Arsenal dominate the transfer talk this morning ahead of the visit of Southampton to the Emirates later this evening.
Arsene Wenger has identified Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Christoph Kramer as an option if a deal for Sami Khedira falls through.
Arsenal have been linked with Khedira’s signature for some time but the unsettled Real Madrid player has attracted attention from a host of other clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
And 23-year-old Kramer, who is currently on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, could be pursued by Wenger if Khedira chooses to move elsewhere.
Kramer recently claimed that he would not be averse to a move away from the Bundesliga, saying: “That [moving abroad] has always interested me. I would not be afraid.” Daily Star
Another name being linked with Arsenal is defender Vlad Chiriches who would not have to travel far across North London if a deal is agreed.
The Gunners have joined a number of Italian clubs such as Roma, Inter Milan and Napoli in the battle for the 24-year-old Spurs centre-back.
While Roma currently seem to have their noses ahead in the race for the player, a loan move to Arsenal could tempt the Romanian who may not want to disrupt his life to much with a switch to Italy.
If Arsenal do manage to get their man, it will be the first time that a player has switched from White Hart Lane to Arsenal since Sol Campbell in 2001. Daily Express
One possible name on the exit list at the Emirates is German forward Lukas Podolski who appears to be fed up with his limited first team opportunities this season with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and even Yaya Sanogo ahead of Podolski in the pecking order up front.
And in a recent interview with Sky Sports Germany, Podolski revealed that a move to his boyhood side, FC Koln, would not be overly far-fetched.
He said: “I can imagine a transfer to Cologne in the next few years because I’m always attached to the club.” Daily Star
Simon Mignolet’s days as Liverpool’s number 1 may be numbered as Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto has emerged as a target for Brendan Rodgers.
Mignolet has struggled between the sticks at Anfield this season, with his latest gaffe coming as an own goal away to Leicester last night.
Reports in Italy suggest that Liverpool are prepared to offer the young Brazilian ‘keeper a whopping weekly salary of €155,000.
Neto’s contract with Fiorentina runs up in the summer but the 25-year-old has already rejected the offer of an extension. Metro
Meanwhile, out-of-favour stopper Petr Cech could be set to join former Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole at Roma in January.
The 32-year-old Czech Republic international is being courted by as many as five clubs but Roma are reported to be weighing up a bid for the player who has lost his starting place to Belgian Thibaut Courtois.
Jose Mourinho insists that he has received no offers for Cech but that could change in the coming weeks, as clubs look to sure up their back lines. Daily Mail
Spurs midfielder Paulinho could be set for a quick return to Brazil as Sao Paulo and Corinthians are keen on the player’s talents.
The Brazilian international has not started a Premier League game since the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane and could be on his way back to Corinthians, who sold Paulinho to Spurs for €21.5million last year.
Corinthians sporting director Edu Gaspar said of the player: “The door is open for Paulinho as he is still very popular here. I don’t think the financial package would be an issue.” Daily Mirror
