Barcelona enter race to sign Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal and Tottenham battle for Riyad Mahrez

David Cooper - Writer 09:17 16/10/2017
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  • Barcelona bound? Virgil van Dijk.

    The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.

    Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Monday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

    Get in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK

    Barcelona have entered the race to sign Southampton wantaway defender Virgil van Dijk, according to the  Sunday Mirror .

    Saints were unhappy with Liverpool’s pursuit of their star man during the summer transfer window, forcing the Anfield club to apologise.

    And if Mauricio Pellegrino’s side are to sell the Dutch international they would rather sell to a club abroad, than a Premier League rival.

    Scouts from the Camp Nou outfit watched van Dijk during Netherlands’s win over Sweden recently and are now weighing up a move for the £50 million-rated defender.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    The 26-year-old was one of the most coveted players of the summer transfer window, having excelled at Southampton last season.

    It is expected he will remain at St. Mary’s until the end of the season, with a Premier League outfit looking more likely as his next club.

    Virgil van Dijk.

    Virgil van Dijk.

    RIYAD MAHREZ

    Arsenal are Tottenham are set to battle to sign Leicester winger Riyadh Mahrez in the January transfer window, according to the Sunday People .

    The 26-year-old was linked with a host of clubs over the summer, and is likely to cost around €50 million after Roma had a series of bids rejected for the Foxes star.

    RATING: 5/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Mahrez expressed his desire to leave the King Power Stadium in May, and a move to North London could be a last chance saloon for him or he will have to look abroad.

    Although €50 million is an expensive figure to meet for a player who has been inconsistent this campaign, it may be a fee the Gunners and Spurs are willing to pay to bolster their attacking options.

    Riyad Mahrez.

    Riyad Mahrez.

    AARON MARTIN

    Manchester United are set to activate Espanyol defender Aaron Martin’s €30 million release clause, according to El Gol Digital .

    Real Madrid had previously expressed an interest in Martin, but their signing of Theo Hernandez has reduced their need to draft in another left-back.

    Barcelona and Manchester City have also been linked with the 20-year-old in the past.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Mourinho is keen to bolster his options on the left side of defence with Luke Shaw still curtailed with injuries, and the young Spaniard is a good option for the Reds Devils after a series of impressive displays for the Catalan side.

    Aaron Martin.

    Aaron Martin.

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