Welcome to The Transfer DealSheet, your new weekly advisor on what’s going on during the summer moving window.
Each week, our team of committed writers, along with Adam Leventhal and David Ornstein, will take you inside the market to find out what deals are out there, which players might be coming in recently and who are on their way to the Premier League and beyond.
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The data uncovered in this article was accumulated in accordance with The Athletic’s procurement guidelines. Unless otherwise noted, our reporters spoke to more than one informed user about each deal before giving affected clubs a chance to comment. These answers, where given, have been included in The Transfer DealSheet.
This week, our highlights come with a Slovenian striker who is attracting interest in the latest English flight, Arsenal’s watch list, Chelsea’s search for a striker, and the Premier League defender that Manchester United appreciates.
Our purpose is to offer you reliable research of what is happening in the top European clubs and the latest data we get about the market. Our senior movement reporter, David Ornstein, will also be delivering his here every week.
This article is very long but very detailed, so take advantage of it or look for the club or player you need to be more informed about. Many of our committed club reporters have also written individual articles about what to expect from their groups. this summer, they will spend even more, adding Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Everton, Fulham, Leicester City, Wolves and many more, which you can check here.
Get the latest news from The Athletic. . .
What positions are they this summer?
Despite Kai Havertz’s clever form when deployed as a striker, Arsenal are still in a position to look for the right number nine and are in a position to be in any attacking position with the right player.
In midfield, the role of Declan Rice will be his priority. If it’s going to be used primarily as a number 6, they’ll need a number 8 to complete it, and vice versa. Arsenal are likely to keep their duties open, aiming to sign a player with the versatility to give manager Mikel Arteta even more tactical flexibility.
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The left-back is a domain of interest: none of the existing characteristics have convinced Arteta. Jurrien Timber’s recovery after missing almost all of last season through injury offers an alternative, but Arsenal continue to monitor the market for a specialist.
The goalkeeper’s position will require attention. David Raya will be signed permanently after a season on loan from Brentford, but there may be an exodus of his other goalkeepers. Arsenal will almost certainly want an assistant for Raya, and they are also adding a new third pick to that position.
Which ones are you looking at?
The central point of the forward line is 21-year-old Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. The Slovenian foreigner has a clause in his contract, which is estimated to be worth around €65 million (£55. 3 million, $70. 8 million). interest from the Premier League and continental Europe, but the feeling among other clubs is that if he moves, Arsenal are in the first position to sign him. However, Leipzig still tried to convince Sesko to stay with them.
Although Arsenal are linked with Alexander Isak and have long been interested in the player, no progression is expected. Newcastle United’s position is that Isak is for sale, and it would take a huge sum for that to change. The same goes for his teammate, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
While Arsenal are looking for an open striker, there is long-term interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. In Neto’s case, however, his long history of injuries calls for great caution.
In midfield, Arsenal are still very interested in Martin Zubimendi. The 25-year-old plays for Arteta’s childhood club, Real Sociedad, and is a loyal fan. The difficulty would possibly be to convince the young Zubimendi to leave the Basque Country. Although he has a buyout clause valued at around £50m, he has not expressed any preference for moving.
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Arsenal are also among the Premier League clubs interested in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, 19. He is already a full international with Portugal and will likely have plenty of high-profile suitors after a remarkable season.
One player Arsenal are eyeing at left-back is Ajax’s Jorrel Hato. Athletic revealed in January their long-term interest in the Netherlands. Despite betting to the maximum as a centre-back, Hato, 18, has played as a left-back. and he has the attributes that fit Arteta’s vision for the position. In March, he signed a new contract with Ajax until the summer of 2028.
Arsenal have been linked with goalkeeper Justin Bijlow of Feyenoord, the Dutch club. The 26-year-old also has fans elsewhere, but goalkeeping is an area where coaches have abundant influence. The opinion of goalkeeping coach Iñaki Cana may prove decisive.
GOING FURTHER
Bijlow is a very fashionable goalkeeper: it is no surprise that he has caught the attention of Arsenal.
Who will they sell it to?
