Manchester United are ready to snare a Portugal star very much on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool radar, Martin Odegaard is urging Arsenal to sign a top-quality La Liga defender, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip has a major update on the next Chelsea and Tottenham managers.
MATHEUS NUNES EMERGING AS SERIOUS MAN UTD TARGET
Manchester United are firmly in the hunt to sign Matheus Nunes this summer – much to Liverpool’s chagrin.
The Portugal star has long been a target for Jurgen Klopp, with the Liverpool boss considering moving for him in summer 2022. Instead, however, it was Wolves who pounced, paying Sporting Lisbon around £38m for the Portugal star.
His performances at Molineux have since seemingly convinced Liverpool to rekindle that interest. And while Klopp is reportedly prioritising deals for Nicolo Barella and Alexis Mac Allister instead, Nunes remains very much on their radar.
And with Wolves seemingly willing to sell for a fee of around £50m, Klopp has been presented with a very clear and easy fix for his midfield issues.
Indeed, both Nunes and Marcel Sabitzer – the latter in a £20m deal from Bayern Munich – look likely to sign.
But United’s move for Nunes will come as a blow for Klopp, who was still strongly considering the Portugal star.
POCHETTINO TO CHELSEA AND LUIS ENRIQUE TO TOTTENHAM
Chelsea are turning their focus to appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after a rapid change of heart.
The Blues have put Frank Lampard in interim charge following the decision to sack Graham Potter.
But the Chelsea legend is struggling to get results and has suffered the major embarrassment of four straight losses. That makes him the first manager in the club’s history to manage such a feat!
As a result, the Blues realise that getting the right manager in – and quickly – is now in their best interests.
Over the past 10 days, Chelsea have reportedly spoken to Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique.
And it seems that co-chairman Todd Boehly was ready to offer the job to former Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann.
However, after debating the issue with his fellow board members, Boehly has now reportedly turned his focus to Pochettino.
The former Tottenham manager is out of work, having left PSG last summer.
And the Daily Telegraph reports that they are now ready to offer him the job with immediate effect.
The Argentine will have his work cut out at Stamford Bridge. He will inherit a bloated playing squad and a team that is badly under-performing. Currently 11th, they are almost certain to miss European football next season.
Chelsea’s move for Pochettino will subsequently leave Enrique free to take charge at Tottenham.
The former Spain and Barcelona boss has been in London for talks with the two sides. He was reportedly more likely to take charge at Chelsea.
But having slipped from the running, the Daily Express claims Tottenham now have a clear pathway to the 52-year-old.
ODEGAARD PUSHING ARSENAL TO SIGN REAL SOCIEDAD STAR
Arsenal are pushing ahead with plans to sign Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand, according to reports.
The Gunners are currently locked in a battle with Manchester City for Premier League title glory. Success for Arsenal would see the club achieve their first domestic crown in 19 long years – and would spark wild celebrations.
However, their initial target for the season was purely to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football. That goal can be ticked off on Friday night if they put Southampton to the sword. It would also guarantee that Tottenham in fifth cannot catch them!
With their place in the Champions League all-but guaranteed, Arsenal are now starting to make transfer plans for the summer.
And with cash to spend, the Gunners have ambitious plans to further strengthen their squad.
Indeed, one of Mikel Arteta’s priorities is to provide more cover in central defence. The Gunners have looked slightly vulnerable there in recent games with William Saliba unavailable.
And on Wednesday it emerged that Real Sociedad defender Le Normand was emerging as a target.
The brilliant Frenchman is contracted to the LaLiga side until summer 2026. That deal contains a huge £53m exit clause.
However, there is a feeling that Sociedad would sell for less.
And now The Sun reports that Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard is pushing Arteta to bring the 26-year-old in.
The Norwegian knows the defender well having played with him while on loan at Sociedad in 2019/20.
And having followed his progress since, Odegaard is well aware of just how good the former Brest man is.
As a result, he is imploring Arsenal to bring him to the club and strengthen their squad in the Champions League.
The article claims Arsenal’s chances of a deal will be boosted if fourth-placed Sociedad fail to qualify for UEFA’s top competition themselves, with that miss potentially enforcing his sale.
