Arsenal, Manchester City eye potential deal to sign Barcelona’s Dani Olmo on free transfer – Paper Round
Published 22/12/2024 at 22:40 GMT
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Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring Dani Olmo, who could leave Barcelona on a free despite only signing for the Spanish giants in the summer. Elsewhere, Ruben Amorim has completed his first deal as Manchester United manager as Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon has reportedly joined the club, and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford could join Tottenham next month in a £20 million deal.
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Arsenal and Man City tracking Olmo
Dani Olmo could leave Barcelona on a free transfer, it has emerged, with Arsenal and Manchester City monitoring the midfielder’s situation.
Reports claim the Spain international has only been registered with Barcelona until December 31 and could depart the club despite only signing from RB Leipzig in a £52 million deal last summer.
"Arsenal are monitoring Dani Olmo with Barcelona unsure whether they will be able to register the attacking midfielder for the second half of the season," reads an article in the Mirror.
"The Euro 2024 winner, 26, joined Barca from Red Bull Leipzig in a £52 million deal this past summer after starring for Spain in Germany. But his future at the Nou Camp is already in doubt.
"With Barcelona's financial issues already well documented, it's emerged that Olmo has only been registered with La Liga until December 31 - and there are fears he will not be able to feature for Hansi Flick's side beyond that date.
"Reports in Spain claim that could pave the way for Olmo to leave the club on a free agent due to a contract clause which would kick in if he cannot be registered.
"It's said both Arsenal and Manchester City are keeping an eye on the situation, as are Bayern Munich. Olmo has five goals to his name this term in 10 league appearances.
"Barcelona executives Deco and Joan Laporta - the club's president - are 'scrambling' to find a solution ahead of the New Year, which could leave them vulnerable to approaches from some of Europe's elite in the winter transfer window.
"All eyes will be on The Gunners in January with some fans keen on the idea of Mikel Arteta and co signing a new striker to boost their title hopes."
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Man Utd sign teenage sensation from Paraguay
Ruben Amorim’s first signing as Manchester United manager has reportedly been confirmed.
A report in Metro claims The Red Devils have completed a deal for 17-year-old left-back Diego Leon from Paraguay.
The teenager scored a winning goal on his debut for Cerro Porteno and has gone on to make 19 league appearances so far this season.
"United can now tick off a left-back, though, after 17-year-old Cerro Porteno wonderkid Leon signed all documents to join United in July 2025," states the outlet.
"That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports highly rated teenager Leon is set to join United for an initial $4 million (£3m), plus another possible $4m (£3m) in add-ons.
"Similar to the deal Chelsea secured for Estevao Willian, United cannot officially bring Leon to Old Trafford until his 18th birthday has passed.
"Leon turns 18 in April and United’s deal for the young South American was sealed by technical director Jason Wilcox."
Trafford could make £20m move to Spurs
Tottenham could make a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford in January.
Fraser Forster has been filling in for Spurs after first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery after suffering a fractured ankle.
"Tottenham are weighing up a £20 million move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford next month," states the Mirror.
"Ange Postecoglou has been given the green light to sign a keeper from the EFL - with England back-up Trafford emerging as a target.
"Spurs need cover following Guglielmo Vicario’s long-term injury, with veteran Fraser Forster acting as temporary No. 1 in the Italian’s absence following ankle surgery. And Trafford, 22, is seen as a keeper who has growth and who could push Vicario at White Hart Lane in the coming seasons. He is currently ahead of Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson and Sheffield Wednesday rookie Pierce Charles on Spurs’ wish-list.
"Spurs will hope to have more luck with the Championship club after Newcastle failed to reach an agreement over a similar deal for Trafford in the summer."
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