This was covered extensively in The Athletic’s recent team audit. There are some players whose lack of time to bet shows that they are on the outside limit, such as Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Aaron Ramsdale. Those who were on loan last season, such as Albert Sambi Lokonga or Kieran Tierney, are also very likely to leave.
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There is another category: those that are still part of Arteta’s plans, but that could be achieved if the right agreement is reached. This includes Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey and even Gabriel Jesus.
Read more main points about Arsenal’s movement plans here
James McNicholas
Now that the season is officially over, one player we want to keep an eye on is Michael Olise, as there is a release clause in his contract, which provides a detail of clarity that does exist in many other more sensible players.
This would still be subject to a number of factors, the preference of the Crystal Palace winger. The 22-year-old is admired through several of the most important clubs in the Premier League and Europe, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
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While the buyout clause means his value is fairly fixed, which helps with budgets, Olise is a highly regarded character who will only move if he’s sure it’s in his best interest.
For this reason, there is no guarantee that something will come to fruition, but it is an issue that must be monitored.
What positions are they this summer?
Chelsea seem to be looking for a new striker every year, so it’s déjà vu.
Nicolas Jackson has shown plenty of potential in his 2023-24 season, but he wants help, especially as the club will compete on five fronts next season, adding the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in June and July. His compatriot Christopher Nkunku is compatible after an injury-plagued first season, but he’s betting on someone other than leading the line himself.
With Thiago Silva returning to Brazil, Chelsea are also in need of a centre-back.
These two positions are the big priorities, although they would also like an extreme. What else happens with expenses?
The strengthening of the full-back has been highlighted, although the goalkeeping branch can also be considered, new coach Enzo Maresca needs to get the best out of Robert Sanchez. Chelsea have been waiting for Maresca’s departure from title-winning Leicester City. He is pending because they need to talk to him about the objectives of the senior team.
Which ones are you looking at?
Chelsea are also an admirer of Sesko, but he faces a tough festival from Arsenal.
They ruled out making a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for a number of reasons, adding to the 25-year-old’s £100m-plus release clause, his taste for the game and his injury history. Brentford’s centre forward, West London’s neighbour, Ivan Toney, 28, is also not compatible with what they are good for. The club has also distanced itself from Sporting Lisbon leader Viktor Gyokeres, who turns 26 today (Tuesday), in January, but has admiration for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson. Brighton will demand a hefty payment for the 19-year-old, and his form declined last season.
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As for defenders, Chelsea are confident they will beat Newcastle to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a flexible transfer, whose contract with Fulham expires this month. Barring any delayed surprises, the 26-year-old will be the first arrival of the Maresca era. One of the young full-backs wanted is Pedro Lima, 17, a Brazilian who plays for Sport Recife in his country.
Chelsea continue to love Crystal Palace striker Michael Olise, 22, whom he almost bought last year, and teammate Eberechi Eze, 25. Nico Williams, who they like, has a clause of 50 million euros at Athletic Bilbao.
Maresca is a big fan of Mads Hermansen, 23, having worked with the Leicester goalkeeper last season. Chelsea also demoted Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, 21.
What measures have you already taken?
The decisions already agreed for Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez are an indication of how Chelsea have planned for the future. Estevao, who is paid 34 million euros ($29 million; $37 million) plus 23 million euros in possible add-ons, is 17 years old. and he will sign for next summer from Palmeiras in Brazil.
The same goes for Páez, who is the same age and agreed 12 months ago to a transfer of 20 million euros from Independiente del Valle in Ecuador. Chelsea are also not among the most productive under-18 players in South America.
Who will they sell it to?
Chelsea are in a position to heed offers from Conor Gallagher, and other academy graduates are also expected to resign. The sale of defender Trevoh Chalobah and striker Armando Broja can raise more than £50 million in total.
Suggestions that Chelsea would settle for £20-25m for Broja, wanted by Monaco, AC Milan and three Premier League clubs, are premature. They put a minimum price tag of £35 million on him, an amount that could increase if the 22-year-old impresses with Albania at this summer’s European Championship.
