Paper Round: Arsenal to offer Alexis Sanchez huge new deal

Sanchez to be Arsenal's highest-paid player - Arsenal are set to give Alexis Sanchez a new contract that will make him the club's highest-paid player, according to the Daily Mail. Sanchez is currently on £130,000-per-week, just behind Mesut Ozil's £140,000-per-week, but that will go up in the new deal. His designation as top earner may not last too long, though, because the Gunners also want to give Ozil a new contract.

Paper Round's view - Both Sanchez and Ozil's current deals expire in 2018 and the Gunners don't want to go into the summer with both two years away from leaving on a free. That puts them in a tough spot and puts some leverage on the players' sides. With both Sanchez and Ozil shining, there's no reason for Arsenal to consider selling them or letting their contracts run so signing them up to new deals is just wise.

Newcastle chasing Valdes - Newcastle know who they want to replace Tim Krul. The Star believe that the Magpies have targeted Victor Valdes and are hoping to sign him from Manchester United in January. Krul is out for the season after suffering a knee injury and Newcastle need help in goal. The problem is that the Red Devils are reluctant to let Valdes join another Premier League team.

Paper Round's view - Valdes is still a solid goalkeeper who would be good for Newcastle. He's completely out of the picture at United, but it's not because he's terrible. He and Van Gaal don't get along and it's a personal clash, not a disagreement on form. The problem is that the same stubbornness from Van Gaal that helped create this could also keep him from even considering letting Valdes go to Newcastle, or any other team in England.

Southampton not sure if Koeman will stay - Southampton are hoping to sign Ronald Koeman to a new contract. The question is whether he wants to stay at St. Mary's. The Mail understand that the Saints are concerned Koeman could leave the club to take the Netherlands job despite their willingness to give him a long-term deal. The Dutch are on the verge of missing out on the Euros and Danny Blind will almost certainly be fired if they do.

Paper Round's view - Koeman has said that he intends to see out his contract at Southampton, which takes him through the summer of 2017, but he hasn't agreed to more than that. He may be happy at Southampton, as he has said he is, but it's tough to turn down your country. The Dutchman would be understandably tempted by the Netherlands and that could even cause him to leave Southampton a year early to take over his country in the summer.

Newcastle will get millions for Krul injury - Newcastle are without Krul for the rest of the season, but at least they will get come compensation for it. The Mirror claim that the Magpies are in line for a multi-million-pound compensation package because the goalkeeper suffered the injury playing internationally. Krul's injury, which will keep him out until August, is covered by FIFA's Club Protection Programme and their compensation will come from there.

Paper Round's view - Getting paid doesn't make Krul's injury palatable for Newcastle, who would undoubtedly prefer to have their goalkeeper, but it gives them something at least. This situation is exactly what the Club Protection Programme was put in place for and will keep the Magpies from being on the hook for much of Krul's wages while he is out. That's better than nothing.

Arsenal eyeing Ajax starlet - Arsene Wenger is hoping to sign Riechedly Bazoer, per the Daily Mirror. The 19-year-old starlet is on trial with the Gunners and Arsenal could sign him soon. Bazoer is considered one of the best young players in the Netherlands and nearly signed for Arsenal three years ago, but he opted for Ajax instead. Now, having earned his first Netherlands call-up, he may be ready to join the Gunners.

Paper Round's view - Bazoer is a terrific young talent. Despite still being a teenager, he has shown himself capable in the Eredivisie and figures to be part of the national team for a long time. Arsenal have made a habit of signing the best young players from around Europe and Bazoer definitely fits the bill. You can't have too many central midfielders and especially young ones so betting on Bazoer is a smart move.