The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals and keep track of who has joined the big boys,. And Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world’s media and set correspondents loose to see what’s on the agenda for the summer.
TOP STORY: Konate chase is on
Arsenal scouts have been spotted in Germany, monitoring the progress of RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate.
That’s according to Sport Bild, who also warn Gunners’ boss, Unai Emery, that he won’t have things his own way as Arsenal are far from the only club eyeing the Frenchman. The German newspaper claims that Arsenal’s scout will have recognised some familiar faces in the Leipzig stands, with Chelsea and West Ham apparently also turning up to watch the 19-year-old perform.
Konate has been outstanding for Leipzig so far this season, having moved to the Bundesliga from French side Sochaux in 2017.
LIVE BLOG
09.28 GMT: Diario AS report that Real Madrid will not send Spanish winger Brahim Diaz on loan this summer.
According to the publication, Brahim, who signed for Madrid on a permanent transfer from Manchester City last month, will do preseason with Los Blancos with the aim of remaining at the club for the 2019-20 campaign.
AS claim that one of the reasons why Brahim left City to join Madrid was because the Premier League side had tried to send him out on loan on several occasions but the player opted to remain in Manchester, even if he had limited playing time. Madrid reportedly feel that Brahim is ready to play for the first team and believe it would be better for the 19-year-old to continue his progress at the club.
09.04 GMT: D.C. United’s Luciano Acosta has been speaking about his failed January move to PSG with L’Equipe.
“I think both clubs failed to completely agree on my transfer fee,” he said. “Honestly, I do not know too much and I did not ask many questions either — simply put, it is a very frustrating situation for me. Ultimately, I did not even do the medical. Both clubs never came to a full agreement. I was really happy — very excited. I am still young, though, so I have time. I have to keep doing things properly & keep improving, so that PSG remain interested in me.”
08.36 GMT: Onda Cero report that Atletico Madrid can expect a heated summer with several clubs having joined the race to sign their defender Lucas Hernandez. The France international was close to leaving Atletico for Bayern Munich in the winter transfer window, with the Bundesliga giants reportedly prepared to pay his €80m (£72m) release clause. The 22-year-old extended his deal with Atletico last summer until 2024.
08.00 GMT: Mario Balotelli may have a new club, Marseille, but he’s already talking about how he wants to end his career.
He told Italian television show, Queli che il Calcio: “I never really thought about going back to [Italy] in these months. But I do not deny that I would like to close my career at Brescia.”
PAPER TALK (by Richard Edwards)
When Harry met Ole?
Harry Maguire‘s on-off transfer to Manchester United following his stunning World Cup with England ended with old Slab Head staying at the King Power rather than making the switch to Old Trafford.
But are United’s feelings for Maguire still very much alive? That would certainly seem to be the case after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side beat Leicester 1-0 on Sunday afternoon to continue the Norwegian’s incredible start to his managerial career at Old Trafford.
Despite their defeat, Maguire was magnificent and Solskjaer clearly shares Jose Mourinho’s admiration for the England man.
The Metro reports that Solskjaer described the Leicester centre-back as a “fantastic player” after Maguire showed his attacking prowess throughout Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Is love in the air? Again?
Bojan to Rev up?
Bojan Krkic may be long past the time when people considered him the ‘new Lionel Messi‘ but the 28-year-old forward still has a point to prove and may now choose to do that in MLS.
The Stoke forward has a chance to double his wages by moving to America, say the Sun who report: “Bojan is on £27,000-a-week with the Championship Potters — but New England Revolution are willing to give him a £50k weekly salary.”
Revs boss Brad Friedel knows a thing or two about playing in the Premier League but has until May 1 to do a deal.
Tap-ins
– Tuttosport claims that Juventus are lining up a summer swoop for Real Madrid star Marcelo. The Bianconeri reportedly have a £45 million bid at the ready for the 30-year-old Brazilian.
– Aston Villa are set to bring Swansea defender Mike van der Hoorn to the Midlands this summer, so says the Birmingham Mail.
– Bojan could be set for an American adventure, with the Sun reporting that the two-time Champions League winner could potentially be heading to MLS after Stoke rejected a deadline-day approach from West Brom for his services.