Ian Maatsen, who signed on loan from Borussia Dortmund in January and helped them qualify for the Champions League final, has a £35m release clause, which both club and player will see activated this summer. There is also interest in teenager Omari Hutchinson and Alex Matos, who inspired last season’s loan spells in championship groups Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town respectively.
Chelsea have activated an option to extend Hutchinson’s contract until 2026, but he will be part of the first team next season or sold. They don’t see the point of loaning him out again, but Maresca will see him this summer and you may just be part of his team.
Galatasaray’s legal responsibility to buy Hakim Ziyech after activating his loan. They also need to sign Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Malang Sarr, while Lewis Hall will move permanently to Newcastle for £28m after a season-long loan there.
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Read more main points about Chelsea’s moving plans here
Simon Johnson
What positions are they this summer?
New coach Arne Slot inherits a young team with intensity in maximum areas.
However, as a centre-back, Joel Matip left at the end of his contract, Virgil van Dijk’s long career is unresolved (he only has one year left on his contract), Ibrahima Konate’s form declined last season and Joe Gomez has played more consistently. . on the back. As a result, Liverpool are making plans to get there this summer.
As our David Ornstein reported earlier this month, they are also willing to bring in some other big player. Mohamed Salah is expected to stay, however, speculation surrounds Luis Diaz, who has 3 years left on his contract. Wingers are essential to Slot’s select football taste, where the Dutchman prefers progressive, direct and strong players in one-on-one situations.
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Thiago also left as a free agent, but only made one appearance last season due to injuries. The hope is that Stefan Bajcetic will occupy a much more prominent position in the coming years, but Liverpool will possibly need to reexamine the number one spot. 6 position to better adapt to the 4-2-3-1 Slot. It will also possibly depend on where Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future lies to decide whether to choose himself.
Who are they with?
Although Liverpool are still willing to end their business early, the scenario has been quiet in terms of movements, although this is not unforeseen since the first official day of Slot’s listing last Saturday.
Background studies will have been carried out on the possible arrivals, but Slot is willing to evaluate the team that Jurgen Klopp left in the preseason. What he says the organization lacks will be help formalizing plans for the rest of the summer.
Who could they sell to?
Among the first-team team that could keep Klopp through the exit door, second goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who put in impressive performances replacing the injured Alisson last season, has expressed a preference to be the number one player. Full-back Kostas Tsimikas has fallen down the pecking order, despite signing a new long-term contract last season.
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Interview with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher: “The step is to be number 1”
As mentioned above, Salah is expected to remain important and one of Slot’s main responsibilities is to take out inconsistent striker Darwin Nunez.
A decision must be made in relation to Díaz.
The 27-year-old has played a key role under Klopp, but questions remain about his final product. His price will be minimised as his contract expires, so Liverpool have the option to make him bigger or withdraw money. Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are linked.
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Read more main points about Liverpool’s move plans here
Andy Jones
What positions does City have this summer?
The midfielder is the main fear of the four consecutive Premier League champions, largely due to uncertainty over two of their key players. Bernardo Silva is set for another summer of speculation, it’s hard to see a more likely destination for him outside of Manchester, and Kevin De Bruyne is in Saudi Arabia’s sights, as well as being open to moving to MLS this summer. . . or then.
On Tuesday, he told Belgian media outlet HLN: “At my age, you have to be open to everything. These are amounts of cash in what may be the last step in my career. Sometimes you have to think about it.
A new right-winger is on the agenda.
City were looking for goalkeepers, but this was based first of all on the idea that Stefan Ortega would leave and they would want a new number 2. There is uncertainty about Ederson, who in the past was expected to sign a new contract. It is now contemplating a Saudi offer.
Other spaces seem to be counting on his departure: if Julián Álvarez were to leave, they would have to look to update their goalscoring threat. The same goes for Kyle Walker at right-back, given his link with Saudi Arabia, even if he is likely to stay.
Which ones are you looking at?
Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes is on the midfielder list: the FA’s accusation against Lucas Paqueta for accusations has ruled out the West Ham playmaker.
Guimaraes has a clause valued at £100 million. City have taken a look at 21-year-old Jamal Musiala, but it turns out he’s too much to pull off. His Bayern Munich teammate Joshua Kimmich, 29, has also aroused interest.
