Euro Paper Talk: Arsenal muscle in with enquiry for £26m-rated defender scouted by Liverpool

Roger Ibanez

Arsenal make an enquiry for a promising defender on Liverpool’s radar, while a Reds star is wanted on loan across Europe – all in the latest Euro Paper Talk.

 

GUNNERS ENQUIRE ABOUT IBANEZ

Arsenal have made an enquiry about signing on-loan Roma defender Roger Ibanez, according to a report.

The Brazilian signed for Paulo Fonseca’s side in January on an 18-month deal from fellow Serie A side Atalanta.

However, after earning his place in the team towards the end of the last campaign, he has become a crucial part of the side.

As such, he has reportedly attracted attention from across Europe. Indeed, previous reports have indicated that Liverpool have added him to their list of defensive targets for January’s transfer market.

However, according to Calciomercato, Arsenal have joined the 22-year-old’s list of suitors.

The Italian publication says that the Gunners have sent in an enquiry about his availability. The defender has also received interest from Everton, Leicester and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ibanez’s deal features an obligation to buy for Roma worth €8million (£7.1million). However, should other clubs wish to secure his services, he would reportedly cost between €30million (£26.9million) and €35million (£31.4million).

 

The Brazil Under-23 international only made the bench in his first five Serie A games for Roma.

However, after appearing in the first match following the coronavirus lockdown, he finished last season with eight outings from the final 11 games.

This term, meanwhile, he has featured in every top flight game.


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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Galatasaray are pondering a loan move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi in January (Todofichajes)

Lionel Messi intends to stay at Barcelona until 2023 before moving to Inter Miami. In doing so, he could arrive at the 2022 World Cup in the ‘best condition’ (Mundo Deportivo)

Jorginho‘s agent says that the Chelsea midfielder wants to return to Italy at the end of his contract (Radio Kiss Kiss)

Belgian side Genk are close to pipping Celtic to signing USA defender Mark McKenzie (Het Belang van Limburg)

Junior Firpo TEAMtalk

Barcelona have fielded enquiries from several clubs over signing Junior Firpo, with West Ham linked (Mundo Deportivo)

Roma are increasingly unlikely to try to move for Everton winger Bernard. Indeed, the 28-year-old’s salary and Everton’s progress this season are stumbling blocks (Calciomercato)

However, a deal for the Brazilian to move to Paulo Fonseca’s team is ‘not out of the question’ (Corrierre dello Sport)

KOCH ON TRACK AFTER KNEE SURGERY

Robin Koch

Leeds defender Robin Koch says that he is on track in his recovery from knee injury and surgery (Bild)

FIFA are unlikely to deal with the legal dispute between Leeds and RB Leipzig over Jean-Kevin Augustin until March or April (RB Live)

Meanwhile, Whites striker Rodrigo has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid. The Spanish club are seeking a replacement for Diego Costa (TuttoNapoli)

AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have enquired about Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic’s availability. His former club Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen (Don Balon)

But Milan head coach Stefano Pioli insists that the Serie A leaders are focusing on returning to the Champions League (Corrierre della Serra)

MAN UTD KEEN ON KOUNDE

Manchester United still hold an interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde (Mundo Deportivo)

Watford sporting director Cristiano Giaretta, who signed Bruno Fernandes for Novara in 2012, has backed the United midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or (Calciomercato)

Arkadiusz Milik and Napoli could go to court over the striker’s wages (Corrierre dello Sport)

Martin Odegaard has lost Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane’s trust. The midfielder has not featured since December 1, at first due to injury (AS)