Transfer Gossip: Arsenal to beat Tottenham to Bundesliga assist king as Levy turns to free-agent Prem star; Liverpool to axe three more after Firmino
Arsenal look set to beat Tottenham to a £25m Bundesliga talent with 117 goal contributions, with Daniel Levy ready to pocket a rival Premier League attacker instead, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip expects three more stars to follow Roberto Firmino in leaving Liverpool.
JULIAN BRANDT LIKELY TO SNUB TOTTENHAM FOR ARSENAL
Arsenal are emerging as favourites to sign Julian Brandt this summer amid claims he is on Tottenham’s radar.
The Borussia Dortmund star has enjoyed an excellent season for Borussia Dortmund, who are top of the table.
Indeed, he has contributed nine goals and five assists from 30 appearances in all competitions this season. In fact, during his whole career Brandt – still only 26 – has a whopping 117 goal contributions, including 55 assists.
Now probably at the peak of his powers, Dortmund are bracing themselves for his departure this summer.
That’s because his current deal is due to expire in summer 2024. And talks at extending his stay at the Westfalenstadion have so far failed to bear fruit.
As such, they are ready to move the Germany playmaker on this summer to the highest bidder.
Tottenham have initially shown interest in acquiring his services. Antonio Conte wants to add more creativity and goals to his midfield – and Brandt is seen as the perfect option.
Brandt open to move to London with Gunners
However, Bild claims Arsenal are now emerging as strong contenders for his signature. Mikel Arteta wants to add extra quality to his squad ahead of their almost-certain return to the Champions League. As such, Brandt would most certainly tick that box.
Bild believes the Dortmund star has already discussed life in the capital with close pal, Kai Havertz. And in wanting to sign for a team who can challenge for top honours, a move to Arsenal is seen as the more likely option.
Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl is wary of Brandt’s contract situtation, though insists his side remain calm.
He said: “We see Julian’s development every day. He has taken a giant step forward – and we are very happy about that.
“I am of course familiar with the contract situation and we are approaching the subject very positively and calmly.”
Despite having a year left on his deal, Brandt is still likely to command a fee in the region of £25m – £30m.
TOTTENHAM TURN FOCUS TO WILFRIED ZAHA
Tottenham are instead ready to turn their focus towards the signing of Wilfried Zaha.
The Crystal Palace star becomes a free agent in just under four months time – and is eligible to sign for a club of his choosing.
The Eagles, of course, would love to tie the Ivorian winger down to a new deal. However, after spending 13 of his 15 years as a professional at Selhurst Park, Zaha knows it is his final chance to seal a big-move away.
Indeed, several European clubs are reportedly looking to sign the 30-year-old.
However, London World claims the chase is now being led by Tottenham, who are seemingly ready to pay Zaha big money to move across London.
Per reports, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is ready to offer the winger a deal worth £150,000 over an initial two years with the option of a third.
That is more than Palace are seemingly willing to pay, while Tottenham have also jumped ahead of fellow suitors AS Roma with their approach.
READ MORE: Tottenham learn permanent transfer ‘impossible’ for unreliable star who is aggravating major issue
LIVERPOOL READY TO AXE THREE MORE STARS AFTER FIRMINO
Liverpool plan to let three more well-respected stars leave Anfield this summer in the wake of the Roberto Firmino exit news.
The Brazilian has long been in talks over an extension to his Reds contract this summer. Having signed back in summer 2025 from Hoffenheim, Firmino has been a huge player for Liverpool and a mainstay of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
However, reports on Friday now claim Firmino and Liverpool will part ways this summer. And while the Merseysiders are yet to make the news official, it would not come as a major surprise were Firmino to stay.
Indeed, with six forwards on their books, it makes sense if one were to make way.
However, Firmino will reportedly not be the last big name to depart Liverpool this summer with three more likely to follow suit.
And according to the Daily Express, the Reds will also bid farewell to another long-serving star in James Milner.
The versatile midfielder has been at Anfield since a free transfer from Manchester City back in 2015. Winning pretty much every major trophy going, Milner, now 37, will also depart as a free agent.
At this stage, it is uncertain whether he will re-sign for another side or just retire.
He will be joined out the exit door by Joel Matip, who has been with the Reds since 2016. With a year left on his deal, his form has dipped quite badly this season and it seems the Reds are ready to cash in.
Saddled with injuries, Matip has only managed 184 appearances for the Reds over his seven seasons.
And finally, Liverpool look set to cash in on goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
In an ideal world, Klopp would love to keep the Irishman, who has never let Liverpool down when called upon.
However, at 24, he now needs to play regular football and unleash his full potential. To that end, Klopp will relucantly listen to offers for Kelleher.
