The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for another month, 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: Man City wary of Haaland’s exit clause
Manchester City have made extending Erling Haaland‘s contract a priority, according to the Mirror, amid fears of a mass exodus once manager Pep Guardiola leaves the club.
Since arriving in 2016, Guardiola has masterminded an unprecedented era of success at the Etihad, winning 15 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. The 53-year-old, however, has hinted that his time at City is coming to an end, and the club hierarchy are reportedly eager to ensure that the playing group remains stable during what will undoubtedly be a transitional period in the dugout.
That’s where Haaland comes into play, according to the outlet, as the Norway international has as buyout clause of £175 million in his contract that drops every summer until his deal expires in 2027. With Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona making no secret of their desire to sign the 23-year-old one day, the City brass are reportedly keen to agree new terms with the striker and remove the worrisome clause.
Despite spending some time on the sidelines with a muscle injury, Haaland cantered to the Premier League Golden Boot this season, scoring 27 goals in 31 appearances.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Manchester United’s pursuit of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has hit a snag, according to Football Insider, with the Red Devils’ opening bid of £40m a whopping £30m short of the £70m that the Toffees are after. Branthwaite, 21, has become a fixture at the heart of defence for Sean Dyche’s side but could leave Goodison Park this summer amid the turmoil of the club’s ownership crisis.
– Arsenal have just under a month to complete the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, says Florian Plettenberg. The 21-year-old, who has also had “concrete interest” from Manchester United and Chelsea, has a €65m release clause that expires at the end of June.
– Marca are reporting that Barcelona’s new head coach Hansi Flick wants João Félix to stay with the Blaugrana for another year. Felix spent the last season on loan at Barca from Atletico Madrid and, while the 24-year-old was unable to find form under former boss Xavi Hernandez, Flick believes he can get the best out of the Portugal international.
– Arsenal have joined a host of other European giants in the race to sign Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye, reports the Mail. The £17m-rated centre-back has already been scouted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Manchester United, and, with Barca trying to alleviate some of their financial issues, appears likely to leave Catalonia this summer.
– Belgium veteran Axel Witsel is set to pen a new deal with Atletico Madrid, says Fabrizio Romano. The 35-year-old has converted to a centre-back in recent years and wants to get his future sorted before the start of the European Championship, which kicks off on June 14.
