Arsenal ready to sell England striker Eddie Nketiah to Marseille, Chris Smalling ready for Roma exit - Paper Round
ByTNT Sports
Published 09/08/2024 at 21:45 GMT+1
Marseille and Arsenal are reportedly getting closer to a deal for England striker Eddie Nketiah, while Roma could lose veteran central defender Chris Smalling. Elsewhere, Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez is looking for a new club and has been linked with Rayo Vallecano in Spain, while Wilfried Zaha may re-join Crystal Palace on loan from Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.
'Absolutely incredible!' - Watch as Putellas misses last-minute penalty to give Germany bronze
Video credit: TNT Sports
Nketiah closer to Marseille deal
Arsenal are now willing to sell Eddie Nketiah as they close in on a deal worth £25 million.
The England striker is set to join Marseille initially on loan before completing a permanent move, reports The Sun.
The paper writes: “Arsenal are continuing negotiations with Marseille over Eddie Nketiah.
“The Gunners are in talks with the French giants over a season-long loan move with an obligatory fee of around £25m.
“Marseille are yet to agree to those terms with discussions ongoing – having initially made an offer of around £17m for the player last month. Personal terms are believed to already be in place on a five-year deal.
“Marseille manager and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is a fan of Hale End academy kid Nketiah, 25, who wants more game time after notching just 10 Prem starts last term.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/07/23/4008416-81305968-2560-1440.jpg)
Timber says Arsenal need to be ‘perfect’ to improve on last season
Video credit: SNTV
Smalling set for Roma exit
Chris Smalling is now willing to entertain a move to the Saudi Pro League, according to the Mirror.
The former Manchester United player is also happy to stay in Europe, and is willing to reduce his wage demands to stay in a top league.
The paper reports: “The former Manchester United defender has entered the final year of his contract at Roma after missing the bulk of last term with tendonitis.
“Smalling has yet to draw much interest, however. The ex-Fulham star has been forced to reevaluate his expectations over what could be the final move of his career.
“Agent James Featherstone is reported to have met with his client, as Roma look to remove Smalling's salary from their books.
“Smalling has been reluctant to consider a move to the Middle East thus far. The centre-half instead has preferred to centre his future in Europe, where he believes he could still fulfil an important role.
“Salary is unlikely to cause any issue for Saudi Arabian suitors but has quelled interest in Europe it appears. Smalling is now said to be open to offers from anywhere, but is also willing to reduce his wage demands to remain in the continent.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/07/28/4011071-81359073-2560-1440.jpg)
'He hinted at his hamstring' - Evans on Hojlund's injury in Arsenal defeat
Video credit: SNTV
James attracts interest from Spain
James Rodriguesz is without a club after leaving Sao Paulo, and he is looking for a fresh challenge.
The Athletic reports that Rayo Vallecano are considering a move, with Valencia also credited with interest.
The website states: “After lighting up the Copa America this summer, Colombia captain James Rodriguez is looking for a new club.
“The 33-year-old recently rescinded his contract with Brazilian side Sao Paulo and is now a free agent.
“There’s been interest from Madrid-based team Rayo Vallecano and Valencia was another rumoured next stop.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/07/29/4012416-81385968-2560-1440.jpg)
'I wanted to follow Ronaldo' - Real Madrid's future star Endrick on his move to the Bernabeu
Video credit: SNTV
Palace in talks for Zaha return
Crystal Palace will have to match Wilfried Zaha’s wages at Galatasaray if they want to take him back.
The winger left Palace last summer of a free transfer, but is open to a return.
The Evening Standard explains: “Crystal Palace have learned they must match Wilfried Zaha’s wages at Galatasaray if they are to re-sign him on loan this month.
“Standard Sport understands Zaha earns around £170,000 per week with the Turkish champions, who are willing to offload him to Palace if financial terms are agreed.
“The Ivorian expects to earn the same if he returns to Selhurst Park, with Galatasaray intent on receiving a £9 million fee to cover his wages.
“Zaha turned down a club-record £200,000-a-week contract offer towards the end of the 2022/23 season, after which he left Palace for Galatasaray as a free agent. Lazio, Al-Nassr and Fenerbahce all offered him free-agent moves at the time too.”
Share this article
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement