The brightest scouts in the business at Manchester United and Arsenal woke up on Monday morning and came up with a cracking idea: signing Paulo Dybala on a free transfer after the elapsing of his contract at Juventus. The diminutive Argentinian has one of the sweetest left foots going and signing the 28-year-old might be too good an opportunity to turn down, if other suitors like Napoli can be fended off.
Both Premier League clubs could probably rather do with a proper No 9 rather than another No 10. Arsenal, at least, have finally announced the capture of Gabriel Jesus after Alexandre Lacazette’s departure to Lyon, but Cristiano Ronaldo is doing his best to fling himself on to a private jet at Manchester Airport marked Do One. The Portuguese informed United on Saturday that while Erik ten Hag seemed nice enough, he fancied playing in the Champions League, although interest isn’t exactly coming in thick and fast for the 37-year-old. Perma-tanned super-agent Jorge Mendes has apparently chatted to Chelsea and Bayern Munich, while there is also talk of a return to Italy, but there are no concrete offers. Yet.
Bernardo Silva, the cheeky scamp, wants to leave Manchester City for Barcelona, although how the Catalan side might pay for him is still uncertain. Flogging Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United would help, although the Dutchman is still not convinced about swapping Big Cup for Euro Vase and sun for light drizzle. Silva certainly seems like an excellent fit for Xavi and co, and is one of two players that created more than 50 chances, completed more than 50 take-ons and made more than 50 tackles in the Premier League last season. The other? Leeds’s Raphinha, who could also be making his way to Barça.
With the £42m (plus add-ons) departure of Kalvin Phillips expected to be announced on Monday, Leeds are in the hunt for his replacement. RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams is one contender, and not just because he’s from the same country as Jesse Marsch, who managed Leipzig in 2021. Adams could be available for as little as £12m.
Serge Gnabry has just one year remaining on his contract at Bayern, and could be available this summer. Manchester United are, inevitably, interested, which will no doubt cheer the spirits of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. Gnabry’s former club, Arsenal, could also make a surprise move for the German.
Elsewhere, Everton are looking to spend some of that Richarlison coin on a hot young striker. Stade de Reims’ El Bilal Touré has been mooted, although the Mali international scored just two league goals last season. Jesse Lingard could join Frank Lampard’s ‘project’ on a free transfer, but is currently holding out for another offer.
