What the papers say
Arsenal are making strides to tie down England international Bukayo Saka, with the 20-year-old’s current deal with the Premier League club set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. According to the Daily Express, Arsenal have held talks with the versatile youngster, who plays as a winger, left-back and midfielder. Arsenal are reportedly eager to secure Saka amid rumours Liverpool are also circling.
Elsewhere, The Sun reports that just after signing Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, 21, for £55million, Barcelona are again eyeing-up the English Premier League club for talent. The paper writes that Barca are now looking at City defender, Aymeric Laporte, 27.
The Sun also carries the rumour that Newcastle are keeping an eye on Juventus’ midfielder Aaron Ramsey, with West Ham and Everton also reportedly interested in the 31-year-old. The paper claims the Italian club are keen for the Wales international – who they acquired from Arsenal on a free transfer in 2019 – leave.
In more Newcastle-related gossip, the Daily Mail reports that the club are closing in on signing defender Sven Botman – a 21-year-old Dutchman currently with Lille. The highly-rated player is valued at £30million by the French champions. The Magpies are reportedly not the only interested party, the Mail says, with AC Milan apparently also showing interest in Botman.
Social media round-up
Liverpool transfer round-up: Kylian Mbappe considering u-turn and Denis Zakaria boosthttps://t.co/coXCJKsLXipic.twitter.com/Yy9gQVrHQ6— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 31, 2021
Lyon planning to offload star on £3.5million-a-year just six months after Liverpool movehttps://t.co/PbrUeNyTtlpic.twitter.com/vSpo9A9JAh— Daily Star Sport (@DailyStar_Sport) December 30, 2021
Players to watch
Franck Kessie: Italian outlet Ansa reports that Liverpool have made a contract offer to the 25-year-old AC Milan midfielder. The Ivory Coast player’s deal at the San Siro expires at the end of this season.
Alvaro Morata: Spanish outlet AS reports that Barcelona’s top target for the January transfer window is the 29-year-old former Chelsea striker who is currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.
‘I don’t think Liverpool would look at Ollie Watkins, a striker isn’t a pressing issue for them – it’s Arsenal who need one’ Former Reds star explains why his old club don’t need an out-and-out forward this summer
‘He’ll still be playing at 40 at a good level because he’s in such good shape and looks after himself so well. He does everything to be a top professional’: Ex-Liverpool coach insists Mohamed Salah has plenty more miles in the tank
