Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool turn to ultra-stylish PSG technician as Klopp finds Henderson upgrade; Arsenal launch €45m bid for elite Real Madrid defender
Marco Verratti is a target for Liverpool
Liverpool are plotting a shock swoop on PSG for Jordan Henderson’s successor, Arsenal are to launch a massive bid on Real Madrid for one of the world’s best defenders, while Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk confirms two players will join Man Utd in a combined €120m deal.
MARCO VERRATTI EMERGING AS TOP LIVERPOOL TARGET
Liverpool are ready to hijack Marco Verratti’s proposed move to Spain amid reports Jurgen Klopp is chasing the Italy midfielder.
The stylish 5ft 5in star is one of the elite midfielders in the world game. Having been at PSG since 2012, he is a nine-time winner of the Ligue 1 title.
But with PSG looking to harvest a younger, more identifibly French side, Verratti has seemingly been made available for transfer.
To that end, talks over a move to Atletico Madrid are now underway, as per L’Equipe.
With Diego Simeone a long-time admirer of the 30-year-old, he is keen to bring Verratti to the Wanda Metropolitano.
However, the French publication suggest that Liverpool are keeping a close watch on the situation. And they believe Klopp is readying a rival approach of his own as he bids to strengthen his midfield.
Indeed, with both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson likely to depart for Saudi Arabia, the Reds boss plans to sign three more midfielders this summer. To that end, he has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of five potential options.
And with Romeo Lavia and Joao Palhinha seen as would-be Fabinho replacements, finding that all-round star to replace Henderson is seen as that bit trickier.
That said, L’Equipe reckons an approach to bring Verratti to Anfield could be launched.
And while it does not mention a fee, his current market value is slated at around the €40m (£34m) mark.
ARSENAL PLOTTING RAID ON REAL FOR DAVID ALABA
Arsenal are planning to make a €45m (£39m) swoop on Real Madrid for David Alaba amid claims the Austrian defender can leave. (various)
Everton are pushing to sign Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia following claims he can leave for €25m. (Corriere dello Sport)
Chelsea are stalling on a move to sign Dusan Vlahovic following concerns over the €70m-rated striker’s wage demands. (various)
The Blues, however, are stepping up talks with Montpellier’s Elye Wahi. The 20-year-old striker will likely spend the 2023/24 season on loan with Strasbourg. (Foot Mercato)
Manchester City will target a move for RB Leipig’s Dani Olmo if Riyad Mahrez’s finalises a move to Al-Ahli. (various)
PSG CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi has sent Kylian Mbappe a thinly-veiled message amid claims he wants a move to Real Madrid, saying: “The club is bigger than anyone here, including me. And whomever doesn’t want to play or doesn’t respect the badge shouldn’t be here.” (Cadena SER)
Legendary Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon will soon announce his retirement after rejecting an offer from Saudi Arabia. (Tuttosport)
Barcelona are ready to enter the race to sign Harry Kane after a plan to pinch the transfer from under Bayern Munich’s noses emerged. (The Athletic)
CHELSEA BATTLE CRYSTAL PALACE FOR ROGER IBANEZ DEAL
Chelsea and Crystal Palace are battling to sign Roger Ibanez in a €35m deal following claims the Brazilian defender can leave Roma. (Siamo La Roma)
Italy striker Gianluca Scamaca is closing on a loan move to Roma following West Ham’s decision to let him leave. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
AC Milan are in talks with Villarreal over a big-money double deal for Arnaut Danjuma and Samuel Chukwueze. (Calciomercato)
Bayern Munich are willing to sell versatile star Joshua Kimmich, with Liverpool among his suitors. (Kicker)
Saudi Arabia Pro-League side Al-Ahli are to launch a €25m bid to sign Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle. (L’Equipe)
Napoli are in talks with Tottenham over a deal for Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. (Radio Punto Nuovo)
Alvaro Morata’s agent is in talks with Inter Milan over a €20m move for the Atletico Madrid striker. (Tuttosport)
Former Chelsea loanee Joao Felix claims it would be a dream come true were he to seal a move to Barcelona. (Fabrizio Romano)
ONANA, HOJLUND CONFIRM MAN UTD TRANSFER HOPES
Andre Onana confirms he is leaving Inter Milan amid strong €55m links to Man Utd and refuses to rule out on day returning to the San Siro. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Rasmus Hojlund is 100% convinced he will be a Man Utd player this summer despite Atalanta’s decision to hold out for a minimum €65m fee. (Corriere dello Sport)
Aston Villa remain in the hunt to sign Weston McKennie despite claims he has been forced to train alone at Juventus being rejected. (Corriere dello Sport)
Bayern Munich are increasing their asking price for Sadio Mane to €27m amid claims he’s a target of clubs in Saudi Arabia. (Bild)
Napoli are chasing VfB Stuttgart’s former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos as a replacement for Kim Min-jae. (Calciomercato)
Mexican side Monterrey are closing on an initial €10m agreement to sign Real Betis midfielder Sergio Canales. (Mundo Deportivo)
Liverpool are not planning to accept the incoming €50m offer from Al-Hilal for Colombia winger Luis Diaz. (Record)
