The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Gunners move ahead in race for Merino
Arsenal could convince the Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino return to England, but could face competition from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, according to Relevo.
The 28-year-old has one year left on his contract with Real Sociedad, who have offered him a new deal, but Merino has reportedly not responded to the offer. It therefore looks like he could be on his way out of the Spanish side, with Real Sociedad reluctant to lose Merino as a free agent next year.
Merino, who played for Newcastle United in 2017-18, is reported to still be considering his options, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid circling his mind. However, both moves are in doubt. Barcelona are reportedly turning their attention to closing a deal for the Athletic Club star. Nico Williamswhich means that the Catalan club is not preparing offers for other players at the moment.
Meanwhile, Atletico have struggled in negotiations with Real Sociedad, leaving the door ajar for Arsenal. The report states that the Gunners have identified Merino as a priority target, with the player willing to work under Mikel Arteta. Along with the appeal of playing under Arteta, the potential financial benefits make a deal with Arsenal an attractive prospect.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Aston Villa have made an approach to secure a loan deal for the Manchester City midfielder Kalvin PhillipsAccording to Football Insider, Everton have also shown an interest in the 28-year-old, with Manchester City keen to part ways with him on a permanent basis. However, the Premier League champions are willing to facilitate a loan move for Phillips, with Villa showing significant interest in. Villa are keen to add to their midfield options ahead of a busy 2024-25 season, which will see them balance their domestic season with their Champions League campaign.
– Talks between Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain over the striker Victor Osimhen have stagnated, for Fabricius RomanoThe Nigerian was left out of Napoli's squad for their friendly against KF Egnatia at the weekend as Osimhen is desperate to secure a move away from the Italian side. Napoli are reportedly looking for a Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku to the club as a replacement for Osimhen.
– Negotiations between AC Milan and AS Monaco are still underway for the midfielder Youssouf FofanaSky Sports Deutschland reveals Florian PlettenbergIt is reported that while the 25-year-old has reached a verbal agreement with Milan on a four-year contract, the two clubs have yet to agree on a valuation. The report suggests that Milan have submitted an offer of around €17m, however, this falls short of Monaco’s valuation, which stands at €30m.
– Liverpool have rejected a move for the midfielder Wataru Endo According to the Daily Mirror, other clubs are also interested in Endo, but Liverpool are not considering offers and do not want to part with the playmaker. The 31-year-old joined the English giants last summer and new manager Arne Slot does not seem likely to allow him to leave this summer.
– West Ham United are pushing for a deal with Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissakaby Nicolo SchiraThe Hammers are understood to be keen to add a right-back to their squad this summer and, after seeing their deal with Bayern Munich Noussair Mazraoui Following the failure, they are reported to have turned their attention to Wan-Bissaka.
