Man Utd chief Woodward identifies Pogba replacement, Liverpool £50m signing, Arsenal swap

Monday, May 4

Manchester United are likely to sell Paul Pogba and Ed Woodward has identified Ajax ace Donny van de Beek as his replacement

Arsenal are in talks with Roma about the possibility of Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining Roma permanently in the summer, with a swap deal discussed

Liverpool are trying to reach an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign transfer target Timo Werner this summer and are already in advanced talks with the striker over a contract

Chelsea identify ‘ideal signing’

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has identified his “ideal signing” ahead of the next transfer window. It could be a busy summer of activity at Stamford Bridge despite the coronavirus crisis impacting on clubs’ financial health. The Blues did not make a single signing in January and were under a transfer ban last summer.

Chelsea are eager to continue strengthening their squad to build on the progress made in Lampard’s maiden campaign in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

One of the areas the Chelsea boss is looking to improve in the transfer window is left-back.

Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri have shared the role without either player really stepping up to the plate.

Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the two players but reports in Italy have suggested Emerson could be swapped for Juventus’ Alex Sandro.

However, Bleacher Report are unsure about the accuracy of the transfer chatter, however, and claims Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell is the man Lampard wants to recruit.

Man Utd identify Pogba replacement

Manchester United are likely to sell Paul Pogba at the end of the season – and his potential replacement has already been identified by Ed Woodward.

Pogba has endured an injury-hit campaign that has seen him take to the pitch just eight times in all competitions. He is approaching the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, with Real Madrid and Juventus eyeing his signature.

The World Cup winner’s agent Mino Raiola has also touted his client’s possible availability by admitting “we’ll see what happens” after claiming there was interest before the 2019/20 campaign.

According to Sport, the Red Devils have become frustrated with Raiola and are preparing to sign a new midfielder in case they receive an acceptable offer for Pogba.

And it is claimed Ajax ace Donny van de Beek has emerged as the ideal replacement for Pogba in the eyes of the club’s technical leaders.

The 23-year-old has had another outstanding season for Ajax, providing 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.

Arsenal swap deal

Arsenal are in talks with Roma about the possibility of Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining Roma permanently in the summer. The Armenian international has spent the current campaign out on loan in Italy.

The Serie A side have repeatedly made it clear that they would like Mkhitaryan back at the Stadio Olimpico next term.

And according to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are ready to cut ties with the playmaker to raise funds for Mikel Arteta to make his own signings.

Mkhitaryan only has a year left on his contract with the Gunners and so the north London club will be keen to sell him while they can get as high a fee as possible.

The Premier League giants are said to value Mkhitaryan at around £10million – although Roma’s valuation is even lower than that.

Arsenal and Roma have been discussing a potential player-plus-cash deal for the attacking midfielder.