Arsenal fight United and Spurs for Croatia star
As the dust settles on England’s World Cup campaign, one member of the Croatia side that knocked the Three Lions out of the tournament is said to be on the verge of a move to the Premier League.
Winger Ante Rebic is being chased by several sides - including Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United according to German outlet Bild - and could leave Eintracht Frankfurt for around €50m (£44m).
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“The player’s current contract at Eintracht Frankfurt expires in 2021 and Frankfurt’s sporting director, Fredi Bobic, admits he could leave for the right price,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
Rebic, 24, scored against Argentina in the World Cup group stage and is likely to play in the final against France on Sunday.
Gunners beat United to teen star
Arsenal have beaten Manchester United in the race to sign teenage striker Sam Greenwood from Sunderland, says the Daily Star.
“Greenwood is seen as a potential star in the making and had also been the subject of enquiries from German side Stuttgart,” the paper reports.
“The 16-year-old striker hit 21 goals in 26 games for Sunderland’s under-16s and under-18s last term … [and] has been called up by England at under-16 level.”
Pavon price rises
The Gunners “face frustration” in their pursuit of Argentine midfielder Cristian Pavon after his current club offered him a new deal with an increased release clause, reports the Daily Mirror.
Arsenal and Barcelona are both said to be keen on the Boca Juniors star, but the South American club are “determined to keep hold of him and have decided to offer him a new deal”, says the paper.
“The new contract is likely to come with a new minimum release clause, which will now be worth £37.5m.”
Ospina to stay?
The future of Arsenal’s second-string keeper David Ospina is “up in the air” after the arrival of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen, says website Football London. But although his agent says Ospina is “uncomfortable” at the Emirates it is not clear where he will go if he does leave.
“Reports have suggested that Argentine outfit Boca Juniors are ready to make a £6m move for the 29-year-old custodian, but Ospina’s agent has hinted that his client could stay at the Emirates next season because ‘they pay well’.
“Ospina is unlikely to make the move to Argentina, with a preference for staying in Europe.”
Guendouzi signs on
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Matteo Guendouzi from French side Lorient. The £7m capture arrives at the Emirates in the same week as Uruguayan Lucas Torreira.
“Guendouzi has a total of 21 appearances in all competitions and helped the club secure a top-six finish in Ligue 2,” says website Caught Offside.
“Still only 19 years of age, Guendouzi can operate as a defensive midfielder with the Gunners needing defensive solidity in front of the backline.
“Guendouzi has been capped for France at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level, reads the game well and is proficient with his passing. His style and physique can be compared to David Luiz and PSG star Adrien Rabiot.”
