The Hard Tackle rounds up some of the exciting transfer stories going around, featuring plenty of Arsenal news and one outgoing Manchester United goalkeeper.
The Euros have certainly slowed down players’ actual signings, but that hasn’t stopped any new stories from developing. In the latest Premier League roundup, we look at some exciting stories growing in the backdrop of the Euros.
Most of the heavily linked internationals are playing at the Euros and Copa America rendering them temporarily unavailable to pose with new club shirts or for photographs signing new contracts. However, some serious names are thrown around, although how many will see the light of an actual transfer remains a big question.
This edition of the roundup is dominated by Arsenal stories, although there is a rivalry for a particular player brewing with PSG, while an outgoing Manchester United star also features.
As they look to rebuild many parts of their squad, Arsenal have been linked with several players. The Gunners would want to conclude some of these deals involving players not participating in the Euros quickly to focus on those crucial international stars after the tournament. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at some of these transfer stories as they could become more relevant in the coming days in the transfer window.
Arsenal set to be offered Freddie Woodman in the deal for Joe Willock
According to the Chronicle Live, Arsenal might be offered a player by Newcastle in the deal for Joe Willock. The report suggests the Magpies are set to include goalkeeper Freddie Woodman as part of the deal for Willock. The Arsenal midfielder heavily impressed those at Newcastle while on loan in the second half of the last season, ensuring they remain keen on him in the summer.
Willock ended his season on loan at Newcastle United with a seven-game scoring run, something he could continue when the new season begins. However, the chances of him starting the first game of the season at Arsenal are not much, although, with Newcastle, he certainly would.
Arsenal are demanding significant money for the young Englishman, and with more demand, the price could rise as well. However, Newcastle are pursuing him and are ready to offer goalkeeper Freddie Woodman in any deal presented for the midfielder.
Woodman had a great season on loan with Swansea in the Championships, keeping 20 clean sheets in 45 appearances. The Toons are ready to include him in any deal for Willock, as they feel Woodman remains expendable. It remains to be seen if Arsenal have any interest in such a deal, despite the Gunners’ extensive search for a goalkeeper, especially a deputy.
Arsenal ready to offer cash plus Lucas Torreira for Joaquin Correa
Arsenal’s interest in Lazio star Joaquin Correa has taken another turn. According to Il Messaggero, Arsenal are ready to offer new terms of cash plus Lucas Torreira for the Argentine attacker, hoping the Italian clubs deems this offer acceptable.
The North London club is looking for a proven player in Europe, experienced and with an attacking profile, with Correa the right fit in many ways. Correa, who can play on the left-wing or as a second striker, scored 11 goals and provided six assists in all competitions last term.
Arsenal are in the market mainly for a No.10. But they could well do with someone who creates and scores – things they sorely missed last season. If the reports are accurate, the Gunners are offering Torreira and cash for the Argentine.
Torreira, despite a bright start to life at Arsenal two years ago, has seen his stock plummet. Last season he went on loan to Atletico Madrid and did not fare well. The player knows he is not a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans while also making his desire public to move away.
Lazio are reportedly interested in Torreira and were willing to make an offer. However, Arsenal are asking for around €20 million, which may be deemed expensive. But, with Arsenal’s interest in Correa and their offer of Torriera as part of the deal, the Rome based club might be tempted to do business.
Arsenal face PSG hijack in Ben White pursuit
Another Arsenal story involves Ben White, who, according to the Mirror, is a subject of interest from the French side PSG. Mauricio Pochettino is interested in the England defender and is a fan of his versatility. Since his days at Tottenham, the Argentine manager had been keen on White and could pursue his club PSG to make an offer.
Arsenal are considered the frontrunners so far in the Ben White chase. Brighton demanded £50 million for him while rejecting Arsenal’s initial offer of £40 million a while ago. The Gunners are expected to return with an improved offer and hope to convince Brighton to let White join them this summer.
However, PSG, with their abundant flow of cash, could meet Brighton’s demands and prise the player away to Paris. This could push Arsenal to make a quick second offer. White’s versatile nature to play in central defence and a defensive midfield position makes him an attractive prospect.
But at 23 years of age, White might not be too tempted by chance to move abroad just yet, considering he was just called up to the England squad for the Euros. White is understood to be keen on a switch to Arsenal, although if the Gunners’ don’t act fast, other clubs apart from PSG could leap ahead in the chase.
Sergio Romero on Celta Vigo radar
According to El Gol Digital, Sergio Romero could finally end his Manchester United nightmare and move to Celta Vigo on a free transfer. The Argentine shot-stopper remains a frustrated figure after seeing minimal opportunities since joining from Sampdoria in 2015.
Romero was desperate to leave Manchester United last summer, but the club blocked any move while also retaining his services in the subsequent January transfer window. However, with his contract expiring at the end of this month, the Argentine will look for a move elsewhere.
Celta Vigo are showing keen interest in Romero as they look to solve their goalkeeping problem. The Galician outfit feel that the Argentine would be suited for the La Liga, and they remain in a position to offer regular playing time than any other big club that might be interested. It should be a good move for Romero to complete this deal, as he would look forward to playing regular club football.
Arsenal, Manchester United offered the chance to sign Andre Silva.
According to Fichajes, Andre Silva is on the market, and his agent is offering the Portuguese around to top-tier clubs. Two of those clubs are Arsenal and Manchester United. The Portuguese is coming at the back of his most prolific season and is ready to move to a big club again.
His failures early on at AC Milan and Sevilla might have put doubts over Silva’s career, but two good seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt have helped him back to the top bracket. Frankfurt demands a decent £34 million for the striker, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, is already offering him to big clubs.
Among those are Arsenal and Manchester United. To start with Arsenal, the North London club might be in the market for a striker, but they reportedly have to sell first before accommodating Silva in their ranks. That saleable striker at Arsenal could be Alexandre Lacazette, who only has a year left on his current deal.
As for Manchester United, they are looking for a top-draw striker, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane very much on their list of targets. But there is a feeling United could miss out on both those stars, and in that case, they may turn towards alternate targets such as Silva.
We will have to wait until the Euros end to see which way this transfer story travels. For Arsenal, he may be a good signing, but Silva might not be the reliant striker they need. At Manchester United, they already have extended Edinson Cavani’s contract while Mason Greenwood waits in the wings for a chance in the middle.
