What the papers say
The Sun reports that Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been delivered a blow in their hopes to secure 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. The paper writes that Real Madrid believe they have won the race with a deal in excess of £100 million.
Gabriel Martinelli is set to sign a new deal at Arsenal, according to the Mail. The 21-year-old attacker will reportedly become one of the club’s top earners.
And Arsenal are also set to become a frontrunner in the race for World Cup star and Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to the Mirror. The 23-year-old had a breakout World Cup with winners Argentina and is also reportedly sought after by Atletico Madrid.
Social media round-up
Tottenham to hand boss Antonio Conte huge pay rise to tempt him into staying at the club #THFC https://t.co/6LA0k08ZYN
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 20, 2022
Arsenal are set to join the race for one of the World Cup's breakout stars – months after he was recommended by Emmanuel Petithttps://t.co/nMs7Py3MzB
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 21, 2022
Players to watch
Alessandro Bastoni: Italian publication La Gazzetto Dello Sport reports the 23-year-old Inter Milan defender is being sought by Manchester United and Tottenham.
Alexis Mac Allister: Spanish publication AS says the 23-year-old Brighton midfielder is being targeted by Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
