Paper Round: Philippe Coutinho asks for Barcelona transfer
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Published 10/12/2017 at 08:36 GMT
Philippe Countinho still wants to join Liverpool, Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi will leave their clubs on loan, and Raheem Sterling considers his options.
Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho gestures
Image credit: Reuters
Coutinho demands Barcelona transfer assurances
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho has asked his club for reassurances that he will be allowed to join Barcelona in the summer. The 25-year-old Brazilian international was the subject of several bids last summer but his transfer request was denied, and he was slow to return to first team action. With the World Cup approaching, Coutinho has asked for clarity on his future so he can focus on the rest of the season.
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Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (C) celebrates scoring their fifth goal
Image credit: Getty Images
Paper Round's view: This may be the pragmatic choice for Coutinho and Liverpool. It would avoid another transfer distraction this winter as the club attempt to qualify for the Champions League and succeed in Europe this season. It also means that Liverpool can identify potential replacements for Coutinho, perhaps even arranging a transfer now in order to keep the costs of any move to a minimum.
Sterling considers Spanish transfer
Raheem Sterling was linked with a move to Arsenal last summmer as part of an exchange deal for Manchester City to sign Alexis Sanchez, but Sterling has ruled out a move to London. He said that were he to move, he would prefer a transfer to a Spanish club or anywhere with a warmer climate. With two and a half years to run on his current deal, he is expected to open negotations with the club over a new contract after the summer.
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Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 21,
Image credit: Getty Images
Paper Round's view: As City briefly considered his exit - according to newspaper reports, at least - Sterling is wise to be planning his future options. Mentioning Spain as a possibility won't hurt him as he tries to negotiate a new deal, but given Pep Guardiola appears to think Sterling is one of the best young players in the world right now, who scores important, late goals, the chance of him leaving soon appear minimal.
Giroud wants January loan move
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is considering a loan move in order to save his place in the French international squad. With a wealth of attacking talent available to Didier Deschamps, the 31-year-old forward has been warned that a lack of regular first-team football could cost him his place in the squad that goes to Russia. Giroud will only consider a move to another London club, with Crystal Palace and West Ham considering offers to take him on loan.
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Arsenal's Olivier Giroud speaks with Theo Walcott
Image credit: Reuters
Paper Round's view: If Arsenal keep hold of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil this winter, then Giroud can probably be released without too much trouble. Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck can lead the attack - but if either Ozil or Sanchez depart then Wenger might consider himself too short on attacking options, and Giroud might also accept that his hopes are best served by remaining at The Emirates.
Chelsea look for Batshuayi replacement
Chelsea will allow Michy Batshuayi to leave the club on loan in January, and do not expect him to feature in Antonio Conte's first team plans in the long term. Batshuayi has struggled since his move from Marseille two seasons ago, and was not called upon to help Chelsea chase the game in their Saturday defeat to West Ham. Chelsea will look for a replacement, suggesting there is no way back for him at Stamford Bridge.
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Michy Batshuayi warming up for Chelsea
Image credit: Reuters
Paper Round's view: Batshuayi may not be demonstrating enough talent in training to be considered for regular first team action, but he has been given few opportunities to show his talents on the pitch. If Conte has no use for him, then it is far better to allow a young player to attempt to reach his full potential elsewhere, and a find a player who will assist Chelsea's attempt to retain the title with goals.
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