A Serie A striker who is his team’s top goalscorer this season has become a new option for Arsenal, while more information is emerging about Real Madrid interest in a key Liverpool man – all in Wednesday’s transfer gossip.
ARSENAL IN CONTENTION TO SIGN SANABRIA
Arsenal have identified Antonio Sanabria as a new striker target for the upcoming transfer window, according to reports in the Italian press.
Sanabria, a former Barcelona youth product, currently plies his trade for Torino in Serie A, where he is under contract until 2025.
But according to Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, Arsenal are now showing an interest in the Paraguay international.
After missing out on the Premier League title, Arsenal are ready to finetune their squad this summer. Finding a reliable centre-forward might be one of their priorities.
They signed Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City last summer, but his first season at the Emirates Stadium was marred by a combination of injury issues and problems with his form.
Behind him in the pecking order, there is Eddie Nketiah, who is useful but doesn’t quite seem to be good enough to take over in the starting role. Furthermore, Arsenal might have to sell Folarin Balogun after his impressive loan spell with Reims in France.
Therefore, there could be space for another striker in Mikel Arteta’s squad. And according to La Repubblica, they are in the hunt for Sanabria.
The 27-year-old is generating interest from Napoli – where he could replace Victor Osimhen – as well as both Milan clubs. However, Arsenal are in the queue to take him outside Serie A.
In order to sign him, they would have to meet Torino’s asking price. As things stand, the Serie A side would listen to offers of around €25million (approximately £21.7m).
This season, Sanabria has scored 12 goals from 31 appearances in Serie A for Torino, stepping up after the release of club captain, Andrea Belotti (who has gone on to endure a goalless league campaign at Roma, who coincidentally owned Sanabria for a brief time in the past).
Sanabria has never played in the Premier League before, but it could be time for him to consider where he should spend the prime of his career.
ROBERTSON TO REAL MADRID RUMOURS INTENSIFY
Rumours that Real Madrid could be readying a bid to deprive Liverpool of Andy Robertson have been verified by a source closer to home.
Reports in Spain emerged on Tuesday that Robertson could be a target for Real Madrid this summer. Now, the Daily Mail has provided its own exclusive information on the topic.
According to the British tabloid, Robertson does indeed feature on Real Madrid’s shortlist. The Spanish side are looking for a replacement for Ferland Mendy at left-back.
After proving himself as one of the best in the Premier League in his position, Robertson is now under consideration by Madrid – despite not indicating any thoughts of leaving Liverpool.
Since he is under contract at Anfield until 2026, Robertson would cost a transfer fee worth more than £40million.
And by making the move to Madrid, he would be able to continue his participation in the Champions League. It looks almost impossible for Liverpool to be able to do the same.
Hence, Jurgen Klopp might have to rebuild his squad in the summer. Losing a key player like Robertson would just add another complication to the process.
That said, if Liverpool want to invest in expensive targets in other positions, they might have to sacrifice some of their more highly-rated players. Getting rid of Robertson would still be a difficult decision.
Meanwhile, a write-up from Goal has hinted that Liverpool are expecting to receive interest this summer in Kostas Tsimikas, who is currently the backup to Robertson on the left-hand side of defence.
Therefore, Klopp could be bracing himself for interest in both his left-backs, despite Tsimikas being under contract until 2025.
TWO TARGETS LEAKED AS NEWCASTLE PREPARE TRANSFER MEETING
Newcastle are ready to discuss their summer transfer budget by the end of this week after qualifying for the Champions League.
A goalless draw with Leicester City on Monday was enough for Newcastle to confirm a top-four finish. However, manager Eddie Howe immediately followed it up by admitting they will only be able to pick from a select group of players in what he envisages being their toughest transfer window yet.
That said, an update from the Daily Telegraph is suggesting that Newcastle’s Saudi-backed owners could spend more this summer than they ever have in their time at the club.
There is still an internal debate as to whether it would be wise to spend so much this summer amid concerns about Financial Fair Play restrictions. But reaching the Champions League might prompt Newcastle to take their chance to strengthen.
Per the report, Newcastle have not made any moves for any specific targets yet. However, it is deemed likely that they will make an opening offer to Leicester for attacking midfielder, James Maddison.
Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus, who plays in similar territory to Maddison but is versatile, has also been named on their shortlist.
The positions Howe would ideally like to strengthen are centre-back, left-back, midfield (with two new recruits outlined in that position) and attack (where Newcastle would want a versatile addition).
Talks will be held in the next 48 hours, before Newcastle’s final match of the season, to provide some clarity as to how much money they can spend this summer.
