Pete O’Rourke Column: Liverpool handed midfield signing boost, Newcastle line up ‘huge’ deal, Rangers two priority signings revealed

Tue 14 February 2023 18:52, UK

Welcome to the first edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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ARSENAL

The Premier League leaders have been hurt by the injury to Gabriel Jesus despite Eddie Nketiah’s fine form in his absence, and are targeting another forward option as they look to become a force in Europe in the years to come.

It is my understanding that they are monitoring the situation of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez ahead of the summer window after showing initial interest in the Argentina international back in 2021.

Inter are struggling with financial issues at present and could be forced to part with the 25-year-old – who they view as the most saleable asset at the club.

A fee of between £70-80million should be enough to secure his services and wouldn’t be a problem for Arsenal.

The World Cup winner is interested in exploring a move to England despite having more than three years on his contract at San Siro.

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TOTTENHAM

Arsenal’s fierce north London rivals will need to move on from their pursuit of Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar, 28 as he inches closer to signing a pre-contract agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.

The French giants have agreed a lucrative deal with the 28-year-old which, as I understand, “far outstrips” any Spurs offer.

CHELSEA

I’m hearing talks over a new contract for Mason Mount have stalled – with a resolution now as far away as it has ever been.

The deadlock leaves Chelsea in a fragile situation with Mount, 24, now into the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

He is unhappy with the offers presented to him thus far.

As has been widely reported, Liverpool and Juventus are interested in signing the England midfielder – who was unexpectedly dropped by Graham Potter for the 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday (11 February).

Outside of Mount, I am expecting big changes at Chelsea this summer.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech will be moved on by the Blues as they raise funds to sign a new number nine.

Romelu Lukaku doesn’t feature in the long-term plans at Chelsea and is attracting interest from Inter Milan – who want to keep him on loan for another season.

NEWCASTLE

The January priority at St James’ Park was to bring in a player in the number six role, but they were unable to land their top targets.

Newcastle will try again in the summer to add a marquee signing to partner key man Bruno Guimaraes in their midfield.

My understanding is that Newcastle’s recruitment team, headed by Dan Ashworth, are already scouring the market for a new defensive midfielder signing.

Huge money has been set aside in order to land what is viewed as the next piece of the jigsaw for manager Eddie Howe.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s interest in Real Valladolid sensation Ivan Fresneda, 18, could depend on potential Champions League qualification this season.

The Magpies remedied their lack of depth at right-back by signing West Ham youngster Harrison Ashby on deadline day (31 January).

European football could also see Eddie Howe’s side move for a number of top-quality summer signings in order to boost the strength of the squad.

It is my understanding that players under the age of 24 will be on the agenda in the off-season as Howe looks to mould any new faces to his philosophy.

MAN UNITED

Erik ten Hag’s side are also taking a really active interest in signing Fresneda, I can exclusively reveal.

Old Trafford scouts have tracked the Spanish wonderkid over the past few weeks and the club are laying the groundwork for a summer move.

He was close to joining Arsenal in the January window but chose to help Valladolid in their battle against relegation from La Liga.

The Gunners remain interested, alongside European giants Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Man United’s interest in the Spain Under-19 international comes amid doubts over the long-term future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Although Fresneda is seen as a star in the making, first-team football will be hard to come by at Old Trafford – and a potential loan back to Valladolid could be the key to securing a summer deal.

RANGERS

Michael Beale has confirmed his side are looking at a number of goalkeeper targets ahead of the summer amid uncertainty over Allan McGregor’s future.

I can exclusively reveal that Rangers scouts have been impressed with Livingston goalkeeper Shamal George after extensively watching the 25-year-old this season.

Livingston boss David Martindale has publicly admitted that he doesn’t expect to keep him around for much longer and the former Liverpool youngster is definitely on the radar at Ibrox.

Meanwhile, Norwich’s Angus Gunn could potentially make the move north of the border this summer.

Rangers and Norwich have an existing relationship following Todd Cantwell’s January move, and Gunn is a goalkeeper who will tick a lot of boxes for Beale.

My understanding is that there are also big question marks over the future of Glen Kamara.

The 27-year-old could move on from Ibrox this summer despite having more than two years left to run on his contract – with Premier League and European sides monitoring his situation.

Key players like Steven Davis, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield are in the final months of their contracts, too – so Beale may have a big rebuilding job on his hands in the off-season.

There are big decisions to be made about the midfield engine room at Rangers.