Pete O’Rourke column: Odegaard opens talks over Arsenal deal, Man United eye 20-year-old Kane alternative, Newcastle in advanced Guimaraes negotiations

Thu 1 June 2023 21:00, UK

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MAN UNITED

My understanding is that Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund features highly on the wanted list at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old is seen as a potential alternative to big-money deals for Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen.

Hojlund has had a good first season at Atalanta and burst onto the international scene with Denmark, scoring five goals in two qualifiers in March.

He is regarded as one of the best young strikers in the world, and sources tell me Man United are readying a summer move.

I’m told Atalanta will want a fee of €60million (around £52million) to part with the youngster.

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Tottenham talisman Kane remains the number one target, but Man United chiefs are not optimistic about striking a deal with Spurs.

I’m told Old Trafford chiefs fear negotiations could drag on throughout the summer window, but they would prefer to get their business done early.

Meanwhile, Man United are likely to let Anthony Martial leave the club in the off-season after a frustrating campaign.

He managed just nine goals across all competitions in another season plagued by bad form and injury troubles.

Sources tell me a parting of ways is considered the best solution for all parties, and United will be happy to let him move on provided they get the right fee.

There is likely to be interest in the France international despite his poor 2022-23 campaign.

ARSENAL

I’m told the Gunners have held early talks with captain Martin Odegaard over a new and improved contract.

The 24-year-old is set to be rewarded for his fine form despite having more than two years left to run on his current deal.

Renewed terms for Odegaard would follow agreements with stars like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Ramsdale.

I’m told Arsenal are keen to reach a quick agreement amid interest from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The Londoners have no intention to sell the Norway international, and I’m told any new deal would bring Odegaard in line with other top earners like Saka and Martinelli.

Arsenal Martin Odegaard in red and white shirt

NEWCASTLE

Talks are still ongoing with Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimaraes over a new contract.

I’m told the process is now expected to be expedited now the 2022-23 campaign has come to a conclusion, and Newcastle are confident of getting a deal over the line.

Barcelona are monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation, but sources tell me the Magpies will demand a fee of around £100million in order to part with their star man.

That is a deal the Catalan giants are unlikely to be able to strike, with financial issues continuing behind the scenes at Camp Nou.

Sources tell me a bumper new long-term deal for Guimaraes is likely, with all parties happy and aligned on the project at St James’ Park following Champions League qualification.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are also likely to sit down for talks with Callum Wilson over a new contract in the off-season.

The 31-year-old hit several crucial goals for Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League run-in – and notched 18 league goals in total.

He has just over 12 months remaining on his current deal, but I’m told Howe remains a huge fan of the England international and has no desire to bring in an additional striker this summer.

Fabian Schar is also set for crunch talks over his future on Tyneside.

Like Wilson, he has just over a year remaining on his contract and I’m told Newcastle are keen to protect his transfer value by handing him new terms.

He is one of several players to enjoy a real turnaround under Howe, and my understanding is that the Magpies would love to keep him at the club.

TOTTENHAM

Spurs are hopeful about winning the race for Leicester star James Maddison.

The 26-year-old’s signature will be one of the most hotly-contested in English football this summer.

Newcastle and Tottenham are long-term admirers of the midfielder, while Arsenal could also enter the race as it hots up in the coming weeks.

I’m told Spurs are hopeful of winning the race for Maddison despite having no manager or director of football in place at present.

The Lilywhites see him as a top target and are hopeful of convincing him to join the project.

Tottenham are still likely to get a new manager in place before pre-season starts, despite a number of setbacks in the process.

Sources tell me Luis Enrique, Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou are among the names in the frame for the vacancy, with talks ongoing with a number of candidates.

Daniel Levy is determined to get the appointment right and will therefore take his time before making a final decision.

LEICESTER

I’m told Maddison is almost certain to leave the King Power Stadium this summer – but the Foxes will also find it hard to keep hold of Harvey Barnes.

My understanding is that bids are fully expected to arrive for the winger – and Leicester’s perilous financial situation could mean they are forced to part with him.

The England international is the subject of interest from Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa.