Paper Round: Barca make Coutinho bid, Ozil close to new Arsenal deal

It's Friday's Paper Round on Olomoinfo Blog. Today's papers are reporting that Barcelona have made a fresh bid for Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho whilst Mesut Ozil is close to signing a new Arsenal deal.

Barca make fresh Coutinho bid

The Mail are reporting that Barcelona have revived their interest in Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho as their chances of signing Marco Verratti diminish. They have bid €80 million (£72 million) for Coutinho but Liverpool have rejected it and want to keep their star man. Barcelona will try again with a bid above the £75 million they paid the Reds for Luis Suarez with Neymar keen on the deal.

 

Our view: Liverpool had made it clear that Coutinho is not for sale at any price and moreover, the Brazilian looks happy at Anfield. Barcelona are afraid they might lose Neymar to PSG in a world record transfer fees this summer so they needed to make a quick replacement should that be the case.

Ozil close to new Arsenal contract

The Mail is reporting that Mesut Ozil is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal. The playmaker has just one year left on his contract and had been holding out for £350,000 a week. Arsenal have offered £280,000 a week and are confident a deal can be done.

 

Our view: Wenger has allowed Ozil and Alexis Sanchez's contracts drag too far. But it seems Ozil looks the likely to stay at the Emirate next season with Sanchez looking to play champions league football else where. That Ozil is willing to compromise is a positive for Arsenal. 

North London battle for Sancho

Meanwhile in The Sun it is reported that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are battling to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester City. Sancho, who is also being tracked by RB Leipzig, is reportedly struggling to see a pathway into the City team and could move on.

   

Our view: Following is impressive display with City and England at youth level, it is obvious Sancho needs the step up his career requires but that maybe not come at City just yet. So a move elsewhere might do him good. Spurs not a bad destination for him. 

Wilshere open to West Ham move

We end with The Star who report that Jack Wilshere could be open to moving to West Ham. Wilshere reportedly supported the Hammers as a boy and wouldn't have to move house. Arsenal would want £20 million plus a buy-back clause. 

Our view: All Wilshere needs is a permanent move and not another loan. He needs to decides his future carefully, and West Ham could be a good option.