Arsenal could bag Huntelaar to replace unhappy Podolski
Dutch forward is also wanted by Spurs as flop Soldado heads for a January exit
He's a Transfer Talk regular, but despite having never played in the Premier League, Dutch veteran Klaas-Jam Huntelaar is once again being hunted by some of England's finest.
Metro reports that Arsenal and Liverpool are leading the race to sign him. In recent days the two clubs have reportedly been fighting each other for just about anyone who owns a pair of football boots, and the latest star to be caught up in their "tug of war" is Huntelaar, who currently plays for Schalke.
The paper claims that the veteran frontman could "be available for around £3m" in January, and that could spark a bidding war between the two clubs.
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But Tottenham are also said to be "keen" on the 31-year-old who has scored four goals in eight appearances so far this season. The Daily Mirror explains that the Lilywhites see him as a decent replacement for Roberto Soldado, whose miserable stay in London seems likely to end in January.
If Arsenal were to make a move for Huntelaar it could be to replace Lukas Podolski. Sky Sports reports that the 29-year-old German is "frustrated" at his lack of game time this so far this season at Arsenal – particularly as he's one of only a handful of players these days who can get about without the aid of crutches.
Podolski, who arrived at the Emirates in 2012, has never appeared to have won over Arsene Wenger despite his 118 international caps. And it seems like he's reaching the end of his tether. "I cannot be satisfied with the situation I am in at Arsenal," he admitted. Asked on whether he would looking for a New Year exit, Podolski replied: "I have not been in negotiations with other clubs, nor have I told Arsenal that I am looking to leave... I am under contract at Arsenal and I am unable to say, 'I am off'. I am going to think things over soon as it's going to be winter time."
They call him the 'new Eden Hazard' and he is being targeted by Barcelona as well as a posse of Premier League sides. According to the Daily Express Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd are all after PSV Eindhoven star Zakaria Bakkali who is in the last season of his current contract with the Dutch side.
The 18-year-old midfielder, already capped by Belgian, has won rave reviews for his displays, earning comparisons with compatriot and Chelsea playmaker Hazard. The Express says that with Bakkali in the final year of his contract, the club might look to cash in their chips in January rather than let him leave on a free in June. That's caught the interest of Barcelona who are said to be "bracing themselves for the exit" of Pedro, and see Bakkali as his natural replacement. Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to the strongest English contenders to sign the teenager but the Express says Barca's interest could be a game-changer.
The agent of Cristiano Ronaldo has told Manchester United they can forget about re-signing the Real Madrid magician. In recent weeks rumours that Ronaldo could be on his way back to the club he left five years ago have been rife. But in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, Jorge Mendes quashed speculation that the Portuguese pretty boy might once more wear the red shirt of United.
"Cristiano is very happy at Real Madrid and has always been happy," explained Mendes. "He is going to break all the records there and will retire there. He has an affection for United because his heart was there for six years. But now all he thinks of is Real Madrid and he will always be here."
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