Paper Talk: Man Utd and Arsenal eye world-class strikers

Mark Holmes
Antoinne Griezmann: Reportedly held talks with Arsenal

Antoinne Griezmann: Won't be tied to Atletico forever

Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in world-class strikers heading into the summer, while Leicester City and West Ham are also aiming high.

MAN UTD WATCHING GRIEZMANN

Manchester United are tracking £65million-rated Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, according to The Sun on Sunday.

United apparently want to sign a world-class striker this summer as part of their squad revamp, with Griezmann joining Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a wishlist that will remain the same regardless of who is in charge at Old Trafford.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keen on Griezmann, who has scored 29 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico this season, including six in the Champions League.

United scouts have been watching the 25-year-old, though, and could hold the advantage in any battle should Jose Mourinho, who is a big fan of Griezmann replace Louis van Gaal.

ARSENAL IN LINE FOR LEWANDOWSKI

Arsenal will attempt to sign Robert Lewandowski should the Poland striker express a desire to leave Bayern Munich this summer, reports the Sunday Mirror.

Lewandowski has previously spoken unfavourably about the Premier League, but earlier this week the 27-year-old hinted he would be open to leaving Bayern for the right opportunity.

“Maybe I’ll play in England or Spain one day,” he told France Football.

“But, if I committed to pursuing my career in Munich, it’s because I considered it the ideal club at which to move up a level and to win more trophies.”

Lewandowski still has three years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena and command a fee of at least £50million, but the newspaper says such a price tag would not deter Arsene Wenger, who will be given in excess of £150million to spend this summer.

The Gunners boss is also interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl, it is claimed.

AND THE REST

Gareth Bale is on the wish list of incoming Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, but Real Madrid are hoping a pay rise of around £50,000 a week will see the Welshman extend his contract until 2021 (Sunday Express)

Arsenal will this summer will attempt to sign young Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City (Daily Star Sunday)

Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante has emerged as a major target for Manchester United, with a deal involving Andreas Pereira possibly on the cards (Daily Star Sunday)

Leicester are eyeing a sensational swoop for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho if N’Golo Kante departs (Sun on Sunday)

Leicester want to sign Rennes striker Ousmane Dembele, 18, Jagiellonia Bialystok goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski, 18, and 21-year-old Feyenoord midfielder Tonny Vilhena this summer (Sunday People)

Leicester will begin to prepare for the Champions League by offering Claudio Ranieri and Riyad Mahrez lucrative new contracts (Sunday Telegraph)

West Ham plan to hold talks over Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette as they prepare to break the club’s transfer record to mark their arrival at the Olympic Stadium (Mail on Sunday)

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is planning to launch an ambitious summer raid for West Brom striker Saido Berahino (Sun on Sunday)

Hugo Lloris is set to give Tottenham a new boost by committing himself to the club for the next five years (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United have finally made their opening move to appoint Jose Mourinho in the past three days (Sunday Telegraph)

Jose Mourinho will be paid by Manchester United – even if he never works for them as his agreement with the club includes a ‘substantial’ compensation clause should United decide to stick with Van Gaal (Sunday Mirror)

Manuel Pellegrini wants another managerial role in the Premier League after his Manchester City contract comes to an end (Daily Star Sunday)

Aston Villa want Nigel Pearson as their new manager but are delaying an announcement to focus on a proposed takeover (Sunday Telegraph)