Paper Talk: Deal done for Prem giants to sign Erling Haaland as £100m package is agreed

Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund striker in in DFB Pokal Cup action at St Pauli

Erling Haaland is coming to the Premier League with a blockbuster transfer deal signed off, rumours are growing about Kalvin Phillips’ next club, while Saturday’s Paper Talk claims Antonio Rudiger is nearing a surprise return to Serie A.

CITY HAVE DEAL DONE FOR ERLING HAALAND

Manchester City have a ‘deal in place’ to secure the blockbuster signing of Erling Haaland this summer, claims a report.

The 21-year-old striker is one of the most in-demand players in world football. And having scored a staggering 80 goals in 79 appearances for Borussia Dortmund it’s easy to see why.

Indeed, a move in summer 2023 always looked on the cards with the attacker having an exit clause which kicks in. That allows him to move on a fee of around £63m.

The Daily Mail claims sources in Germany have told them that Haaland will choose a switch to the Etihad Stadium. They claim personal terms have already been discussed and City chiefs are ready to sign off on the deal.

And while his exit fee is set at a mere £63m, commissions for his agent, Mino Raiola, as well as a big signing-on fee, will take City’s outlay to the £100m mark.

The Mail claims the finances are well within City’s remit. And Pep Guardiola has made the Norway striker his No 1 target this summer.

Haaland to Man City makes perfect sense

Haaland to Man City makes perfect sense

Erling Haaland has been linked with Manchester City.

The likes of Barcelona and PSG are also keen on Haaland, with Real Madrid also emerging as leading candidates.

However, the Mail claims there is a growing expectation in Germany that Haaland is heading to City.

Haaland’s father, Alf Inge, spent three years as a player there, having previously played for Leeds. Indeed, Erling was born in the West Yorkshire city.

VILLA PUSHING HARD FOR KALVIN PHILLIPS

Aston Villa are emerging as the leading candidates to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer.

The Leeds star is at something at a career crossroads with his Leeds side battling to stay in the Premier League.

United are two points clear of the relegation zone, though a number of sides below them have games in hand. They face a crucial clash with fellow strugglers Norwich on Sunday.

Relegation for Leeds will, almost certainly, see Phillips leave Elland Road.

We reported earlier in the week how Phillips is a top target for Villa.

Now the Daily Mail claims Phillips will be a prime summer target for Villa boss Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard wants to bolster Villa’s midfield and saw January efforts for Rodrigo Bentancur blocked.

Yves Bissouma is another candidate, with the Brighton man likely to cost around the £50m mark.

But the Mail claims Phillips is now emerging as their top pick with his deal seen as easier for Villa to pull off.

Phillips has been sidelined since December and his injury issues have contributed to Leeds’ slump. He was in the crowd though on Thursday night as Villa put Leeds to the sword 3-0 at Elland Road.

RUDIGER TALKS WITH JUVENTUS

Antonio Rudiger is reportedly in talks with Chelsea as his exit from the club draws closer.

Antonio Rudiger warms up for Chelsea ahead of Premier League game at Stamford Bridge

The Germany defender becomes a free agent at the end of the season so is free to sign for another side. As such, a number of leading sides are being touted as potential options.

Indeed, the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have previously been mentioned as targets. An ambitious report earlier this week also named Newcastle are potential candidates to sign him.

As it goes, The Sun now claims it is Juventus who look the most likely to sign Rudiger.

They claim Juventus sporting director ‘Federico Cherubini is talking to Rudiger’s agent to understand the feasibility of the operation’.

Rudiger earns a deal worth £100,000 a week at Chelsea, but looks set for a significant payrise.

He knows Serie A well from his spell at Roma.

ARSENAL READY TO LET 13 DEPART THIS SUMMER

Arsenal will let as many as 13 players leave the club this summer, claims a report.

The Daily Express suggests Mikel Arteta and Edu are planning a major overhaul of their staff. And the main is to help the Gunners further close the gap on the leading sides.

Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent season to date and are well in the mix to finish in the top four.

However, more work is being done behind the scenes to clear the club of its deadwood.

Among the players likely to depart are Bernd Leno, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin and Lucas Torreira.

They could be joined by Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette, though the latter could yet sign a new deal to stay.

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