Today’s fluff is deep and crisp and even
Virgil van Dijk is named after a Latin poet famous for telling the story of a hero’s epic journey and subsequent ascent to glory on the battlefield, and it is proving an apt sobriquet for the heroic Dutch defender, who the Mail report in their outsize back-page splash is about to set off on another voyage as soon as Manchester City formalise their £50m bid. The best part of the deal is that not only would the move strengthen City’s own porous defence, it would have the happy side-effect of forcing Southampton to cling on to José Fonte, otherwise expected to move to their arch-rivals from Old Trafford. They are not alone in considering a big-money move for Van Dijk, however, with the Star and the Mirror both countering that Paris Saint-Germain will pay £40m for him.
The French giants would do well not to undertake any long-term transfer planning, with the Sun reporting that they are ready to make a third attempt to convince Arsène Wenger to return to France – and that their target is finally “ready to say oui”. The 67-year-old Arsenal manager will remain in London for the remainder of this season, after which he may pack his bags and head for home. “Unai Emery could be sacked if PSG go out of the Champions League in February,” they write, “and an interim coach will be appointed until Wenger gives his answer.” Roberto Mancini, Louis van Gaal and Clarence Seedorf are mentioned as potential alternatives should Wenger, in the end, say non. Again.
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