Euro Paper Talk: Arsenal join hunt for explosive £66m winger as part of trio of Arteta summer signings; Leeds, Villa chasing 19-goal Greek striker

Pepe Porto

Arsenal are looking to bolster their squad with the addition of a Brazilian winger and two defenders this summer, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk claims that Leeds and Aston Villa are in the hunt to sign a 19-goal AZ Alkmaar striker.

PORTO STAR LEADS TRIO OF ARSENAL SUMMER SIGNINGS

Mikel Arteta is looking at a trio of signings this summer as the Gunners prepare for life back in the Champions League.

Arsenal are currently 22 points clear of 5th-placed Newcastle with 10 games to go, so can already start thinking about who can strengthen the squad to challenge on multiple fronts next term.

And according to several different reports on Thursday, Arteta wants a classy winger and two new defenders on board.

Firstly, both Arsenal and Chelsea are said to have joined the race to sign Porto attacker Pepe.

A report from GloboEsporte claims that the 26-year-old winger, who has been on the radars of a number of European clubs, can move on if his release clause of around €75million (£66m) is met.

The Brazilian has scored five goals and added eight assists for Porto in all competitions this season.

Pepe also has the ability to play on either flank, although he is more naturally left-sided, which would provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli in north London.

It could even be a case of one Pepe in and one out, as Gunners misfit Nicolas Pepe could end up having his contract torn up. The 27-year-old is currently on loan at Nice but does not have a future at The Emirates.

Arteta also eyeing double defender deal

Meanwhile, Arteta is also said to be looking to add two new defenders to his squad for the 2023/2024 campaign.

Barcelona centre-back Eric Garcia, who Arteta coached at Manchester City, is also on Arsenal’s radar.

At just 22 years of age, Garcia still has plenty to offer and the feeling is that he could replace Rob Holding in a back-up role at the Emirates – as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

And third in the potential trio of signings is Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey.

The talented French right-back has emerged as a key player for the Turkish giants. However, the fact that he is still under contract until the summer of 2025 could prove problematic.

Indeed, Galatasaray has no real interest in losing the player – unless Arsenal come up with an offer that is too good to turn down, as relayed by Tuttomercatoweb.

ALL GREEK FOR LEEDS, VILLA AS STRIKER TARGET EMERGES

Leeds United and Aston Villa are chasing 19-goal AZ Alkmaar striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who is rated at €24million (£21m). (Jeunes Footeaux)

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic would ‘gladly accept’ a transfer to Arsenal this summer. However, it’s thought that the Gunners’ offer of between €20-25m will not be enough to do a deal. (Corriere dello Sport)

Real Madrid are plotting a sensational swoop for Chelsea full-back Reece James by taking advantage of the club’s potential FFP situation. (AS)

Barcelona attacker Ansu Fati might leave the club in the summer, alerting a host of Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal. (Sport)

West Ham are being tipped to tempt Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee to London Stadium by handing him a lucrative pay rise. (L’Equipe)

Chris Smalling only has three months left on his contract with Roma but is edging closer to a new deal as Juventus and Inter watch on. (Calciomercato)

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton may be given a second shot at Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug this summer, with a departure from Werder Bremen increasingly likely. (Bild)

Niclas Fullkrug, Jamal Musiala and Alejandro Balde

Tottenham managerial target Luis Enrique has already turned down the chance to manage the Poland international team. (Cadena SER)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return to Barcelona is gaining traction, with the Chelsea striker working on mutually terminating his contract at Stamford Bridge. (Football Espana)

RB Leipzig are refusing to let Dani Olmo leave on a free in 2024, which opens the door to a potential summer move to Barcelona. (RBLive.de)

Moroccan World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat is willing to snub both Liverpool and Tottenham by joining Barcelona this summer. (Footmercato.net)

Angel Di Maria is reportedly on track to sign a new one-year contract with Juventus after giving the green light on the idea. (Football Italia)

Xavi will extend his contract with Barcelona, with the deal just a matter of time. The club have the proposal ready but Xavi wants the full focus on the pitch now. (Fabrizio Romano)