Southgate successors suggested
Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel are all on England’s shortlist should Gareth Southgate decide to step down as manager, multiple outlets are reporting. The Football Association are hopeful Southgate will stay on until the 2026 World Cup, but it is the 53-year-old who will decide his own fate.
Should he opt to walk away, then current Newcastle manager Howe would be in the frame, with Potter and Tuchel just two of four former Chelsea managers who could be considered.
The Guardian writes: “It is understood there will not be a shortage of interest should a vacancy arise. Howe, who has impressed at Newcastle since joining them three years ago, is an early frontrunner and Potter and Tuchel would be open to taking over.
“Other candidates are likely to include the former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 manager, and the former England internationals Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Any hiring process will be overseen by the FA’s technical director, John McDermott, and the chief executive, Mark Bullingham.
“A potential complication in any pursuit of Howe, who took Newcastle into last season’s Champions League, would be whether the FA can afford him. Southgate is thought to be paid about £5m a year, which is at the lower end of Premier League manager salaries. The FA would need to convince Howe to walk away from Newcastle, where the former Bournemouth manager has enjoyed support from the board and fanbase.”
Arsenal want Merino
Arsenal are hoping to sign Real Sociedad midfielder and Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino, the Telegraph reports. Arsenal were interested in the 28-year-old before the Euros started, and will now ramp up their pursuit.
Merino played in all seven of Spain’s matches in Germany, and scored a late winner against the hosts in the quarter-final.
The Telegraph adds: “The 28-year-old is slightly older than Arsenal’s usual transfer targets – the average age of their signings over the past three years is 24 – but he could represent good value as he has only one year remaining on his contract.
“Merino has some experience of English football, having played for Newcastle United from 2017-18 before moving back to Spain.
“He has been a consistent and reliable figure at Sociedad over the last six seasons, averaging more than 30 appearances in each of his league campaigns at the club.
“He is a former team-mate of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and, if the club choose to step up their interest, would provide extra depth in the defensive midfield and box-to-box midfield positions.”
Gunners still in Calafiori talks
Arsenal also remain in talks with Bologna to sign Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori for around £45m, according to the Telegraph. The Gunners are looking to raise funds in order to help seal the deal, with Calafiori having impressed at the Euros despite Italy faltering overall.
On potential outgoings, the Telegraph adds: “Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined Sevilla on a season-long loan which could turn into a permanent deal worth about £10 million, if the Spanish side activate their option to buy the 24-year-old.
“In that scenario, Arsenal will retain a significant sell-on clause percentage, understood to be 25%, of any move that Lokonga makes from Sevilla.
“Even if Sevilla decide against triggering the option, the expectation is that Lokonga’s performances in Spain could help to create a market for him next summer.”
Man City reject Ederson bid
Manchester City have turned down a £25m bid from Al-Nassr for goalkeeper Ederson, the Mirror reports, although that is unlikely the end of the Saudi Pro League club’s pursuit.
City want more for Ederson, 30, and it is believed the Brazilian is keen to join Al-Nassr.
The Mirror adds: “Al-Nassr – Cristiano Ronaldo’s team – are willing to offer the goalkeeper a monstrous contract worth in the region of £900,000 to join them in the Saudi Pro League.
“Al-Nassr have duly firmed up their interest with a £25m bid – but the champions want to keep hold of their No. 1 and have turned down the bid – which is only half the figure at which they are willing to cash in.”
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