Paper Talk: Arsenal eye £27m Argentina striker; shock Martial U-turn

Oli Fisher

Jose Mourinho has made the shock decision to keep one of his wingers, while Arsenal are set to launch a fresh bid for an Argentine World Cup star, according to Monday’s papers.

 

MOURINHO MAKES BOLD MARTIAL CALL

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will reject any offers for Anthony Martial over fears he could be the next Mo Salah, a report claims.

The former Monaco winger has been in and out of Mourinho’s side since his appointment at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016, but the January arrival of Alexis Sanchez has pushed the player further down the pecking order.

According to the Daily Star on Sunday, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have begun talks with the representatives of Martial over a possible £70m switch.

The player’s agent recently confirmed the player wants to leave United, with PSG and Juventus also linked.

However, the Manchester Evening News on Monday claims that Mourinho is now reluctant to allow Martial to leave due to the fact he got it wrong with Salah.

The Egypt international worked under Mourinho at Chelsea but was allowed to leave after failing to get consistent game time, but won the Premier League golden boot last season and netted 44 goals in all competitions.

Mourinho is wary of avoiding another situation of regret, and as a result will likely rebuff any offers for the former Monaco star this summer.

 

AND THE REST

Arsenal could ressurect their interest in Boca Junior striker Cristian Pavon – rated at £27m. (Express)

Wolves are trying to sign Colombia’s Porto midfielder Juan Quintero – who has impressed at the World Cup in Russia – but face competition from Real Madrid and Tottenham for the 25-year-old. (Mirror)

Chelsea could appoint new boss Maurizio Sarri on Monday and his first signing will be Russia midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, 22, who will cost £27m from CSKA Moscow. (Sun)

West Ham and Fulham are locked in a £25m battle for Nice’s French striker Alassane Plea, 25. (Sun)

Newcastle are also interested in former Lyon striker Plea, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season. (Shields Gazette)

Newcastle are considering a bid for Crystal Palace’s English winger Andros Townsend, 26, but only if they decide to sell Scotland winger Matt Ritchie, 28, to Stoke City. (Telegraph)

Matej Vydra is edging towards a £11m move to Leeds after the 26-year-old Czech striker was excluded from Derby’s training camp in Tenerife. (Telegraph)