The January transfer window may seem like a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean the rumour mill has shut down! Speculation over summer moves is heating up so check out the latest gossip below, and see all official deals here.
TOP STORY: Dortmund eye Isak return if Haaland leaves
Borussia Dortmund could consider bringing back Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad if key man Erling Haaland opts to leave in the summer, with Sky Sports Germany reporting there is a buyback clause in the Sweden international’s deal.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc touched upon Isak ahead of Saturday’s match vs. Arminia Bielefeld, saying Dortmund are monitoring the player’s situation. Isak played for the club from 2017-2019, including a year-long loan with Willem II, before moving on to La Real.
“We think he made the right step going to Real Sociedad,” Zorc told a media conference. “In the beginning, he impressed as a substitute and scored goals. He has become a regular starter this season and scored a lot of goals in the past weeks. Of course, we are following all that.”
While he didn’t reveal if there is a buyback clause, the discussion of Isak’s return could be connected with the repeated rumours of Haaland’s departure.
“It is clear that Erling Haaland can’t and won’t pick just any club after his time at Dortmund,” he added. “I can’t even pick out 10 possible clubs. So, there is no dissent. It was a normal statement he [agent Mino Raiola] has to give from time to time. We are happy to have Erling here with us and that he has scored in the last games and proven his value for us. I can only say that we will continue to plan with him and I don’t think he is uncomfortable here in Dortmund.”
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09.37 GMT: Last summer, Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo showed how thrifty he could be when it came to recruiting on a budget when he signed midfielder Danilo Pereira, midfielder Rafinha, and wing-back Alessandro Florenzi.
He faces a similar challenge this summer to strengthen new manager Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad with little funds available as football recovers from the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sources told ESPN’s Julien Laurens that at present, Leonardo is targeting out of contract players for next season including Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Lyon striker Memphis Depay, Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, or Elseid Hysaj, the Napoli right-back, as well as hoping to reach an agreement with Everton for Moise Kean who is on loan. PSG want to keep Kean and could push for another loan deal with a permanent option.
08.46 GMT: Hector Bellerin could leave Arsenal this summer as part of an agreement with manager Mikel Arteta, sources have told ESPN’s James Olley.
The 25-year-old wanted to quit the Gunners at the end of last season when Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona emerged as serious options, but stayed following heart-to-heart talks with Arteta, whom he has a close relationship with from their playing days at the club.
ESPN can reveal that in discussions last year Arteta asked Bellerin to give the club one more season and in return, they would consider a sale this summer. PSG and Barcelona were keen on exploring a deal for Bellerin — although the Ligue 1 club have privately played down reports they made a £30m offer — but the defender stayed in north London, committing himself at fellow Spaniard Arteta’s request for one more season.
Sources have confirmed there are no open conversations between Bellerin and the club regarding his future, but there is a sense from both sides that with two years left on his contract, this summer represents the right time to move on after a decade at the Emirates.
Bellerin has not been short of suitors in the past, but a potential destination now appears unclear. PSG are not expected to be in the running given they signed Alessandro Florenzi on loan from Roma and are planning to take up an option to make the deal permanent for €9m.
08.00 GMT: RB Leipzig are already making their transfer plans for the summer, which could see some major changes to the squad, Bild reports.
With defender Dayot Upamecano already bound for Bayern Munich this summer, players such as captain Marcel Sabitzer, defender Ibrahima Konate and goalkeeper Peter Gulasci could also leave the Bundesliga side at the end of the season.
Leipzig are reportedly hoping to use those transfers to introduce new faces into the squad. They have already signed Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol and are rapidly closing in on Strasbourg’s Mohamed Simakan. In Ajax attacker Brian Brobbey, 19, and Juventus defender Radu Dragusin, 19, they have identified two more talents who might soon head to the Zentralstadion.
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ESPN FC’s Don Hutchison on how Joao Felix’s potential is hampered at Atletico Madrid.
PAPER TALK (by Danny Lewis)
Rennes trying keep Camavinga
Stade Rennes are doing everything in their power to persuade Eduardo Camavinga to renew his contract, with the club’s sporting director saying they’re working toward a “solution” with the midfielder.
The Frenchman’s contract comes to an end in the summer of 2022, and he will leave for free if an extension is not agreed before that point.
He may be 18 years old, but Camavinga has already made his debut for the France national team and has a host of admirers across Europe, including Real Madrid.
“We will see what will happen by the end of the season,” club sporting director Florian Maurice said, as quoted by Sport. “We are continuing discussions with his agents to find a solution, before discussing the possibility of seeing him leave for free in 2022. I think he is very respectful of the club that formed him. I think that we will not come to this situation there.”
European giants look at Toronto youngster
European powers, including Manchester United, have been looking at Toronto FC starlet Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, reports Goal.
The 16-year-old winger made his debut for the Major League Soccer side towards the end of last season and has seemingly caught the eye.
United are not alone in their interest in the Canadian, as Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Porto are all reportedly keen on him.
Having surpassed Alphonso Davies as the youngest player on the Canada national team, it looks as though Marshall-Rutty could be following the Bayern Munich star to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Tap-ins
– Miralem Pjanic has failed to impress at Barcelona and it seems manager Ronald Koeman may be moving on from the Bosnia international playmarker, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The 30-year-old has had his chances, taking part in 27 games this term, but Riqui Puig and Ilaix Moriba are now ahead of him in the pecking order.
– Former Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran has left Brazilian side Sao Paulo, according to ESPN Brasil. The Spaniard played two seasons at Sao Paulo but his contract has expired and is free to leave.
