The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona, PSG linked with move for Silva
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva is a priority target for Barcelona in the summer transfer window, though they will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Sport.
The 29-year-old attracted attention from Barcelona last season, however a move never materialised despite rumours linking the Portugal international with a move away from the English champions.
It is reported that Barcelona could look to strike a deal for Silva again this summer, with the player high on the list of priorities for club president Joan Laporta.
Silva has a release clause of €58 million, which was included in the contract he agreed with City last summer. However, this poses problems for Barcelona, who are enduring financial difficulties and need to ensure Financial Fair Play compliance. The report indicates that the club are hopeful of striking a deal in a similar fashion as to how they agreed a move for Vitor Roque. This included various instalment payments, lessening the immediate financial burden on the Spanish giants.
Despite this, it is reported that Barcelona could face competition from PSG. The French outfit have also been long-term admirers of Silva and are keen to bolster their squad this summer with Kylian Mbappé likely to depart for Real Madrid.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Chelsea and Juventus are among the clubs evaluating a potential summer approach for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, reports Rudy Galetti. It is reported, however, that Atalanta will only entertain offers above €50m for the playmaker. That could prove problematic for Chelsea, who are looking to balance the books to ensure Financial Fair Play compliance. The Dutchman has notched 13 goals and five assists across all competitions in Italy this season, attracting significant interest from across Europe in the process.
– Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara could secure a move to the Saudi Pro League, reveals Football Insider. The 33-year-old’s contract at Anfield expires this summer and there is no indication that the playmaker will secure a new deal. The report indicates that the Spaniard could end up in the Saudi Pro League, while a return to Spain is also not off the cards.
– PSG are monitoring AC Milan forward Rafael Leão ahead of the summer, according to Calciomercato. It is reported that the striker has a release clause of €175m, which prices out several clubs in Europe from making an approach. However, while it is not expected that PSG will meet this release clause, the report reveals that the French giants could make a lower offer, which could still interest Milan and lead to a departure.
– Juventus lead the race for Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson, but will face competition for his signature, reveals Tuttosport. The 26-year-old has shone this season in Italy, notching 15 goals and four assists in all competitions, leading to several clubs in Europe to take an interest. It is reported that Internazionale will rival Juventus in the race for the Iceland international’s signature, while clubs in the Premier League are also monitoring the situation. The report indicates that Juventus currently lead the race for Gudmundsson, having already begun talks with the relevant parties over a possible deal.
– Arsenal remain interested in Joshua Zirkzee having sent scouts to monitor the Bologna striker, according to Nicolo Schira. It is reported that the 22-year-old is a priority target for the Gunners, who are keen to add to their attacking reinforcements this summer. Arsenal have already begun talks with Zirkzee’s agent regarding a contract until 2029, which will see the Dutchman earn €6m per year.