Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United face battle to make Gvardiol first £100m defender – Paper Round

Gvardiol wanted by Premier League quartet

Josko Gvardiol is set to become the subject of intense interest from the Premier League once again this summer. RB Leipzig are desperate to keep the 21-year-old for another year and manager Marco Rose has already publicly stated that Gvardiol will be part of his squad next season. However, English clubs will come calling at the end of the season and Gvardiol has already revealed his desire to play in the Premier League.

“Liverpool are said to be keen on Gvardiol, whose father Tihomir supports the Merseyside club. Gvardiol has also been linked with City and Manchester United previously and made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League one day.

“Gvardiol – who is contracted to Leipzig until June 2027 – is reported to have a £98 million release clause in his deal that activates next year but any move this summer could see him become the world’s first £100 million defender.”

Saka set to sign bumper new Arsenal contract

Bukayo Saka is set to become the highest paid player at Arsenal after completing a verbal agreement to sign a contract extension with his boyhood club. The 21-year-old, who has been a key part of the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge this season, is ready to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, despite significant interest from rivals Manchester City.

“The principles of an agreement are believed to be in place, with all parties now working on resolving smaller details of the contract.

“It is understood the new long-term deal will be worth in excess of £200,000-a-week. Inclusive of bonuses, the deal would likely make him the club’s best paid player.”

Gunners failed with Raphinha bid in January

Arsenal reportedly failed with a January bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha. The Brazilian rejected offers from Arsenal and Chelsea before moving to the Liga leaders last summer in a transfer worth up to €65 million. The Gunners tabled a bid worth €70 million in the winter window, but it was rejected and the north London club eventually signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

“Raphinha is a bet for the future and someone the coaching staff also trust. A sale is ruled out.”

Inter Miami chase Messi and Busquets

Inter Miami boss Phil Neville has revealed that the MLS side are hoping to secure ambitious swoops for Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami, who are owned by David Beckham, have space in squad for players who are excluded from the league’s salary cap following the retirements of Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi.

“We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club. Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years. They’re great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organisation. For MLS, it would be a game-changer.”