Euro Paper Talk: Arteta ignites Arsenal pursuit of £22m attacking threat after making contact; Chelsea push boat out for big Barcelona signing

Arsenal are in the mix to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and have already made contact about a deal, while the lengths Chelsea are willing to go to in order to sign Gavi from Barcelona have been revealed in Friday’s Euro transfer gossip.

CONTACT MADE FOR ARSENAL TO SIGN BRAHIM DIAZ

Arsenal have asked for information about attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz, who is currently on loan at AC Milan from Real Madrid, according to Corriere Dello Sport.

Per the Italian source, there are two options under consideration by Diaz’s parent club for the summer. Real Madrid are either going to recall and reintegrate him, or sell him to whoever makes the highest offer.

That suggests that AC Milan do not have any kind of right of first refusal for the 23-year-old, despite having him on loan for the past three seasons. While they would like to keep him, Arsenal could outbid them.

Diaz used to play for Manchester City, which is how Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta knows him. And according to Corriere Dello Sport, Arsenal have made contact by asking for information about the Malaga-born prospect.

In order to sign him, they will have to offer Real Madrid a sum of at least €25million (£22.1m). Obviously, if Milan make a better offer, Arsenal will have to respond with their own if they are serious about beating them to Diaz’s signature.

Once capped by Spain but hoping to represent Morocco in the future, Diaz has played 34 times in all competitions for Milan this season. Along the way, he has scored six goals and provided three assists.

Overall, the number 10 has amassed 113 appearances, 17 goals and 11 assists during his extended loan spell with Milan. Parent club Real Madrid have previously only used him 21 times, seeing him score twice and add three assists.

Brahim Diaz due for second chance in Premier League?

Earlier in his career, Diaz played 15 times for Man City, getting two goals. Perhaps Arsenal could be the ones to offer him a second chance in English football.

Diaz’s contract with Real Madrid is due to last until 2025. However, they might decide to cash in on him this summer if they can’t find room for him in their squad.

Arsenal are looking almost certain to have Champions League football on offer next season, which might make them an attractive destination. Able to cover as a playmaker or right winger, Diaz could become a rotation option for Martin Odegaard or Bukayo Saka.

As the intensity of Arsenal’s calendar increases, Diaz’s arrival could help reduce the burden on some of their key players, whom he could complement.

The move would also allow him to reunite with former Man City teammates Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

CHELSEA OFFER BLANK CHEQUE TO GAVI

Chelsea are willing to make Barcelona midfielder Gavi one of the best-paid players in the Premier League, insofar as tempting him with a blank cheque. (AS)

However, Barcelona are considering the exits of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – as well as the sale of 24% of Barca Studios – in order to accommodate Gavi’s new contract. (Mundo Deportivo)

Inter Milan have identified Liverpool defender Joel Matip as a potential replacement for Milan Skriniar. (Inter Live)

Man Utd and Chelsea are keen on Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to sign a two-year contract at Barcelona with the option of a third, earning €12m per season. (Diario Sport)

Liverpool scouts have been monitoring Lyon winger Bradley Barcola. (Fabrizio Romano)

Barcelona would be interested in taking Malo Gusto on loan from Chelsea after his similar spell with Lyon, while Man Utd’s Diogo Dalot remains on their shortlist too along with Jeremie Frimpong, Juan Foyth and Thomas Meunier. (Mundo Deportivo)

ASKING PRICE EMERGES FOR MAN CITY TARGET

Man City are the favourites to sign Hajduk Split centre-back Luka Vuskovic for €10m, but Barcelona have joined the race. (Diario Sport)

Everton have been in contact for the signing of Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa, who is likely to change clubs in the summer. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Barcelona are trying to persuade Tottenham to buy Clement Lenglet after his loan spell for between €10m and €15m. (Marca)

Chelsea have already activated a clause to extend January signing Enzo Fernandez’s contract until 2032. (Cesar Luis Merlo)

Leeds and West Ham are rivalling Real Sociedad, Valencia and Villarreal for Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. (Mundo Deportivo)

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino – who will leave the Reds on a free transfer this summer – is the main candidate to replace Tammy Abraham at Roma. (Calciomercato)

In another swoop for a free agent by Jose Mourinho, Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar has finalised an agreement to join Roma. (Tuttomercatoweb)

AND THE REST

Brighton, West Ham and Leeds are looking at Anderlecht centre-back Zeno Debast. (Voetbal Belgie)

Jorge Mendes is pushing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves to Barcelona, which Joan Laporta would welcome, but Xavi doesn’t want him as much. (Diario Sport)

AC Milan are giving serious thought to the signing of Folarin Balogun from Arsenal for more than €20m. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Bayern Munich are mulling over making a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt forward and Man Utd target Randal Kolo Muani. (Sport1)

AC Milan have no plans to use their option to buy Sergino Dest from Barcelona. (Fabrizio Romano)

Real Madrid are ready to renew the contract of Eduardo Camavinga on a better salary than he currently earns. (Diario Sport)

Athletic Club centre-back Inigo Martinez has accepted a proposal to join Barcelona for free. (Gerard Romero)