Football
Michael Wade 8y

Arsenal look to bolster strike force with Alexandre Lacazette or Alvaro Morata

With the summer transfer window upon us, rumours are picking up steam. As always, Transfer Talk has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest gossip. See the latest deals here.

TOP STORY: Arsenal look to add to forward line

Arsenal have decided against cashing in on Olivier Giroud but remain in the hunt for a new striker. Alexandre Lacazette and Alvaro Morata are Arsene Wenger's two main targets, according to the Mirror.

The Gunners were initially willing to entertain the idea of selling Giroud, who has played an important role in France reaching the Euro 2016 final this summer, scoring three goals and setting up two, and received several enquiries from interested clubs. However, those have been knocked back and Arsenal are now focused on adding to their forward line rather than diminishing it.

The Mirror reports that any new arrivals will not affect Giroud's chances of regular football. Lyon's Lacazette is reportedly available for £42 million and would offer the flexibility to play off Giroud. Although Morata remains another option, Wenger is put off by Real Madrid's £65m valuation.

Palace place £28m price tag on Bolasie

Tottenham, West Ham and Everton will battle it out for Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie, reports the Mail, but the Eagles hope to scare off potential suitors with a £28m asking price.

The report claims the FA Cup runners-up would be willing to settle for a fee of £20m for the 27-year-old, whose future at Selhurst Park looks increasingly uncertain after the arrival of Andros Townsend. Bolasie is said to be keen on staying in London, giving Spurs and West Ham an advantage. Having signed the player to a new three-and-a-half year contract last September, Palace are under no pressure to sell cheap.

Could Barca trigger Carrasco's €40m buyout?

Barcelona could trigger Yannick Carrasco's €40m buyout clause after the Belgium international's contract talks with Atletico Madrid reached a stalemate, according to AS.

The recently announced arrival of Nicolas Gaitan from Benfica could put Carrasco's future at Atletico in doubt. However, although the 22-year-old Belgian is enticed by interest from the Spanish champions, he is unlikely to force a move away from the Vicente Calderon, leaving it up to Barca to make the first move.

Tap-ins

-- Robin van Persie has been offered to Premier League new boys Middlesbrough after West Ham rejected the chance to sign the 32-year-old former Arsenal and Manchester United striker. The Mirror claims Van Persie has failed to settle in Turkey and Fenerbahce are willing to allow him to return to England.

-- Everton have received a boost in their pursuit of Juan Mata, the Liverpool Echo reports, with the news that Barcelona have decided against moving for the Manchester United star, and Valencia are unable to match his reported £21m asking price. That leaves the door open for Ronald Koeman to swoop for the 28-year-old Spaniard, whom he managed at Valencia during the 2007-08 season.

-- West Ham have failed in bids to sign Alexandre Lacazette, Michy Batshuayi, Vincent Janssen, Carlos Tevez and Christian Benteke this summer, but they hope to end their search for a striker with a £26m move for AC Milan man Carlos Bacca, according to the Telegraph. Bacca, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season and won the Europa League twice with Sevilla, reportedly wants £120,000 a week in wages, but the Hammers hope to knock that down.

-- Southampton striker Graziano Pelle could be set to make a shock move to the Chinese Super League, joining Shandong Luneng in a £6m-per-year deal, the Mirror reports. The 30-year-old Italy international has only one year left on his current contract, but the Saints could make a cool £5m profit on the £8m they paid Feyenoord for Pelle two years ago.

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