Jeremie Frimpong, who left City for Scottish side Celtic as a teenager in 2019 and is now thriving with Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 23, may prove attractive if Walker leaves, but Bayern are among the other clubs interested in him.
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Real Madrid striker Rodrygo has been linked with them in Spain, which is more pleasing to the 23-year-old Brazilian than City.
What measures has the City Council already taken?
A deal has already been reached for Savio with his French sister club, Troyes, after impressing during his loan spell at another sister club, Spain’s Girona. However, it is still imaginable that the 20-year-old winger will remain in Girona for some time. another season.
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Who will they sell it to?
Kalvin Phillips, after his disappointing spell at West Ham in January, and Joao Cancelo.
Cancelo has been under the radar for 18 months, having secured loans at Bayern and Barcelona, but no one is willing to pay what City are asking for, so it will be difficult to find him a new home. It may just be a loan or a move to the Saudi Pro League, if he is willing to do it.
As mentioned, Ortega had hoped to leave after failing to secure a new contract amid a preference for more consistent first-team football, but now an opportunity may open up for him at City, depending on Ederson’s summer. Ederson how much they value him and this new contract is still on the table.
City would pay attention to serious offers from all players who wish to leave, as long as they don’t arrive too late in the window. Matheus Nunes, for example, could leave just a year after joining Wolverhampton Wanderers if an offer comes in. however, for him it seems like a small market.
Read more main points about Manchester City’s moving plans here
Sam Lee
What positions are they this summer?
United entered the summer window looking for 3 priority positions: centre-back, central midfielder and centre-forward. Departures deserve to leave gaps to fill them all, even if they are not the only elements of the team that require attention. .
Left-back is also a dominance that could be strengthened, after seasons ravaged by injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia that saw United play without a recognised left-back in 32 of their 52 games.
Which ones are you looking at?
Jarrad Branthwaite is an attractive player, but Everton are expected to ask for a hefty payment for the left-centre-back, the 21-year-old who plays in the same league as Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom have been sold in recent summers for a payment of more than £75m.
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The viability of a move for Branthwaite may simply depend on whether Everton are in a position where they want to sell before June 30 to comply with the Premier League’s benefits and sustainability (PSR) regulations. Carlisle United, where Branthwaite continues his career, will get a Percentage on any deal. After the return of Lisandro Martinez from injury and after the departure of Raphael Varane from free agency, a right center back is a top priority.
Nice’s 24-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo is a candidate for that aspect of defence and has been on United’s radar since last summer, when he was widely watched as a possible replacement for Maguire. Tosin Adarabioyo is also interesting, even if the 26-year-old is now the latest in a free-agent move from Fulham to neighbouring Chelsea.
Up front, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been widely followed at United since he was young and remains interesting, expect a fierce festival for the signing of the 21-year-old.
What measures have you already taken?
Benfica have activated their €6m clause to permanently sign Alvaro Fernandez, in a deal that could amount to €9m, adding additions, tying down the 21-year-old left-back after his 16 appearances on loan.
Others who showed departures are leaving as free agents.
Varane and Anthony Martial have already announced that their careers at Old Trafford will end this summer when their contracts expire. Charlie McNeill also announced his departure with a flexible transfer. The 20-year-old striker, the first academy graduate to make his senior debut under current manager Erik ten Hag in September 2022.
United’s first signing this summer may be James Overy, a 16-year-old full-back who hopes he will settle for a scholarship. Overy left A-League side Perth Glory after his family moved from Australia.
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Who will they sell it to?
Only a handful of players would be absolutely banned. However, that doesn’t mean United will actively sell most of their squad.
They would consider, for example, promoting Marcus Rashford if a very extensive offer came in and he told the club he was looking to leave, although the club’s preference is for the English foreigner to bounce back from a disappointing season.
Casemiro’s departure is considered more likely and links with the Saudi Pro League persist, lately there is no agreement for the 32-year-old.
Securing a permanent exit for Mason Greenwood remains United’s preference, but if no potential customers reach the asking price, another loan would also be considered after his 2023-24 season with Getafe in Spain. Greenwood will play in the Champions League next season and has already attracted a lot of interest from suitors across Europe. The 22-year-old striker was recently investigated through Italian side Napoli.
