July 4 – Arsenal have jumped ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea in the pursuit of Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori (pictured), but talks for the 22-year-old have stalled after a £40 million bid was rejected.
The young Italian impressed during a brief stint at Euro 2024 off the back of a successful season for Bologna, prompting the club to stick a €50 million price tag on him.
Real Madrid are interested in a sensational summer move for Arsenal and France defender William Saliba. A key part of Arsenal’s future plans, it would be difficult to prise the 23-year-old away from Arteta’s project in North London.
Although negotiations haven’t begun for the player, Real Madrid have significant pulling power and usually get their way in the transfer market.
A move for Saliba could open the door for other clubs to launch bids for Lille’s 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro, who has also been linked to Liverpool and Manchester United but prefers a move to Madrid.
West Ham remain keen on Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo. A bid for the 24-year-old was rejected last week in the region of £25 million, with the Hammers set to come back with an improved bid in the coming days.
Barcelona have their sights set of Spain midfielder Dani Olmo. The 26-year-old has impressed during Euro 2024 and would be available for €60 million due to a release clause.
The Catalan club are also rumoured to be willing to sell Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo and Brazil winger Raphinha this summer in order to sign Athletic Bilbao’s 21-year-old Spain forward Nico Williams.
The rocket-powered youngster has become one of the standout stars of Euro 2024, flourishing alongside Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal in the Spanish frontline and causing Joan Laporta to lick his lips at the prospect of reuniting the two at club level.
Chelsea are reportedly keen on Nottingham Forest’s 21-year-old Brazilian defender Murillo but think his £60 million price tag is too high. Following the exit of veteran Thiago Silva at the end of June, the Blues will be eager to bring in an elite defender, with their current lineup looking a little bare, even including the addition of early summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734933109labto1734933109ofdlr1734933109owedi1734933109sni@g1734933109niwe.1734933109yrrah1734933109