Euro Paper Talk: Tottenham looking to gazump Arsenal for Italy pivot
Tottenham are looking to beat Arsenal and Juventus to the signing of a key Italy midfielder, while Liverpool have stepped up their bid to sign Gini Wijnaldum’s replacement – both in Friday’s Euro Paper Talk.
SPURS RIVAL ARSENAL FOR LOCATELLI
Tottenham are reportedly looking to beat north London rivals Arsenal and Juventus to the signing of a top Italian midfielder this summer.
Spurs are being linked with countless Serie A stars, since announcing the appointment of Fabio Paratici as their new sporting director.
And a new name on that list is Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, who is currently starring for Italy at Euro 2020.
Italian journalist and Il Bianconero director, Marcello Chirico, warned on Twitter that any Locatelli suitors need to be wary of Paratici making a move for the 23-year-old.
According to Chirico (as cited by Sport Witness), Paratici spent two years trying to bring the player to Turin, and is now doing the same at new club Spurs.
Paratici is said to have ‘already contacted’ Sassuolo general manager Giovanni Carnevali over a potential deal.
The one stumbling in his way, however, remains that the player himself would prefer to stay in Italy.
That clearly gives Juve the upper hand in the race for his signature, despite the fact that Tottenham would arguably put together a better financial package.
As for Arsenal, they are ready to bid £30million plus for Locatelli, even though they’ve been informed of his preference to remain in his homeland.
LIVERPOOL RAMP UP BID FOR GERMANY STAR
Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach and Germany Florian Neuhaus. (Sport1)
Chelsea are willing to offer £52million plus Marcos Alonso in order to sign Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan.
Leonardo Spinazzola’s agent has met Real Madrid representatives with the Merengues preparing a swap deal for the Italy international. (AS)
Ronald Koeman says Lionel Messi “has to finish his career at Barcelona”, with the Blaugrana boss expecting a contract extension to be announced “soon”. (Sport)
Barcelona are waiting for Memphis Depay to approve the final details of the contract sent to him before officially announcing the signing of the Dutchman. (Mundo Deportivo)
Roma will try to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz if they fail to land Arsenal star Granit Xhaka. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Wolves are interested in moving for former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa. (UOL)
Aston Villa and West Ham are looking into a deal for BSC Young Boys defender Mohamed Ali Camara. (Sport Witness)
Juventus are reportedly ready to offer €30m plus one player to sign Arsenal and Tottenham target Manuel Locatelli. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Napoli are open to offers for former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. (Corriere dello Sport)
Jerome Boateng’s next career move could be in France with Monaco on the lookout for a centre-back. (Le10 Sport)
AC Milan will have to double their offer if they are to secure the signing of Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara. (Calciomercato)
Former Crotone goalkeeper Alex Cordaz has agreed a deal to join Internazionale. (Calciomercato)
Stefan Radu has snubbed a move to Inter and will sign a contract extension with Lazio until June 2023. (Sky Sport Italia)