Transfer notebook: Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres swoop, Manchester United make Alejandro Garnacho decision, Chelsea star in German tug-of-war
Arsenal and West Ham are set to be at the centre of a striker transfer merry-go-round this summer.
The Gunners have made signing a new number 9 their top priority and are showing a strong interest in Sporting Lisbon’s former Coventry goal machine Viktor Gyokeres.
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It is believed Gyokeres is now ahead of Ivan Toney on the Gunners’ shopping list after excelling in Portugal this season.
In 39 games in all competitions, the 25-year-old has chipped in with 36 goals and 14 assists.
That could open the door for West Ham to complete an ambitious swoop for Brentford star Toney.
Ironically the Hammers have previously turned down the chance to sign both Gyokeres and Toney for cut-price fees.
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The Cho-sen One
Manchester United have no plans to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho.
It comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe identified the Argentina international as a player he can mould the club’s future around.
Garnacho has become an integral part of Erik ten Hag’s team after ousting £86million flop Antony from the line-up, sparking interest from Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.
But talkSPORT understands Ratcliffe has made it clear that Garnacho, who does not turn 20 until July, is one star he is not willing to sacrifice as he plots his Old Trafford rebuild.
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It is not just on the pitch where Garnacho has impressed, but also with his attitude around United’s Carrington training complex – a far cry from when captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned his attitude.
The way that Ten Hag has nurtured the likes of Garnacho and England new-boy Kobbie Mainoo is also a big positive for the Dutchman as Ratcliffe deliberates whether to make a change in the dugout for next season.
Chelsea's Welcome Maat
Chelsea are hoping to spark a bidding war between German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for defender Ian Maatsen.
The 22-year-old joined Dortmund on loan in January after getting frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
His performances in the Bundesliga have put Bayern on alert as they search for a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Alphonso Davies.
Maatsen has a £35m release clause in his Chelsea contract that kicks in this summer.
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Pick of the bunch
Leeds have yet another teenage talent on their hands in 16-year-old midfielder Ollie Pickles.
Pickles, who is already attracting admiring glances from Newcastle and Tottenham after helping Leeds to the semis of the FA Youth Cup, has been compared to former Elland Road favourite Kalvin Phillips due to his calmness on the ball and range of passing.
The Championship promotion hopefuls have an impressive record at producing talented youngsters with 17-year-old academy ace Archie Gray making the step up to the first team, and Finley Gorman recently bought by Manchester City.
And club insiders see Pickles as the next to be fast-tracked through to the first-team.
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