The transfer window for Europe’s biggest clubs is closed, but you can click here to review all the deals. 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: Madrid agree to €60m Jovic deal
Real Madrid have finalised a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s star striker Luka Jovic, according to Spanish outlet AS.
The six-year deal is reportedly worth €60 million, with €48m going to the Bundesliga club and the rest going to Jovic’s former club Benfica. Eintracht exercised their option to formalise Jovic’s loan from Benfica last month, which then in turn allowed the defending German Cup champions to start talks with the Bernabeu brass.
The Serbia international and ex-Red Star Belgrade product has been on Madrid’s radar for some time now, with AS previously reporting that the negotiations reached advanced levels several weeks ago. Jovic has scored 26 goals in 44 matches for Eintracht, who remain in the hunt for a spot in the Europa League final following a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of their semifinal clash.
The deal apparently includes Eintracht — whose wage bill this season amounts to only €55m — receiving 19-year-old Pedro Ruiz, who plays in Real’s youth system.
Will Willian be Barca’s next signing?
Barcelona are preparing a £30m bid for Chelsea winger Willian, the Sun reports.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have made attempts to sign the Brazilian twice already, with a £50m bid plus Malcom in January as well as an approach last summer, but Chelsea rejected on both occasions. The Blues might be inclined to reconsider this summer, as Willian’s contract expires at the end of next season, meaning he would then be able to leave the club on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old has scored eight goals this season for Maurizio Sarri’s side, but he has not been able to secure an extension to his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Insigne set to stay at Napoli
The long-running saga of Lorenzo Insigne and his complicated relationship with Napoli appears to be coming to a peaceful conclusion, as the Italian striker has his sights set on staying at the club, Calciomercato reports.
Much had been made of Insigne’s potential future away from Seria A in recent weeks, with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, AC Mila or the Premier League all reportedly on the cards.
However, after Insigne’s agent Mino Raiola met with Carlo Ancelotti to discuss the player’s future, it became clear that all parties wanted him to sign an extension lasting until 2023.
Tap-ins
– Manchester City are looking to bolster their attacking options even further with the acquisition of two attacking midfielders: Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes and Benfica’s Joao Felix, according to the Manchester Evening News. Local rivals Manchester United have also reportedly been interested in the Portuguese pair.
– Matthijs de Ligt‘s impressive recent performances for Ajax have led to his price tag rising, making negotiations more complicated for Juventus and Barcelona, who are both interested in him, according to Spanish publication Sport. Barcelona have come closest to agreeing to a deal for the defender in recent weeks but will now be tested on how much they’re willing to spend.