Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez is targeting two Chelsea players after giving his first reaction to being unable to compete with Manchester City for Erling Haaland.
Marca report Xavi as saying: "It is a shame, we haven't been able to compete…” for the Dortmund striker. Barca’s dream summer move is to land Robert Lewandowski, but the club, like many in La Liga, is not as powerful financially as many Euro rivals, and Marca say Bayern Munich can rebuff any move because they “have a lot more money.”
Barca do want Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta whose Chelsea futures are uncertain. They also want to secure existing stars Ousmane Dembele and Gavi who are free agents.
Chelsea and Man Utd battling for striker
In France, L’Equipe reckons that RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku is in demand with the Euro giants jostling for a deal pushing towards £100m.
Nkunku is open to leaving and Chelsea, Manchester United Barcelona and AC Milan are in the race.
He is under contract until 2024 and RB have opened contract and pay rise talks. CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said in April that “Nkunku will be our player next year”, but admitted, “in football, nobody is unsellable”.
Arsenal striker offered France move
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed he wants to sign Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette. His Gunners’ deal is up in the summer and Mikel Arteta is likely to lose a key man in his squad, with Eddie Nketiah staking his claim to be No1 striker recently.
Aulas said: “If we need to make compromises to get him, we will.” Director of Football Vincent Ponsot added: “We will continue until the end, it’s a desire for us to bring Lacazette back.”
Torreira's move delayed
In Italy Corriere dello Sport says Fiorentina’s efforts to sign loanee Lucas Torreira.
The Uruguayan has played well under boss Vincenzo Italiano, but there is a dispute over agent commissions which has slowed down the deal.
Arsenal are set to bank €15m and Fiorentina are willing to pay, and the deal is eventually likely to be done.
