Arsenal are being linked with moves to sign two of the world’s best young stars, Liverpool are making moves to sign a quality Atalanta midfielder, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk has named Man Utd’s next transfer priority as a classy Spanish schemer.
ARTETA PLOTS MOVE TO BRING XAVI SIMONS TO ARSENAL
Arsenal are targeting a surprise move for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Xavi Simons, per reports in the Netherlands.
The Gunners have enjoyed an excellent season but will likely fall short in their quest for title glory. Indeed, having led the way for most of the season, they have been hunted down by Pep Guardiola’s merciless Manchester City.
Once Arsenal get over their disappointment, they can certainly reflect on what has been an excellent season. And their main quest – qualifying for the Champions League – was achieved with relative ease.
Now plans for next season are already underway, with Mikel Arteta and Edu plotting a series of significant deals.
The first signing of the summer will likely see Declan Rice move across London from West Ham.
He will replace Granit Xhaka who appears destined to return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
But Arteta also wants more strength in depth and to add another dimension to the Gunners midfield.
Now according to Dutch journalist Aad de Mos, they are plotting a move for PSV star Simons.
The 20-year-old is enjoying a brilliant season for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side. And after scoring scoring 16 goals and adding nine assists, the decision to move back to the Netherlands from PSG has been well and truly vindicated.
Formerly on Barcelona’s books, many now regard the 20-year-old as the best player in Dutch football.
Quite how much PSV would value the star at remains to be seen. But having brought him in as a free agent, it’s reckoned a fee in the region of €25m (£21.7m) could convince them to sell.
Arsenal want Brazilian striker Vitor Roque alongside Xavi Simons
He is tied to PSV until summer 2027, but recently changed his agents in a bid to potentially secure a move away.
Now De Mos is adamant that, after trying his luck in Spain and France, a move to England is next on the cards.
“His change of manager indicates that he is searching,” he told Eindhovens Dagblad.
“Maybe he is thinking about Arsenal. His new agents have a lot of contacts there.”
De Mos though hopes PSV can find a way to keep Simons away from the Gunners, adding: “I hope Earnest Stewart (PSV’s technical director) can manage to keep Simons here in Eindhoven.
“That should be priority number one for PSV and so steps need to be taken quickly.”
Meanwhile, the Gunners look handily placed to gazump Barcelona in the race for Vitor Roque.
Chelsea are also reportedly keen, but it is Arsenal who now seemingly lead the way.
READ MORE: Arteta grinning after Arsenal handed huge boost in pursuit of Man City star; he is destined to leave
LIVERPOOL MAKE MOVE TO SIGN TEUN KOOPMEINERS
Liverpool are ‘taking the first steps’ towards the signing of Teun Koopmeiners – but face competition from Juventus for the Atalanta midfielder. (Corriere dello Sport)
Manchester United are planning to make a move for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel regardless of whether David De Gea leaves or not. (various)
Montpellier will demand at least €40m (£34.8m) for striker Elye Wahi this summer following links to Newcastle and Arsenal. Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old star. (Foot Mercato)
Real Madrid are pushing ahead with plans to tie Dani Ceballos, Nacho Fernandez and Marco Asensio to new deals. But striker Mariano Diaz – a reported target of Leeds – will be allowed to leave for free. (Marca)
Roma striker Tammy Abraham has jokingly (?) claimed Reece James is trying to convince him to re-sign for Chelsea this summer. The Blues have a buy-back clause in the striker’s deal. (Tuttomercatoweb)
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl insists it is by no means certain Jude Bellingham will leave this summer following strong claims he is destined to sign for Real Madrid. (Marca)
RB Leipzig attacker Dominik Szoboszlai is dropping a ‘we’ll see what happens’ response following links to Newcastle and Chelsea. (Bild)
MAN CITY RAISE STAKES TO PREVENT GUNDOGAN JOINING BARCELONA
Manchester City are ‘willing to double’ their offer to Ilkay Gundogan in an effort to convince him to stay. The Germany midfielder is reportedly one of Barcelona’s top targets this summer. (Mundo Deportivo)
Aston Villa are ready to push hard to sign Villarreal midfielder Dani Parejo and Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino this summer. (various)
Granit Xhaka is pushing to leave Arsenal this summer after deciding he ‘wants another challenge’. Xabi Alonso is leading the chase to bring the player back to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. (Florian Plettenberg)
Villarreal youngster Alex Baena is emerging on a long list of targets for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery this summer. (Cadena SER)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is refusing to answer questions on Ansu Fati’s future amid claims the winger will be sold to Wolves. (Mundo Deportivo)
Man City star Bernardo Silva is emerging as PSG’s top target following claims Lionel Messi will depart this summer. (Le Parisien)
Brighton are lining up a move for Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi as a replacement for Liverpool target Alexis Mac Allister. (Tuttomercatoweb)
MAN UTD MAKE MARTIN ZUBIMENDI A PRIORITY TARGET
Manchester United are readying a move for Martin Zubimendi with Mundo Deportivo ‘learning first hand’ he is on their list of targets. (Mundo Deportivo)
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is in a race against time to buy relegated Serie A side Sampdoria with La Doria facing possible bankruptcy. (Il Secolo)
Liverpool will move for 34-year-old Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler as the replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher. (Bild)
Tottenham are reportedly set to hold talks with Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto about their director of football role. (various)
Barcelona are on the verge of securing a the free-transfer signing of Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez. (Fabrizio Romano)
Brentford are looking to sign Freiburg’s Netherlands goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who has a 13m euro (£11.3m) release clause and following claims David Raya is departing. (Sport1)
Tottenham and Barcelona are in agreement over a move for Clement Lenglet – but the defender plans to see who Spurs appoint as their new boss before signing on the dotted line. (various)
