Paper Talk: Arteta backed with two Prem hitmen touted to replace Arsenal pair
Mikel Arteta will be backed financially after two Premier League strikers were touted as replacements for a veteran pair, while Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly criticised a contentious Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decision regarding Man Utd icon Cristiano Ronaldo – all in Tuesday’s transfer gossip.
ARSENAL TARGET EVERTON, ASTON VILLA STRIKERS
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is ‘prepared to back’ Arteta as the Spaniard considers raiding Aston Villa and Everton to rejuvenate his forward line, per a report.
The future of Alexandre Lacazette appears destined to lay away from the Emirates. The Frenchman, 30, is in the final year of his contract with little sign an extension will be signed.
Lacazette will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs in January, though interest closer to home has emerged. London pair West Ham and Crystal Palace have been credited as potential landing spots.
Losing Lacazette would leave Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the sole reliable source of goals. However, at 32, the Gabon international is in the autumn of his career.
As such, the Sun report Arsenal have identified two English strikers capable of replacing the pair.
Firstly, it’s claimed Arteta is seeking a ‘young goalscorer with Premier League experience’. Arsenal signed six first-teamers all under the age of 24 this summer, indicating a shift in their transfer strategy.
The first name that fits both the manager and club’s criteria is Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It’s acknowledged the Toffees will fight ‘tooth and nail’ to retain the 24-year-old England international, with a figure upwards of £50m touted as being required to green light a deal.
Alexandre Lacazette offered to AC Milan
Alexandre Lacazette has reportedly been offered to AC Milan on a free transfer, with more news on Eddie Nketiah and on Arsenal's current goalkeeping situation.
The second name mentioned is Villa’s Ollie Watkins. At 25, Watkins is entering his prime and was recently reported to be a Tottenham target.
Having gone from strength to strength and worked his way into Gareth Southgate’s England plans since his £28m move from Brentford, Watkins too would not come cheap.
Nonetheless, Kroenke is declared to be willing to put up the cash required to satisfy his manager’s demands.
Mo Salah vs Jamie Vardy – Which Premier League hitman is likelier to stay the course?
FERGUSON CRITICAL OF SOLSKJAER’S RONALDO DECISION
Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday. An overheard conversation betwene the Scottish legend and former UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov prompted the story. (The Sun)
Chelsea have entered talks with RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku. Thomas Tuchel previously managed the Frenchman during their time at PSG. (The Sun)
Donny van de Beek will push to leave Manchester United if his game-time doesn’t improve in the coming months. (Daily Express)
Leicester have suffered a significant injury blow. Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi could miss the next seven Foxes matches. (The Sun)
Erling Haaland will miss Norway’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers through injury as he ‘can’t even walk’. (The Sun)
Manchester United and Juventus could go head to head for the signature of Ousmane Dembele. The Barcelona winger is in the final year of his contract. (Daily Star)
Everton coach Duncan Ferguson scouted Stoke City and Australia centre-back Harry Souttar, 22. The Toffees are planning for the possible departure of Colombia international Yerry Mina. (The Sun)
Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
TOTTENHAM HAVE HANDY NUNO BREAK CLAUSE
Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed claims that manager Nuno Espirito Santo could be sacked if a top-six finish isn’t achieved. (Daily Star)
However, Spurs can sack the Portuguese in the summer without having to pay any compensation if they finish seventh or below. (Athletic)
Man Utd have emerged as a likely landing spot for AC Milan’s all-action midfielder, Franck Kessie. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea will receive fresh interest from Inter Milan for left-wingback Marcos Alonso. (Tutto Mercato)
Inter Milan are keen on Chelsea's Marcos Alonso
Inter Milan will reportedly go back in for Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, with more news on Ben Chilwell and Antonio Rudiger.
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has reportedly cancelled his side’s week off after successive Premier League defeats. (The Sun)
Following Andros Townsend’s celebration that mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese icon rejected his request to swap shirts four times. (Daily Mail)
AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Tuchel is urging Chelsea to resolve their contract differences with Germany defender Antonio Rudiger. The 28-year-old was offered a measly pay-rise and is in the final year of his deal. (Daily Express)
Barcelona have suffered a tepid start to proceedings in La Liga this season after well-documented financial woes this summer. In response, they have targeted Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo in the market. (Daily Express)
The Catalan giants also remain in negotiations with former Spain midfielder and club legend Xavi, 41, about taking over from manager Ronald Koeman. (90min)
Timo Werner’s time at Chelsea could be coming to an end. Four elite European sides reportedly ready to make a move for the German striker. (Daily Express)
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is reportedly looking to leave the club in January after falling out of favour at Old Trafford. (Daily Star)
Monaco have valued 21-year-old France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, a transfer target for Juventus and Chelsea, at £34m (Calciomercato)