Transfer Gossip: Arsenal overtaken in battle for elite midfielder due to Man Utd transfer consequence; Wolves back in talks with ideal manager

Arsenal are not looking like the favourites for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic any more, and the reason is related to Manchester United, while Wolves have resumed talks with their potential next manager – all in Wednesday’s gossip.

ARSENAL MAY MISS OUT ON MILINKOVIC-SAVIC

After recently emerging as contenders for the signing of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Arsenal have a battle on their hands to win the race for the Lazio midfielder.

Milinkovic-Savic is one of Serie A’s standout players in his position. For many years, he has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

However, Arsenal are now in the frame for Milinkovic-Savic’s transfer. Making the most of their recent form, which has put them top of the Premier League table, the club are trying to establish themselves as an attractive destination for top players in future transfer windows.

With that in mind, the prospect of adding Milinkovic-Savic to their squad is an appealing one. That said, Lazio have already warned his suitors that it will cost €120million or more (above £103million) for the Serbia international to change clubs.

Now, in another update to dampen Arsenal’s spirits, Gazzetta Dello Sport has revealed that Juventus could make a move for Milinkovic-Savic as early as January.

The motivation behind their interest in their inability to field Paul Pogba since his return from Manchester United.

Pogba was a world-class operator in his first spell with Juventus. But injuries have prevented his second stint from getting going. He will miss France’s defence of the World Cup.

Amid their own inconsistent form, Juventus could now target someone more reliable in January. Often making good use of their domestic market in recent years, they have turned their attention to Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic.

Obviously, they will have to invest massively to sign him. But the prospect of him filling the Pogba-shaped void in Juventus’ midfield – and then potentially starring alongside him – appeals to Juventus.

WOLVES HAVE SECOND LOPETEGUI CHANCE

Wolves are talking once again to former Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui about filling their own vacancy, according to reports.

After sacking Bruno Lage recently, Wolves are still searching for a permanent replacement. Lopetegui was one of the first options they discussed after he lost his own job with Sevilla.

However, the former Spain manager did not feel the time was right to take over the Premier League club due to his father being ill.

There has been an unexpected change in the situation, though. According to the Daily Mail, Wolves are “increasingly confident” they can convince Lopetegui this time around.

They have already missed out on another managerial target, Michael Beale of Queens Park Rangers.

But Lopetegui is back on their radar, even if they have to wait until after the World Cup break begins to appoint him. For the time being, Steve Davis remains in caretaker charge.

A manager of high pedigree, it would be interesting to see what kind of transfer links would follow if Lopetegui was to take the job.

ZAHA FEARS GROW FOR CRYSTAL PALACE

Crystal Palace believe they might be losing Wilfried Zaha in 2023, according to the Daily Mail.

Zaha is in the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace, where he has earned a good reputation. However, there are now fears that his time at Selhurst Park is almost up.

The Daily Mail claims that there has been a verbal offer of a huge new contract for the forward. He would become their best-paid player of all time if he accepted. There is little sign yet though that he will agree, nor is there a formal offer.

It is reiterated that Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and his former club Manchester United could all be suitors for the Ivory Coast international.

Alternatively, he could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club when the New Year begins.

But it appears as if Zaha will be running his contract down. Crystal Palace can only hope he goes out on a high note.