Thursday’s newspapers are dominated by Manchester City’s continued pursuit of Enzo Fernandez, along with a sharp response from Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho after missing out on Rodri to Barcelona. As always, paper talk stories are speculation and gossip from the national press rather than confirmed reporting here’s what’s being said across today’s back pages.
City Still Plan Fernandez Bid
According to talkSPORT, Manchester City intend to submit a bid for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez despite missing the club’s 5pm deadline last Friday for the previously agreed £120 million terms. City are also reported by the Daily Mail to have identified Roma’s Manu Kone as a potential alternative target for their midfield rebuild, following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
Arsenal’s Squad Business
The Mirror reports that Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has no interest in a move to Napoli, despite the Italian club’s reported interest in bringing him to Serie A. Elsewhere, the Daily Mail suggests Arsenal would prefer to send Ethan Nwaneri out on loan rather than sell him permanently, while The Athletic reports Arsenal are closing in on signing Manchester United academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
Manchester United Headlines
The Sun reports that goalkeeper Ederson remains puzzled as to why his proposed move to Manchester United collapsed, with the Brazilian said to believe his medical had gone smoothly. Separately, The Sun also reports that Marcus Rashford won’t push United for the return of his old No.10 shirt should he remain at Old Trafford this season.
Grealish and Everton Talks Continue
The Mirror reports that Jack Grealish remains in contact with Everton as he looks to resolve his Manchester City future, while The Sun reports Benfica have made contact with Chelsea over defender Tosin Adarabioyo. Meanwhile, the Scottish Sun reports St Mirren have agreed a loan deal for Liverpool right-back Calvin Ramsay.
Mourinho Responds to Rodri Snub
In European football news, the Mirror reports that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has responded pointedly to Barcelona’s signing of Rodri, arguing that matches are won on the pitch rather than through transfer business, after the midfielder opted against a move to the Bernabeu. The same report claims Mourinho also told Vinicius Junior that leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal earlier in the window wouldn’t have been worthwhile.
Elsewhere, the Daily Mail reports Barcelona could turn their attention to Harry Kane should his contract discussions with Bayern Munich fail to progress.
Scottish Football and Tennis
In Scottish football, the Daily Record reports Hajduk Split’s sporting director Robert Graf has acknowledged the club needs to sell players before reinforcing their own squad, naming Celtic target Niko Sigur as one of two players who could facilitate that. The same paper reports Motherwell are leading the race to sign prolific Ilves striker Jardell Kanga.
Away from transfers, the Guardian reports that tennis’ Grand Slam tournaments have agreed to establish a formal player advisory council, aimed at easing ongoing tension over prize money distribution.
Quick Facts: Thursday’s Paper Talk
- Fernandez to Man City: Bid still expected despite missed deadline (talkSPORT)
- City’s midfield alternative: Manu Kone (Roma) – Daily Mail
- Gabriel Jesus: Not interested in Napoli move – Mirror
- Grealish: In contact with Everton – Mirror
- Mourinho on Rodri/Vinicius: Responds to Barcelona snub – Mirror
- Barcelona’s Kane interest: Contingent on Bayern contract talks – Daily Mail
