Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool, Chelsea continue war for big midfield promise

Gavi getting away from Aurelien Tchouameni

Chelsea and Liverpool have learned how much one of their shared midfield targets will cost, while an Arsenal squad man reportedly has an agreement in principle over his next move – all according to Friday’s Euro transfer gossip.

LIVERPOOL, CHELSEA IN MIDFIELDER BATTLE

Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has roused the attention of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid in addition to Juventus.

Tchouameni has established himself as one of the leading young talents in European football. He enjoyed a breakout season with Monaco last term, after initially having to be patient following a January 2020 transfer from Bordeaux.

The 21-year-old impressed in all phases of his game last term and has started 2021-22 in similar form. So far, he has played in 10 of Monaco’s opening 11 Ligue 1 games.

Under contract until 2024, bigger things beckon for the Frenchman in the coming years. A transfer may materialise sooner than his current employers would have been planning.

He has regularly been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks. The Blues are unlikely to sign loanee Saul Niguez on a permanent basis next summer, so are already looking elsewhere.

Tchouameni is firmly on their radar, but he was also recently revealed to be of interest to Liverpool. Such an idea is backed up by Tuttosport.

The Italian paper focuses on interest from Juventus, who are trying to evolve their midfield. It has been an area of concern for them for a number of years and it finally caught up with them last season as they relinquished the Serie A title.

According to Tuttosport, Tchouameni is the first name on their midfield shortlist. In fact, they are ready to move to the next phase of their plans to sign him.

Liverpool in the race for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz

Liverpool in the race for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz

Liverpool are reportedly in the race with Newcastle and Manchester City for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz, with more news on a historic contract at Anfield getting closer for Mohamed Salah.

But they must be attentive of rival interest. It has been confirmed that Liverpool and Chelsea are both well in the mix for the recent France debutant. Real Madrid are also in the running for the top talent.

Monaco set Tchouameni asking price

With the range of suitors in mind, Monaco will ask for a minimum of €45m to sell him, as per the Turin-based paper.

His Premier League admirers may receive some hope with the news that Juventus are looking at alternatives. Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax and Axel Witsel of Borussia Dortmund are at different stages of their careers, but are both being kept in mind.

If Juve deem it more suitable to pursue either of them, Tchouameni could be pushed towards the Premier League.


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ARSENAL PLAYER IN TRANSFER AGREEMENT

Mohamed Elneny has an agreement in principle to join Galatasaray from Arsenal in the January transfer window. He still needs to iron out specific personal terms, though. (Sporx)

Erling Haaland has set his order of preference for his next destination: Real Madrid are first choice, PSG second and Manchester City third. (AS)

Real Madrid want to start negotiating with Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in January. However, Liverpool could even look at him as a replacement for either James Milner or Thiago. (Ekrem Konur)

PSG have shortlisted Pogba as one of three free-transfer opportunities, along with Franck Kessie and Marcelo Brozovic. (Calciomercato)

West Ham could make a €10m move for Spartak Moscow striker Jordan Larsson – son of Henrik – in January. (Sportbladet)

Juventus are in the race for Dusan Vlahovic but have been advised to keep an eye on competition from Manchester City. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Atletico Madrid are eyeing free transfers for Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen and Arsenal attacker Alexandre Lacazette. (Fichajes)

TOP DEFENDER OPEN TO MAN CITY MOVE

Kalidou Koulibaly Napoli TEAMtalk

Manchester City are one of only three clubs Kalidou Koulibaly would leave Napoli for. The others are Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo)

Man Utd winger Amad Diallo is interested in joining Feyenoord on loan. (Feyenoord Transfermarkt)

Liverpool are battling with Manchester City for the signature of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham. (Sport1)

Arsenal and AC Milan possess concrete interest in Club Brugge winger Noa Lang ahead of the winter window. (Voetbal24)

Prospective Barcelona boss Xavi wants them to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich. (Diario Sport)

Man City are unlikely to sell Barcelona target Raheem Sterling in January without finding a replacement. (Diario Sport)

AND MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Juventus boss Max Allegri has changed his mind about Weston McKennie and now has a place in his plans for the midfielder. (TuttoJuve)

Barcelona will allow summer signing Luuk De Jong to leave in January after a lack of gametime. (Diario Sport)


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Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz and Gareth Bale will all be leaving Real Madrid in January. (Fichajes)

Trabzonspor would like to sign Jamal Lewis on loan from Newcastle midway through the season. (Fotospor)

Villarreall winger Arnaut Danjuma has already become a target for Sevilla and Atletico Madrid in a potential €25m deal. (Todofichajes)

Ilaix Moriba is looking to leave RB Leipzig on loan after struggling for gametime since joining from Barcelona. (Todofichajes)