Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd join Arsenal in chasing pack for Bundesliga star; Tottenham eye two targets to solidify defence
Arsenal have been joined by Manchester United in the race for one of their top midfield targets, while there are two names on Jose Mourinho’s radar as Tottenham search for a new defender – all in Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk.
MAN UTD JOIN CHASING PACK FOR LEIPZIG MAN
Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal are all admirers of RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
That’s according to Fussball Transfers, who claim that while Nkunku has no concrete offers on the table yet, he is attracting a lot of interest from England.
Arsenal are long-term admirers and tried to sign him from PSG before he joined Leipzig. Recent reports highlighted how they could go back in for him and pair him with Martin Odegaard.
But it appears Arsenal will have to fight hard for his signature. According to Fussball Transfers, rivals Tottenham and United are also keen.
Nkunku is currently enjoying a productive season in the Bundesliga. He has scored six goals and provided four assists in 22 league appearances, 14 of which have been starts.
His versatility has been impressive, with Nkunku having played in midfield, out wide or even up front.
Nkunku has helped Leipzig establish themselves as the best of the rest behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this season. But their successful campaign means a lot of their top talent could be poached.
Dayot Upamecano has already agreed to move to Bayern in the summer. The likes of Ibrahima Konate, Dani Olmo and Marcel Sabitzer have also been linked with exits.
Nkunku could also move on after a productive season. The report adds that his agent Pini Zahavi has also been in talks with Barcelona.
A transfer will not come cheap. The right-footer is under contract until 2024 and Leipzig will demand a sum significantly higher than the €13m they paid for him.
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TOTTENHAM HAVE TWO DEFENSIVE TARGETS
Jose Mourinho has identified Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos as a top defensive target for Tottenham. They could offer Davinson Sanchez the other way to lower the asking price, as Carlos has a €75m release clause. (La Razon)
Spurs are also keeping tabs on Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, who will become a free agent in June. (Torino Granata)
Barcelona would consider re-signing Neymar, but only as a free agent when his PSG contract expires. It’s currently due to run out in 2022. (Mundo Deportivo)
However, Neymar could sign an extension in Paris until 2026. (Telefoot1)
Man Utd striker Edinson Cavani is hopeful of remaining in Europe and joining Real Madrid in the summer. (Don Balon)
But Boca Juniors remain confident of taking Cavani to Argentina and will offer him the no. 7 or no. 9 shirt. (Ole)
MAN CITY EYE SHEFF UTD STAR
Manchester City could swoop for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge if the Blades are relegated. (Voetbal24)
City remain keen to reunite Pep Guardiola with Lionel Messi. However, they will not make a move until he confirms he wants to leave Barcelona. (Marca)
Bayern Munich will not offer a new contract to Jerome Boateng, so he will be a free agent this summer. (Kicker)
Leeds target Romain Faivre has received an offer from Al-Hilal, but still dreams of a Premier League move. (France Football)
Everton are showing an interest in Marseille striker Valere Germain ahead of the expiration of his contract. (L’Equipe)
Man City have made their interest in former Man Utd striker Romelu Lukaku, now at Inter Milan, known. (FCInterNews)
Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has described criticism of his teammate and compatriot Thiago Alcantara “absurd”. (Marca)
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AND MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP
Napoli are unlikely to sign on-loan Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko permanently. (Calciomercato)
Juventus have withdrawn their contract offer to Paulo Dybala, whose deal expires in 2022. (Calciomercato)
Dybala could head to PSG in a swap for Mauro Icardi, while Juventus want to add Everton’s Moise Kean to their attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. (Tuttosport)
Wolves have opened talks with IFK Norrkoping for €6.5m-rated teenager Isak Bergmann Johannesson, who has been linked with Liverpool. (Expressen)
AC Milan have decided against extending Mario Mandzukic’s contract by a further year and will release him at the end of the season. (Nicolo Schira)
Man City have identified Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo as a potential target. Bayern Munich’s David Alaba and Valencia’s Jose Gaya are also options. (Fichajes)
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