Transfer talk: Liverpool target Monaco duo, PSG join Man City and Barcelona in Paul Pogba chase

A round-up of the latest football transfer rumours, including the latest on Paul Pogba and Petr Cech’s move to Arsenal.

Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are set to rival Manchester City and Barcelona for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, according to reports in the British press.

Pogba, 22, has been at the centre of the biggest transfer tussle of the summer, with numerous clubs interested in the France international.

Premier League runners-up City are known admirers, while Barcelona, Chelsea, and former club Manchester United have all been linked.

Now, according to the Daily Star, French giants PSG are set to join the race and are prepared to meet Juventus' £70 million (Dh407.5m) valuation of the midfielder.

PSG’s interest in Pogba is understandable, given both the player’s nationality and undoubted quality as the Paris club look to make their mark among Europe’s elite.

Should Juventus accept PSG’s offer, it is sure to force the hand of City and other interested clubs to act.

Arsenal

Petr Cech’s proposed move to Arsenal appears to be edging closer, with reports claiming the goalkeeper has reached an agreement with the club.

Despite earning a reputation as one of the world’s finest goalkeepers, Cech was displaced as Chelsea’s No1 last-season by Thibaut Courtois.

Manager Jose Mourinho has said he wants the Czech Republic international to remain at Stamford Bridge, although insisted he will not stand in his way should he seek a move.

While Chelsea would prefer Cech to move abroad rather than strengthen a direct rival, the Premier League champions are willing to let the goalkeeper move to Arsenal.

And according to the Daily Mirror, Cech has agreed terms with Arsenal which have given him assurances he will be their first-choice goalkeeper.

In a separate report, The Times have claimed that Cech's impending arrival at the Emirates will see David Ospina move to Turkish club Fenerbahce, with Wojciech Szczesny retained as backup.

Chelsea

Premier League champions Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel as a replacement for John Obi Mikel.

Mikel, 28, is set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with a move to Al Ain a strong possibility after the midfielder "agreed personal terms" with the UAE champions.

There is also reported interest in the Nigerian from Turkey, although talks are not at as advanced a stage as with Al Ain.

According to the Daily Express, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has identified Belgian international Witsel as the man to bolster his midfield ranks.

Chelsea are also being strongly linked with Augsburg full-back Baba Rahman.

The Ghana defender has been watched by scouts from the English champions, who view the 20-year-old as their future long-term left-back.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s active summer appears to be pressing ahead, with reports suggesting the club are lining up a double swoop on French club Monaco.

The Premier League side have already made three signings this summer — James Milner, Danny Ings, and Adam Bogdan — while Nathaniel Clyne is also expected to arrive at Anfield.

However, according to the Daily Telegraph, Liverpool are keen on Monaco midfielder Lucas Ocampos.

The report claims Liverpool scouts have kept a watchful eye on the Argentine, who spent last season on-loan at Marseille, and are now ready to make a move.

In a separate report, the Daily Express claims Liverpool are set to make a bid for Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour.

Monaco are expected to sell a number of players this summer, and Liverpool reportedly view Tunisian Abdennour as the man to help fix their shaky back-line.

Tottenham

Tottenham have identified Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin as their top choice should Hugo Lloris leave the club this summer, according to The Sun.

Lloris has long been a reported target for Manchester United, who are bracing themselves for David de Gea’s move to Real Madrid.

And should Lloris leave White Hart Lane, Spurs are keen to replace the France No1 with Italian Perin.

Perin, 22, is regarded as the future first-choice goalkeeper of the Italian national team, and Spurs are keen to take him to the Premier League.

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