Barcelona target Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli as part of summer revamp to forward line - Paper Round

The Sun reports that Gabriel Martinelli is wanted by Barcelona as they look to improve their options on the wing.

The Arsenal winger is one of three players, as well as Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli, who could be targeted.

“The Arsenal winger, 22, moved to the Emirates back in 2019 and after a number of injury issues he is now producing his top form,” the paper explains.

“The Brazilian has scored 20 goals and produced seven assists since the start of last season and is one of Mikel Arteta’s key men.

“He remains under contract until 2027 but that is not stopping interest from mounting in him.

“Another Premier League attacker also joins him on the list. Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is under contract until 2027 as well.

“Napoli’s Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 23, is the other player being targeted, although he is also another under contract until 2027.”

While Barcelona are plotting a move for a winger, they also need to find a replacement for Xavi Hernandez.

The Mirror reports that Bayern Munich’s former manager Hansi Flick could be the man to step in.

The paper writes: “Former Germany boss Hansi Flick is itching to get back into management and has changed agents to make it happen.

“Flick has been without a job since being sacked by Germany in the wake of a damaging 4-1 defeat by Japan in September. The 58-year-old previously took charge of Bayern Munich between 2019 and 2021 and he is now keen to get back into club management.

“His desire to get back into the business comes at an opportune moment, with two high-profile jobs available in the summer. Liverpool are searching for a new manager for the first time since late 2015 after Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to step down at the end of the season, while Barcelona need to find a successor to Xavi Hernandez.”

As Tammy Abraham nears his return to competitive action after a serious knee injury, the Daily Mail thinks he could be on his way back to England.

Both former club Chelsea and Manchester United held an interest in the 26-year-old Roma forward.

“Tammy Abraham is close to returning from an eight month knee injury lay-off in news that will alert Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window,” the paper claims.

“Mail Sport understands the Roma centre forward is close to making his long-awaited return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered on the final day of last season.

“Abraham has returned to training and is approaching full fitness with a view to playing in Serie A within a matter of weeks.

“Manchester United and former club Chelsea were both credited with an interest in Abraham last year before he suffered his serious knee injury.

“It remains to be seen whether Roma would entertain losing Abraham but a return to England may suit the centre forward following three years in Italy.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to appoint Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as Manchester United’s transfer guru.

The Evening Standard thinks they will demand a fee in excess of £10 million if he decides to leave for Old Trafford.

The newspaper reports: “Manchester United face a fight to appoint Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Ashworth to take on a leading role in the new era at Old Trafford after his deal to buy a 25% stake in United was ratified on Monday.

“Ashworth informed his Newcastle bosses yesterday that he has been approached by United. But Newcastle are said to be confident they can demand a compensation fee of more than £10 million.”

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