Arsenal
Premier League • England
Transfer Gossip: Arsenal double Juventus’ bid with surprise name tipped to fill striker void
Arsenal have reportedly tabled an offer of double what Juventus are prepared to pay to sign Alvaro Morata, while Newcastle are ‘expected’ to sell Allan Saint-Maximin and his replacement could come from Brighton – all in Tuesday’s transfer gossip.
ALVARO MORATA RETURNING TO LONDON?
Arsenal have made a bid to bring Alvaro Morata back to London, and a report has revealed why they could sink Juventus in the race.
The Gunners have made revamping their forward line a priority this summer. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was never replaced in January after their efforts to sign Dusan Vlahovic fell short.
Furthermore, Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette will become free agents at season’s end. With Arsenal poised to qualify for Europe in one form or another, adequate strength in depth up top will be a must.
As such, the Sun claim Arsenal are in the mix to sign ex-Chelsea marksman Alvaro Morata.
The 29-year-old is currently on loan at Juventus from parent club Atletico Madrid. The report states Morata has no desire to return to Atletico when his loan stint in Turin concludes.
Morata reportedly believes his gametime will be restricted back at Atletico. As such, and citing Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, it’s claimed Morata would ‘gladly go to Mikel Arteta’ at the Emirates.
Juventus too are interested in bringing Morata on board on a permanent basis. However, they’re reportedly only willing to sanction a £12.5m outlay in the summer.
In contrast, it’s stated Atletico sources have revealed Arsenal have already bid double that amount – £25m.
Morata a breakaway from Arsenal policy
Signing Morata would be an intriguing prospect on paper. At 29, the Spaniard would be a breakaway from Arsenal’s recent transfer policy.
The Gunners signed six first-teamers last summer all aged 23 or under at the time of arrival.
Nevertheless, Arsenal may be required to sign two or even three new strikers this summer and not all can be blockbuster deals.
Morata would provide a wealth of experience having played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs since initially breaking through at Real Madrid.
NEWCASTLE EYE SAINT-MAXIMIN REPLACEMENT
Newcastle are ‘expected’ to sell talismanic winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, and a Brighton forward has been earmarked as a potential successor.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who reckon the Magpies favourite could surprisingly be axed.
Talk over a shock exit for the Frenchman has swelled in recent weeks. The Telegraph claimed Newcastle will take a measured approach to their future dealings despite having the vast wealth of PIF at their fingertips.
As such, the money generated from player exits could be funnelled back into new signings. Few would recoup as much as Saint-Maximin.
The Mail reckon £50m could be received if the winger is indeed sold. What’s more, they reveal three attack-minded stars being targeted as potential replacements.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson are both namechecked. However, it’s claimed competition on both fronts will be ‘fierce’.
As such, Newcastle have also added Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard to their list of targets.
The Belgian, 27, is reportedly seeking pastures new when the campaign concludes. He’ll have one year left on his deal at that stage, meaning the summer could be the perfect time for Brighton to cash in.
Newcastle also admire fellow Seagull Yves Bissouma, but it’s noted neither deal will be straightforward.
Tensions between the two clubs are raised at present after sporting director Dan Ashworth was poached from the AMEX in February.
LUKAKU EXIT TALKS UNDERWAY
Finally, the agent of Romelu Lukaku is reportedly in talks over cutting the Belgian’s second stint at Chelsea short.
The striker has endured a miserable return to Stamford Bridge and currently lays behind Kai Havertz in the pecking order.
Talk of a premature exit after just one year back in London has continued to grow. And according to the Sun, PSG chief Leonardo has opened dialogue with Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola.
The Parisians could be in need of a new goalscorer this summer with Kylian Mbappe due to leave on a free. Real Madrid appears to be the likeliest landing spot at present.
The exact nature of the talks regarding Lukaku isn’t stated, though it’s noted a loan exit is a distinct possibility.