The summer transfer window is open in England and in other European countries, and there is plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Barcelona linked with Nico Williams
Barcelona are among the big name clubs who are interested in Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, reports Mundo Deportivo.
The 21-year-old is appreciated by various clubs from across Europe but the Blaugrana is one of the outfits that is most interested in completing a move.
Barca are especially impressed by Williams’ ability to come out on top in one-on-ones, which is a trait that has shone throughout Euro 2024 so far.
Williams impressed in group stage victories over Croatia and Italy before being one of the many players who sat out the Albania win.
He then recorded his first goal contributions of the tournament in La Roja’s 4-1 round of 16 victory over Georgia, in which he picked out Rodri for the midfielder’s equaliser and glided past Giorgi Gvelesiani before clinically finishing to score Spain’s third of the evening.
Nights like these further enhance a reputation that has already grown this season with Williams recording eight goals and 19 assists in 39 matches across all competition at club level.
Discussion about Williams and his future will likely continue throughout the summer, but for now, he will be focusing on continuing to impress at the Euros with Spain preparing to face hosts Germany in the quarterfinals.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Bayern Munich are keen to complete a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as soon as possible to avoid any risk of competition, reports Sky Sports Deutschland, with Manchester United among those who could try to sign the 22-year-old. There are still minor details to be clarified between the clubs and the medical has been moved back to next week, but Olise wants to join Bayern on a contract that would last until 2029. The fee is around €60 million including possible bonuses.
– Manager Pep Guardiola is interested in bringing Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite to Manchester City, reports The Sun, who add that this could damage Manchester United’s hopes of signing the 22-year-old. There is also the fact that the Toffees are no longer under pressure to offload players quickly after Ben Godfrey and Lewis Dobbin moved to Atalanta and Aston Villa respectively.
– Barcelona have a concrete interest in Hull City winger Jaden Philogene and have even submitted an official offer to the EFL Championship club, reports Florian Plettenberg. They have proposed a one-year loan with an obligation to sign him for €20m to €23m which is dependent on conditions such as the 22-year-old’s game time.
– AC Milan are happy to pay Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee‘s €40m release clause but are refusing to meet the €15m that his agent Kia Joorabchian is demanding for commission, reports Calciomercato. The 23-year-old has asked for his entourage to wait until after the Euros before discussing his future, but Milan will need to reach an agreement with Joorabchian as they are aware of interest from Manchester United.
– Borussia Dortmund have gone ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in their efforts to sign Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, reports Foot Mercato. Even so, PSG haven’t given up on bringing in the 20-year-old after previously having an offer of €15m including bonuses accepted.
