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The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Haaland prepared to wait for Madrid
Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland still sees himself joining Real Madrid one day, according to AS.
Kylian Mbappe‘s likely move from Paris Saint-Germain to Los Blancos as a free agent has delayed that dream, with Haaland originally having aimed to join the Spanish giants in 2025.
That is no longer the case, but the 23-year-old still wants to play for Real Madrid and sees City’s Champions League quarterfinal showdown with Carlo Ancelotti’s side as the perfect opportunity to show his credentials for a future move. Haaland completed the full 90 minutes in both legs of last season’s semifinal against Madrid but didn’t score in either of them.
Man City are now reportedly speeding up the process of renewing Haaland’s contract, even though his current deal runs until 2027. His contract includes a release clause that would allow the Norway international to leave this summer, and his agent Rafaela Pimenta plans for a similar clause to be a feature of any other deal so that he can join Los Blancos. There is no written clause in Haaland’s contract regarding Pep Guardiola, but the Spaniard’s future could also impact that of his main goal-scorer.
Another key issue that could prevent Real Madrid from having both Mbappe and Haaland is how the Spanish giants would be able to make it work financially.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– AC Milan and Juventus are both looking at Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, reports Calciomercato, as Manchester United will not trigger their option to make the 27-year-old’s loan permanent. While Milan are also considering other options, Juventus would be open to a loan or potential swap deal for midfielder Arthur, who is currently impressing on loan at Fiorentina but could have wages that are too high for La Viola.
– Ian Maatsen is on the list of left-backs that Bayern Munich are looking at, although there have been no concrete moves at this stage, reports Florian Plettenberg. The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Chelsea and has a release clause of around £35 million, but AC Milan’s Theo Hernández remains Bayern’s priority if Alphonso Davies departs in the summer, while Girona‘s Miguel Gutiérrez continues to be seen as another alternative.
– Aston Villa and Manchester United are interested in Torino wing-back Raoul Bellanova, according to Calciomercato. The 23-year-old joined Il Toro for €7m during the summer but his impressive displays since that move mean any club will need to offer at least double that fee.
– Napoli are taking their time in deciding whether or not to activate their option to permanently sign Hamed Traoré from AFC Bournemouth for €25m, reports Fabrizio Romano. Gli Azzurri‘s managerial situation will be crucial in the eventual decision, and they could look to enter negotiations regarding the 24-year-old midfielder instead of activating the option.
– Mexico international Guillermo Ochoa will leave Salernitana at the end of the season and be available as a free agent, says Fabrizio Romano. The 38-year-old joined the Serie A club in January 2023 and has made 40 appearances for them so far.