Paper Talk: Edu, Arsenal in race against time after leapfrogging Tottenham, Chelsea to signing

Edu and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal,

Arsenal are ahead of Tottenham and Chelsea in the transfer battle to sign a Serie A star, while Everton ponder a January raid on Newcastle – both in all the latest Paper Talk.

ARSENAL IN INSIGNE TRANSFER RACE

Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne has interest from Arsenal as well as Tottenham and Chelsea, according to a report.

The 30-year-old has remained a stoic figure at his Serie A employers since rising through the youth ranks. Indeed, he has made 405 appearances there and is the captain.

However, reports in recent weeks have revealed that his time in Naples could be coming to an end. He is into the final year of his latest contract, but has yet to extend.

As such, links with a move to Tottenham and Everton initially emerged for Insigne.

Chelsea have subsequently been named as potential suitors for the 111-goal Napoli star’s free transfer next summer.

According to the latest from Corrierre dello Sport (via Sport Witness), though, Arsenal – led by recruitment chief Edu – are well in the race for Insigne.

Alexandre Lacazette offered to A.C. Milan

Alexandre Lacazette offered to A.C. Milan

Alexandre Lacazette has reportedly been offered to A.C. Milan on a free transfer, with more news on Eddie Nketiah and on Arsenal's current goalkeeping situation.

In fact, the Gunners are reportedly ‘ahead of the others’ with their interest. Nevertheless, they are in a race against time to convince the player to move on, as he could yet sign a new contract.

The renewal is ‘not so far away’ after Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis met Insigne’s agent.

In that meeting, the chief offered a new five-year contract worth €5million (£4.2million) per season, and it remains to be seen if Insigne will accept.

As well as being a star for his club, Insigne has 49 Italy caps, scoring 10 goals. He netted two of those to help his country win Euro 2020.


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AND THE REST FROM PAPER TALK

Dwight McNeil, Sean Longstaff, Newcastle v Burnley August 2021

Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff is a likely January transfer target for Everton manager Rafael Benitez. (The Independent)

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola is trying to convince the Manchester United midfielder to move to Real Madrid, but Paris Saint-Germain remain in the hunt. (El Nacional)

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he expected more from midfielder Kai Havertz. (The Sun)

Timo Werner is also under pressure at Stamford Bridge and faces a fight for his future following Romelu Lukaku’s arrival. (Evening Standard)

Man Utd centre-back Axel Tuanzebe hopes to turn his latest loan move to Aston Villa into a permanent deal. (Birmingham Mail)

ENGLAND SQUAD REACTION

Jadon Sancho during Man Utd debut

Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit back at Gareth Southgate over the England boss’ comments on United winger Jadon Sancho’s call-up snub. (ESPN)

But Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Rose has hailed the “very smart decision” not to call up Jude Bellingham. (Daily Mirror)

Solskjaer also feels happy that Mason Greenwood will not be part of the international break and can focus on his club development. (Manchester Evening News)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists that he has respect for Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola, despite annoying the Spaniard. (The Independent)

GUARDIOLA MAKES STERLING, CITY TRUCE

Man City winger Raheem Sterling playing against Tottenham

Guardiola has made an “uneasy truce” with City star Raheem Sterling, but the England forward still faces an uncertain future. (Daily Telegraph)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set the record straight following Bernd Leno’s reaction to his recent goalkeeping snub. (Daily Express)

Leno’s future has subsequently grown more uncertain following his comments and Arsenal could try to sign Brentford’s David Raya as his successor. (Daily Star)

Martin Keown believes that Man Utd need to bring a “fear factor” back to visiting teams at Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)

Thierry Henry has labelled his former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s plan for a World Cup every two years “mentally exhausting”. (The Sun)