Arsenal complete deal for 'the next Lionel Messi'; Benedikt Howedes to Tottenham; Newcastle move for £10m Charlie Austin

TRANSFER TALK: A look at today's top rumours, including Manchester City trio heading to Italy and Carl Jenkinson's future

Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal believe they have already secured a deal for Argentinian striker Maxi Romero. According to The Mirror, the Gunners have agreed a £4.5m fee for the 16-year-old who has impressed for South American club Velez Sarsfield. Arsenal scouts were understood to be impressed by his dribbling and composure in front of goal, enough that they opened talks over his future which they now believe have been concluded in their favour. Romero, billed by some as 'the next Lionel Messi', will apparently stay at his current club for the next two seasons.

Speculation linking Benedikt Howedes with a £13m switch to Tottenham has been played down by his current club. Schalke chief Clemens Toennies insists he would be aware if any deal had been agreed. “I am very close to Benedikt Howedes and if there was anything in it, then I would be the first to know about it,” Toennies told Sport1. “I won’t assume that anything has been agreed.”

Newcastle are readying a £10m bid for QPR striker Charlie Austin, with usually-frugal Mike Ashley ready to finance the deal. The 25-year-old has been sensational at Loftus Road this season, scoring 17 goals. However his goals may not be enough to keep QPR in the Premier League, with the side currently in the relegation zone, and if they drop Austin is expected to depart. The Magpies, linked by The Sun, are likely to face stiff competition for the Englishman.

Roberto Mancini's interest in signing Yaya Toure continues, according to the Daily Mail. However the former Manchester City manager also has his eye on a few other former players. Samir Nasri and James Milner are reportedly in the Inter Milan manager's sights.

West Ham are keen to make Carl Jenkinson's loan move from Arsenal a permanent one and are ready to pay Arsenal £10m for the right-back. The concern from the London club comes from reported interest in the England international from Liverpool, who will see Glenn Johnson depart this summer when his current contract expires.