Paris Saint-Germain eye Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard as potential Lionel Messi replacement – Paper Round

Messi out, Odegaard in?

Paris Saint-Germain are in the market for a new playmaker as Lionel Messi is expected to leave the French capital at the end of his contract this summer. The Parisian club are exploring a shock swoop for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who has impressed since joining permanently from Real Madrid in 2021. Arsenal have responded to PSG’s interest by opening contact extension talks with Odegaard, which would see him receive a bumper new contract.

“Mirror Football understands that the club will focus on signing and developing younger players and would be willing to part with larger transfer fees to obtain individuals who may not command as high a wage.

“However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to react quickly to this speculation as he attempts to secure a long-term deal for the former Real Madrid player.”

Bayern enter Rice race

Bayern Munich are ready to join the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United this summer. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the Hammers captain, who is widely expected to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season in a bid to join a club competing in the Champions League. Bayern will face fierce competition from Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

“Tuchel, who was appointed at the end of March, wants to recruit Rice and deploy him at the base of midfield to allow Joshua Kimmich to operate in a more advanced position, where he’s impressed this season.

“The 24-year-old is likely to cost over £100million, with West Ham expected to trigger an extension clause in Rice’s contract which would see him tied down until the summer of 2025.”

Another Man City player to Arsenal?

Arsenal are considering another summer raid of Manchester City as Mikel Arteta looks to add some depth to his full-back options. Joao Cancelo is reportedly available to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season following an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayern Munich in the second half of the season. However, the Gunners are unsure whether City will sell to them again after the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko turned them into Premier League title challengers.

“Arsenal fear City will be more reluctant to do business with them this year, but it remains to be seen whether Cancelo will have other options to consider, or whether Guardiola would be prepared to keep him at the club.

“Arsenal want to strengthen their full-back area this summer and showed serious interest in Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda in January, which could be revisited if a move for 28-year-old Cancelo proves to be impossible.”

West Ham eye cut-price Ward-Prowse deal

West Ham United are planning to take full advantage of Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League by launching a summer swoop for the Saints’ club captain James Ward-Prowse. The 28-year-old is being targeted by Hammers boss David Moyes, who is hoping to sign a number of midfielders this summer due to the expected exit of Declan Rice.

“The Hammers boss values Ward-Prowse’s renowned set-piece delivery, having grown frustrated at his side’s lack of goals from such situations this season.

“West Ham are set to have a major midfield rebuild on their hands following the expected departure of Declan Rice.”