Gossip: Arsenal want a striker, Lloris out, Hart in

Matt Stead

TRANSFER BACCA
You know what hasn’t happened in ages? Arsenal haven’t been linked with a striker. Well mark the day on your calendar – does anyone use them anymore? – because The Sun have righted that wrong.

It’s a Phil Cadden exclusive, and the claim is that the Gunners are considering a move for Carlos Bacca. The Colombian was a target for the club in 2015, and they are willing to renew their interest. They ‘have opened negotiations’ to sign him, in fact. Crikey.

The following line from Cadden reveals just why Arsenal want the 30-year-old:

‘With Olivier Giroud, Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck all injured, Arsene Wenger is determined the Gunners season won’t be derailed by a lack of striking options.’

We can’t help but think he’s forgetting a certain someone. Did anybody score a bloody lovely hat-trick at the weekend?

 

HU-GOING, HU-GOING, HU-GONE?
Sticking with The Sun, and they have another transfer exclusive as the horrible reality of the January window looms.

Tottenham might have signed almost all of their squad to new contracts this season, but one man who has not extended terms at White Hart Lane is Hugo Lloris. And the north Londoners ‘fear he will leave’ at the end of the season.

It is reported that, with PSG and Real Madrid circling, the Frenchman’s future relies on Champions League qualification. With Tottenham currently fifth, that is in no way guaranteed.

The 29-year-old does still have two-and-a-half years left on his deal, but Spurs have a list of two potential replacements, just in case.

The first is Joe Hart, which makes sense for two of the three parties involved. Tottenham get a decent keeper, Hart gets a great move. But Manchester City would surely not be interested in strengthening a rival?

The other is Jordan Pickford of Sunderland. The 22-year-old has looked excellent for David Moyes’ side, but that is quite the step up.

Still, it all relies on Lloris leaving in the summer, which is by no means certain.

 

SEVENTH HEAVEN
You know what’s hilarious? West Brom are seventh. And Tony Pulis is keen to bolster his squad in January as they continue to push for the title.

According to the Daily Telegraph, they have two main targets. An interest has long been held in Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United, but Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez is also on their (very) shortlist.

The sticking point could be the funds that the Baggies board will make available in the winter. There is no chance West Brom will land both for £20million. That is barely a war drawer, never mind a warchest.

John Percy, ever reliable when it comes to news from The Hawthorns, also states that new contracts are being readied for Darren Fletcher, Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt. What a lovely Christmas present for us all.

 

AND THE REST
Spurs striker Harry Kane, 22, has said he would like to stay at the club for life after signing a new six-year contract…Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop believes the club should sign Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge…Everton will continue to target Italy and Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini, 25, amid fears striker Romelu Lukaku may leave…And Everton manager Ronald Koeman could offload midfield pair Aaron Lennon, 29, and Gerard Deulofeu, 22, – if he can replace them…West Ham and Crystal Palace will attempt to sign 22-year-old Newcastle and Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in January…Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig are the latest club to be linked with Celtic’s 20-year-old striker Moussa Dembele, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham tracking the Frenchman.