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Pete O'Rourke column: Alexander-Arnold reaches Liverpool agreement, Ramsdale could quit Arsenal, Son opens Tottenham talks
Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.
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ARSENAL
The Gunners are continuing to tie down key players with Martin Odegaard penning new terms on Friday (22 September) and Ben White also in talks about a new deal.
I’m told Oleksandr Zinchenko is also set to be rewarded for his progress since joining the club last year.
He has become a key man for Mikel Arteta’s side and a leader on and off the pitch.
Zinchenko has three years left on his current deal but Arsenal are keen to reward him for his influence and impact since joining from Man City.
The Ukraine international is likely to receive a decent wage bump – but the priority is to tie him down for the long-term and protect the club from potential interest in his services.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
I’m told that the player is not even contemplating a move as things stand and is focused on wrestling the number one spot back from David Raya.
But the England international does not want to be second choice ahead of the European Championships in Germany next year.
Ramsdale was in superb form last season and only penned a new contract at Arsenal earlier this year.
Sources say there will be no shortage of takers for the shot-stopper if he continues to play second fiddle to Raya.
There could be murmurings about his future as early as January if he cannot regain his place in Arteta’s side.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE ARSENAL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
Heung-min Son is now regarded as the main man at Spurs following Harry Kane’s departure and was given the club captaincy earlier this season.
Tottenham want to reflect that importance by handing him a bumper new deal, I’m told.
They will first activate the one-year extension clause in his current deal, extending his stay until June 2026.
The Lilywhites could even give Son a fresh deal running for even longer and plan to open talks to that effect in the near future.
He is happy with the new manager and project – and is happy to stay at the club into the twilight years of his career.
The South Korea international is set to land bumper new terms despite Spurs’ strict wage structure.
Tottenham are also facing a big decision on the future of Giovani Lo Celso.
He was linked with Barcelona and other La Liga sides in the summer window, but was kept at Spurs by Ange Postecoglou.
However, it hasn’t worked for the Argentina international – who is now out injured.
I’m told January could be the best time for Spurs to sell the midfielder as they look to avoid him entering the final year of his contract.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
LIVERPOOL
Contract talks with Trent Alexander-Arnold are advanced and a new deal has now been agreed in principle with him.
The right-back, 24, is the new vice-captain at Anfield following the exits of James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
I’m told top clubs across Europe would love to prise the right-back away from Merseyside but he is committed to Liverpool as they look to return to the Champions League.
There is a willingness from all parties to get a new agreement over the line for the England international, who has less than two years remaining on his current contract.
Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are both out of contract at the end of this season.
Talks are ongoing with both players’ representatives but are not advanced at this stage.
Thiago was linked with Turkish and Saudi sides during the summer window, and injury problems could mean he is let go by Liverpool in 2024.
He is a big earner at Anfield and Liverpool could now even accept an offer in January if a suitable big-money bid arrives.
Meanwhile, Matip could stay at the club if he is willing to continue in a backup role for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Klopp is keen to keep the Cameroon international.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LIVERPOOL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
CRYSTAL PALACE
The Eagles are hopeful of tying Eberechi Eze down to a new contract at Selhurst Park.
He is currently out of contract in June 2025 and the Croydon club are keen to agree a deal as soon as possible to end all speculation about his future.
Man City, among other Premier League sides, hold an interest in the midfielder.
I’m told his involvement for England could boost Palace’s chances of keeping Eze as it has shown him it is possible to play for his country while at the club.
Palace have already tied Michael Olise down to a new deal this year and are hopeful of repeating the trick with Eze.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS