The summer transfer window is officially open across Europe, partly due to the Club World Cup, and clubs are gearing up for potential negotiations. What rumors and deals are topping the agenda according to ESPN reporters?
Keep up with the latest developments and expert analysis on key transfer news every Friday until September.
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Chelsea’s Pursuit of a New Goalkeeper
Although Chelsea already has at least five experienced goalkeepers on their roster, acquiring a new goalkeeper isn’t their primary focus. However, the interest from Milan’s Mike Maignan in a move to Chelsea has opened up possibilities. Despite public support for Robert Sanchez from Enzo Maresca, the past season indicates that Chelsea might need a stronger option for a Premier League challenge.
Maignan, who will turn 30 next month, doesn’t exactly fit the profile of the typical Todd Boehly/Clearlake acquisition, but his Champions League experience makes him an appealing choice at a potentially reasonable price. Milan is reportedly asking for €30 million, but since Maignan only has a year left on his contract, Chelsea believes a negotiation could be possible. – James Ollie
Another Striker on the Radar for Chelsea
Even after securing Liam Dellup from Ipswich for £30 million, Chelsea is exploring the possibility of adding another striker from Eintracht Frankfurt. This is particularly true given their current roster includes Nicholas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, who is set to leave. The focus is on Hugo Ekitike, who netted 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 matches this season, showcasing great chemistry with Omar Marmoush after the Egyptian joined Manchester City in January.
With Frankfurt finishing third in the Bundesliga and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, they are likely to entertain a loan with an option to buy Ekitike for €25 million next April, though Chelsea currently hesitates to meet that valuation, especially with Liverpool also keeping an eye on the situation.
After withdrawing from the French Under-21 squad for Euro 2025, Ekitike has indicated that joining a Premier League club is his top priority. – Julien Laurence
2:01
Do Cunha and Mbuemo need Manchester United signatures?
GAB Marcotti and Julien Laurens examine if Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo would be suitable signings for Manchester United’s rebuild.
Manchester United’s Striker Pursuit
Manchester United is targeting Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, bolstered by the player’s inclination to join Old Trafford instead of heading to Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Brentford has witnessed United recently pay £62.5 million for Matheus Cunha, and Mbeumo, who just had a season with 20 Premier League goals, desires a similar financial package.
United’s initial offer of around £55 million has been turned down, but they reportedly have submitted an improved bid exceeding £60 million. – Rob Dawson
The disappointment of losing Liam Dellup to Chelsea adds more pressure on United to refine their striker search. Although Mbeumo and Cunha could potentially fill that spot, neither is seen as an immediate solution.
Nonetheless, despite his availability, reports indicate that United will not be pursuing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray. It seems United’s management believes Osimhen does not align with the striker profile required by manager Ruben Amorim, along with concerns regarding his reported €75 million price tag. – Mark Ogden
PSG: Summer Plans Post-Title Win
Following their recent success, PSG’s main focus is acquiring a right-footed center-back, with Ilya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth topping their list. Manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos admire the 22-year-old for his robust dueling skills, decent pace, and adaptability in high-pressure situations, making him a fitting candidate for PSG’s gameplay. Discussions are ongoing over a potential €50 million fee.
PSG was also aiming to secure River Plate prodigy Franco Mus Stantuono, but the 17-year-old opted for a move to Real Madrid. PSG was close to finalizing a deal with Mus Stantuono, who had a €45 million release clause, but Madrid was his dream destination. – Laurens
Real Madrid: Enhancing the Offense
Real Madrid has been proactive in signing players, including Dean Huissen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carrera from Benfica. Their signings extend beyond defense, as they are also searching for an experienced forward this summer.
They identified Joselu, who scored 10 league goals often serving as a substitute last season, as a priority. Although defense and midfield enhancements remain the primary focus, finding a dependable backup striker at a reasonable price is also on the agenda, especially for new coach Xabi Alonso. – Rodri Fez
Frenkie de Jong’s Future in Question
The movement surrounding Frenkie de Jong this transfer window has been relatively quiet, which is unexpected given that he has just a year left on his contract. However, the situation could work in Barcelona’s favor, allowing them to renegotiate his deferred salary.