Jadon Sancho’s run to the Champions League final on loan at former club Borussia Dortmund is expected to spark interest in United’s £73m English winger. He is unlikely to be reinstated under Ten Hag until the differences between the two men are resolved.
Read more main points about Manchester United’s moving plans here
Marc Critchley
What positions are they this summer?
The priorities are a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a full-back and a striker.
Among the goalkeepers, Loris Karius is leaving at the end of his contract and Martin Dubravka’s future is uncertain, so they want at least one goalkeeper.
In the central half, the loss of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries means Newcastle are running out of options, even if Dan Burn moves inside from full-back. Sought, but several defenders are in the spotlight this summer.
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In each of the past two offseasons, coach Eddie Howe has tried to draft a right forward but has been unable to do so. This position is the one that Newcastle feels can be improved to the maximum with a quality injection.
As for a striker, or potentially a flexible striker, he would possibly count on the long-term of Callum Wilson. Ideally, Newcastle would sign a player here anyway, but their budget constraints make it difficult.
That’s Newcastle’s thinking at the start of June, but there’s an internal acceptance that they want to be adaptable, as their business depends on so many variables. They are also actively doing smart business with the clubs relegated from the highest level.
Which ones are you looking at?
Positional, tactical and athletic versatility are sought, and many of Newcastle’s objectives reflect this. It is also recognised that since some older players are at risk of leaving the club, it is desirable to enjoy themselves.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, 26, and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, are two goalkeepers who have come under scrutiny. Newcastle’s failure to qualify for Europe means they are now contemplating whether to look for a young goalkeeper or an experienced No. 2 from a direct rival. Newcastle have shown interest in James Trafford, 21, of relegated Burnley, and are expected to honour that offer, while Asmir Begovic, 36, of championship club Queens Park Rangers, has been linked.
Fulham’s Tosin is wanted at centre-back, but Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly is the free agent Newcastle is now looking for with the utmost aggressiveness. The 25-year-old can play as a centre-back and left-back and the club is keen to succeed. A deal soon.
Perhaps their most ambitious targets are right-wing attackers. Crystal Palace’s Olise is admired but has plenty of suitors, while West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, 27, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, 21, and Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville, 22, have stood out. in hiring negotiations.
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As for natural centre-forwards, Everton’s 27-year-old Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been watched for a long time, while RB Leipzig’s 21-year-old Benjamin Sesko has already been contacted but is expected to move elsewhere.
Most likely, a significant part of Newcastle’s budget will go to a right-footed striker.
What measures have you already taken?
Nothing concrete for the moment, although they tried to enter the market of loose movements, with combined success.
Newcastle have had extensive discussions with Tosin’s representatives, now it looks like he will likely join Chelsea. However, Newcastle are still looking for a deal for Kelly and Howe hopes to sign the defender for a second time, having brought him to Bournemouth. of the city of Bristol in 2019.
Another expected to be finalised is the acquisition of Lewis Hall from Chelsea for £28m ($35. 8m at current exchange rates), after the 19-year-old met the criteria to make him permanent in the 2023-24 season. on Tyneside.
Who will they sell it to?
Newcastle have no preference for selling Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak. They will do so if Guimaraes’ £100m buyout clause is activated before the end of this month, or if an astronomical offer arrives.
However, they will have to increase the budget via sales.
Some at Newcastle feel it is timely to get rid of Wilson, who is 32 years old, has a poor injury history and is about to enter the final year of his contract. Miguel Almirón still has a decent value. Kieran Trippier has said he needs to stay and Howe would prefer to remain the 33-year-old right-back, but the England foreigner is another with a contract expiring in 2025.
A resolution will also need to be made regarding Sean Longstaff, whose current contract also expires next summer. Interim talks have begun on a new one and Howe is comparing him, but Newcastle could give in for the 26-year-old, given that any sale of an academy graduate would constitute a natural benefit in terms of PSR.
