HOT FOOTBALL TRANSFER GOSSIP: Arsenal target ‘better than Neymar’

If you told Arsene Wenger he could have Neymar in his Arsenal team tomorrow, he’d say thanks but no thanks. Firstly because the Brazilian would be overshadowed by Olivier Giroud, who is better. And secondly, because Wenger has unearthed a player who is reportedly “better than Neymar”.

Gabriel Jesus, an 18-year-old forward who plays for Palmeiras, is the player in question. And with that reputation we’re assuming that in terms of raw talent, his levels are closer to those of Jesus than Gabriel.

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal are “planning ahead” by making early enquiries for the youngster, who played a starring role in Brazil’s U20 World Cup squad. It’s unclear on what basis Gabriel Jesus is “better than Neymar”. Maybe he’s better than Neymar was at the same age, or maybe he’s better than Neymar was when he was four years old, or maybe he’s just better than Neymar at table tennis. Either way, it’s a decent claim to fame, which explains why Benfica, Juventus and Roma are also reported to be interested in signing him. Oh and he’s also cheaper than Neymar. That’s the other reason Wenger likes him.

Arsenal are also keen on Deportivo’s in-form winger Lucas Perez, according to the Metro. Wenger has apparently “personally sanctioned a move” for the 27-year-old, who is definitely worse than Neymar.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appears to be getting around his pledge to not sign any players from Borussia Dortmund by instead signing players who used to play for Borussia Dortmund. Turkish media report that the Reds have agree terms with ex-Dortmund winger Kevin Grosskreutz, who is currently at Galatasaray.

The Standard says Manchester United have joined Tottenham in showing a “strong interest” in Fulham’s Moussa Dembele, who you should know by now is not to be confused with Mousa Dembele. United scouts are said to have been “impressed” by the 19-year-old’s recent performances, but the striker is said to be “considering his next move carefully”.

Spurs could also be frustrated in their attempts to sign Saido Berahino from West Brom, with the Mirror claiming that Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace is point-blank refusing to speak to his opposite number Daniel Levy. It means that Berahino might end up having to settle for a move to Chelsea instead, the poor lad. Has Jeremy Peace got a heart of stone?!

Finally, Leicester have earmarked Nigel de Jong as the final piece in the jigsaw of their title-winning team and will swoop for the tough-tackling Dutch midfielder in January, according to Italian media.

@darlingkevin