mail)

AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

If Kylian Mbappe leaves Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid, it will prompt a swap deal between PSG and Juventus for Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauro Icardi. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Celtic midfielder Oliver Ntcham is wanted by AEK Athens in Greece. (The Scottish Sun)

Barcelona are still trying to sign Dutch duo Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum as free agents. (Fabrizio Romano)

Sevilla are showing an interest in former Arsenal and Manchester United attacker Alexis Sanchez from Inter Milan. (Diario Sport)

The post Paper Talk: Arsenal risk losing popular prospect as Villa sense opportunity; West Ham learn main rival after striker offer appeared first on TEAMtalk.