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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 is swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Madrid eye Wirtz in 2025 to replace Kroos
Real Madrid could sign Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz to replace Toni Kroos in the summer of 2025, reports by Sport Bild.
The 21-year-old has played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic campaign — which now includes a UEFA Europa League final — which has resulted in interest from the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Los Blancos.
Even so, Wirtz wants to stay where he is for another year, play in the European Championship with Germany, and then have his first experiences in the UEFA Champions League before taking that next step.
It will take at least €150 million to sign him, but Wirtz also wants to be at a club that is one of the favourites for the biggest title every season.
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A stay in Madrid is seen as the best way to achieve that and the plan is for the Germany international to replace Kroos in the team in 2025.
Wirtz plays farther forward than Kroos, so his introduction could see Jude Bellingham drop deeper than the 20-year-old’s current role.
Bayern are not yet giving up on the idea of signing Wirtz while Los Blancos‘ plan also depends on Kroos, who has a contract that ends this summer and is expected to decide in May regarding whether he will renew.
PAPER GOSSIP
– AC Milan have decided that they will prioritise Bologna‘s Joshua Zirkzee in their search for a striker this summer reports Tuttosport, although they are aware that there will be plenty of competition with Arsenal and Juventus among those interested in the 22-year-old. With that in mind, RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko, Feyenoord‘s Santiago Giménez, Sporting CP‘s Viktor Gyökeres, Lille‘s Jonathan David and Stuttgart‘s Serhou Guirassy are seen as alternatives. Calciomercato also report that they are looking at Cercle Brugge‘s Kevin Denkey.
– Arsenal are considering a surprise move to re-sign Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny as they prepare for Aaron Ramsdale‘s departure, reports The Standard. Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Jason Steele is also being considered while Ajax‘s Diant Ramaj has been scouted but is reluctant to give up his status as a guaranteed starter.
– Manchester United and Aston Villa are both looking at a summer move for Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo Mandava, reports The Sun, which adds that the 30-year-old could be available for around £8m. Juventus have also been monitoring the Mozambique international for months and could try to sign him.
– Liverpool have registered their interest in Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners but Juventus remain the favourites to sign him, reports Football Insider. Those at Anfield were impressed by the 26-year-old’s performances when La Dea knocked the Reds out of the Europa League in the quarterfinals.
– Chelsea are hoping to sign Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak to bring questions surrounding their goalkeeper situation to an end, reports Football Insider. Los Colchoneros could be willing to let the 31-year-old leave this summer despite his contract not expiring until 2028, as they aim to bring in extra funds for the transfer window.