Transfer news: Liverpool offered Sokratis, Neto to Arsenal – football gossip

Arsenal are reportedly looking at Barcelona goalkeeper Neto as they search for a new deputy to Bernd Leno.

Liverpool meanwhile have been offered Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos in a deal which could suit all parties. The 32-year-old would offer short-term cover for the Reds while helping Mikel Arteta with his clearout.

The European headlines are dominated by Erling Haaland’s future, with Barcelona now said to be in pole position to sign the Borussia Dortmund man. There’s also an update on Neymar’s contract talks as Mauricio Pochettino aims to tie down the Brazil international.

Liverpool offered Arsenal man

Source: Fabrizio Romano

Liverpool have been offered Sokratis Papastathopoulos as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta continues to trim his squad.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports the Reds have not decided whether they will enter the market for a central defender this month. Long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have left Jurgen Klopp short of options at the back, while Joel Matip is still recovering from an adductor injury and is unlikley to face Manchester United on Sunday.

Romano said on his Here We Go podcast: “Sokratis was offered to Liverpool but at this moment Liverpool haven’t decided if they want a centre back. At this moment he’s looking at Spain as serious possibility. Real Betis made a bid for him.”

Arsenal interested in Neto move

Source: Sky Sports

Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona goalkeeper Neto, according to reports.

Mikel Arteta revealed this week the club are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, admitting summer signing Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson has struggled in his role at Bernd Leno’s understudy.

Arteta said of the late decision to bring in Runarsson: “We didn’t have much time to do what we really wanted to do and we decided to assess the situation now in this window, which is what we are trying to do, and we will make a decision about how we want to move forward in those three positions in the goalkeeping area.”

Sky Sports now claim 31-year-old Neto, Barcelona’s second choice shot stopper behind Marc Andre Ter-Stegen, is now being considered by the club. Barca however are likely to demand a fee of at least £18.6m, according to the report.

Raiola pushing for Haaland to join Barca

Source: Catalunya Radio

Mino Raiola could push for Erling Haaland to join Barcelona, according to reports.

The 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund star, perhaps the most sought-after striker in world football, is said to be a long-term target for both Manchester United and Real Madrid.

But according to Catalunya Radio, Raiola is eager to build a relationship with Barca and will urge Haaland to head to the Camp Nou in order to facilitate that.

Recent reports have suggested Haaland will join Barcelona should presidential candidate Emili Rousaud be elected later this year.

Neymar set for new deal

Source: Esporte Interativo

Neymar is reportedly set to sign a new Paris Saint-Germain deal.

Esporte Interativo in Brazil claim the 28-year-old will commit to a new contract worth which will see him earn more than the £600,000-a-week he currently earns.

Neymar’s existing deal is set to expire in 2022 and PSG will be keen to tie him down to fresh terms to ward off reported interest from former club Barcelona.

The Brazil international has now scored 80 times in 98 appearances across all competitions for PSG since his move to Paris in 2017.

’15 clubs’ in for Balogun

Source: Fabrizio Romano

As many as 15 clubs are interested in signing Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun, according to reports.

The 19-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates with talks to extend his stay in north London reportedly stalling.

First-team chances are thought to be the reason for considering leaving the Gunners with Fabrizio Romano reporting there are 15 clubs who have made an offer to sign Balogun as a free agent this summer – although RB Leipzig are not thought to be one of them.

Barcelona confident of signing Liverpool star

Source: Mundo Deportivo

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is said to be confident of signing Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay on free transfers next summer.

Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum is now free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a move in the summer with Depay also expected to move on when his deal expires in July.

And Mundo Deportivo report Koman is confident both his compatriots will be in his Barca squad in time for the 2021-22 season.