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Dubravka, Matt Targett and Jamal Lewis could also move, Newcastle hoping to sell Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden is available. Yankuba Minteh could be loaned out again, after spending last season with Feyenoord, or in all likelihood sold.
Read more main points about Newcastle United’s move plans here
Chris Waugh
What positions are they this summer?
Tottenham made up for their lack of policy in central defence with the signing of Radu Dragusin from Genoa in January. They must now identify a defensive midfielder and a striker flexible enough to play as a centre-forward.
Spurs will also move players depending on imaginable departures. If Emerson Royal leaves, for example, they will concentrate on a right-back. If they lose Ben Davies, they will opt for a left-back or a left-back. If Giovani Lo Celso leaves, Spurs will target an attacking midfielder.
There is still a nagging sense that a more reliable and clinical centre-forward is needed. Richarlison scored 11 league goals in 28 games last season, but he is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia. Could the money raised be sold and reinvested in an elite striker??
Which ones are you looking at?
Tottenham are interested in Conor Gallagher, the recruitment team and Angel Postecoglou likes the 24-year-old Chelsea and England midfielder. There is also admiration for Newcastle’s 24-year-old Alexander Isak, among many others at the north London club, but that would obviously be an expensive and elusive deal.
What measures have you already taken?
Tottenham signed Lucas Bergvall from Swedish club Djurgarden on a five-year deal when he turned 18 in February. The midfielder will officially join next month. Instead of making Timo Werner’s loan from RB Leipzig permanent, Spurs negotiated a new one-year deal covering the 2024-25 season, which includes buying the 28-year-old striker for €10m.
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Who will they sell it to?
As mentioned above, Richarlison is the most prominent member of the squad who could be sold this summer, however, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Lo Celso, who have less than a year left on their contracts and found that playing time was limited last season, look more likely to leave.
Sergio Reguilón is overflowing with desires for the third consecutive summer. He spent the first part of the 2023-24 season on loan at Manchester United before spending the rest at Brentford. The Spanish foreigner has inspired West London, but his salary demands mean a permanent replacement It is not imaginable and he will have to look elsewhere. Other returning players, such as defenders Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga, also want to find new accommodation.
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Read more main points about Tottenham’s moving plans here
Jay Harris and Adam Leventhal
What positions are they this summer?
There are two main ones. The biggest priority is a starting midfielder, as they have not found a suitable replacement for Sergio Busquets, who left in the summer of 2023. Xavi used 4 players for that position last season: Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen. – but none of them seemed comfortable. The club’s hierarchy would also like to incorporate a left-back. A right-back would be welcome, but given Barcelona’s financial constraints, it might not be easy to achieve all of their goals.
Which ones are you looking at?
The appointment of Hansi Flick as coach can replace everything.
His predecessor Xavi and sporting director Deco had discussed a list of names, including Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, for their midfield. The Argentine foreigner Guido Rodríguez was the economic option. They are already in contact with Rodríguez, whose contract with Real Betis expires this summer.
On the attacking flank, Xavi put on the table the call of Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, Deco’s preferred option was Luis Diaz from Liverpool.
La Liga regulations mean Barca will have to fill a €130 million (£110 million; $141 million) gap in its accounts for this season until the end of the month if it needs to sign players this summer, including loose or loan transfers.
Who will they sell it to?
Given the club’s monetary situation, any smart offer will be heard, even if some players are untouchable, such as Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pedri and Marc-André ter Stegen.
President Joan Laporta needs to stay with Ronald Araujo, as does Deco. But the Uruguayan defender is still waiting for a new contract that will offer him advanced situations to integrate him into the organization of the club’s most productive employees. Could they really turn down a big offer for a player whose current contract expires in 2026?Probably not.
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Raphinha is the Barcelona that would be sold for the right price, along with De Jong and Christensen. However, none of those three need to leave and they all have a contract until the end of next season.
Romeu, who is under contract until 2026 after his arrival last summer, is expected to leave.
Read more main points about Barcelona moving plans here
Pol Ballús and Laia Cervelló Herrero
What positions are they this summer?
Madrid are looking for players capable of betting on defense. Club captain Nacho could leave when his contract expires, but the club are contemplating signing midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back. Jesús Vallejo will return after a year on loan at Granada and has a contract until 2025, but his scenario will not affect his overall planning.
