Paper Talk: Arsenal blown out of water as Liverpool join race for top target

Arsenal’s chances of signing Martin Odegaard permanently have taken a hit due to a soaring asking price, while Thomas Tuchel is ready to defy the wishes of one Chelsea star – all in the latest transfer gossip.

PREM RIVALS WANT PERMANENT ODEGAARD DEAL

Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG have entered the race for Martin Odegaard’s permanent signature after his value rose to £50m.

That’s according to the Star on Sunday, after reports from Football Insider that Odegaard would have no future at Real Madrid if Zinedine Zidane remains as manager this season.

Odegaard found little space under Zidane after returning to Madrid from a loan spell with Real Sociedad in the summer. Injury issues were blamed but it is believed the manager still has doubts about the Norwegian, despite reports to the contrary.

Madrid sent Odegaard on loan to Arsenal in January in a bid to get his career back on track. He has made a decent impression in north London, with two goals from 12 appearances so far.

Arsenal are keen to make Odegaard’s signing a permanent one, but his form during his loan spell has seen Madrid raise their asking price.

Should Arsenal be unable to meet the £50m demands, they may miss out on his signature to Premier League rivals.

It is claimed that London rivals Chelsea, as well as Premier League champions Liverpool, are keeping tabs on Odegaard’s situation.

Arsenal: Will Martin Odegaard be like Dani Ceballos?

Arsenal: Will Martin Odegaard be like Dani Ceballos?

Arsenal fan and radio presenter Roman Kemp discusses Martin Odegaard's imminent move to the club and Mesut Ozil's departure to Fenerbahce.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is hopeful the player would prefer to stay with them. But since there is no set option to buy in his loan, Arsenal may be blown out of the water if Madrid up their demands any more.

The La Liga giants already rated Odegaard at £30m before the start of the season. Now, that price is driving up all the time, and is currently at £50m.

Chelsea and PSG would be more able to pay that fee than Arsenal, while Liverpool could also pose a threat.


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


TUCHEL TELLS CHELSEA TO SELL WERNER

Thomas Tuchel has told Chelsea to send Timo Werner to Borussia Dortmund in a swap deal for Erling Haaland, despite previous reports that the German striker would not entertain such an idea. (Sunday Express)

Real Madrid do not have a place in their plans for Gareth Bale next season, despite the on-loan Tottenham forward saying he would be back. (Marca)

Madrid have a list of six players they could cash in on to raise funds for Kylian Mbappe and Haaland. (Sunday Mirror)

Liverpool will once again have to try to find a new club for Marko Grujic after his loan spell at Porto ends. (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United could reignite their interest in Watford winger Ismaila Sarr as a cheaper alternative to Jadon Sancho. (Sunday Express)

KANE FUTURE TALKS ON HOLD

Harry Kane, Tottenham beaten in Zagreb

Harry Kane has put a decision about his Tottenham future on hold until after Euro 2020 this summer. (Sky Sports)

Inter Milan could be open to selling Romelu Lukaku, linked with a Premier League return, if they can sign Sergio Aguero from Manchester City. (Star on Sunday)

Man Utd have been quoted a £103m asking price for Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente. (Marca)

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier is on PSG’s radar. (The National)

Miguel Almiron’s admission that he wants to “play in a team that fights more” has not gone down well with his Newcastle teammates. (Football Insider)

NEW CONTRACTS FOR MAN CITY TRIO?

Manchester City and Raheem Sterling have postponed contract talks until the end of the season after he recently changed his agent. (Star on Sunday)

City will also speak to Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho about signing new contracts. (Sunday Sun)

Departing Celtic captain Scott Brown has been tipped to return to the club as manager in the future by ex-boss Brendan Rodgers. (Sunday Mail)

Marseille have stalled on a £4.5m deal to sign Oliver Ntcham, who could instead return to Celtic this summer. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)