Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Paper Talk: Edu willing to meet unusual request as Arsenal close on big January target

Arsenal are closing on the signing of Arthur with his agent holding talks at London Colney, West Ham are readying a huge double January bid, while Thursday’s transfer gossip has big developments on Manchester United’s next manager.

ARTHUR AGENT ARRIVES TO FINALISE ARSENAL AGREEMENT

Arsenal are on the brink of securing the signing of Brazil midfielder Arthur – but must meet an unusual request from Juventus first.

Mikel Arteta is desperate to strengthen his central midfield options this month after being left short for options.

They are currently without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny due to the African Cup of Nations (although Partey’s Ghana have been eliminated). What’s more, they have allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to leave the club on loan.

It has left Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga as their only senior options in central midfield. Xhaka’s discipline issues mean he isn’t always available, either.

Although Arsenal have many positions to address, midfield is the one that therefore requires the immediate focus. And their top target is Arthur.

Now, according to Goal Italy, via Metro, Arsenal’s technical director Edu has met with Arthur’s agent, Federico Pastorello, at the club’s London Colney training ground.

Arthur Melo, Juventus midfielder warming up before Serie A game v Spezia

They report that the Brazilian is keen on the move to Emirates Stadium and that an agreement is close.

Unusual Arthur request

Bizarrely, Juventus are requesting Arsenal take Arthur on an 18-month loan deal after making clear he has no future in Turin.

With his deal expiring in 2025, they believe the time will ensure they can maximise his sale value.

Juventus midfielder to give Arsenal central help this January

Juventus midfielder to give Arsenal central help this January

Arsenal want to bring in Arthur from Juventus to help with their midfield problems til the end of the season

The Gunners only wanted an initial six-month loan with an option to buy. However, they will reportedly adhere to Juve’s request in order to seal his signature.

Arsenal are looking at other options, including Bruno Guimaraes.

Howeve, the Daily Mirror claims the Gunners are no longer considering a move, having been put off by Lyon’s demands.

BRERETON DIAZ AND NAT PHILLIPS TO WEST HAM

Ben Brereton Diaz, Blackburn goal celeb during EFL match against Derby County

West Ham United are readying firm bids for Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz and Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips in the coming days. (Daily Express)

Tottenham are exploring a possible swap deal with AS Roma which would see Tanguy Ndombele and Jordan Veretout trade places. (Daily Express)

Marco Silva is telling told Fulham teenage hotshot Fabio Carvalho to keep his feet on the ground and not jump too soon amid January transfer window interest from Liverpool. (Daily Express)

Zinedine Zidane is ready to say yes to becoming PSG’s next manager, allowing Mauricio Pochettino to take over at Manchester United this summer. (The Sun)

Barcelona are showing interest in Manchester United full-back Alex Telles, who may be sold if a decent offer comes in. (The Sun)

Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to leave Manchester United this summer if the club fails to secure Champions League football. (The Sun)

ATLETICO STAND FIRM IN VILLA PURSUIT FOR LUIS SUAREZ

Luis Suarez TEAMtalk

Atletico Madrid are unwilling to sanction a move back to the Premier League for Luis Suarez even if Aston Villa come calling. (The Sun)

Mikael Silvestre says former teammate Wayne Rooney is not ready for the pressure of a Premier League management job with Everton. (The Sun)

Aaron Ramsey has reportedly upset Juventus by rejecting the chance of a loan move to big-spending Newcastle as well as two other Premier League clubs. (The Sun)

Burnley are joining Arsenal in showing interest in Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia midfielder Mislav Orsic. (The Sun)

Nottingham Forest midfielder Joao Carvalho is closing on a move to Greek side Olympiakos. (The Sun)

Chesterfield striker Kabongo Tshimanga is attracting interest from a Premier League and a host of Championship sides. (The Sun)

Super-agent Jorge Mendes was planning for Joao Felix to join Manchester City before he moved to Atletico Madrid for £113m in 2019. (The Sun)

DANI ALVES PLEADS FOR LIONEL MESSI RETURN TO BARCELONA

Lionel Messi puts hands on head, Barcelona v Celta Vigo May 2021

Dani Alves is begging close pal Lionel Messi to make a sensational return to Barcelona. (The Sun)

Newcastle are ready to make a fresh approach, having seen Manchester United rebuff their approach for Jesse Lingard. (Daily Telegraph)

Watford are firmly in the race for Calvin Ramsay following the teenager’s breakthrough at Aberdeen. Manchester United are also among those keeping a watch on the Scotland Under-21 full-back. (Daily Telegraph)

EXCLUSIVE: D’Margio Wright-Phillips is in talks over a new contract at Stoke City after his recent appearances for the first team.

Thierry Henry is a candidate to take over at Bordeaux if the Ligue 1 club decide to part company with Vladimir Petkovic. (Daily Mirror)

Barcelona are informing Ousmane Dembele he has only two options remaining – renew his contract or leave this month. (Daily Mirror)

AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are showing interest in a third Barcelona player, with  Gavi joining Frenkie De Jong and Sergino Dest on their list of potential targets. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool are planning to recall Rhys Williams from his Swansea loan in a move that could pave the way for Nat Phillips to leave Anfield. (Daily Mail)

Cesar Azpilicueta is planning to end his career at Stamford Bridge, though Chelsea are yet to offer him a fresh contract. (Daily Mail)

Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker after an offer of around £14.5m. (Daily Mail)

Derby are likely to losing Jason Knight and Max Bird while the club remains in a financial crisis. (Daily Mail)

Celtic appear likely to win the race to £1.5m MK Dons star Matt O’Riley, despite a late move from West Brom. (Daily Record)