Southampton eyeing January swoop for Barcelona's Alcacer, Arsenal set to launch bid for Napoli defender

David Cooper - Writer 13:25 14/10/2017
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  • Southampton bound? Paco Alcacer.

    Here, we take a look at three big transfer stories dominating the headlines across Europe on Saturday.

    Could Alcacer sign for the Saints? His long-term Barcelona future is certainly in doubt.

    Let us know your thoughts.

    Get in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    PACO ALCACER

    Southampton are weighing up a January move for Barcelona’s Paco Alcacer, according to the Daily Mail.

    The 24-year-old has found game time limited this season and is set to depart in January if he is not in Ernesto Valverde’s plans.

    His last appearance came on August 26 against Alaves and it appears Valverde has no time for his services.

    The club are believed to be ready to listen to offers for the former Valencia player, who has scored six times in 23 matches for the Camp Nou side.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    With Alcacer keeping one eye on next summer’s World Cup, perhaps it is the right time for the Spaniard to leave Barcelona.

    And with the Saints only scoring five times in their last seven Premier League games, Alcacer is the attacking threat that could change their fortunes for the rest of the campaign.

    Paco Alcacer

    Paco Alcacer

    NIKOLA MAKSIMOVIC

    Arsenal are pondering a January move for Napoli centre back Nikola Maksimovic, according to Football Italia.

    The Gunners have been monitoring the Serbian international during the international break, but would face stiff competition from Inter Milan to land his signature.

    The 25-year-old has had difficulty settling into manager Maurizio Sarri’s tactics and has been restricted to game time from the bench this season.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Maksimovic is one of the stars of Serbian football but has failed to live up to his reputation in the Serie A with just two starts this campaign.

    With frustrating growing, the 25-year-old could opt to pursue a new challenge in the Premier League as Arsene Wenger’s side look for a defender capable of pulling the strings for years to come.

    Nikola Maksimovic

    Nikola Maksimovic

    RICHMOND BOAKYE

    Chelsea scouts are monitoring Ghana international Richmond Boakye, according to the Daily Mail.

    The 24-year-old has scored three goals this season, including a sensational winner for Red Star in their 1-0 victory over Cologne in the Europa League last month.

    Boakye is known by Antonio Conte after his brief spell at Juventus, but failed to convince the Italian that he was worthy of regular game time in Turin.

    However, he has rediscovered his form in Serbia and this has alerted top clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options in January.

    RATING: 4/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Boakye has not shown the quality to be considered an automatic starter but may offer back-up cover from the bench as Conte’s side look to challenge for silverware on domestic and European fronts this season.

    Richmond Boakye.

    Richmond Boakye.

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