Transfer Talk: Arsenal eye Lokonga with Odegaard staying in Spain

Arsenal have had a £13million bid for Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga rejected after missing out on Martin Odegaard. 

The Gunners were desperate to bring Odegaard back to North London next season after a successful stint on loan from Real Madrid — but a move for the Norwegian now looks unlikely. 

New Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is happy to give the 22-year-old midfielder a second chance to impress at the Bernabeu, according to The Athletic, which has led Arsenal to look elsewhere. 

Belgian youth international Lokonga, 21, appears to have moved to the top of their list. 

And although their first approach was rebuffed, the Daily Mail believe a deal is achievable. 

It is thought Anderlecht will try to hold out for around £18m, with the player having gone on record recently to confirm he is open to a move away. 

Lokonga said: "I will only leave Anderlecht if all the ingredients are there. Yes, I feel ready to take a step forward and rub shoulders with great players. 

"But everything will depend on the proposals that will be made during this summer." 

Everton after Nuno and Nunes

Everton are poised to land Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes once Nuno Espirito Santo is confirmed as their new boss. 

Portuguese outlet Record say a deal for the former Wolves manager to take the reins at Goodison Park has been agreed, with an announcement imminent. 

And it looks likely that Brazilian starlet Nunes, 22, could also join the Toffees.

The Daily Mail suggest an initial loan deal is on the cards and Everton would then be obliged to make the move permanent for a fee of around £20m.

Nunes made 31 appearances for the Leoes last term but 19 of those came from the bench, netting on three occasions and providing two assists. 

The dynamic midfielder has also been catching the eye of Newcastle but they now look set to miss out to their Premier League rivals. 

In other news

The Sun claim Newcastle and Burnley will battle it out for Liverpool’s £10m-rated defender Nat Phillips, with Steve Bruce set to be given £50m to spend this summer. 

The report also suggests a permanent move for Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock is a priority for the Magpies after his impressive loan spell in the North East — but the Gunners could ask for as much as £30m. 

Burnley defender James Tarkowski is a target for West Ham, according to Football Insider.

The ex-Brentford defender, 28, is reportedly keen on a return to London. 

Italian outlet Tuttomercato suggest Liverpool are eyeing a move for Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross.

But the Reds will have to battle several Serie A clubs to secure the 30-year-old's signature.