Manchester United eye Ollie Watkins amid Rasmus Hojlund doubts, Arsenal to rival Spurs for Eberechi Eze

Manchester United eye Ollie Watkins amid Rasmus Hojlund doubts, Arsenal to rival Spurs for Eberechi Eze - Paper Round

Updated 01/07/2025 at 08:24 GMT+1

Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Aston Villa centre-forward Ollie Watkins being monitored by Manchester United, amid doubts over the future of Rasmus Hojlund. Elsewhere, Arsenal are set to rival their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this summer, while Spurs are also keen on West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus.

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Watkins on Man Utd shortlist

Manchester United have placed Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins on their striker wish list should Rasmus Hojlund leave the club, the Athletic reports.

United executives are said to have contacted their Aston Villa counterparts, via intermediaries, as they explore their options.

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“Conversations between United and Aston Villa concerning Marcus Rashford at the end of last season included the prospect of Watkins being involved in any possible summer transfer. The clubs held discussions despite there being a £40m option for Villa to buy Rashford. Ultimately, Rashford’s desire to join Barcelona put an end to that possibility.

“United’s full focus at the moment is agreeing a deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo and then pushing for the sales which are required to free up further funds. In the background, they are also assessing the market on strikers, Watkins included.”

Arsenal open Eze talks as Gunners to rival Spurs

Arsenal look set to rival Tottenham in the race to sign Eberechi Eze after holding talks with the Crystal Palace and England star's representatives, the Guardian reports.

Mikel Arteta wants to add creativity and depth to his Arsenal squad and the club’s officials met Eze’s agents on Saturday to discuss personal terms and other details, but have yet to open talks with Palace over the England international.

The Guardian adds: “Eze, who was released by Arsenal at the age of 13, is believed to have a release clause of £67.5 million in a contract that runs until 2027, and Palace have been adamant they will allow him to depart only if that is met.

“Tottenham have a longstanding interest in Eze and have discussed whether to make him a statement signing for their new manager, Thomas Frank.

“A readiness to submit an official offer could depend on whether Palace are willing to accept less than his clause, which at this stage seems unlikely.”

Spurs eye Kudus

Tottenham are willing to make Mohammed Kudus the first player to move directly from rivals West Ham United for more than 10 years, the Telegraph reports.

Spurs are said to be optimistic about signing Kudus for below his £85m release clause, which runs for the first 10 days of July. Sources told the Telegraph that Kudus may be more likely for Spurs than Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Eze.

The Telegraph adds: “West Ham are willing to sell 24-year-old Kudus to help finance a summer rebuild under head coach Graham Potter and the player is believed to be open to the prospect of a move across London.

“Joining Spurs would make Kudus the first player to move directly from West Ham since midfielder Scott Parker in 2011.

“Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy blocked Emmanuel Adebayor from joining The Hammers four years later and the clubs have not done business since the Parker deal.

“Chelsea had shown an interest in Kudus, but the Stamford Bridge club are completing the signings of winger Jamie Gittens and forward Joao Pedro.”

Richarlison clear to leave Spurs

Thomas Frank is ready to sanction the departure of Richarlison from Tottenham.

There had been talk of a move to Everton, but the paper says the Brazilian may head overseas.

The Sun writes: "Although the 28-year-old striker has been linked with a return to Everton, sources close to the Merseyside club say David Moyes has rejected the chance to sign him.

"It means Richarlison, who endured a frustrating season last term, is expected to head to Turkey and sign for Galatasaray.

"They’ve also been chasing Victor Osimhen, but with that deal looking difficult to get over the line, their attention has now switched back to the Brazil international - who could be available for just £20m.

"Another option would be a loan deal - although Spurs are believed to prefer the idea of a permanent switch.

"They’re ready to cut their losses on a player who has endured a frustrating time in North London."

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