Arsenal after Real Madrid starlets Casemiro and Morata
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has been watched by Gunners scouts, but Inter are also keen
AS ARSENAL fans brace themselves for another horror show, this time against West Ham this evening, the Daily Mirror reports that the Gunners are "eyeing" Real Madrid's Casemiro. Described by the paper as a "Brazilian starlet", the 22-year-old midfielder (above) has apparently been checked out by Arsenal scouts and boss Arsene Wenger is "keen on a deal for this summer".
Casemiro joined Real Madrid from Sao Paulo in a £5m deal last year, but his form hasn't just caught the eye of just Arsenal, Inter Milan are also said to be partial to the South American sorcerer but it's believed they are more interested in a loan deal whereas Arsenal would be happy to meet Real's demand for something more permanent.
The paper also resurrects the rumour that Arsenal are keen on young Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who is also on the books at Real Madrid but is finding it hard to get game time. The forward was widely tipped to join the Gunners in January but the deal never materialised. According to the tabloid he would be available for around £12m, if he is actually for sale.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star says that Inter's general director Marco Fassone has confirmed that the club are taking more than a passing interest in Chelsea striker Fernando Torres after his miserable season at the Bridge. Admitting that the Spanish striker "is one of the names that interest us", Fassone added that Inter president Erick Thohir was particularly attracted by the thought of signing the 30-year-old.
The Star says that Torres, who has two years remaining on his current Blues deal, remains undecided about his future but any potential deal with Inter could be scuppered if they don't even make it into the Europa League next season. Currently they lie fifth in Serie A and Champions League football looks beyond them, worse still, they might not even make Europe's second string competition if they don't finish in the top six.
In other news, Talksport report that Hoffenheim and Bordeaux are set to battle Manchester City and Tottenham for the hand of Pedro Obiang. The 22-year-old Sampdoria playmaker has been on the Sky Blues' radar for more than a year and while Manuel Pellegrini isn't as keen on him as his predecessor, Roberto Mancini, it's believed City could still make an offer in the summer.
But Talksport claim Hoffenheim and Bordeaux both had scouts run the rule over Obiang on Sunday as he and his Sampdoria teammates slumped to a 4-0 defeat to Inter. Valued at £8m, the Spain Under-21 international has come through the ranks at Sampdoria but is said to be open to a fresh challenge next season.
Finally, the Evening Standard says that Senegalese midfielder Mohamed Diame wants out of West Ham at the end of the season and believes Liverpool are interested in signing him.
With just four goals in 36 appearances for the Hammers, Diame has hardly set the Upton Park turf alight but he's also made no bones about the fact his style isn't suited to West Ham's style of play. Asked about the possibility of a move to Liverpool, Diame replied: "I can't tell you if I will be a Liverpool player next season but... my name is still on their wanted list. I don't hide it, I'm ambitious and I want to join a top-six side. I am 26 years old and it's time to take that step."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
The wit and wisdom of Sven-Göran Eriksson
In Depth The first foreign coach to manage England on football, life and death
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated