Bayer Leverkusen’s teenage striker Christian Kofane has emerged as a target for both Arsenal and Real Madrid, while Manchester United are considering a move for Benfica left back Samuel Dahl.
The 19 year old Kofane has caught the eye after directly contributing to eight goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season, with the Gunners particularly impressed during their Champions League quarter final clash against the German side. Florian Plettenberg reports that Leverkusen would be willing to do business in the summer if someone stumps up around €65million.
Madrid are also keeping tabs on the situation, though it’s Arsenal who’ve done the most groundwork so far. The teenager is seen as one of the most promising young forwards in Europe, and with the price tag already set, this one could move quickly once the window opens.
Over at Old Trafford, the budget is being stretched in all sorts of directions.
Record claims United are weighing up a move for Benfica’s Samuel Dahl as a cheaper alternative to the likes of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis Skelly or Bayern’s Alphonso Davies. The 23 year old has become a regular starter under Jose Mourinho this season and wouldn’t cost anywhere near the figures being quoted for those other names.
Whether United can actually afford anyone right now remains the bigger question. But Dahl fits the profile of a signing that makes sense if the purse strings are tight.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte could be heading the other way out of Manchester.
Tuttosport reports that Juventus see the 24 year old Uruguayan as an “intriguing” signing, though any deal would likely hinge on the Premier League club agreeing to an initial loan where Juve cover his €4m per season salary. That feels optimistic from the Italian side, but United’s need to clear wages is no secret.
Eduardo Camavinga is growing frustrated with his bit part role at Real Madrid and fears it could cost him a starting spot for France at this summer’s World Cup.
AS reports that PSG who missed out on him back in 2021 are pushing hard to finally land their man, while several Premier League clubs also see the 23 year old as a perfect fit for the high tempo, physical nature of English football.
Camavinga has never quite become the automatic starter many predicted when he arrived at the Bernabéu. If that doesn’t change between now and the summer, don’t be surprised if he agitates for a move.
Barcelona are bracing themselves for bids on Jules Koundé, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all watching closely.
Mundo Deportivo reports that the three Premier League heavyweights are monitoring the 27 year old’s situation, with Liverpool particularly keen to add a more defensive option after replacing Trent Alexander Arnold with the attack minded Jeremie Frimpong last summer.
Koundé remains contracted at the Camp Nou until 2030, but Barcelona’s financial situation means they could be tempted by a significant offer. And there aren’t many clubs out there who wouldn’t be tempted by a proven, prime aged right back.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle are all sniffing around AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, with the Magpies taking up a strong position in recent weeks.
TEAMtalk claims Newcastle have “intensified” their pursuit of the 22 year old Senegal international, who is seen as a potential replacement for Sandro Tonali, himself linked with a move to Manchester United.
Monaco are expected to be willing to do business for the right fee, meaning this could develop into a proper tug of war between three clubs who all need midfield reinforcements.
Elsewhere around the leagues
Juventus and AC Milan have both made recent inquiries about landing Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski. The Pole isn’t getting any younger, but he’s still scoring for fun.
Liverpool and Manchester United are both looking at Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, which feels like a transfer saga waiting to explode.
Manchester City have made progress during talks with Phil Foden over a new contract, a massive relief for anyone connected to the Etihad.
Barcelona are leading the race for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, because of course they are. Some transfer links just refuse to die.
Atletico Madrid are planning to begin talks to sign on loan midfielder Nico Gonzalez permanently from Juventus. The current permanent option in the deal is €32m.
Manchester City are leading the race ahead of several Premier League clubs for AC Milan goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni.
Palmeiras striker Jose Manuel Lopez has been identified by Brentford as a potential future replacement for Igor Thiago.
Everton are monitoring the situation of Manchester City defender John Stones. Make of that what you will.
AC Milan have recently held talks with the representatives of Lazio defender Mario Gila ahead of a potential summer move.
Bournemouth and Brentford are among the teams interested in Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano.
And finally, Manchester City have made formal contact with Pep Guardiola regarding a decision on whether he will see out his current deal. No pressure, then.
