Paper Round: Juventus confident of £100m Cristiano Ronaldo deal

Juventus are confident of signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City close in on Jorginho and Riyad Mahrez, and Arsenal want up to three midfielders. 

Ronaldo set for Juventus switch 

Serie A champions Juventus are now confident of signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid. The 33-year-old Portuguese international has a one billion euro release clause but may be released for just 100 million euros, around £88m. He would receive a salary of £26m a year, something that would take him up to 37 years of age. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain may also be interested. 

Arsenal face battle for N’Zonzi 

Juventus might not stop at signing Ronaldo, as they eye up France midfielder Steven N’Zonzi. The 29-year-old Sevilla midfielder agreed a contract extension with his club in February, but the deal inserted a £35m release clause in at the same time. New Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who managed the midfielder in Spain, has sounded him out about a return to the Premier League, and he is keen on coming back to England.

Manchester City set for double swoop 

For what seems like the 100th time this summer, Manchester City are reportedly set to sign Napoli midfielder Jorginho. The 26-year-old Italy international will join for £48.7m, a substantial reduction on the fee of £61m had initially valued the player at. He will be joined by Riyad Mahrez, with the 27-year-old international costing £60m, also a reduced fee, from Leicester’s valuation of £80m in the winter transfer window. 

Emery targets another midfielder 

While Unai Emery is reported above as being interested in Steven N’Zonzi, he is looking to add more players to his squad. He is prepared to raise money through player sales to bring in Andre Gomes from Barcelona. The 24-year-old is available for £30m, and there remains a deal in progress for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira.

Eurosport