The summer transfer window won't reopen in Europe for another month, but there are plenty of moves in the works and rumors floating around. Transfer Talk brings you the latest news on rumours, comings and goings and of course, closed deals!
TOP STORY: Manchester City wary of Haaland's exit clause
Manchester City has made an extension Erling HaalandPep Guardiola's contract is a priority, according to the Mirror, amid fears of a mass exodus once manager Pep Guardiola leaves the club.
Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has led an era of unprecedented success at the Etihad, winning 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. However, the 53-year-old has hinted that his time at City is coming to an end and the club's hierarchy are reportedly keen to ensure the playing group remains stable during what will undoubtedly be a transition period on the bench.
That's where Haaland comes in, according to the outlet, as the Norwegian international has a £175m release clause in his contract that falls every summer until it expires in 2027. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona make no secret of their con desire to one day sign the 23-year-old, City's top brass are interested in reaching a new deal with the striker and removing the worrying clause.
Despite spending some time on the sidelines with a muscle injury, Haaland won the Premier League Golden Boot this season, scoring 27 goals in 31 appearances.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Manchester United's search for the Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has hit a snag, according to Football Insider, with the Red Devils' initial offer of £40m, £30m less than the £70m sought by the Toffees. Branthwaite, 21, has become a fixture at the heart of Sean Dyche's side's defense but he could leave Goodison Park this summer amid the turmoil of the club's ownership crisis.
– Arsenal have just under a month to complete the signing of the RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Seskosays Florian Plettenberg. The 21-year-old, who has also had “concrete interest” from Manchester United and Chelsea, has a €65m release clause which expires at the end of June.
– Marca reports that new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick wants Juan Felix stay with him blaugrana for one more year. Félix spent last season on loan at Barca from Atlético Madrid and although the 24-year-old was unable to find form under former manager Xavi Hernández, Flick believes he can get the best out of the Portuguese international.
– Arsenal have joined other European giants in the race to sign the Barcelona defender. Faye Mikayil, reports the Mail. The £17million centre-back has already been scouted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Manchester United and, with Barca trying to alleviate some of their financial problems, he looks likely to leave Catalonia this summer.
– veteran from Belgium Axel Witsel is ready to sign a new deal with Atlético Madrid, says Fabrizio Romano. The 35-year-old has become a central defender in recent years and wants to fix his future before the start of the Euro Cup, which begins on June 14.