Club director Hans Flick supports de Jong, who himself is eager to remain, indicating a potential deal for an extension is within reach. To facilitate this, he is contemplating changing agents and has attracted interest from top clubs. De Jong may ultimately decide to stick with his current representative to expedite a new contract. – Sam Marsden
Martin Zubimendi and Thomas Partey’s Future at Arsenal
Arsenal is reportedly close to finalizing a €60 million deal with Real Sociedad’s midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the transfer anticipated to occur after the Nations League match between Spain and Portugal.
The club wishes to retain Thomas Partey, who is 31, although his salary demands pose challenges. A compromise is needed since he earns around £200,000 per week, but he is keen to stay in North London. – Ollie
1:50
Guardiola’s aim: Only good players for Man City this summer
Pep Guardiola discusses the challenges ahead for Manchester City and their transfer aspirations.
Guardiola’s Fresh Aspirations for New Signings
Manchester City has finalised a €55 million deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and is looking to add Rayan Aït-Nouri as well. They are also keen on Morgan Gibbs-White, but negotiations are complex due to Nottingham Forest’s reported £100 million asking price. The club seeks to finalize as many signings as possible before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on June 15. – Dawson
Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who recently performed strikingly in a match against Spain. Lyon rejected City’s initial €23 million offer but Manchester City is poised to make another bid as Guardiola prioritizes Cherki. – Laurens
1:26
Who might sign Jack Grealish after falling out of favor at Man City?
Gab & Juls discuss Jack Grealish’s future prospects.
Additional Noteworthy Transfers on the Horizon
– ESPN indicates ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia in Son Heung-min, though nothing is expected to finalize soon. Since changing his status two years ago, there’s also discussion regarding whether Tottenham will make MATHYS TEL‘s loan from Bayern Munich permanent, which may depend on manager Ange Postecoglou’s future. – Ollie
– Ansu Fati’s loan move from Barcelona to Monaco encountered some hurdles last week concerning options for permanent transfer, but the deal isn’t considered in jeopardy. Fati was in New York last week and plans to finalize the switch to Ligue 1 upon his return. – Marsden
– Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco appears set to act in the goalkeeping area, potentially targeting Espanyol’s Joan Garcia next week. Garcia has a release clause of €25 million, and with four goalkeepers currently on the roster, there’s certainty amid speculation about the future of Marc-André ter Stegen, who intends to stay. However, if Garcia arrives, Ter Stegen’s position may be challenged. – Marsden
– Turkish champions Galatasaray have shown interest in Gabriel Sara and Barris Alper Irmak, and have inquired about Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva. His departure seems unlikely, given his plans to leave the club this summer are deemed “improbable.” – Dawson
– Bournemouth is scouting for alternatives to center-back Dean Huissen, who is linked to Real Madrid, with Ilya Zabarnyi, aiming for PSG, also under consideration. One name on their list is Nantes’ Nathanaël Mbuku, who has impressed in League One this season and is attracting interest from several other English clubs. – Laurens
– Club America’s winger Brian Rodriguez missed his chance to help in the Club World Cup due to a playoff loss with LAFC but is thought to be returning to MLS, with possible talks of joining Inter Miami. He has discussed life with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at the club. – Lizzy Bechelano
– Rodriguez expressed interest in playing alongside Messi and Suárez, stating, “I spoke with Luis Suárez, and he had glowing things to say about the club,” which confirms his appeal to join the ranks, despite having other offers from Spain. – VICTOR DIAZ, ESPN Sports
– Botafogo is also scouting for any attacking reinforcements along with Inter Milan’s Joaquin Correa, Benfica’s Arthur Cabral, and AC Milan’s Luka Jovic. – Roberta Barroso, ESPN Brazil
– Cruz Azul has shown interest in Jovic, having discussions for the past two months, but admits the transaction presents challenges. – Omar Flores, ESPN Deportes
– LigaMX side Rayados is seeking defensive help and targeting Raúl Albiol, a 33-year-old center-back currently with Espanyol since 2021. Víctor Alvarez, ESPN Deportes
Fan Take: The summer transfer window is always brimming with excitement, and these rumored moves have the potential to reshape not just individual clubs, but the competitive landscape of the entire league. Fans should keep a close eye on these developments, as they could significantly influence the upcoming season’s dynamics.
