Paper Round: Barcelona set to move for Ander Herrera
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Updated 21/10/2017 at 07:44 GMT
Barcelona want Ander Herrera and Philippe Coutinho and plan to fight Arsenal for Andre Silva, while Arsenal may lose Mesut Ozil to Manchester United.
Ander Herrera of Manchester United
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United prepare for Barcelona Herrera offer
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is interesting Barcelona, who could make a move for the 28-year-old Spaniard this January. His contract is technically due to end in the summer, meaning it might seem that he can sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club to secure a free transfer in the summer, but United can unilaterally extend his contract by a further year if they choose to.
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Philippe Coutinho battles for possession with Ander Herrera and Ashley Young
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Paper Round's view: Herrera has become increasingly ineffective this season. In a midfield two he offers less than Marouane Fellaini, and in a midfield three he has struggled to make an impact. Perhaps when Paul Pogba returns, he and Nemanja Matic will be used to park the bus and provide quality in the biggest games. But for now, Herrera is struggling to find form and may be tempted by a return to Spain, and one of the few teams who could offer him more than United.
Ozil expects United move
Regardless of Herrera's future, Mesut Ozil expects to join Manchester United at the end of the season. His contract is also entering its final few months, and Arsenal are looking for a buyer to cut their losses. Inter Milan are the only team to have expressed an interest for this January, though, and Ozil could be content to wait out the rest of his contract even if that means a reduced amount of playing time at the Emirates.
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Mesut Özil (FC Arsenal)
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Paper Round's view: If United are going to sign the Ozil of the last three years, then they should turn and run away to almost any other target. But if Mourinho and Ozil believe they can recreate his Real Madrid form then there is no reason to think he couldn't be a more dangerous presence for United than Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is another inconsistent playmaker. Secondly, it would be a blow to Arsene Wenger, which motivates Mourinho to a curious degree.
Arsenal face battle for Silva
Arsenal might replace another wantaway foward, Alexis Sanchez, with Andre Silva of AC Milan. The 21-year-old Portuguese international joined AC Milan for £33m only this summer, but his six goals in the Europa League have attracted the attention of bigger sides. Barcelona, too, are considering a move for the player as they look to continue their curtailed summer reinforcements, and Milan would consider a sale due to their levels of debt.
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André Silva après son but face à la Suisse
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Paper Round's view: If Silva has the chance to join Arsenal or Barcelona, he has a choice to make. He is more likely to get first team football with Arsenal and secure a 2018 World Cup starting spot with Portugal. But with Barcelona he has the chance to be the long term replacement of Neymar or Luis Suarez.
Barcelona to return for Coutinho
Yet another playmaker who could be on the move is Philippe Coutinho. The Liverpool midfielder almost joined Barcelona in the summer, but Liverpool were steadfast in their refusal to accept £118m for the 25-year-old Brazilian international. However, the club anticipate that Barcelona could return with another bid in January given the large amount of money they have left from the Neymar Jr transfer.
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Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between NK Maribor and Liverpool at the Ljudski vrt Stadium, in Maribor, on October 17, 2017.
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Paper Round's view: With Ousmane Dembele's injury, and a newly credible title challenge, Barcelona are looking to continue that improvement after expecting to struggle against Real Madrid again this season. Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have done little to suggest they can challenge for the title, and Coutinho might regard the January transfer window as yet another chance to leave in pursuit of trophies.
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