Transfer windows are currently open across Europe, with transactions beginning to take shape. What are ESPN reporters hearing about potential deals?
We’ll provide you with the latest updates and analyses on major transfer news every Friday through September.
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Are Arsenal still optimistic about acquiring Ebebeki Eze?
From the impressions gathered during Arsenal’s preseason tour in Asia, the club appears open to further signings if the opportunity arises. They’ve already invested over £200 million and are keen to enhance depth across various positions.
However, there’s a belief that the club may prioritize offloading players this month to balance their finances. Key players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambie of Hell, Reiss Nelson, and Leandro Trossard may be on the move if the right offers materialize.
The situation could hinge on Crystal Palace forward Eze, who is reportedly interested in joining Arsenal. The club holds a keen interest in him, with a release clause around £68 million that expires about two weeks before the window closes. Negotiations will be essential to facilitate this move. – James Ollie
Is Manchester United near a striker signing?
Currently, Manchester United is directing its efforts towards Benjamin Sesco. The club has been in talks with RB Leipzig, who has set a price tag of between 80 million and 90 million euros, which may be too steep.
United hopes to negotiate a more favorable deal. Selling players like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia could help create additional room in the budget to be more flexible.
Should Sesco prove too costly or if Newcastle United or Bayern Munich secure him first, United may pivot toward making an offer for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
While United’s sources indicate that there is no guarantee of a striker signing, they are actively pursuing one. – Rob Dawson
What about players potentially leaving the club?
Progress seems slow on departures for United. Chelsea’s Garnacho is reportedly of interest, while United is considering a swap involving Nicholas Jackson.
Antony has drawn interest from Real Betis, where he spent part of last season on loan. Sancho’s valuation has reportedly dropped to under £25 million, attracting interest from Juventus.
The challenge for United lies in the fact that these players are aware they are no longer needed, with rival clubs waiting to see if their prices decrease as the deadline approaches. – Dawson
1:35
Dawson: Man United’s preseason “Why We Are Optimistic”
Rob Dawson reflects on Manchester United’s preseason and the decisions regarding their starting lineup against Arsenal in the season opener.
PSG’s quiet summer: Is Gianluigi Donnaruma on the move?
PSG might indeed let him go. The Italian goalkeeper has just one year left on his contract with the club, and ESPN sources say negotiations for an extension are ongoing.
Donnarumma, 26, earns €215,000 a week and is the last player remaining on a deal signed before sporting director Luis Campos revamped player trading strategies. He’s reluctant to accept a new type of contract and is looking for a wage increase.
Without any resolution regarding Donnarumma, PSG is pursuing alternatives for their main goalkeeper. The club is targeting 23-year-old Lucas Chevalier, who has impressed at Lille over the past two seasons and is viewed as one of Europe’s top young talents in his position. Discussions with Lille are proceeding, with expected fees around $40 million to $45 million, although personal terms are still to be finalized.
If Chevalier signs with PSG, Donnarumma will need to choose between remaining second-fiddle until June 2026 or leaving for free. – Julien Lawrence
Barcelona’s transfer situation—What’s new?
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has closed the door on new signings, but sources tell ESPN that the club is striving to balance its finances while maintaining a squad of around 24 players under manager Hansi Flick.
Following the transfer of Powvictor from Braga, there’s currently nothing lined up. Rafina has attracted interest from other clubs, but Barcelona recently renewed his contract and is not looking to let him go. They are more focused on offloading players not in Flick’s plans, such as full-back Hector Fort and goalkeeper I’m sorry.
Some midfielders may also be let go, given surplus competition for places among Pedri, Gabi, Frenkey de Jong, Daniormo, Fermin Lopez, Mark Cassad, and Mark Vernal. The club is also working on contract updates for defender Jules Koundé and Eric Garcia. – Moises Llorens
1:16
Why is Real Madrid LaLiga’s favorite over Barcelona?
