Marseille in mood to move for Giroud

Talk of a revamp at Arsenal has seen plenty of focus on who could come in, but a bit less on who might go out.

But the Sun reports that striker Olivier Giroud could be on his way out, with Marseille having made contact about "a big-money move to the French coast."

Although the France international only recently signed a new deal to keep him at the Emirates until 2019, Marseille have made him a target and are keen to add more big names following the signing of Dimitri Payet in the winter.

The Sun adds that Arsenal would be unlikely to block a move for Giroud as they prepare for major changes to their squad.

City could try again for Bonucci

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for a central defender -- and the one he could go for is Leonardo Bonucci of Juventus, according to the Manchester Evening News.

It reports that Guardiola "has made a partner for John Stones a key part of his plans" and Italy international Bonucci "fits the profile of the player he believes will bring the best out of his £47.5 million signing."

City, having tried to sign Bonucci last summer, could go back in for him again and "might fancy their chances 12 months on -- particularly after his public fall out with coach Max Allegri," the Evening News says.

Spurs and Chelsea to battle for Gibson

Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson is in demand, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all reported to be interested.

But the Sun predicts that Chelsea are "ready to go to war with Tottenham" to land the 24-year-old.

It says Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino "wants Gibson to play alongside Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in a 3-4-3 formation next season," but it adds that Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte "is a big admirer" and also keen to sign him.

Gibson has impressed for Middlesbrough and helped them, despite their Premier League struggles, to a good defensive record this season.

Pickford to lead Sunderland exodus

There will be a lot of change at Sunderland in the summer, says the Mail, which reports that the sale of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will help finance a spending spree that now looks certain to be aimed at securing promotion from the Championship.

England Under-21 international Pickford, strongly linked with Arsenal and Everton, would cost around £15m.

He will be far from the only player heading out, with the Mail reporting that striker Jermain Defoe, defenders Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchhoff and midfielders Wahbi Khazri and Didier Ndong, the club's record signing, will also be on their way.

Tap-ins

- Barcelona are set to beat out Chelsea and Arsenal by beginning talks with Flamengo starlet Vinicius Junior, according to Marca.

Earlier this year, all three were said to be monitoring the 16-year-old -- who has a €30 million release clause in his terms, despite having never played a senior game -- and Marca says his representatives arrived in Barcelona for talks this week.

- Another one for the future: Arsenal are set to offer a deal to Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende of Deportes Santa Cruz after he impressed in two trial spells, the Mirror reports.

It says FIFA rules meant the Gunners "were unable to offer him a deal until he turned 18 on Friday" but are now poised to do so.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by CHRIS BORG

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