Paris Saint-Germain eye Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard as potential Lionel Messi replacement - Paper Round

Messi out, Odegaard in? Paris Saint-Germain are in the market for a new playmaker as Lionel Messi is expected to leave the French capital at the end of his contract this summer. The Parisian club are exploring a shock swoop for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who has impressed since joining permanently from Real Madrid in 2021.

Arsenal have responded to PSG's interest by opening contact extension talks with Odegaard, which would see him receive a bumper new contract. Ad The Mirror reveals: «PSG are working on signing a playmaker to help replace the Argentine superstar this summer.

The French club will have an increased budget to play with this summer due to the departure of Messi making a significant dent in their wage bill. TransfersMan Utd interested as Mane set to leave Bayern after one season — Paper RoundYESTERDAY AT 22:37 »Mirror Football understands that the club will focus on signing and developing younger players and would be willing to part with larger transfer fees to obtain individuals who may not command as high a wage.

«However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expected to react quickly to this speculation as he attempts to secure a long-term deal for the former Real Madrid player.» Bayern enter Rice race Bayern Munich are ready to join the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United this summer. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the Hammers captain, who is widely expected to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season in a bid to join a club competing in the Champions League.

Bayern will face fierce competition from Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. The Mirror reports via Bild: «The Gunners are understood to have opened talks with West Ham over signing captain Rice, but