TNT Sports
Arsenal battle PSG for Joshua Kimmich as Bayern Munich move for Manchester City target Florian Wirtz - Paper Round
By
Published 01/03/2025 at 07:58 GMT
According to reports, Arsenal hope to sign Joshua Kimmich despite rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain, and also hope to appoint a sporting director to replace Edu next month. Elsewhere, Manchester City and Bayern Munich may do battle for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, and Barcelona have struck a deal with Real Betis for Abde Ezzalzouli in order to sell Vitor Roque to Palmeiras.
Amorim: My opinion is more important than Keane's following Fernandes criticism
Video credit: SNTV
Arsenal target Kimmich
Arsenal may face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
The German is out of contract in the summer, and The Mirror reports that Arsenal are keen.
The paper writes: "The German midfielder is available for nothing this year, with his contract at Bayern Munich set to expire in just a few months’ time. The Bundesliga giants have been attempting to tie him down to a new deal at the Allianz Arena.
"It was previously suggested that Bayern chiefs had withdrawn their latest offer after he had been pushing for an increase to his ÂŁ320,000-per-week wages. And it now appears that Arsenal are aiming to take advantage of the impasse.
"Bayern are still hoping for an agreement over an extended stay, albeit there is further interest from French side Paris Saint-Germain."
Bayern eye Wirtz swoop
Bayern Munich have confirmed their interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, but they may not have a simple run at acquiring the player.
The Daily Mail explains that the German giants will also have to see off interest from Premier League side Manchester City.
The paper explains: "Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has announced that his club will target the signing of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz this summer.
"Manchester City have been long-term admirers of Wirtz, 21, who played a key role in Leverkusen winning a domestic double under Xabi Alonso last season.
"The Premier League champions had appeared to be in pole position to sign Wirtz at the end of the season, in a deal that could see James McAtee go in the opposite direction."
Arsenal set to appoint new sporting director
The Sun reports that Arsenal have several names in mind to replace Edu Gaspar as sporting director, ahead of his expected move to Nottingham Forest.
Edu has already left Arsenal, and Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe, Thiago Scuro and Jason Ayto are under consideration, according to the report.
The paper claims: "Arsenal are planning to hire a new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar next month.
"Edu, 46, resigned in November after five years with The Gunners who appointed their former player as the club's first ever technical director in 2019 before his promotion as sporting director in 2022.
"The likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro are among the names that have been discussed internally.
"The same goes for Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto, who was promoted after Edu's departure."
Barca reduce Ezzalzouli clause
Barcelona have given Real Betis a financial boost in return for the sale of Vitor Roque.
Roque was on loan at Betis but has now joined Palmeiras, and Barca reduced Abde Ezzalzouli’s sell-on clause as part of the agreement for the early termination - according to The Athletic.
The website reports: "Palmeiras have signed Barcelona forward Vitor Roque on a permanent deal.
"The Athletic reported earlier on Friday that the two clubs had reached an agreement in principle over the deal, with Real Betis later announcing that Roque’s season-long loan move from Barcelona had been cut short to facilitate the transfer.
"The 20-year-old’s proposed move to Palmeiras had previously stalled because of Spanish transfer rules regarding returning loan players but has been completed in time to meet the Brazilian transfer window deadline on February 28.
"An initial fee of €25 million (£20.6m; $26m) plus €5m in add-ons has been agreed, and a sell-on clause will be included as part of the deal. As compensation for terminating Roque’s loan before the end of the season, Barcelona have agreed to lower their sell-on percentage of Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli. Barcelona had included a 50% sell-on clause in the deal for Abde, who Betis signed in a deal worth €7.5m in the summer of 2024."
Watch and stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League football on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement