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: Barca eager to make Cancelo loan permanent, but face competition for a signature
João Cancelo is eager to stay at Barcelona, but the club may not be able to afford a permanent deal amid Arsenal and Saudi Pro League interest, according to Sport.
The report reveals that the Portugal international is pushing to stay in Barcelona, where he is on loan from Manchester City. However, with the Spanish giants enduring financial problems, they may not be able to strike a deal for the 29-year-old.
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It is reported that alongside Barcelona, Arsenal and clubs in Saudi Arabia hold an interest in Cancelo, who Man City will try to offload on a permanent deal this summer. The report indicates that clubs in Saudi Arabia have already made approaches for the defender.
However, Barcelona’s chances of securing a deal may be helped by what they believe is Cancelo’s interest in joining Barcelona this summer. It is reported that the Portuguese star can block moves elsewhere in favour of forcing through a deal with Barcelona, which the Spanish club believe is a likely possibility.
Cancelo has played an integral role at Barcelona this season, featuring 33 times across all competitions, registering four goals and four assists in the process.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to strike a deal for Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray, report Football Insider. The 18-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season in the Championship, which has led to several Premier League clubs showing an interest in the teenager, ahead of the summer. It is reported that Spurs have joined Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race for Gray, who agreed a new deal with Leeds in January, though the report indicates that the club will look to agree another new contract with the playmaker this summer.
– AC Milan are monitoring Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, report Calciomercato. The report reveals that Milan are eager to add to their midfield options this summer, with the club interested in Fofana. The 25-year-old has notched two goals and three assists for Monaco and has impressed in a defensive midfield role. Alongside Fofana, it is reported that the Italian giants are also keeping tabs on Strasbourg’s Ibrahima Sissoko as they plot a swoop for a defensive midfielder this summer.
– Feyenoord have made an approach for West Ham defender Ben Johnson, suggest The Mirror. The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer and is eligible to speak to foreign clubs, with a new deal at West Ham looking unlikely. Alongside Feyenoord, the report reveals that Crystal Palace are monitoring the situation, whilst Championship duo Southampton and Leeds are also interested in the defender, who has made 18 appearances this season.
– Atalanta midfielder Éderson will likely be out of the price range for most Spanish clubs this summer, per Relevo. The report reveals that the 24-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought after players in Europe this summer, following an impressive season in Italy, where he has notched six goals in all competitions. However, it is reported that in order to part ways with the Brazilian, Atalanta will require an offer in the region of €50m, which could prove too expensive for many interested parties.
– Internazionale are well positioned to land Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento this summer, per Rudy Galetti. It is reported that agreeing personal terms with the Brazilian would not be difficult with Inter planning on agreeing a deal with the club. However, Bento has also been linked with Chelsea which could prove problematic for the Italian outfit.