Paper Talk: Gunners to sign Russian; Batshuayi battle

Aleksandr Kokorin: Linked with Arsenal move

Aleksandr Kokorin: Linked with Arsenal move

Arsenal are close to a deal for Aleksandr Kokorin, Radamel Falcao is tipped to join Fenerbahce, while Spurs and Arsenal will battle for Michy Batshuayi, claim Saturday’s papers.

ARSENAL IN TALKS FOR CUT-PRICE WINGER

Arsenal are in talks to sign Aleksandr Kokorin from Dynamo Moscow during January’s transfer window.

According to claims in the Russia media, and carried in today’s Sun, the 24-year-old Russian, who is out of contract next summer, has been made available now with Arsene Wenger willing to spend £4.3m.

The Gunners, however, could yet sign a pre-contract agreement with the player and land him on a free in the summer.

Either way, the deal will be tied up in January with Kokorin agreeing personal terms with Arsenal, according to Russian outlet Izvestia.

Arsenal held talks with the Russian side in the summer but could not secure a move.

But negotiations have been reopened and Arsenal are now set to land their long-term target.

 

FENERBAHCE KEEN ON FALCAO SWOOP

Radamel Falcao, who is currently on loan at Chelsea – following a dismal season with Manchester United – could now be on his way to Turkey to join Fenerbahce in January.

According to Turkish outlet Haber Ler, and as reported in Saturday’s Daily Star, Fenerbahce will look to tempt Monaco into ending Falcao’s Chelsea loan early and reunite the striker with former United team-mate Robin van Persie.

It’s suggested the Blues would be open to such a move after seeing Falcao score just once in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, allowing them to invest in a new January arrival.

It’s claimed Monaco would also agree to his early exit from west London as Falcao, previously seen as one of the world’s leading hitmen, attempts to rediscover his best form.

Jose Mourinho’s side currently sit 14th in the Premier League standings and need to take their opportunity to offload any dead weight, meaning January represents an opportunity to rejuvenate their squad.

 

SPURS AND ARSENAL BATTLE OVER BATSHUAYI

Tottenham are battling with the Gunners for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi, 22.

Spurs are preparing to make an early offer in January for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi in a bid to secure back-up for Harry Kane, reports the Daily Mail.

Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign another forward to share the workload with Kane amid fears they would be caught short if their main goalscorer got injured.

Spurs sent scouts to watch £15million-rated Batshuayi play against Rennes last week and a club insider told Sportsmail that they will test Marseille with an early bid when the transfer market opens.

Yet Tottenham face competition for the 22-year-old after Arsenal also sent their scout, Gilles Grimandi, to watch Batshuayi face Rennes in the 1-0 win for Marseille.

Batshuayi has 19 goals in 42 games in Ligue 1 and a bidding war could break out between the Barclays Premier League clubs.

AND THE REST

  • Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will not be drawn into making any panic purchases during January’s transfer window (various)
  • Barcelona have told the Premier League’s big spenders: “We don’t need to sell Lionel Messi, Neymar or Luis Suarez.”
  • Celtic’s Nir Bitton is not planning to quit Scotland just yet – after being linked with a move south to the Premier League – saying: “I’ve just signed a five-year contract, so to say I am going to leave now is a bit crazy.” (Daily Express)
  • Sam Allardyce warns Sunderland striker Fabio Borini: “You’d better start scoring soon.” The Italian has netted just one Premier League goal in 18 months.
  • Arsenal winger Emile Smith-Rowe, 15, is a target for Barcelona, who sent scouts to watch him play for England U16s last week (Daily Mail)
  • Norwich winger Kyle Lafferty could on his way back to Palermo (Sky Italia)
  • Watford want to bring in Roma forward Juan Iturbe on loan (Tuttomercatoweb)