Paper Talk: Arsenal surge in Kulusevski hunt after key Juventus meeting

Lautaro Martinez challenging Dejan Kulusevski

Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of a Juventus winger, while a Manchester United forward’s future will rest with incoming boss Ralf Rangnick after interest from an elite suitor emerged – all in Monday’s transfer gossip.

JANUARY ARSENAL TARGET KULUSEVSKI ‘FOR SALE’

Arsenal’s path to signing Juventus winger Dejan Kulusevski has cleared after positive updates on two fronts were detailed.

The Sweden international, 21, has been a bit-part player in Turin this season. Indeed, Kulusevski has made 17 appearances between Serie A and the Champions League. However, the majority of those outings have come via substitute appearances.

Kulusevski operates primarily as a left-footed right winger and had drawn links with north London pair Arsenal and Tottenham.

Indeed, Spurs’ links with Juventus through Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte were believed to hold them in good stead.

However, according to the Mirror (citing Italian outlet Calciomercato), it is Arsenal who are leading the charge with a January move a distinct possibility.

They claim Kulusevski is ‘unhappy’ at his lack of starts under Max Allegri. For their part, Juventus have finally relented and are understood to have transfer listed the forward.

Arsenal to take different approach to tie down Alexandre Lacazette to a new contract

Arsenal to take different approach to tie down Alexandre Lacazette to a new contract

Arsenal remain in a contract stand-off with Alexandre Lacazette, but are hoping that a new strategy will secure the striker’s future in north London., with more news on Eddie Nketiah and Nicolas Pepe.

Juventus still retain hopes of signing Tottenham target Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina. Selling the £30m-rated Kulusevski will aid their cause on that front.

As such, the report reveals Arsenal recently met Juventus’ sporting director Federico Cherubini.

The ‘potential transfer’ of Kulusevski was reportedly on the agenda with the Swede now deemed ‘for sale’.

MAN UTD FORWARD’S FUTURE RESTS WITH RANGNICK

Ralf Rangnick during RB Leipzig press conference

An escape route for Anthony Martial has emerged with Barcelona eyeing a January raid. His future at United faces a key period with incoming manager Ralf Rangnick coming in. (Daily Mirror)

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is reportedly open to a Premier League return. However, he has ruled out joining Newcastle or his former club Tottenham. (Daily Express)

Instead, Modric is open to the idea of linking up with Manchester City when he becomes a free agent next summer. (SuperDeporte)

Liverpool are considering signing Porto winger Luis Diaz in January. The Reds will be light up top in the new year when Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah report for AFCON duty. (Daily Mail)

Daniel Sturridge’s career at Perth Glory took an unexpected turn. The ex-England forward pulled out of his side’s game against Western United after suffering cramp from the four-hour flight to the match. (Daily Mail)

TOTTENHAM IDENTIFY PERFECT HARRY KANE HEIR

Dusan Vlahovic celebrates after Serbia beat Portugal to qualify for 2022 Qatar World Cup

New Tottenham boss Antonio Conte and director of football Fabio Paratici have reportedly earmarked Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic as the ‘ideal heir’ to Harry Kane. (Daily Express)

Andreas Pereira is cursing himself after his error cost Flamengo dearly in the final of the Copa Libertadores. But he had the support of former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay after the game. (Daily Mirror)

Mohamed Elneny’s father is denying claims that his son’s contract with Arsenal, which expires at the end of the season, will be terminated early. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle United want to beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma to sign Austrian star Florian Grillitsch in the window. (The Sun)

AND THE REST IN MONDAY’S TRANSFER GOSSIP

French forward Ousmane Dembele has rejected Barcelona’s latest contract extension offer. As such, the 24-year-old looks almost certain to become a free agent and has previously been linked with Liverpool. (Sport)

Fulham are making a big push for Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini, 25 and could meet his £18m price tag. (The Sun)

Pep Guardiola has had talks over dinner with Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany and chief executive Ferran Reverter. Among the topics discussed was the future of forward Ferran Torres, 21. (Mundo Deportivo)

If Torres moves to Barcelona, it could open the door for RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo, 23, to make a switch to the Etihad. However, Olmo has also emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United. (El Nacional)