Paper Talk: Man Utd door open to steal Koulibaly as two deals near

Kalidou Koulibaly, Fabian Ruiz TEAMtalk

Manchester United are set to sign two defenders in the next few weeks with Kalidou Koulibaly the headline act, while Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign a World Cup winner, according to Wednesday’s paper gossip.

 

KOULIBALY DEAL BACK ON FOR UNITED

Manchester United are ready to relaunch their efforts to bring Kalidou Koulibaly to Old Trafford, according to reports.

Koulibaly is a man in demand this summer after Napoli finally decided to sell. A move to Manchester City looks to be on the cards, despite their acquisition of Nathan Ake.

However, their negotiations with Napoli have been delayed.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis claims the reason talks aren’t progressing quickly is because City are still bitter that the Serie A side sold Jorginho to Chelsea instead of them two years ago.

De Laurentiis told Canale 21 recently: “How can we have a normal and calm negotiation with Manchester City to sell Koulibaly?

“They won’t talk directly with us because of the Jorginho deal two years ago.”

Now that row appears to have opened the door for United.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, via the Daily Mirror, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is plotting to nab Koulibaly from under City’s noses.

The Italian football transfer expert claims that has given United a chance and they will launch a fresh bid to bring him to Old Trafford.

Koulibaly is thought to be on the market for around €75m (£68.2m) – and the fee will reel United in.

 

The Red Devils have a long-standing interest in the Senegal defender and believe he could form a fearsome partnership alongside Harry Maguire.

United won’t stop there, either.

The Mirror also believes talks on a deal for Sergio Reguilon are slowly progressing and they claim the deal is currently being held up by Real Madrid’s insistence on a buy-back clause.

That has seen United open talks as well with the agent of Porto star Alex Telles. However, the Mirror claims Reguilon remains their top left-back target and a double deal could be concluded.

 

ARSENAL OFFERED ALPHONSE AREOLA

Alphonse Areola

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be one step closer to solving his goalkeeping conundrum after being offered Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan from PSG. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for goalkeeper Sergio Romero, with Aston Villa, Leeds and Chelsea interested. (Daily Express)

Bournemouth want to sign striker Tyrese Campbell, 20, from Stoke City. (Daily Express)

Jurgen Klopp will sit down for talks with Gini Wijnaldum over his future at Liverpool on Wednesday, according to reports. (Daily Express)

Chelsea star Kai Havertz has asked to take Fikayo Tomori’s No 20 shirt for the upcoming Premier League season. The Chelsea defender is preparing to move to Everton on loan. (Daily Express)

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette had a phone call with Lyon chief Juninho Pernambucano earlier this year over a return to his former club on loan. (Daily Express)

Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has hinted he is staying – despite interest from Valencia. (The Sun)

 

ROSE HEADING TO ITALY

Danny Rose is on his way out of Tottenham to Cagliari after being frozen out of Jose Mourinho’s plans. (The Sun)

Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher is being chased by newly-promoted pair Leeds and West Brom as they weigh up loan moves. (The Sun)

John Stones plans to stay at Man City and fight for his place next season despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. (The Sun)

Wigan’s potential new owners are willing to move grounds and could play at Leigh’s rugby league stadium. (The Sun)

Barcelona have made a bid of £7.2m to sign Manchester City defender Eric Garcia. (Daily Mail)

Wolves are prepared to open up discussions with Nuno Espirito Santo and will offer him a bumper new deal. (Daily Mail)

 

AND MORE GOSSIP

Andre Gray Watford goal

Watford striker Andre Gray is likely to leave on loan and West Brom are leading the chase. (Daily Mail)

Jordan Lukaku, brother of Inter Milan forward Romelu, could move to England with Lazio willing to sell and for just £5m. (Daily Mail)

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is prepared to hand in a transfer request and try and force through a move to Arsenal. (Daily Mail)

Chelsea are on the verge of confirming the arrival of Edouard Mendy from Rennes. (Daily Star)

Lewis Dunk has left the door open to a potential Chelsea transfer despite signing a new contract at Brighton. (Daily Star)

Burnley have significantly lowered their James Tarkowski asking price as West Ham up their bid. (Daily Star)