Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Man Utd and Arsenal set for summer battle to sign ex-Bayern attacker Joshua Zirkzee

Posted Monday, February 19, 2024 by Goal.com

Man Utd & Arsenal in battle to sign Bologna star Zirkzee

Manchester United and Arsenal may end up in a transfer battle over Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

Fichajes reports that the Old Trafford club want to snap up Bologna forward Zirkzee, who has scored nine goals in the Italian top-flight this term. The Red Devils are also eyeing Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel.

Arsenal have also been showing interest in the 22-year-old Zirkzee, who arrived in Serie A from Bayern last summer.

Ashworth asks Newcastle to let him leave for Man Utd

Dan Ashworth has asked Newcastle to let him leave the club following Manchester United's approach to make him their sporting director, The Athletic says.

United hope to bring him to Old Trafford as part of their shake-up of the backroom staff since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took partial ownership and Ashworth has declared his desire to accept their offer.

Flick demands Barca sell Gundogan when he takes over

Potential Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has urged the club to sell Ilkay Gundogan if they want him to take over at the helm this summer.

Flick has been highlighted as a possible replacement for Xavi and El Nacional claims he wants rid of midfielder Gundogan because he has no confidence in the Germany international.

Tottenham eye Garner as Gallagher alternative

Tottenham are considering making a summer bid for Everton's James Garner, TeamTalk reports.

Spurs have had their eye on Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, but could make a move for Garner instead, though they face competition from Newcastle.

Tuchel WON'T be sacked after latest Bayern disaster

Bayern Munich will not sack coach Thomas Tuchel despite their shock defeat to Bochum on Sunday.

Bayern have now lost three games in a row and are eight points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, but CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen says he will remain in charge.

He told Sport1: "I don't believe in these monstrous statements of support for coaches. I've already said something about this, but it's not a question that arises for us today. We have to concentrate on the next games."

Ancelotti hints about Modric's future

Carlo Ancelotti has suggested Luka Modric will sign a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid.

The midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season and Ancelotti revealed that he has spoken to Modric about his future.

He told reporters: "The club's policy has been that, in recent years, with the legends who have one year left on their contract: [Toni] Kroos, Nacho...everyone. I spoke with Luka about this topic a month ago and everything is quite clear between the two of us."

Lopetegui snubs Crystal Palace for West HAm

Ex-Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui rejected an offer to take charge at Crystal Palace, Football Insider reports.

The Eagles turned to the former Spain boss to replace Roy Hodgson, but he is not interested in the Selhurst Park job. Instead, he has his heart set on replacing David Moyes should he be sacked at West Ham.

Spurs left with nothing as Dele nears free agency

Tottenham are set to lose out on a transfer fee as Dele Alli will become a free agent at the end of the season, a report says.

Spurs were due to make #10 million from Everton if Alli reached 20 appearances while on loan there. The Toffees hoped to bring the cost down but could not reach an agreement with Tottenham and he now looks set to run down his contract in north London and leave for free.

Ashworth wants to bring Chelsea figure to Man Utd

Dan Ashworth is already plotting his first moves for when he joins Manchester United as sporting director.

The Newcastle chief is expected to leave the Magpies for Old Trafford and The Mirror says he has his eyes on bringing Chelsea analyst Kyle Macaulay to the club.

Mbappe news makes life difficult for RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig fear they will not be able to keep Xavi Simons following the news that Kylian Mbappe will leave Paris Saint-Germain.

Simons may be given a chance to shine in the French club next summer as they look for a replacement for Mbappe. The Dutch forward has impressed on loan at RB Leipzig and the German side wanted to bring him back next season, but they know that may not be possible.

"For us it's initially a rather negative thought process," sports director Rouven Schroder said on the Mbappe news. "At the end of the season he is going back to Paris, and we will therefore only have the opportunity to ask again in the summer."

Barca told to sign Onana by Roberto Martinez

Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez encouraged Barcelona to sign Everton star Amadou Onana, Sport reports.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder made his Belgium debut under the Catalan coach and he went on to endorse the player to Barca, saying he would be an excellent signing. Barca continue to admire Onana but their financial situation will make it difficult to sign him.

Kovac will stay on at Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg have decided against sacking coach Nico Kovac after his side earned a point against Borussia Dortmund.

Wolfsburg have not won any of their last seven games in the German top-flight, putting the coach under pressure. However, he has earned some more time in the job.

"We saw many facets that we would like. The team has shown that they are willing, that they are passionate," said sports director Sebastian Schindzielorz.

Sheffield United ready to offer new deal to youngster Arblaster

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sheffield United are considering offering a new long-term deal to youngster Ollie Arblaster amid interest from several top Premier League clubs. The club are planning to call back Arblaster from his loan spell and he could make his Premier League for his parent club soon.

Napoli may sack Mazzarri before Barca clash

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Napoli are "seriously considering" sacking manager Walter Mazzarri before they take on Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday.

Saudi club keen on bringing in Jose Mourinho

A Saudi Pro League is reportedly keen on roping in former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid Jose Mourinho next season, according to Rudy Galleti.

Al-Shabab, who were initially interested in bringing in the Portuguese manager has now backed out after PIF did not approve their budget.