The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip is swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Saudi clubs interested in Liverpool’s Salah and Alisson
Two Liverpool players are the latest to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, according to the Guardian.
Interest in winger Mohamed Salah is expected to resurface after he was previously the subject of a £150 million offer from Al Ittihad last summer, and it looks as though they could return for the 31-year-old when the transfer market opens, with Salah set to enter the final year of his contract at Anfield next month.
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Thirty-one-year-old goalkeeper Alisson is also reported to be on the wishlist of “several clubs” in the Saudi Pro League, which is looking to make several signings to help strengthen the profile after raising the league’s foreign players quota from eight to 10. A deal for the Reds shot-stopper could be more difficult, though — with over three years remaining on his deal on Merseyside, and Salah believed to be “more receptive” to a potential switch.
Salah made his 31st league appearance of the season in Monday night’s 3-3 draw with Aston Villa, while Alisson made his 27th after recently returning from injury.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Manchester United are interested in a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, reports talkSPORT. The 28-year-old is reported to fit the profile of what the Old Trafford hierarchy are looking to acquire in the summer, but they accept a move could be difficult with the Villains deeming him a key part of their future plans, having qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
– Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez is looking to find a club in MLS, reports Relevo. The 34-year-old is reported to have turned down the opportunity to join Bayer Leverkusen to pursue a move to the United States, but it is said that he only wants to join on a Designated Player deal that would enable him to earn a similar salary to what he currently does for Los Blancos.
– Talks over a new contract between Manchester City and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega are yet to make progress, reports the Daily Mail. Just one year is remaining on the 31-year-old’s deal, but despite the Citizens being keen to keep him, it is believed that he could want more guarantees of first-team football. He has made 18 appearances this season when deputising for starter Ederson.
– Arsenal are exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, reports the Telegraph. The 20-year-old is reported to be on the radar of multiple clubs in the Premier League, but the latest indicates that the Gunners could be ready to take the lead in the race for his signature. A deal for him is expected to require an offer above €60m, with his release clause set at €65m.
– A meeting is set to be held between Internazionale and Genoa over a deal for striker Albert Gudmundsson, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The Nerazzurri are reported to be looking at a loan deal that would include a mandatory permanent clause for a fee between €30m and €35m. The Serie A side are also willing to include 23-year-old forward Martín Satriano and 21-year-old right-back Mattia Zanotti as part of the deal.