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: PSG interested in Barca’s Gavi
Paris Saint-Germain are looking at Barcelona midfielder Gavi despite any potential move being complicated, as has been reported by L’Equipe.
Les Parisiens’ interest in the 19-year-old was initiated last summer during a discussion between Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Luis Campos, in which they looked at young players who can represent PSG’s new project and future. They were unsuccessful that time around but interest hasn’t wavered since then, especially as there will be a large windfall from Kylian Mbappé‘s expected departure in the summer.
The feeling within PSG is that this will allow them to go for difficult transfer options, which might not be impossible in the long term. PSG will need to convince both Gavi and Barca, as he has a €1bn release clause that cannot realistically be met, while the Blaugrana are ruling out a departure for the teenager.
Despite Xavi Hernandez having announced that he will leave, Barca are convinced that they can keep him and having the former midfielder in charge — rather than the touted arrival of Hansi Flick — would also help to ensure they keep Gavi.
PSG continue to look in case a chance to sign Gavi arises, especially as their intermediaries agreed to keep in touch with the Spain international’s entourage following preliminary discussions last summer. There won’t be an opportunity to watch Gavi when PSG face Barcelona in the Champions League, as he has been out injured since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in November.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)
– Barcelona want to sign Bernardo Silva by paying Manchester City his €59m release clause in installments, as reported by Diario Sport. Negotiations with the Citizens are expected to be difficult, as the Premier League club doesn’t need to transfer players and the Portugal international is an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s plans. Even so, the Blaugrana hope that Silva turning 30 in August could contribute to City letting him leave.
– Manchester City still have their eye on West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá after their move for the 26-year-old fell through last summer, reports Foot Mercato. It is even stated that a salary agreement still exists with the Brazil international’s performances since that failed transfer having impressed the Citizens.
– Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has been on Bayern Munich’s list of considered players for some time, reports Sky Sports Deutschland. They won’t consider the 22-year-old as a top option for this summer, though, as they deem Everton’s demands of between €60m and €70m for the Belgium international to be too high.
– Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are interested in RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan, reports Sky Sports Deutschland, who add that the 23-year-old can see himself leaving Die Roten Bullen and likes the idea of moving to the Premier League. He also has a release clause worth €70m that kicks in during the summer, having been included when his contract was extended in December 2022.
– West Ham United have entered the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo as a free agent when the centre-back’s Fulham contract expires in the summer, reports The Guardian, who also reference links between the 26-year-old and Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan. The Hammers were interested in Max Kilman during the January transfer window but Wolverhampton Wanderers would be reluctant to lose him.