Akpom heading for Arsenal exit? Mbappe to Liverpool? Plus Salah’s text to Alisson

PAPER TALK

Gunners to sell three stars this summer and Arsene Wenger set for managerial return?

talkSPORT.com round-up all the latest transfer rumours and the biggest gossip from Friday’s newspapers and online…

Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom is heading for the exit. A £2m return to Belgian side Sint-Truiden is the likeliest outcome after he was left out of Unai Emery’s tour squad. (Independent)

Mohamed Salah text former Roma team-mate Alisson ahead of his world-record move to Liverpool saying: ‘What are you waiting for?’ (Daily Mirror)

New Liverpool signing Fabinho has revealed he is “trying to convince” France’s World Cup superstar Kylian Mbappe – his former Monaco team-mate – to join him at Anfield. (Liverpool Echo)

Manchester City will look to sell Raheem Sterling in 12 months if the 23-year-old does not agree a new contract. (Daily Mirror)

The England forward fears he has blown his chances to negotiate a better deal with the Premier League champions due to his performances at the World Cup.

Sterling is said to be seeking improved personal terms to his £170,000-a-week deal, which runs until 2020, although he delayed talks until after his return from Russia. But while the Three Lions earned praise for their campaign, was a source of frustration for fans. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea will make a move to sign 19-year-old AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma if Thibaut Courtois leaves Stamford Bridge this summer. (London Evening Standard)

Willian is reportedly keen to leave Chelsea this summer, despite the appointment of new manager Maurizio Sarri. The Brazilian forward fell out with former boss Antonio Conte last season and now wants to move on from Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

Liverpool star Fabinho wants former Monaco team-mate Kylian Mbappe to join him at Anfield

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is in contention to become boss of Japan’s national team. Several Chinese clubs are also said to be eyeing the 68-year-old, who reportedly rejected a £30million offer to go to the Far East two years ago. (Daily Mail)

Meanwhile, Wenger’s successor at the Emirates Stadium, Unai Emery, is ready to sell Danny Welbeck this summer, with Everton linked with a £15million move for the England striker. The 27-year-old has not yet been offered an extension to his Gunners contact, which expires next year. (The Sun)

Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina and forward Lucas Perez could also be put on the market by the north London club this summer. (The Sun)

Juventus defender Daniele Rugani is set to join Chelsea in a deal worth £44.2million. The 23-year-old Italy international will reportedly pen a five-year contract worth £77,000 a week with the Blues. (London Evening Standard)

Is Arsene Wenger ready to make his return to management after leaving Arsenal?

Tottenham and Everton will go head-to-head to sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. Reportedly valued at £60million by the Eagles, it is claimed Spurs are planning to offer Moussa Sissoko as part of a swap deal, while the Toffees could put former Palace star Yannick Bolasie on the table. (Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, it is suggested Ivory Coast international Zaha, 25, wants to leave Selhurst Park this summer – although bosses could hold out for up to £70million. (The Sun)

Liverpool have agreed a £12.5m fee with Leicester City for the transfer of 25-year-old goalkeeper Danny Ward. The Wales international is set to meet with the Foxes in the next 24 hours to discuss personal terms. (Daily Telegraph)

Leeds United have been snubbed in their pursuit of Brentford winger Florian Jozefzoon, who has reportedly chosen to join Derby County instead of the Elland Road club. The 27-year-old Dutch is poined to sign a three-year deal under new Rams boss Frank Lampard. (Derby Telegraph)

Sheffield United’s Welsh striker Ched Evans, 29, is wanted on loan by Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton. (@SUFC_tweets)