Paper Talk: Liverpool to battle Arsenal for Wijnaldum replacement

Liverpool are set to rival Arsenal for a midfield target, while Chelsea have opened the door for two players to leave – according to Friday’s transfer gossip.

 

ARSENAL, LIVERPOOL IN FOR BISSOUMA

Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma is attracting interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, according to reports.

The 24-year-old has impressed on the South Coast since moving to the Premier League in 2018. Now, the former Lille star could be ready for the next step.

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in Bissouma and could make bids in January.

The Mali international has started nine of Brighton’s 10 league games so far this season, contributing one goal. The most recent of those appearances came in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Now, the Premier League champions have identified Bissouma as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

Wijnaldum is about to enter the final six months of his contract at Anfield, and while he remains a key player for Jurgen Klopp, there has been little progress over a renewal.

The Dutch midfielder has been a target for Barcelona ever since his former international manager Ronald Koeman was appointed as manager at Camp Nou. However, a summer deal did not go through.

Barcelona will reignite their interest in January, though. It will leave Liverpool with a tough decision over whether to sell him, or keep him and lose him for free in the summer.

If they choose the former option in January, then Bissouma could arrive to replace him. However, negotiations with Brighton will not be as easy, as he is under contract there until 2023.

Arsenal eye Bissouma as midfield reinforcement

Brighton v Everton Yves Bissouma Miguel Almiron TEAMtalk

Bissouma has also emerged as a target for Arsenal, who have been keen to revamp their midfield ever since Mikel Arteta took over as manager.

The Gunners loaned out Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi in Arteta’s first summer transfer window in charge, but only managed to sign one replacement – Thomas Partey.

They were heavily linked with Houssem Aouar, but the French midfielder appears to be committed to his boyhood club Lyon until at least the end of the season.

Therefore, they are looking at alternative targets, such as RB Salzburg’s Dominik Szoboszlai, in their search for creativity.

Bissouma may be a different type of player, as he is yet to record an assist in two full Premier League seasons. However, he has proven himself as a key man for Brighton, so could be ready for a step up.

 

MAN CITY IN POLE FOR MESSI

Lionel Messi TEAMtalk

Manchester City are in pole position for Lionel Messi, who has come to another disagreement with Barcelona. He is not convinced by any of their presidential candidates and has been blamed by interim president Carles Tusquets for their poor financial situation. (The Sun)

Barcelona, meanwhile, have opened talks with Ousmane Dembele over a new contract to ward off interest from Manchester United. (ESPN)

Olivier Giroud has confirmed he would like to stay at Chelsea – but only if he gets enough gametime. (Telegraph)

However, Frank Lampard could still drop Giroud for their next match against Leeds – despite his four-goal haul against Sevilla. (Daily Star)

 

 

Chelsea could also move on defenders Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori in January. West Ham are still interested in the latter. (ESPN)

Tottenham and Everton remain in the hunt for Arkadiusz Milik, who has been frozen out by Napoli. Atletico Madrid are also keen on the striker. (AS)

WEST HAM TALKS ON HOLD

West Ham have put contract talks with David Moyes and several players on hold due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. (Daily Mail)

The Hammers are also waiting for a work permit for Silkeborg defender Frederik Alves Ibsen. A fee and personal terms have already been agreed. (Sky Sports)

Newcastle are keen on signing Brandon Williams from Manchester United. (Daily Star)

Jose Mourinho thinks he can go on managing for “15 to 20 years” into his 70s. (i sport)

LIVERPOOL DUO NEARING RETURN

Liverpool could have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita available again for their next match against Wolves. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal tried to sign Jeremy Doku when he was still at Anderlecht, according to former scout Joel Crahay. (Daily Star)

Arsenal are also interested in Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave Inter Milan in January. However, the former Tottenham star is hesitant. (talkSPORT)

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha would be a good signing for the Gunners, according to former goalkeeper David Seaman. (Evening Standard)


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AND THE REST FROM THE PAPERS

Manchester United have been cleared to trial safe standing once Old Trafford is back to full capacity. They will start by installing 1,500 rail seats. (Daily Mail)

Meanwhile, United could lose £15m in budgeted income if they fail to progress from their Champions League group. (Daily Telegraph)

The Premier League are showing reluctance to re-introduce the five substitutions rule. (Daily Mail)