Amid all the action at Euro 2020 and the Copa America, the summer transfer window has opened for some leagues, with Europe’s biggest clubs looking to make a splash in the transfer market. Check out the latest gossip below, and see all official deals here.
TOP STORY: Real scouting Olmo on Spain duty
Real Madrid are using Euro 2020 as an opportunity to scout RB Leipzig‘s Dani Olmo, reports Sport Bild.
Olmo, the midfielder who came through the La Masia academy at Barcelona, started the draws against Sweden and Poland, but was left on the bench as Luis Enrique’s side beat Slovakia 5-0 to reach the knockout stages, where they will come up against Croatia.
It was only in January 2020 that RB Leipzig paid Dinamo Zagreb €22 million for his services, but it’s reported that the Bundesliga club will be looking to make a big profit if he moves on.
While they are showing an interest in Olmo, Bild suggests that Real Madrid will not be able to afford him this summer due to coronavirus constraints. This is also likely to impact Real’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain talisman Kylian Mbappe, while city rivals are Atletico Madrid are also being linked with Olmo.
Real Madrid don’t have a single player in the Spain squad at Euro 2020.
– Euro 2020: Bracket | Live on ESPN | VAR watch | Pick ’em
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– ESPN+ viewers guide: Bundesliga, La Liga, MLS, FA Cup and more
LIVE BLOG
11.47 BST: It’s fair to say that Lucas Torreira‘s career has never really taken off at Arsenal. The 25-year-old Uruguay international joined the Gunners from Sampdoria in a £26m deal three years ago, but was loaned out to Atletico Madrid last season. Now the midfielder’s agent has said that Torreira, who started his career at Pescara, is ready for a return to Serie A.
“He wants to go back to Italy,” Pablo Bentancur told Tuttomercatoweb. “They [clubs] called me from France, Russia and Spain. But Lucas wants to embrace the Italian championship again to prove his worth. Arsenal have understood the situation and will come to meet us “.
11.00 BST: Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement with Aston Villa for Jack Grealish, sources told ESPN on Friday.
Sources told ESPN’s Mark Ogden earlier this month that City boss Pep Guardiola had made Grealish a key target along with Harry Kane, and now City are ready to pay around £100m for the midfielder. The deal would be a British record if it goes through, eclipsing the £89.3m Manchester United paid for Paul Pogba in 2016.
10.19 BST: The agent of Timo Werner has told Sport1 that the Chelsea striker will stay at the club and prove he can cut it in England.
Werner, 25, managed only six Premier League goals in his debut season after a £47.5m move from RB Leipzig, and was guilty of missing a glut of chances. But his representative, Karlheinz Forsterbe, does not anticipate a move.
“You can’t rule out anything, but if I had to assess it at the moment, then I would say very clearly that Timo will stay at Chelsea,” Forsterbe said. “He feels comfortable there. A move will not be an issue in the foreseeable future.
“Of course, I don’t know what will happen in three or four years. Football is fast moving.”
09.30 BST: Raphael Varane is expected to leave Real Madrid this summer, with only one year left on his contract, and he continues to be linked with Manchester United. Now the Independent reports that Varane has made a move to Old Trafford his No. 1 priority. However, the 28-year-old centre-back is said to be looking for wages of around £400,000-a-week, which could put United off. He has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Sergio Ramos has made a move to Paris Saint-Germain his priority, according to Foot Mercato. The Spaniard has been strongly linked with the Parisians since it was revealed that he’d leave Real Madrid when his contract expires on Wednesday. It now seems more likely that the Parc des Princes will be his next destination.
– Juventus are looking to offload Arthur this summer, but his price could be a problem, according to Calciomercato. The Italian giants are looking at Sassuolo‘s Manuel Locatelli and Barcelona’s Miralem Pjanic, which would put Arthur further down the pecking order after failing to shine in Turin. The report says that Barca could look to loan out the Brazilian or include him in a swap deal.
– Real Sociedad and Leeds United are looking at Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton, but La Real will likely only make a move if Alexander Isak departs, reports AS. Brereton has impressed while on international duty with Chile at the Copa America, so the 22-year-old could soon be taking a step up from the Championship.
– Everton are in talks with Sergio Romero but could face competition from Juventus and Celta Vigo, according to The Athletic. The Argentine become a free agent next week when his Manchester United contract comes to an end.
– Preston North End are closing in on a deal for right-back Matthew Olosunde, who has made one appearance for the United States, reports Lancashire Live. The 23-year-old was playing his football for Rotherham United last term and would become Preston’s fourth signing of the summer if a deal goes through.