Unai Emery is closing on his first signing as Arsenal manager, with Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos set to move to the Premier League this summer.
The Daily Mirror reports the Greek centre-back—who turned down an offer from Manchester United, according to his father—will cost the Gunners $21.3 million and will sign a three-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.
Papastathopoulos could be followed through the Emirates Stadium's arrival lounge by Marouane Fellaini. Various papers report the Belgian has emerged as a target for Arsenal, after rejecting two contract offers to remain at United.
According to the Telegraph, Fellaini was on Emery's radar when the Spaniard managed Paris Saint-Germain and is an attractive option given he's a free agent this summer.
The Times adds that Belgian will hold talks with the Gunners on Wednesday ahead of a possible move.
While Fellaini looks set to leave Old Trafford, Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred and Porto right-back Diogo Dalot are expected to join the 20-time champions of England before the end of the week, according to the Telegraph.
The same paper suggests Manchester City might have to part ways with promising youngster Patrick Roberts if it is to complete the signing of Riyad Mahrez, after Leicester City has demanded the 21-year-old to be included in a deal for the Algeria international.
Meanwhile, The Sun claims Zinedine Zidane quit Real Madrid last week after a row over signing Eden Hazard and David De Gea. The paper reports the Frenchman saw his plea to sign the Chelsea star rebuffed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who instead wanted to sign the United keeper, despite Zidane stating he had faith in Keylor Navas.
French magazine France Football also wades into the rumors surrounding Zidane's departure, suggesting Real Madrid was poised to sign Sadio Mane from Liverpool but the move has been put on hold after Zidane's abrupt departure.
Elsewhere, the Daily Express reports Laurent Blanc is a step closer to replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager after holding talks with the clubs over the last two days and The Times claims DC United has agreed a deal with Everton to sign Wayne Rooney.
"The clubs are close to having an agreement, but it is up to Wayne of course," Everton's director of football Marcel Brands was quoted as saying.
"When you talk about Wayne Rooney, you talk about a legend and a fantastic player. When I came into the club there was a lot going on already with Washington DC. "
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
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