Man City turn to Marc Cucurella after Arsenal agree terms for Oleksandr Zinchenko transfer – Paper Round

Zinchenko out, Cucurella in at City

Paper Round’s view: City’s strengthening of the clubs below them continues, but so do their own squad enhancements. A team willing to sell Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and now Zinchenko evidently do not fear the clubs they are selling to, but this approach could be to Arsenal’s gain – a club intent on returning to the Champions League and making to smart moves in their bid to do so.

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Brentford want £40m for Toney

Paper Round’s view: That should be that, you’d suspect, unless Newcastle get so desperate in their striker search they deem £40m for Toney a worthwhile investment. Leeds have had an influx of cash, of course, but despite selling Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, this doesn’t feel like a suitable way to spend some of that money.

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Real want eight more out

Paper Round’s view: A necessary cycle for all clubs but Real more than most really have seemed to stack up a pile of players they haven’t needed or wanted for some time. The intrigue will be around who else they get in, or want to get in, as it has gone quiet on that front.

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Werner wants out?

Paper Round’s view: A winter World Cup really is unique, and it throws up this scenario where players out of favour at the very start of the season may seek a move before deadline day in order to force their way into – or remain part of – national team plans… Werner could well fit that category, so it’s one to watch for sure.