The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
MAIN NEWS: Williams launches a request to Barça: “Come and get me”
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has confirmed his desire to sign for Barcelona, as reported by Sport.
Williams has emerged as one of Europe's brightest talents, following an excellent 2023-24 campaign that saw him play a starring role in Spain's Euro 2020 victory.
Barcelona have been monitoring the 22-year-old for some time and are keen to strike a deal this summer, with the Catalan giants hoping to replicate the chemistry Williams has with Spain teammate and Barca prodigy Lamine Yamal at club level.
The report states that although a deal has not yet been finalised, Williams is very interested in joining Barcelona. This desire has encouraged Barca to think that a deal could materialise before the transfer window closes. However, Barca now need to agree on a financial structure to secure the deal, as Williams' release clause is estimated at €58m.
Barcelona have been in serious financial trouble in recent years which could make a deal difficult, although the report says the Spanish giants believe a move for Williams could be finalised by the end of next week.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Brentford striker Ivan Toney According to Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian clubs are considering Toney as a potential option. Toney is only under contract with the Bees until next summer, meaning the Premier League side will have to either part ways with the striker now or lose him as a free agent in 2025.
– Rennes midfielder I wish I doubt The 19-year-old has been linked with a number of European clubs including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but the report states that the youngster has decided to sign for PSG.
– Tottenham Hotspur would accept 10 million pounds to get rid of the midfielder Giovanni Lo CelsoAccording to Football Insider, the report reveals that Real Betis and Aston Villa have shown interest in the 28-year-old, with Spurs keen to offload him before the transfer window concludes.
– Crystal Palace are keen to close a deal for the Chelsea midfielder Carney's ChukwuemekaAccording to The Sun, Chelsea could offload a number of players before the transfer window concludes, and the 20-year-old could be one the Blues are willing to lose. The report reveals that Chukwuemeka is keen to secure a regular first-team place, something Palace could offer. The south London outfit are reported to be willing to offer £20m to seal a deal for the midfielder.
– VfB Stuttgart are close to finalising the loan of the Chelsea striker Armando BrojaAccording to Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg, the German side are in formal talks over a loan deal, but the deal is not at an advanced stage.
– West Ham United looking to close deal with AS Roma striker Tammy AbrahamAccording to Football Insider, the Hammers are reportedly interested in adding attacking options, having eyed a move for the Aston Villa youngster John Duran AFC Bournemouth are reported to be interested in the Englishman, with AC Milan and Atalanta monitoring his situation. Milan are said to be Abraham's preferred destination due to the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