No movement in midfield is planned, despite the retirement of Toni Kroos.
Who are they with?
They have focused on Lille’s Leny Yoro and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies and have established contacts with both. But Madrid don’t need to get caught up in a bidding war for 18-year-old Yoro, and Davies has had more positive talks recently. about an extension in Germany.
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Since Nacho’s future is uncertain, they are also keeping a close eye on River Plate’s 16-year-old Franco Mastantuono, an Argentine U-17 international.
Madrid exercised their option to keep Joselu. Last summer they signed the loan of the Espanyol striker with an option to buy for 1. 5 million euros. They will wait to officially finalize the transfer, as Espanyol fights to regain promotion to La Liga through the current play-offs. The champions of La Liga and Europe must be as respectful as possible with a club with which they have a solid relationship.
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What measures have you already taken?
Endrick and Kylian Mbappé. Su deal to sign the Brazilian teenager from Palmeiras closed in December 2022, but he had to wait to sign for the Bernabeu. As it stands, Endrick may not even be able to train with his teammates until his 18th birthday. At the end of July he will turn 18, although this summer he will be busy playing in the Copa America with Brazil.
Madrid agreed in February to Mbappé’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, the French striker arrived with a hefty signing bonus that will allow him, with his salary, to become the highest-paid player in the squad.
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Who will they sell it to?
No sales are planned, but that doesn’t mean players won’t leave.
Madrid have been willing in the past to listen to offers, given their ongoing injury problems, but it turns out that he has left and his performances have improved. The option of the Frenchman leaving is not ruled out – Back will renew his contract, which expires in 2025.
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Fran García, another left-back, does not trust his position in the squad either. Madrid exercised his buy-back clause when he was at Rayo Vallecano last year, but he is seen as a weak link in the defence. Listening is given to midfielder Dani Ceballos, who has been dissatisfied with his playing time, but they will not “betray” him.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will renew his contract until 2029, but it is possible that he will still end up leaving. After Thibaut Courtois returned at the end of the season following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his knee, the Ukrainian returned to the dugout and his entourage describes his scenario as “a punch in the stomach”. They claim that it has a “large market in Europe”.
GOING FURTHER
Thibaut Courtois is back as the world’s most productive goalkeeper, but his season is now ending
In attack, the only player who is in a position to come out is Rodrygo. The Brazilian recently renewed his contract until 2028, but said in two interviews last week that “anything can happen. “A decomposition would count more on him than on the club, but his team insists that he must be part of the “big project” planned for next season.
Read more main points about Real Madrid’s moving plans here
Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai
Which players are the most sought after in Serie A?
Bologna’s qualification for the Champions League has naturally captured the imagination. Their striker Joshua Zirkzee is arguably the most coveted player in Serie A. Bayern Munich have a buy-back clause in their contract for a move to Italy in 2022 and the way Zirkzee’s deal is structured has more weight in his long-term career than Bologna. AC Milan want a replacement for MLS-bound Olivier Giroud but will face the 23-year-old Dutchman’s festival.
Zirkzee’s teammate Riccardo Calafiori says his long career can wait until after the European Championship. But the defender-midfielder hybrid is expected to appear at Juventus and meet with outgoing Bologna coach Thiago Motta, who has been undercover to update Massimiliano Allegri for months.
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What measures have already been taken?
Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta is famous for acting in the flexible business market. Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, 32 in July, and Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, 30, are two free signings that the champions are expected to announce once contracts officially expire later this month.
Elsewhere, a cascade of acquisition features is activated across the league, adding Angelino’s mid-season loan from RB Leipzig to Roma, which was made permanent for €5m.
Who will the league’s clubs sell to?
He is at Victor Osimhen in Nápoles. Se hopes this sale will fund the team’s rebuild after Napoli failed to qualify for Europe, while also achieving the worst name defence in Serie A history. Osimhen has a release clause valued at more than 100 million euros. It remains to be seen how many clubs are willing to pay a maximum price for the 25-year-old striker after a disappointing season.
James Horncastle