Euro Paper Talk: Edu accelerates Arsenal talks to sign La Liga’s best midfielder in £53m deal as defender arrival nears; Man Utd to gazump Tottenham to Italy star

Asier Illarramendi and Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad

Arsenal are in talks over a £53m midfielder signing, while Edu is also closing on a new right-back, Man Utd are being offered a Tottenham target, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims a Leeds star is eyeing a future move to Inter Milan.

EDU LINES UP SENSATIONAL MOVE FOR MARTIN ZUBIMENDI

Arsenal are stepping up plans to sign Martin Zubimendi later this year after learning the star IS open to leaving Real Sociedad.

The 23-year-old has established himself as a massive component of the Sociedad side which is currently riding high in third place in La Liga. Indeed, the player is regarded by many as the best in his position in this season’s competition after some stirring displays.

That form has seen him strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag a huge fan. To further his cause, Zubimendi was a standout performer in Sociedad’s two clashes against the Red Devils in the Europa League earlier this season.

However, it is Arsenal who are emerging as leading contenders to sign him.

To that end, Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a new midfielder this month is well documented. The Gunners boss wants cover and competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. However, despite a number of leads, Arsenal look unlikely as it stands to add to their options.

And with Zubimendi their top target, a report on Sunday claimed they had triggered his £53m (€60m) exit clause.

However, the one-time capped Spain star has made it clear to technical director Edu that he has no intention of leaving the Basque side in the winter window. They currently sit six points behind Barcelona in the title race. And many see this season as Sociedad’s best chance to end their 41-year wait to be crowned Spanish champions.

As a result, Zubimendi intends to stay where he is – for now.

Barcelona are also keen on Zubimendi too. However, Mundo Deportivo claims the midfielder has made it clear to Edu during talks that he favours a move to the Premier League.

Gunners closing on Zubimendi and Ivan Fresneda

Now reports suggest Edu is ready to accelerate those talks and get an agreement in place for Zubimendi to sign this summer in what would be a significant coup for Arsenal.

The Gunners already have two signings in the bag this month in Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior. And a third capture of the month appears to be closing in with Ivan Fresneda due to sign.

The Real Vallodolid teenager has caught the eye this season with some excellent displays at right-back.

Still only 18, the likes of Newcastle, Juventus and Arsenal are all reportedly on his trail.

However, it is the Gunners who are edging closer to his signing in a £13.1m deal.

Per Marca, Arsenal remain confident of concluding his signing. They say that Borussia Dortmund, though, are making a late play to snatch the signing. And their offer of a quicker route to first-team football may give them an ace card.

However, it seems their interest has come too late with Fresneda likely to finalise the move this week.

MAN UTD OFFERED CHANCE TO SIGN SPURS TARGET ZANIOLO

Manchester United are considering a move for Nicolo Zaniolo after Roma offered them the chance to gazump Tottenham to his signing. (Area Napoli)

Roma WILL sell Zaniolo this month with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech their No 1 target to replace him. (Calciomercato)

Manchester City are ready to offer Joao Cancelo in an explosive swap deal for AC Milan’s star forward Rafael Leao. (Calciomercatoweb)

Milan are targeting a move for Allan Saint-Maximim as a replacement for Rafael Leao amid claims Newcastle will sell. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Newcastle are showing strong interest in signing Amadou Onana from Everton this month. (Sacha Tavolieri)

Wolves are standing firm and ready to block Jorge Mendes’ plans to take Ruben Neves to Barcelona this month in a £35.2m (€40m) deal. (Mundo Deportivo)

Manchester United remain keen to sign Lyon right-back Malo Gusto, amid claims of the player reaching an “agreement” with Chelsea. (RMC Sport)

DUSAN VLAHOVIC TO MAN UTD CLAIMS DISMISSED

Juventus are now looking to sell Dusan Vlahovic this month amid links to Manchester United. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle are handing a trial to teenage forward Dujuan Richards, just 17, after a recent call-up to the Jamaica national side. (Jamaica Observer)

Xavi is closing down fresh claims claiming Franck Kessie is a target for Chelsea with the Ivorian set to complete the season at Barcelona. (various)

Nottingham Forest will approach Inter over a deal for Roberto Gagliardini and are looking to to sign him this month, rather than as a free agent this summer. (Sky Italia)

Shakhtar Donetsk are adamant that Brazilian starlet Vinicius Tobias, 18, will return from his loan spell at Real Madrid in the summer. (Marca)

Leeds United are in contact with Juventus over a surprise deal for Weston McKennie which would pair the player up with compatriot Tyler Adams. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Torino and Marseille remain in a bidding war over a deal to sign Hellas Verona midfielder Ivan Ilic for €18m. (Sport Italia)

LEEDS STAR HINTS AT FUTURE MOVE TO INTER MILAN

Leeds teenage star Willy Gnonto says he would like to return to his first club Inter Milan if the time ever comes to move on from West Yorkshire. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Wilfried Gnonto No 29 of Leeds United during the Premier League match Leeds United vs Manchester City at Elland Road

Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is reportedly being considered by Tottenham and West Ham if either part ways with Antonio Conte or David Moyes. (Il Messagero)

Bournemouth reportedly face a battle to retain the services of Philip Billing amid claims Valencia are chasing the Danish star. (Various)

Hellas Verona are reportedly closing on the signing of FC Koln and Slovakia midfielder Ondrej Duda for €2.5m. (Sky Italia)

Steven Gerrard is likely to miss out on the Poland job, with ex-Portugal manager Fernando Santos nearing an appointment. (Fabrizio Romano)

Roy Keane claims Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is that good he could easily play for Real Madrid. (various)

Chelsea are to reignite efforts to prise Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge and are now willing to meet Benfica’s £105.7m (€120m) demands. (Record)