The summer transfer window may not be open yet in Europe, but teams are getting ready for it, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Napoli look to extend Osimhen deal
Napoli are looking to ward off interest in striker Victor Osimhen by rewarding him with a new contract, according to Calciomercato.
Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are all reported to be in the race for the 24-year-old’s signature, and with some clubs reportedly prepared to double his current salary of €4.5 million per season, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is now aiming to renew the Nigeria international’s current terms.
As well as handing him a significant pay increase, it is reported that the Serie A champions will also include a release clause into the deal that will only allow Osimhen to leave the club for €160m.
Osimhen’s 23 goals in 30 league games was a crucial factor in Napoli’s first Scudetto win in 33 years and they are hopeful that recognising his form will persuade him to remain in Italy for at least one more season.
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10.07 BST: Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio is in advanced talks to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, sources have told ESPN.
The Spain international, whose contract expires in the summer, received a proposal to renew with Madrid that convinced him financially but he has decided to move on after a season in which he has started less than half of the club’s LaLiga games.
Sources told ESPN that Aston Villa, Juventus and AC Milan have also shown interest in the Mallorcan in recent months but the PSG proposal is currently the one that is proving most tempting to Asensio.
The good relationship between Jorge Mendes, Asensio’s agent, and Luis Campos, PSG’s sporting director, has been key in the negotiations, sources added.
09.00 BST: Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title celebrations were quickly overshadowed by the fallout from the club’s decision to fire former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidžić from their positions as top executives.
Bayern secured the German championship in the final minutes of the season on Saturday with Jamal Musiala securing a 2-1 win over Cologne with a late goal for the team to finish ahead of Borussia Dortmund on goal difference.
Shortly afterward, the club announced its supervisory board had decided to fire Kahn as chief executive and Salihamidžić as sporting director with immediate effect.
“Instead of celebrating, now we have the next issue,” Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel said.
Laurens: Why would Ten Hag want Neymar?
Julien Laurens plays down the prospect of Neymar making a dramatic switch from PSG to Manchester United.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
– Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves, according to Football Insider. The Reds are said to have asked to be kept informed on the developments over the 26-year-old’s future, with Barcelona also linked with him. Neves will enter the final year of his contract next month and it is believed Wolves would accept an offer of £50m.
- Barcelona are interested in a move for Manchester City‘s Joao Cancelo, reveals Sport. It is reported that the 29-year-old, who is on loan at Bayern Munich, won’t remain in Germany this summer. And while the Blaugrana might not be able to acquire him on a permanent deal for €70m, they are assessing the possibility of a loan as manager Xavi Hernandez continues his search for a new right-back.
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Newcastle United are planning to make an opening offer of £50m to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, reports Ekrem Konur. The Magpies are reported to have been scouting the 22-year-old and are now preparing to make a move as soon as the transfer window opens.
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Aston Villa are interested in signing Villarreal winger Nico Jackson, says L’Equipe’s Nabil Djellit. Villa boss Unai Emery is believed to be keen to work with the 21-year-old again, and he could be one of Villa’s first moves of the summer. Jackson, who previously saw his move to Bournemouth fall through in January, has recaptured some fine form toward the end of the season, having contributed to 10 goals in his past six matches.
– Talks are underway between Barcelona and winger Ousmane Dembele over a new contract, says Fabrizio Romano. The 26-year-old is believed to be seen as a key part of the project at the Camp Nou, and the Blaugrana are looking to remove the €69m release clause that exists in his deal. It is reported that his representatives will meet with the LaLiga side soon as they look to secure his future in Spain.
