Euro Paper Talk: Fabrizio Romano reveals next Arsenal midfield signing with La Liga ace to succeed Jorginho; Ten Hag risks player wrath after Man Utd transfer block

Fabrizio Romano has detailed which midfielder Arsenal could pursue next as Mikel Arteta begins to look towards the summer, Erik ten Hag is at risk of falling out with a Manchester United player after blocking his transfer, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Liverpool are on the verge of finalising a new contract.

ARSENAL EYE LA LIGA MAN IN JORGINHO SUCCESSION IDEA

Arsenal may have signed Jorginho from Chelsea to plug their midfield gap, but they could still bring in a Spain international this summer to bolster the position further.

Arsenal caused shockwaves in the Premier League when they moved in for Jorginho on Monday. And progress was soon made over a deal with Chelsea.

The Gunners announced Jorginho’s arrival in north London on transfer deadline day. The 31-year-old has penned an 18-month contract with Arsenal and will wear the number 20 shirt.

Arsenal spent £12million to sign Jorginho after having two bids rejected for Brighton star Moises Caicedo. Arteta was in need of a new midfielder after it emerged Mohamed Elneny’s knee injury would keep him out for a prolonged amount of time.

Jorginho is a clever addition for Arsenal as he is a Premier League-ready player who also boasts experience in the Champions League and on the international stage. However, as he is past 30, he is not a long-term solution for Arteta.

It seems Arsenal are already getting to work on who might succeed him in the middle of the pitch. And according to Romano, they hold an interest in Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

He states that Arsenal ‘considered’ landing Zubimendi before deciding on Jorginho. But as Zubimendi is seven years younger than Jorginho, he could eventually move to the Emirates to succeed his fellow midfielder.

The one-cap Spain international is one of the hottest properties in La Liga right now. He has been one of Sociedad’s most important players this season, playing in 24 matches across all competitions.

Arsenal, Man Utd both want Martin Zubimendi

His top performances in Spain have piqued Arsenal’s interest. Man Utd also admire Zubimendi, so Arsenal may have to fight off Erik ten Hag to land him.

In a boost for both Premier League sides, Zubimendi will not cost as much as Caicedo. While Brighton rejected a £70m bid from Arsenal for Caicedo, Zubimendi has a €60m (£52.7m) release clause in his Sociedad contract.

This means Sociedad will not be able to stop their prized asset from leaving if Arsenal submit a £52.7m bid. The Gunners would then be able to immediately start contract talks with the player.

Another factor that could see this summer move go through is the fact Zubimendi would like to join Arsenal. He rejected their advances in January as he did not want to leave Sociedad mid-season. But at the end of the campaign he will be ready to take the next step in his career, and Arsenal can offer him that.

TEN HAG BLOCKS MAN UTD PLAYER’S DEPARTURE

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag could end up falling out with defender Victor Lindelof after blocking his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt. Lindelof ‘would have liked’ to join the German club if Ten Hag had let him. (Bild)

Chelsea’s big new signing Enzo Fernandez has been warned he could turn into another Hakim Ziyech due to how the Blues treat players. (AD)

Ballon d’Or winner Kaka has told Rafael Leao now is the best time to leave AC Milan amid interest from Chelsea and Man Utd. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

However, Leao’s lawyer insists he wants to remain with Milan by signing a new contract. (Fabrizio Romano)

Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo said it has been a ‘difficult’ time for him after failed January transfers to Tottenham and Bournemouth. (various)

The agent of new Arsenal signing Jakub Kiwior says it was ‘difficult to say no’ to Arsenal once they expressed interest in capturing him. (TV Play)

Leicester and Hoffenheim were ready to bid €10m (£8.9m) for Red Bull Salzburg attacker Sekou Koita, but the Austrian outfit did not want to let him leave. (L’Equipe)

LIVERPOOL CLOSE TO AGREEING NEW CONTRACT

Liverpool are on the cusp of sorting out a new contract with Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino. (Sky Sport Germany)

Torino manager Ivan Juric admits his team is weaker now midfielder Sasa Lukic has gone to Fulham. (various)

Borussia Dortmund will not sell Liverpool target Jude Bellingham for less than €120m (£107m). (Fabrizio Romano)

There is growing concern at Real Madrid that veteran star Toni Kroos may retire at the end of the season. (Diario AS)

Nottingham Forest tried to sign Anderlecht goalkeeper Hendrik van Crombrugge before settling on Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Keylor Navas. (HLN)

Barcelona will focus on contract renewals now the transfer window is shut. The three players in line for new deals are Sergi Roberto, Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets. (Sport)

Andrey Santos has been backed to make a massive impact on Chelsea after bagging four goals in as many appearances for Brazil U20s recently. (Corriere dello Sport)

ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMIN REPRESENTATIVE HOLDS EXIT TALKS

The agent of Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin held discussions with Milan about a January transfer. However, Newcastle were never willing to sell him. (Fabrizio Romano)

19-year-old Brighton attacker Julio Enciso rejected approaches from Sevilla and Sunderland to try and fight for his place under Roberto De Zerbi. (La Nacion)

Real Madrid rejected the chance to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus in January. (various)

PSG hoped to sign Brazilian winger Malcolm from Zenit St Petersburg but were put off by his €30m (£26.7m) price tag. (L’Equipe)

Sofyan Amrabat has apologised to his Fiorentina team-mates after trying to push through a late move to Barcelona on deadline day. (various)

Montpellier looked into a deal for Dortmund left-back Nico Schulz but their boss Romain Pitau pulled the plug on talks. (L’Equipe)