Paper round-up: Arsenal reportedly face competition for signing of French youngster

Arsenal face competition from Barcelona for the signing of Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to The Sun.

The France Under-21 international is among a host of players who have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.


The Sun say he is also wanted by Barcelona, who are ready to compete with the Gunners for his signing.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror say Arsenal’s hopes of signing James Rodriguez have been dealt a blow after he suggested he will return to Real Madrid this summer.

It comes after Spanish press reports quoted the Colombian, who is on loan at Bayern Munich from Real, as saying: “In Madrid, I have everything such as my house and people who love me.

“We will have to see what happens, but at the moment I have a contract with Bayern Munich.

“I just want to finish the season and we’ll see what happens. I keep in touch with some Real Madrid players.”

Callum Hudson-Odoi is furious with his treatment at Chelsea and is now wanted by Paris St-Germain as well as Bayern Munich, The Sun say.

The Daily Mail say Chelsea are monitoring Monaco youngster Khephren Thuram, who is the 17-year-old son of former France defender Lilian Thuram.

Tottenham hope to carry out two test events in March with a view to getting clearance to move into their new stadium, The Sun reports.

Spanish newspaper Marca claim Gareth Bale could move in an exchange deal involving either Eden Hazard or Christian Eriksen.

It comes as reports in Spain suggest former Tottenham star Bale could leave Real Madrid, who continue to be linked with Chelsea’s Hazard and Spurs’ Eriksen.

That has now led to speculation that Bale could end up at Chelsea or Spurs this summer.

And West Ham star Manuel Lanzini could make his return from a serious knee injury against Fulham on Friday, The Times reports.