Euro Paper Talk: Barca and Liverpool chase Monaco star; Arsenal man in demand

Oli Fisher

Barcelona and Liverpool are set to push Arsenal out of the race in signing AS Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, while Juventus are close to agreeing a deal with Valencia for defender Joao Cancelo, according to Saturday’s European newspapers.

 

LIVERPOOL AND BARCELONA JOIN LEMAR BATTLE

Arsenal are expected to receive serious competition in signing Lemar from Monaco as Barcelona and Liverpool have shown interest in the player, according to reports.

Having lost the services of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in a record €222million, the Spanish giants have plenty of funds to splash and the France international has emerged as a possible replacement.

However, the L’Equipe claims that Jurgen Klopp is also monitoring Lemar who is valued at around £55million.

Arsenal have been linked with the 21-year-old for a number of weeks now, but with Barcelona having the money from the Neymar deal, Lemar may opt for Spain rather than England.

MARSEILLE STILL WANT ARSENAL STRIKER

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud still remains as a target for Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille, and are willing to wait until a deal is done in this summer window.

According to Le10SportMarseille are keeping an eye on developments at the Emirates Stadium with Giroud unlikely to play on a regular basis this season – especially with the addition of Alexandre Lacazette.

The 30-year-old made a number of appearances off the bench last season, but with Sanchez still at the club, the France forward might return to his native country to seek first-team football.

AND THE REST

Chelsea could be about to end their interest in Inter Milan’s Antonio Candreva after the player’s agent claims he is happy in Italy. (Calciomercato)

Barcelona are ready to spend big on Phillipe Coutinho, Inigo Martinez and Ousmane Dembele – from the money they received from the sale of Neymar to PSG. (Mundo Deportivo)

Juventus are very close to signing Joao Cancelo from Valencia for a fee of around 25million euros as the Spanish club pursue Jeison Murillo and Geoffrey Kondogbia from Inter Milan. (Football-Espana)

Cristiano Ronaldo has started rumours once again after telling a Spanish newspaper that he wants to ‘go back to England’ after a number of problems in Spain regarding his Tax Returns. (Cadena Ser)

Riyad Mahrez is very much keen to make a summer move to AS Roma, but can’t do anything until Leicester City accept an offer from the club. (SkySports)

Liverpool are reportedly set to table a £15 million bid for Rennes midfielder Benjamin Andre as Jurgen Klopp aims to add depth to his squad. (Le Telegramme)