Euro Paper Talk: France winger admits Arsenal interest; PL clubs track Rafinha

Arsenal were chasing a winger, who signed for Inter Milan and three Premier League clubs are tracking a want-away Barcelona man, according to Wednesday’s European papers.

ARSENAL WANTED KARAMOH

Inter Milan winger Yann Karamoh says that Arsenal were interested in signing him before his move to Italy in the summer.

Quoted by French Football via Mediaset Premium, the 19-year-old former Caen prospect said: “PSG wanted me, there was Arsenal, Monaco & Lyon too, but I wanted Inter Milan.”

Karamoh joined Inter on a two-year loan, with the obligation to buy at the end of the two years for a reported €5.5million.

He scored five Ligue 1 goals last season, adding four assists, and was also liked by Liverpool, Newcastle, Lyon, Monaco and Saint-Etienne.

“There were a number of options on the table, but when I knew that Inter were interested I put everything on hold,” he told Calciomercato.

 

PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS TRACK RAFINHA

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha is ready to leave the Camp Nou in January, claim Mundo Deportivo.

And the 24-year-old, whose Barca contract runs until the summer of 2020, is understood to be a target for Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal.

The Brazilian central midfielder made 28 appearances last season, scoring seven goals and claiming five assists.

 

ARSENAL, CHELSEA AND LIVERPOOL FAILED WITH MULLER BID

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all failed with efforts to sign Thomas Muller this summer.

German newspaper Bild claim the Premier League trio all made contact with Bayern Munich to ask about the forward’s availability.

The 27-year-old struggled for form last season and is no longer a guaranteed starter at the Allianz Arena.

However, Bayern not backed all attempts to sell him, though their stance could alter again in the future.

The German paper, however, reckons Muller could be sold off if he has another difficult year at Bayern, with a move to the Premier League most likely given that is where he would fetch the highest fee.

CHELSEA FACE VIDAL BATTLE

AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to do battle for Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal in January, a report claims.

According to Tuttosport, the Milanese giants are eyeing the Chile international, who is also being monitored by Chelsea and Liverpool.

Inter and Chelsea were both linked with a move for Vidal this summer, but according to Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, neither club made a bid.

“Nobody asked us for him and there was never an official offer for him, not even this summer when the market was open,” he told Mediaset. “So I cannot confirm [Inter wanted him].”

However, it’s claimed the former Juventus star favours a move back to Serie A, with Chelsea and Liverpool set to miss out.

 

SERIE A GIANTS EYE BARCA STAR

Gerard Pique: Defender unpopular among some fans

Juventus are reportedly planning an audacious move for Barcelona star Gerard Pique.

Turin-based paper Tuttosport claim that Max Allegri is a big admirer of the 30-year-old and is hoping to tempt him to Italy.

Pique is in his tenth year at the Nou Camp, and there are growing reports that he is prepared to make it his last.

Juventus recently completed the loan signing of Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes, but Allegri is keen to further strengthen his rearguard after the loss of Leonardo Bonucci to rivals AC Milan.

Pique reportedly has interest from the MLS and the Chinese Super League, but Allegri feels that he can attract him in January.

 

AND THE REST

Real Madrid starlet Martin Odegaard has revealed he has committed his long-term future to the Bernabeu by putting pen to paper on a new deal (VG Sporten)

Juventus are exploring the possibility of signing Andres Iniesta (Tuttosport)

Paulo Dybala has decided to change agents, leaving Pier Paolo Triulzi and instead joining the clientele of his brother Gustavo, who lives in Barcelona (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Fenerbahce could still move for Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto (AS)

Former Barcelona presidential candidate Augusti Benedito believes the club’s board should resign, launching a vote of no confidence against them all, including under pressure president Josep Maria Bartomeu (SPORT)

Agent Mino Raiola was at Barcelona’s training ground on Sunday to sign the club’s teenage star Xavi Simmons. The 14-year-old is considered one of the brightest players at La Masia (SPORT)

Schalke coach Dominic Tedesco can “absolutely” imagine Liverpool target Benedikt Howedes returning to the Bundesliga club after his loan spell at Juventus is over (Kicker)

Benedikt Hoewedes: Schalke defender linked with Liverpool

Leicester City are unlikely to sign 34-year-old former Manchester City right-back Bacary Sagna despite being widely linked with the free agent. In Italy also Torino FC are observing the player (TMW)