Chelsea, AC Milan and Arsenal battle over Wilfried Zaha free transfer this summer - Paper Round
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Updated 05/03/2023 at 08:12 GMT
Chelsea, Arsenal and AC Milan are all keen on moving for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is out of contract in the summer, while Manchester United face competition from Liverpool for goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, and may battle Arsenal and Chelsea for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. Takeover talks also continue at Old Trafford ahead of a potential sale.
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Zaha set to quit Palace
Wilfried Zaha’s contract is up at the end of the season, and the Sun reports there is interest from three major clubs in Europe.
Two are from the Premier League, with London sides Chelsea and Arsenal keen to swoop for the winger on a free transfer, while Serie A club AC Milan retain an interest.
“The 30-year-old looks set to end his second spell at Selhurst Park this summer when his contract expires,” the paper states.
“Zaha has often been linked with a move away from Palace, but a move has never materialised with the South London club holding firm in their valuation of the player.
“And the player would like to stay in London despite drawing interest from AC Milan.
“Zaha is also reported to be an Arsenal fan, which could boost the Gunners' chances of landing the Palace player.”
United and Liverpool face off for ‘keeper
The Mirror believes that Liverpool and Manchester United are both keen on Djordje Petrovic, who plays in MLS with the New England Revolution.
Both sides are set to lose back-up options and they expect that the Serbian international would be content for a spell on the bench.
The paper writes: “Both clubs are in the market for goalkeeping reinforcements in the summer and the Serbia international, 23, figures high on their wanted lists. United are still talking to No.1 David de Gea about a new deal, while back-up keeper Tom Heaton is out of contract in the summer and Jack Butland’s loan from Crystal Palace expires at the end of the season.
“Dean Henderson is set to return to Old Trafford from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. But he is unlikely to be happy playing back-up to De Gea, meaning United are scouring the globe for new signings.
“Liverpool, meanwhile, could well lose Caoimhin Kelleher with speculation continuing around his future, while third-choice keeper Adrian is out of contract. Petrovic joined New England last April and has earned rave reviews for club and country in that time.”
United bids move onto next stage
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani are progressing with their bids for Manchester United, though they opening offers may fall short of the Glazer family’s asking price.
The Telegraph gives an update, explaining: “The leading contenders have been told by brokers in recent days they have advanced to the second of a three-stage sale process, sources told Telegraph Sport.
“Yet despite clearing the first hurdle, bidders are still waiting for more detailed financial information more than a fortnight after tabling their indicative offers.
“Sheikh Jassim, a Qatari bank chairman, and Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group are the only two parties to have gone public with their attempts to buy United.
“Telegraph Sport disclosed last Sunday how, as things stand, Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe will have to raise offers to convince the Glazers to sell.”
Premier League sides lurking for Lavia
Southampton's teenage midfielder Romeo Lavia is not distracted by reports linking him to clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, states the Mail.
“Sportsmail reported United's interest in the 19-year-old Belgian, who only joined the Saints last summer in a deal worth up to £14m, signing a five-year contract,” the report states.
“The teenager has impressed this season, despite Southampton's struggles in the league.
“The Red Devils are among several clubs to have eyed a move for Lavia, with Chelsea having enquired and Arsenal also understood to hold an interest.”
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