Paper Talk: Price tag rockets up from £14m as Chelsea rival Prem duo for star winger

Jonas Hofmann, Niklas Sule Germany June 2021

Chelsea learn a big new price for a star winger target as they tussle a Premier League duo, while Arsenal eye a shock contract move – both in all the latest Paper Talk.

BLUES, TOTTENHAM LEARN HOFMANN PRICE

Chelsea, Tottenham and Leicester must pay at least £34million to land Borussia Monchengladbach winger Jonas Hoffman, says the club’s sporting director.

All three Premier League clubs are reportedly eyeing up attacking swoops this summer, with the Germany international on their radars. The 28-year-old enjoyed a strong season, netting eight goals and assisting 13 others in 33 games across all competitions. As a result, he has become a key target across the continent.

Reports have linked Chelsea with a move for the winger since February, when his price tag sat at around £14million.

Alongside Liverpool-linked midfielder Florian Neuhaus, Hofmann proved one of Monchengladbach’s best players last season.

As a result, the club’s transfer guru Max Eberl has offered an update on his fee.

He told Bild (via the Leicester Mercury): “We live in a time when you can’t rule anything out.

Transfer Chatter - Chelsea and Manchester City forward blow, Sancho deal agreed and PSG in talks with Ronaldo.

Transfer Chatter - Chelsea and Manchester City forward blow, Sancho deal agreed and PSG in talks with Ronaldo.

Chelsea and Manchester City suffer striker blow after television claims, Jadon Sancho fee agreed and Cristiano Ronaldo in talk to move to France, all in today's transfer chatter

“We certainly don’t want to sell Jonas. But if at some point a club is offering 40 million euros [£34million] for Jonas, we can’t say we’re not interested.”

Hofmann is under contract until the summer of 2023, hence the willingness from his club to put a hefty price tag on his head.

Speaking about his future in March, the winger told Ruhr Nachrichten: “I think it’s clear that other clubs will notice you if you perform well.

“Therefore, it is possible that one or the other has already asked.”

Hofmann‘s strong showing last season saw him rewarded with a place in Germany’s Euro 2020 squad.


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AND THE REST FROM PAPER TALK

Arsenal are considering handing Matteo Guendouzi a contract offer, despite him remaining frozen out. By doing so, they could maximise the fee they could earn from his exit. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle have earmarked Arsenal defender William Saliba as a summer transfer target. For now, though, the Frenchman is waiting to see if he fits into the Gunners’ plans for next season. (Daily Mail)

Bayer Leverkusen are ready to step up interest in Kristoffer Ajer after he made a shock Celtic exit revelation. (The Scottish Sun)

Aston Villa are preparing a move for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse. (The Guardian)

VILLA SETBACK OVER WARD-PROWSE

James Ward-Prowse and Kevin De Bruyne, December 2020

However, the Saints have labelled the England international as not for sale. (Daily Mail)

Wolves will listen to offers for midfielder Ruben Neves this summer. (The Sun)

What’s more, Arsenal are working on a deal for the Portuguese. (The Times)

Germany midfielder Kai Havertz admits he is dreading facing Chelsea team-mate and France star N’Golo Kante at Euro 2020. (The Sun)

DYCHE NEARS NEW BURNLEY DEAL

Sean.Dyche_.2021.TEAMtalk31

Sean Dyche is closing in on a new deal as Burnley manager. Four Premier League clubs have vacancies to fill, but Dyche will now be ruled out as a candidate. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham will confirm the appointment of ex-Juventus transfer chief Fabio Paratici this week. That is despite efforts at bringing Antonio Conte in as manager falling through. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United will install new floodlights at Old Trafford and their Carrington training facility, as part of an £11million refurbishment project this summer. (Daily Mail)

GIROUD FUTURE STILL UNCERTAIN

Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic of Chelsea

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud could still sign for AC Milan, despite signing a contract extension with the Blues. (Goal)

Indeed, the Frenchman has admitted his admiration for the Serie A giants. (The Sun)

Barcelona are showing interest in Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte. Furthermore, they could allow Sergi Roberto to leave to City as part of a deal. (Sport)