Welcome to the world of football transfer gossip, where deals are done, dreams are shattered, and the summer heat is as intense as the competition for the best players. This week, we bring you the latest on some of the biggest names in the game, from rising stars to established veterans. So, let's dive into the action and see what's cooking in the transfer market.
David Ornstein's One To Watch: Folarin Balogun
In the spotlight this week is Folarin Balogun, the 24-year-old striker who has been on fire for the USMNT at the World Cup. With two goals in two games, Balogun has become the first American man since 1930 to score at the tournament, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Balogun, who came through the Arsenal academy, has been on loan at Middlesbrough and Reims, and now his future is up in the air. The Athletic understands that a move this summer is expected, with interest from the Premier League and Europe, including Italy. Balogun's contract expires in June 2028, and with no talks about an extension, a transfer seems likely. The question is, is he ready for a move back to England?
What Else We're Hearing
- Aston Villa have expressed interest in West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen, but no club-to-club discussions have taken place. Villa needs to make player sales, and Unai Emery is a huge admirer of Bowen, who has four years left on his contract. West Ham, relegated to the Championship last season, is not looking to sell.
- Chelsea are interested in Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who has three years on his contract. Palace would consider selling at the right price and needs to find a replacement before allowing Lacroix to leave.
- West Ham is interested in Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has two years remaining on his contract. Cozier-Duberry, a long-standing target for West Ham, helped Bolton Wanderers gain promotion to the Championship during a season-long loan.
- Leeds United and Harry Wilson's representatives are in positive talks over a deal that would take the Wales international to Elland Road. Wilson's Fulham contract expires this month, and he will be a free agent from July 1.
- Galatasaray remains interested in Turkish international midfielder Can Uzun, but is unlikely to meet Eintracht Frankfurt’s €60m price tag.
- Jason Steele is on a list of candidates who could come in as a reserve goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur. The 35-year-old Brighton player is seen as a good option, having worked with Spurs head coach Robert De Zerbi.
- Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt are still to reach an agreement for Nathaniel Brown, but a deal is now close.
- Aston Villa trio Mohamed Kone, Kadan Young, and Zepiqueno Redmond are expected to join Ligue 2 side FC Annecy on loan.
Arsenal
- Arsenal have opened negotiations for Leicester City’s 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga. Talks continue over a suitable fee, and the player's preference is believed to be to join the Premier League champions.
- Arsenal is looking at 17-year-old Georgia U21 international Andria Bartishvili, hoping to secure a deal for the midfielder.
- Arsenal remains keen to engage in player trading this summer, open to offers for Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard, and Fabio Vieira. Others, such as Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, could also be available for the right price.
Chelsea
- Chelsea are not in a rush to get rid of Enzo Fernandez, who they rate highly. While he is not on the ‘not for sale’ list, they value the midfielder at £120m. There has been no approach to sign him from Real Madrid yet.
- Under-21 striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan completed a permanent move to West Bromwich Albion, signing a four-year contract.
- Chelsea wants a minimum of two ready-made players with experience of playing in the top five European leagues. They are targeting a centre-back and are considering Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.
- Chelsea is also looking at versatile attackers, including Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, despite facing strong competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. They have officially completed the moves of winger Geovany Quenda and striker Emmanuel Emegha.
Liverpool
- Liverpool made their first move of the summer by signing Victor Munoz from Osasuna for €40m and stepped up their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.
- Liverpool contacted Leipzig to inform them they would be willing to offer a €100m package for Diomande, but the Bundesliga club rejected that proposal. Other players under consideration include Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh, Said El Mala of FC Koln, and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
- Liverpool is also looking at strengthening the wide positions, hoping that Munoz, who can operate on either flank, brings a fresh energy to an area that was lacking last season.
Manchester City
- City’s interest in Sandro Tonali remains, with Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest also pursuing the Italian midfielder. This raises questions about Rodri’s future, as he has one year left on his contract.
- City has made strides on other new deals, with Josko Gvardiol agreeing a five-year contract, and Jeremy Doku is moving closer to an extension.
- City is looking at a right-back, holding midfielder, and a winger, but would broaden that out into other positions depending on outgoings.
Manchester United
- United continued to pursue a move for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, but Tottenham Hotspur emerged as another potential contender for the 21-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
- United is exploring the back-up goalkeeper market to provide cover for Senne Lammens. Karl Darlow and Sam Johnstone have both been considered.
- Marcus Rashford remains available for sale after Barcelona’s €30m option to sign him permanently expired last week. United is willing to listen to permanent offers.
Newcastle United
- Newcastle has been bruised and unclear after losing out to Liverpool for Victor Munoz, who activated his €40m release clause. They are seeking around £100m to consider selling Tonali, who has three years left to run on his contract.
- Newcastle is looking at Hoffenheim’s 20-year-old Bazoumana Toure and Said El Mala, 19, of Koln, while Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo is admired.
- Newcastle will look to replace any midfielders who may leave, with Monaco’s Lamine Camara admired after being tracked long term.
Tottenham Hotspur
- Tottenham completed a £52m deal to sign centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion. They have also opened talks with Newcastle United for midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is valued at around £100m.
- Tottenham is in the market for starting-quality central midfielders and is pursuing a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who has been valued at £80m.
- Tottenham is also looking at Manchester City winger Savinho and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Barcelona
- Barcelona have made a move for Jorge Salinas, a 19-year-old Spanish defender who plays as a left-back for Racing Santander. They may consider sending him out on loan.
- Barcelona has also made progress on Andreas Christensen’s contract renewal, with the defender set to sign a two-year extension at the request of Hansi Flick.
- Barcelona is looking at centre-forward, with Julian Alvarez as the top priority. They will make a new offer to Atletico Madrid, but the tournament has put the brakes on transfer activity.
Real Madrid
- Real Madrid has positioned themselves to sign Denzel Dumfries and brought in Marc Cucurella in a €60m deal with Chelsea, while Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva will arrive on free transfers.
- Madrid is working on the assumption that they have a surplus of at least three players and is actively exploring exits for them. Dani Ceballos is in talks with the club over terminating his contract, and Raul Asencio is among those who could leave.
- Real Madrid has made a surprising statement regarding Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, saying that they had “not had any direct or indirect contact” with the “player, his representatives, or anyone in his entourage”.
World Cup Tracker
- Guillermo Rai
