Josko Gvardiol to land new lucrative deal, Joshua Zirkzee desperate to stay at Manchester United – Paper Round
Updated 28/10/2024 at 10:34 GMT
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Josko Gvardiol is reportedly in line for a new lucrative contract with Manchester City said to be worth £150,000 a week. Elsewhere in Monday's Paper Round, Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is determined to stay at the club despite making a slow start to life in England and amid reports linking him with a move back to Italy, and Arsenal are linked with a move for a Brazilian teenager.
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Gvardiol in line for new Man City deal
Josko Gvardiol is reportedly in talks with Manchester City to sign a new lucrative contract at the club.
The Croatia international only joined City last summer in a deal believed to be worth £70 million. But his impressive performances are set to land him a bigger pay packet, claims a report in the Daily Star.
“Josko Gvardiol is to land a new deal - and pay rise - at Manchester City after a superb opening 15 months with the English champions,” writes the outlet.
“The Croatian defender, 22, signed a five-year contract last summer, worth £120,000 a week, when he completed a £70 million move from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
“And now the City hierarchy are preparing to increase that weekly salary to £150k and extend his stay by two more years to keep him at the Etihad until 2030.
“The improved terms underline the significant impact Gvardiol has made since his arrival in England.
“After initially struggling to gain a regular place, the former Dinamo Zagreb man has become a permanent fixture in Pep Guardiola’s first-choice rearguard.
“Now the club plan to reward Gvardiol’s superb displays with a deal that ties him down for the rest of the decade - and ensures he remains a vital figure moving forward.”
Zirkzee wants Man Utd stay
Joshua Zirkzee is desperate to stay and prove himself at Manchester United amid links to Juventus.
The Dutchman has not scored since a debut goal against Fulham on the first day of the season but is reportedly determined to be a success at The Red Devils rather than look for a move elsewhere.
“Joshua Zirkzee is not interested in leaving Manchester United in the January transfer window, despite reports linking him with a move to Juventus,” writes the Mirror.
“Zirkzee joined United over the summer, with the Red Devils signing the forward from Bologna for a fee of around £36.5 million. The Dutchman signed a five-year deal with United and enjoyed a dream debut as he came off the bench to score the winner against Fulham.
“However, he has not found the back of the net since then and has typically been used as a substitute, with manager Erik ten Hag favouring Rasmus Hojlund. As a result, reports from Italy claimed that Juventus were eyeing a move for Zirkzee in January.
“However, a fresh report from Sky Deutschland has now poured cold water on any suggestions that Zirkzee could leave Old Trafford after just six months. It is claimed that he has no intention of moving on and is determined to prove himself at United.”
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Gunners linked with Brazilian sensation
Arsenal have been linked with a Brazilian talent currently plying his trade with Palmerias.
Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos, 18, reportedly has a release clause of just over £66m and his performances as a No. 9 have caught the eye of The Gunners.
"Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up the next starlet to emerge from Brazil as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to use his connections to steal a march,” notes a report in the Daily Express.
“Palmeiras youngster Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos - commonly known as Luighi - has emerged as a bright talent for the future. The Gunners are understood to be ahead of the curve in the race to capture his signature as Europe's elite begin to circle.
“Reports suggest the north London outfit were one of several clubs to send scouts to run the rule over the teenager. Catalan outlet Sport claim Arsenal have 'already tried to close down' a deal, but saw their attempts rebuffed.
“Luighi has already made his debut for the Brazilian club and there are high hopes he will be given a run in the team when he returns from international duty. He is currently playing at the South American U20 Championship for the Selecao.
“Palmeiras have moved to the front of the queue when it comes to developing players with enormous potential in Brazil. They sold Endrick to Real Madrid for a whopping £65million in 2023, while Chelsea will pay £34m up front to sign Estevao Willian when he turns 18 in 2025.
“Luighi may well be rated in the same bracket as his academy colleagues as he signed a professional contract containing a £66.7m release clause.
“He is viewed as a natural No. 9 after scoring a hatful of goals at youth level, but it is believed he can be converted into a forward due to his technical skills.
“Southampton have also been linked with the young forward in recent months and reportedly had a bid rejected in the summer transfer window. But the influence of Edu could be key into helping Arsenal negotiate a deal should they be keen to pursue Luighi.”
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