Paper Talk: Bielsa pushing to beat Newcastle to bring free-agent Prem star to Leeds; Arsenal push hard to sign Villa star
Leeds United are looking to beat Newcastle to the signing of a free-agent Mohamed Elneny, Arsenal are going all out to land an Aston Villa midfielder, while Thursday’s transfer gossip claims Manchester United again watched a Benfica forward.
BIELSA LOOKING TO BRING ELNENY TO LEEDS
Leeds United are reportedly looking to make a fresh move to sign Mohamed Elneny this summer, according to a report.
The Egyptian midfielder becomes a free agent at the end of the season and appears highly likely to leave the Gunners.
Indeed, Elneny is a big earner at Arsenal and, with his deal due to expire in the summer, Mikel Arteta has no desire to extend his stay.
And The Sun claims Leeds were one of three Premier League sides who tried to sign Elneny in January.
The Whites, alongside Newcastle and Watford, all sought to prise him away from Watford for a nominal fee.
Arsenal, though, were unwilling to sell due to their lack of central midfield options available to Arteta.
However, with Arteta making midfield a priority of his own this summer, Elneny will walk away on a free.
As such, both Leeds and Newcastle will both offer him chances to extend his Premier League stay with summer moves.
Elneny a decent option for Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa is making it a priority to strengthen Leeds’ midfield options. And he reportedly sees Elneny as a decent squad addition if his wages are not too high.
The Whites failed to make a single signing in January, despite pushing hard for Brenden Aaronson.
And if they are to sign Elneny, they will have to beat off competition from not only the Magpies, but clubs overseas too.
It promises to be a big summer of change at Arsenal with Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette also likely to leave on frees.
ARSENAL TARGETING MOVE FOR DOUGLAS LUIZ
Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Douglas Luiz, with the Aston Villa star seemingly Mikel Arteta’s No 1 midfield target. (The Sun)
Liverpool and Manchester United’s prospects of signing Ronald Araujo and Gavi are fading with the dup closing on new Barcelona deals. (The Sun)
Manchester United scouts were reportedly in attendance to witness Benfica striker Darwin Nunez score a landmark goal on Tuesday. (The Sun)
Luis Diaz’s dad claims Tottenham failed to in signing his son because “they hesitated a lot”. (The Sun)
Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations stars will all be rewarded with £64,000 each and will be given plots of land in Dakar and Diamniadio. (The Sun)
MAN UTD SAW MARTIN DUBRAVKA APPROACH FAIL
Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka reportedly rejected a sensational Deadline Day move to Manchester United. (The Sun)
Liverpool are plotting a move for Argentine wonderkid Facundo Farias. (The Sun)
Chelsea and Manchester United are now among several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Reims forward Hugo Ekitike. (Daily Express)
Ralf Rangnick is reportedly ‘very interested’ in bringing Manuel Akanji to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund. (Daily Express)
Everton are targeting a move to appoint Steve Hitchen as Marcel Brands’ replacement as director of football. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea will reportedly make another contract extension offer to keep Antonio Rudiger at the club beyond the end of the season. (Daily Mail)
AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Anthony Martial claims Juventus and Barcelona tried to sign him on loan from Manchester United – but the French striker only had eyes for Sevilla. (Daily Mail)
Dusan Vlahovic’s move to Juventus is under investigation amid claims Covid-19 protocols were broken during his medical. (Daily Mirror)
Arthur Melo has a new lease of life following his failed move to Arsenal, according to Juventus boss Max Allegri. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United are making a huge offer to try and lure Barcelona contract rebel Ronald Araujo, while Chelsea are also considering an approach. (Daily Mirror)
Youri Tielemans is emerging as a summer target for Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)
The post Paper Talk: Bielsa pushing to beat Newcastle to bring free-agent Prem star to Leeds; Arsenal push hard to sign Villa star appeared first on TEAMtalk.