Liverpool look at defensive options as Konaté future remains uncertain
Sports Illustrated has collected the latest transfer rumors from across European football, with Marcus Rashford and Florian Wirtz among the main names in the current market discussion.
Liverpool are not expected to activate their buy-back clause for Jarell Quansah straight away as they prepare for the likely departure of Ibrahima Konaté. The club’s current plan is understood to involve bringing Quansah back in 2027, giving the young defender another season to continue his progress at Bayer Leverkusen.
Instead, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is being considered by Liverpool as a possible replacement for Konaté. Chelsea are also reported to be among the clubs interested in Konaté, although Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are believed to be in stronger positions.
There is also speculation around Florian Wirtz, with reports claiming the German midfielder is open to leaving Liverpool for Chelsea in order to work again with Xabi Alonso. Chelsea are said to be preparing an offer worth around $175 million, which equals about €150 million or £130 million.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United linked with several targets
Como have identified Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri as their preferred option to replace Nico Paz, who is expected to move to Real Madrid. However, several English clubs are also following the teenager, including Aston Villa, Coventry City, Everton, Ipswich Town and Newcastle United.
Bournemouth have warned Arsenal and Chelsea that they do not intend to sell Eli Junior Kroupi, even if offers reach $134 million or £100 million. The 19-year-old forward is reportedly part of Arsenal’s wider plan to strengthen their attack, with Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers also on the club’s list.
Manchester United have stepped back from their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. The player was one of Ruben Amorim’s main targets last summer, but interest from Old Trafford has now cooled.
United are instead looking at Botafogo midfielder Danilo as a possible option. Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle have also shown interest in Porto winger William Gomes, while Arsenal and United could compete again for Sporting CP left back Maxi Araújo.
Aston Villa have decided against signing Douglas Luiz on a permanent deal, meaning the Brazilian midfielder is set to return to Juventus this summer. Chelsea, meanwhile, are currently expected to bring Nicolas Jackson back into the squad despite interest from other Premier League clubs, with Xabi Alonso set to assess the forward himself.
Barcelona monitor Cucurella as Rashford situation changes
Barcelona are ready to compete with Atlético Madrid and Manchester City for Chelsea left back Marc Cucurella. The Spain international is believed to be open to returning to La Liga.
Marcus Rashford is no longer viewed as Barcelona’s leading target for the summer window. The club are expected to consider a permanent deal only if they miss out on other preferred attacking options.
At the same time, another report claims Rashford remains in Barcelona’s thinking alongside new arrival Anthony Gordon. However, any move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez could affect the club’s plans for the Manchester United loanee.
José Mourinho is said to have convinced Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has also been linked with Barcelona, to join him at Real Madrid this summer. Barcelona are now reportedly working on a move for Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol.
Real Madrid are also monitoring the relationship between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni after a reported training ground fight. If the pair cannot continue together in the squad, Valverde could be made available for around $140 million or €120 million.
