Paper Talk: Arsenal watch Celtic star; BVB ace back on radar

Moussa Dembele: Watched by Arsenal

Arsenal scouted Celtic striker Moussa Dembele on Wednesday night, while interest in Marco Reus could be revived if Mesut Ozil departs, all in today’s gossip.

ARSENAL WATCHING CELTIC HOT-SHOT

Arsenal sent scouts to run the rule over Celtic striker Moussa Dembele on Wednesday night, according to reports.

The Sun claim the Gunners were represented at Celtic Park as the hosts earned a hugely creditable 3-3 draw with Man City with Dembele scoring twice.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Tottenham are also believed to be watching the former Fulham man, but the report claims Arsenal “could make a January move”.

Arsene Wenger was linked with Dembele in the summer, but the 20-year-old Dembele and his agent Mamadi Fofana plumped for Celtic instead.

And Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers has made it clear he intends to hold onto the French forward.

He said: “We’re fortunate to have him. He was coveted by a number of teams but his agent is a clever guy.

“Does he go to a so-called better league and sit on the bench and not get so many games?

“Or does he come to a big club with an opportunity to develop and invest some time into his development, and then step up if that’s what he wants to do?

“He really bullied the back four, but he’s more than that – he’s got a wonderful touch.

“You saw his agility for the third goal. He’s a huge talent.”

 

WENGER TO REVIVE REUS INTEREST?

Reus

Arsene Wenger will revive his interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus if Mesut Ozil returns to Real Madrid, according to a report.

The Arsenal gaffer will swap Germany playmaker’s if Ozil decided to return to Real Madrid, as reported by the Bild on Thursday.

TuttoMercatoWeb claim Reus will become one of the Gunners’ preferred targets if Ozil decides to jump ship.

The attacking midfielder has yet to feature for Dortmund this season and is still recovering from and abductor muscle tear which sidelined him from Euro 2016.

The report suggests that despite Reus’ injuries over recent years, Wenger remains a big fan of the 27-year-old and could move for him in the near future.

AND THE REST

FA chiefs have been left red-faced after England players all received postcards from now former boss Sam Allardyce – on Thursday. (Mirror)

The Football Association will meet City of London police next week as it begins its investigation into alleged corruption in the game. (Guardian)

USA national manager Jurgen Klinsmann is on a three-man shortlist to replace Francesco Guidolin at Swansea City, should the Welsh club decide to sack the Italian after a poor start to the Premier League season.(Daily Star)

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, 38, is likely to be shortlisted for the England manager’s job. The Football Association also wants to speak to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and England Under-21s boss Gareth Southgate. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool and Leicester are interested in signing Swedish striker Alexander Isak, 17, from AIK. The teenager has been dubbed the ‘next Zlatan Ibrahimovic’. (Liverpool Echo, Sport on [Thurs])

Former Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick, 58, is also in the FA’s sights to replace Sam Allardyce.(Daily Telegraph)

However, German paper Bild reports that Ozil has signed a lucrative new contract at Arsenal and will take Jack Wilshere’s number 10 shirt. (Bild)

Chelsea and Arsenal are to go head-to-head for unhappy Real Madrid hitman Alvaro Morata. (Sun)

Manchester United’s new Swedish target Jesper Karlsson has admitted it is fun to be linked with the Premier League giants as his reputation as the new Zlatan Ibrahimovic grows. (Sun)

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has demanded an overhaul of his squad, with the Blues set to revive their interest in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, 21. (Times )

Antonio Conte

The Blues are also keen on recalling AC Milan loanee midfielder Mario Pasalic, 21, back to the club in January. (Calciomercato.com)

Everton manager Ronald Koeman says his players have a “mental problem” in playing his energetic style of football. (Daily Telegraph)

Assistant manager Chris Powell is the favourite to take over from Nigel Pearson at Derby County, should Pearson be sacked after being suspended by the club on Monday. (Derby Telegraph)

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, 31, says the players are struggling to keep up the intensity that manager Pep Guardiola wants. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho attempted to sign midfielder Paul Pogba, 23, from Juventus when he was in charge at Chelsea in 2015. (Daily Express)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned his players about their social media profiles after French defender Mamadou Sakho criticised the club’s “lies” on Snapchat. (Guardian)

Bayern Munich’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben, 33, is hoping to secure a new deal with the Bundesliga champions. (Daily Mail)

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein thinks Arsene Wenger has the “fire in his belly” to continue as Gunners manager. (Talksport)

England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, 29, is open to staying at Serie A side Torino after settling in well in Italy. (Tuttosport)