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Paper Round: Arsenal want Granit Xhaka, Manchester United line up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Alexander Netherton

Updated 02/05/2016 at 08:30 GMT

Arsenal are targeting Borussia Monchengladbach's Granit Xhaka, and Manchester United want Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Switzerland's Granit Xhaka

Image credit: Reuters

Arsenal chase Kante as Xhaka hopes recede

The Telegraph reports that in the face of fan protests from Arsenal fans, it will be business as usual this summer at the Emirates. The fans have said it is "time for change" but Wenger is already working on an overhaul of the youth system and lining up his targets for next season. The Sun suggests two possible options for the club this summer. Granit Xhaka could move from Borussia Dortmund for £34million, but he could prefer a move to Bayern Munich. A more realistic target could be N'Golo Kante at Leicester.
Paper Round’s view: Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky are all heading towards the end of their Arsenal careers, and Jack Wilshere's injury problems add to the pressing need for more midfielders at Arsenal. Xhaka and Kante would both offer energy and intelligence, improving the midfield's attacking and defensive abilities. Bayern are clearly the more attractive side than Arsenal these days, so Arsenal will probably have to focus their attention on Kante.

Manchester United chase Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Manchester United need to add pace to their attack, as Wayne Rooney moves into midfield, and Marouane Fellaini has not made the move up to be a second striker as Louis van Gaal originally planned. The Daily Mail reports that one option for the club is to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for £70 million. Louis van Gaal has long asked for pace in attack, and while Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford provide that, it's not enough depth, and more quick players are needed.
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Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates

Image credit: PA Photos

Paper Round’s view: Unfortunately for United, Aubameyang is most likely to join Real Madrid in the summer, with the striker keenest on a move to Spain. Should a transfer ban be enforced, then there's every chance he would simply delay his move and remain in Germany for another season. It seems unlikely that United would want to go in for yet another player who would agitate for a move away.

West Ham chase Alexandre Lacazette

The Daily Mail reports that West Ham are going to seal their move to the Olympic Stadium by splashing out a record fee on Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette. He has recently been linked with Barcelona, but West Ham would be able to give him far more time on the pitch. The Mail says that while they have Andy Carroll, Enner Valencia, Emmanuel Emenike and Diafra Sakho on their books, there will be an overhaul of strikers in the summer.
Paper Round’s view: If Lacazette is offered the chance to sign for Barcelona, it would be hard to compete, but appealing to common sense and offering more game time is the best option West Ham have to appeal to him. As talented as Andy Carroll is, he cannot be relied upon to feature in most matches, and Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are talented, but limited when compared with Lacazette. He would be an upgrade on their current squad and allow them to seriously challenge for the top four.

Quique Sanchez Flores on the edge at Watford

Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is resigned to losing his job at Watford, according to the Telegraph. The manager has taken Watford to mid-table, with a win over Villa at the weekend, and also the semi-finals of the FA Cup. However, the Pozzo family appear to be disappointed that a bright start was not maintained, and their enthusiasm for the manager has waned.
Paper Rounds’ view: The owners have their own particular way of managing their clubs, and it appears to be relatively successful. While Flores has probably done enough to deserve to keep his job, they might have the chance to attract someone with even more talent when the new TV deal kicks in. There’s a huge amount of money to be made if Watford can be established as a serious London side, and Flores has not made an unimpeachable case for him to stay.
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