Euro Paper Talk: Arteta says yes as Barcelona, Arsenal hold shock swap talks

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal and Barcelona are in talks over a swap deal between two out-of-sorts wingers, a Sporting Lisbon star wants to replicate Diogo Jota’s success at Liverpool, while Inter look set to sign a Leeds target, according to Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk.

PEPE, DEMBELE SWAP DEAL TALKS

Arsenal are ready to offload Nicolas Pepe – and it seems the Ivorian winger could be heading for a shock new club.

The 25-year-old cost the Gunners a club record £72m in summer 2019 – but has been a major disappointment.

Pepe perhaps hammered the final nail into his coffin at Arsenal after seeing red at Leeds recently. Mikel Arteta described the incident as “unacceptable”.

Now, according to Todofijaches, the former Lille man could be offered an escape route to Barcelona.

As per the Spanish source, Arsenal and Barcelona have entered talks over a potential swap deal. In return for Pepe, it’s claimed the Gunners will receive another ‘troubled’ winger, Ousmane Dembele. Arteta is said to have green-lighted the potential exchange.

World Cup winner Dembele has also struggled to find his best since a €105m switch to Barcelona back in 2017.

In 84 games, he has struck 22 goals and has been badly hampered by injury.

 

 

Barca tried to offload Dembele to Manchester United over the summer, to no avail.

And despite making seven appearances this season, it seems Ronald Koeman still wants rid. The Dutchman remains keen on a deal for Memphis Depay as his replacement, while Pepe would also offer another option.

The report, however, does state that Barcelona would seek a small cash adjustment from Arsenal were the deal to go through.

But they conclude they were keen on Pepe prior to his move to Arsenal and remain keen despite his struggles.


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MOVE TO LIVERPOOL APPEALS FOR NUNO MENDES

Nuno Mendes

Diogo Jota’s success at Liverpool makes a move to Anfield highly appealing for his countryman and Sporting full-back Nuno Mendes. (Correio da Manha)

Inter Milan are keen to offload Christian Eriksen and replace him with Leeds target and Udinese playmaker Rodrigo de Paul. (Calciomercato)

Gareth Bale has entered a “recession” and his return to Tottenham is in danger of turning sour due to a ‘lack of trust’ from Jose Mourinho. (AS)

Ajax defender Perr Schuurs has reiterated his wish to stay with the Dutch giants after playing against suitors Liverpool on Tuesday. (SBS6)

Real Madrid have made Mauricio Pochettino their No 1 managerial target with Zinedine Zidane under increasing pressure. Castilla boss Raul is also in contention. (Marca)

Tottenham continue to monitor Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar ahead of a potential January transfer window offer. (various)

MILAN RIVAL WEST HAM FOR LUKA JOVIC

Luka Jovic

AC Milan are considering a move for Real Madrid frontman Luka Jovic in January, with West Ham also keen. (Todofijaches)

Fiorentina are ready to revive their interest in Krzysztof Piatek in January, with Hertha Berlin willing to sell. (Calciomercato)

AC Milan have started discussing a new contract with midfielder Franck Kessie, who has become a vital cog this season. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Barcelona and Real Madrid have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Hoffenheim youngster Melayro Bogarde. (Sport)

Barcelona are reportedly hoping to tempt Leeds into signing young midfield star Riqui Puig on loan in January. (Sport)

Napoli are confident of extending Lorenzo Insigne’s contract, with their captain keen to finish his career at the Partenopei. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku says he is in the form of his career and has loved his 18 months so far at Inter Milan. (Sky Italia)

Barcelona have singled out Atletico Madrid defender Felipe Augusto as a replacement for injured Gerard Pique. (AS)

Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi and Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger are both reportedly centre-back options for Barcelona in January. (Mundo Deportivo)

Juventus are preparing a double bid for Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmeri and striker Olivier Giroud. (Il Bianco Nero)

AC Milan were close to signing Barcelona starlet Pedri before he moved to Camp Nou. (Mundo Deportivo)