The winter transfer window is now closed in Europe's top leagues, but there are plenty of moves in the works and rumors circulating as we look ahead to the summer. Transfer Talk brings you the latest news on rumours, comings and goings and of course, closed deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona seeks new stars despite financial strains
In two different reports before the weekend, Diario Sport has linked Barcelona with Chelsea Enzo Fernandez and Everton Amadou Onana.
The first report focuses on Fernandez and suggests that the 23-year-old Chelsea midfielder is interested in a move to the Blaugrana. This comes amid reports that the Argentina international wants to leave Stamford Bridge, although any exit would be difficult due to both his status as a key player for Mauricio Pochettino and his long contract, which runs until 2032.
Fernandez is still “seduced” by the idea of playing for Barcelona, but the report admits it would be unlikely, although they add that nothing is impossible.
In the second report, they claim that Deco has identified Everton's Onana as the missing piece who can bring more consistency and physicality to the club's midfield. Xavi Hernández had focused on more technical players for that position, but Deco is now moving forward (Xavi has already confirmed that he will leave the club this summer) and has already contacted interested parties.
The main obstacle to any possible move for the 22-year-old is Everton's demands of €60m, as well as interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Gunners being the most serious club in the Premier League.
Deco is trying to sign Onana for €40 million, as several players would need to be let go to reach the €60 million valuation.
TOUCHES
— German journalist Christian Falk has offered some insight on Bayern Munich's search for a midfielder in the summer transfer market. He states that Argentinos Juniors federico round21 years old, and Juventus Adrian Rabiot, 28, has been added to the Bavarian club's roster. This is how they join the Royal Society Martin Zubimendi25, and Fulham João Palhinha28. (Bayern had tried to sign Palhinha last summer, but the move fell through on deadline day.)
— Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur eye the Genoa striker Albert Gudmundsson, reports Calciomercato. The Serie A club rejected a €22m plus add-on offer from Fiorentina in January as they demand €30m for the 26-year-old, and interest from the Premier League has only increased confidence that They can contribute that figure.
— Juventus wants to sign the Atlético de Madrid defender MarioBeautiful as a free agent when his contract ends in the summer, reports Tuttosport, who adds that the 28-year-old's salary of €4 million is within reach. The Bianconeros. The fact that Hermoso is positionally flexible in the defensive line and left-footed also increases the attractiveness for Juventus.
— Clubs from England, Spain and Germany asked about the Borussia Dortmund winger Carlos Hermann, reports Florian Plettenberg, who adds that Brighton & Hove Albion have been following him. BVB want the 18-year-old to stay this summer beyond the expiry of his current contract and talks over a renewal are planned.
— PAOK defense William Troost-Ekong He has caught the attention of Saudi Arabian clubs with his performances as captain of Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, as well as reported by Fabrizio Romano. The 30-year-old is happy with the Greek Super League leaders, but Saudi interest in the former Udinese and Watford centre-back is strong.
— And finally, the Mirror speculates that Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah could be keeping an eye on the situation of Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé. The suggestion is that the 31-year-old could join PSG or strengthen his own position in contract negotiations at Anfield if Mbappe moves to Real Madrid.
