Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd handed huge boost in striker chase but still facing £79m hit; £53m midfielder opts for Arsenal switch

Dusan Vlahovic, Strahinja Pavlovic, Serbia, December 2022

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been given a boost ahead of their expected summer chase to land a top Juventus striker, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk claims that a Gunners midfield target has decided on a move to The Emirates.

PREM TRIO ON ALERT AS JUVE OPT FOR STRIKER SALE

Juventus are reportedly willing to consider selling striker Dusan Vlahovic for €90m in the summer, especially if they fail to get Champions League next season, which looks highly likely.

The Bianconeri are now 14 points below a Champions League spot after a 15-point deduction. And they could receive another penalty later this season if a second sporting trial looking into the salaries they allegedly paid under the table takes place.

UEFA could also take action, potentially banning the Turin giants from European competitions for at least one season.

That would leave the club in even more turmoil and almost certainly lead to some form of a firesale.

And now Il Corriere dello Sport states that Juventus could part company with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal target Vlahovic.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported earlier this week that Vlahovic could be one of the players sacrificed on the market if the Old Lady fails to gain access to Europe’s elite competition this term.

And Friday’s edition of Il Corriere dello Sport confirms Vlahovic could move elsewhere in the summer, although the Bianconeri would only consider offers of at least €90m.

Prem trio all in the hunt for prolific Serb

United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all known to have recently held talks with the player’s entourage. However, there were no formal offers submitted for the player, who is currently sidelined with a groin injury and has not played since October.

Bayern Munich, PSG and Barcelona are also being tipped to join the race for his signature. However, the financial positions of the Premier League trio makes a move to England more likely.

The Serbia international has scored 16 goals in 36 appearances for Juventus since his €80m move from Fiorentina a year ago.

In terms of which one of the Premier League trio needs Vlahovic most, United are certainly the frontrunner there.

Having lost Cristiano Ronaldo, they now have Wout Weghorst on loan. However, it’s not thought his current deal will be turned into a permanent one – despite his desire to do.

ARSENAL MIDFIELD TARGET KEEN ON MOVE

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has ‘decided to bet on Arsenal’ in the summer. But only if they pay his €60m (£53m) release clause. (Sport)

At least six Inter Milan players will leave by the summer and the Nerazzurri have targeted Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino for the 2023/24 campaign. (Gazzetta)

Chelsea want a fee of just £17.5million for Hakim Ziyech before Tuesday’s deadline, with Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle all showing interest in the Morocco World Cup star. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ‘close to acquiring’ Manchester United, with a huge deal at ‘an advanced stage’. (TuttoMercatoWeb)

Barcelona are ‘attentive’ to the possibility of a renewed bid for Cesar Azpilicueta in the summer if Chelsea continue to add to their squad in the coming months. (Sport)

Chelsea want to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. However, the Belgium international has turned down the move as he wants to focus on helping the relegation-threatened Toffees for the rest of the season. (Het Nieuwsblad)

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Leeds will have to fight with Arsenal and Aston Villa to sign Weston McKennie in the winter market, with all three clubs still in the running for the Juventus midfielder. (Calciomercato)

Juventus's USA midfielder Weston McKennie controls the ball during Serie A football match between Spezia and Juventus at the Alberto Picco Stadium, La Spezia

Roma owners are trying to force Nicolo Zaniolo’s move to Bournemouth. They are threatening that he won’t play for the Giallorossi again if he stays at the Stadio Olimpico. (Il Corriere dello Sport)

Matteo Darmian has agreed to sign a new contract with Inter Milan and will put pen to paper soon. (Football Italia)

Leicester are ‘convinced’ they can sign Brazilian star Tete from Lyon in the next few days. (Foot Mercato)

Juventus owner John Elkann insists the troubled Bianconeri are not up for sale. (Football Italia)

Carlo Ancelotti has dropped a hint over the future of Dani Ceballos, who he would prefer to stay. (Marca)

Hellas Verona midfielder Ivan Ilic has decided to accept Torino’s offer, despite the insistence of Olympique Marseille. (Gianluca Di Marzio)