Chelsea and Tottenham set to battle for Brighton winger Leandro Trossard transfer – Paper Round

Chelsea and Spurs chase Trossard

Chelsea and Tottenham are both linked with moves for Leandro Trossard. The 28-year-old Belgian international winger has fallen out with Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, and appears set to leave. Arsenal are also said to have been interested in the player, who has half a year left on his contract, though Brighton can activate a one-year extension, reports the Sun.

Paper Round’s view: Trossard has been one of Brighton’s best performances this year but perhaps the arrival of a new manager, coupled with the knowledge that he could soon leave on a free transfer, has unsettled him. Both Chelsea and Tottenham could do with a new wide player, and if he is available for a cut-price fee before the window opens, they could land a bargain.

Two Saudi teams chase Messi

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Al-Hilal and Al Itihad of the Saudi Arabian league will ask their country’s government for help in landing Lionel Messi, by coming up with a financial package worth 350 million euros a year. The 35-year-old looks likely to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain, but both sides hope to bring the Argentine in on a deal worth even more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s at Al Nassr.

Paper Round’s view: Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Angel Di Maria, Isco and Sergio Busquets have also been linked with a move to the kingdom, presumably as a way to improve their international reputation with sportwashing. Messi is still capable of producing thrilling football so there is likely no desperation on his part to find a way to semi-retirement, while Ronaldo had run out of options.

Juventus linked with three free transfers

The Mail believes that Juventus are on the hunt for more free transfer bargains this summer. First up is Chris Smalling, with the experienced Roma central defender, 33, attracting attention from Inter Milan too. As well as that, Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo, 27, could come in at left-back, and Chelsea’s 31-year-old Jorginho could reinforce the centre of midfield.

Paper Round’s view: Juventus had hoped to push on in Europe when they signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid, but that expense coupled with the financial impact of the coronavirus has set them back. A decade ago they were experts at finding bargains in the transfer market and perhaps they are now hoping to go back to the old ways to get back to the top of the table.

Liverpool keen on Amrabat

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp met representatives of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to the Mirror. The 26-year-old Moroccan international impressed in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and Klopp has been looking for midfield reinforcements as James Milner, Thiago and Fabinho have struggled, but it appears the player prefers Atletico Madrid.

Paper Round’s view: Atletico will probably offer slightly less competition for places compared to Liverpool but they too are finding life difficult this season under Diego Simeone. Liverpool supporters have for some time argued for more investment in the team, and unfortunately for everyone involved, the injury to Arthur Melo has prevented them from benefiting from his presence.