Alex Kirkland discusses why Real Madrid is considered favorites to win LaLiga this season over Barcelona.
What’s the latest from Atletico Madrid?
Atletico Madrid has made significant moves this window, announcing six new signings—Alex Baena, Johnny Caldosor, Thiago Almada, David Hanko, Matteo Laggeri, and Mark Publille. The hunt for a seventh signing continues, particularly a promising 23-year-old midfielder from VFB Stuttgart, Enzomiro.
Club sources reveal that even after securing Millot’s signature, Atletico isn’t shutting the door on further acquisitions. There are still multiple positions coach Diego Simeone aims to strengthen if the right players are available. – Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faiz
Updates on Manchester City?
Jack Grealish has returned to training at City Football Academy, but his future remains uncertain. Everton and West Ham United are among the clubs interested in him, and he could still leave before the transfer deadline.
City seems to be waiting to make their moves as the deadline approaches, preferring permanent transfers over loans, but haven’t ruled out loan arrangements in the long run. – Dawson
Nottingham Forest made an initial offer of £25 million for midfielder James McAtee, which was declined since City values him at £40 million. They gleaned from the experience of letting Call Palmer leave two years ago and wish to avoid a repeat.
Sources indicate McAtee has spent more time on the first team than Palmer did during his final season with Pep Guardiola, driving him to seek a more significant role within the club. City seems adamant on raising the bid to £40 million, but a deal could be complicated if Nottingham Forest pushes for a lower fee. – Mark Ogden
1:51
Is Palhinha the solution to Tottenham’s midfield gap?
In connection with the potential loan move to Tottenham, Yale Moreno discusses Joao Palhinha’s performance at Bayern Munich this season.
Are there any noteworthy deals in the works?
– Paris Saint-Germain is close to finalizing the signing of Ukrainian international defender Illia Zabarnyi from AFC Bournemouth. – Lawrence
– Vancouver Whitecaps are on the verge of securing Thomas Muller, with negotiations ongoing with FC Cincinnati regarding the player’s discovery rights. – Lizzie Beckellano
– Bayer Leverkusen’s Amin Name is drawing attention from several Premier League clubs. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland are considering bids for the Moroccan international this weekend, while West Ham is also expressing interest. The versatile forward played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s historic title win last season, and the club has indicated he may be available for €23 million. – Lawrence
– Nottingham Forest is intensifying its efforts to sign Adamatra Ole, with inquiries made last week about his situation. – Rodra
– Although Alejandro Grimaldo was approached by Saudi clubs recently, Bayer Leverkusen hopes to keep him in Europe, preferring Spain as his destination, particularly if Real Madrid expresses interest. However, both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have opted for other signings. – Rodra
– Jovic’s wounds, the Serbian striker who left AC Milan at the end of last season, will not join La Liga MX side Cruz Azul after declining their offers. He places greater importance on sport and family and wishes to stay in Europe. – César Caballero
– Nelson Deossa is expected to transfer to Real Betis after both Monterrey and La Liga clubs reached an agreement for around $16 million. ESPN sources indicate this transfer has been confirmed, pending paperwork. Deossa left Monterrey after playing 17 games and scoring three goals last season. – Víctor Alvarez
– Former Corinthians winger Róger Guedes is reportedly in discussions with Gremio. According to club fullback Marlon, who speaks to the player regularly, Guedes is considering a return to Brazil from Qatar after his stint with Al Rayyan. – ESPN Brazil
– Diego Pichuca, a teammate of Neymar at Santos, is set to join Japan’s V-Varen Nagasaki. The club looks to end his contract, but J1 League teams are willing to cover his full salary during the loan period, favoring a loan agreement. – ESPN Brazil
Fan Take: The current transfer activity offers a tantalizing glimpse into potential shifts in team dynamics, particularly for clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. For fans, these developments not only influence their club’s fortunes but also shape the competitive landscape of European soccer, making every signing crucial to each team’s aspirations for the season ahead.
