The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Willams issues ‘come get me’ plea to Barca
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has confirmed his desire to join Barcelona, according to Sport.
Williams has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Europe, following an excellent 2023-24 campaign with a starring role in Spain‘s European Championship win.
Barcelona have monitored the 22-year-old for some time and have been keen to strike a deal this summer, with the Catalan giants hoping to replicate the chemistry that Williams has with Spain teammate and Barca prodigy Lamine Yamal at club level.
The report indicates that while a deal has still not been finalised, Williams is keen on the switch to Barcelona. This desire has given Barcelona encouragement that a deal can materialise before the conclusion of the transfer window. However, Barcelona now need to agree upon a financial structure to secure the deal, with Williams’ release clause understood to be in the region of €58 million.
Barcelona have endured severe financial issues in recent years, which could make a deal difficult, though the report indicates that the Spanish giants believe that a move for Williams could be wrapped up by the end of next week.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Brentford forward Ivan Toney is being considered as a potential option by clubs in Saudi Arabia, suggests Fabrizio Romano. Toney is only under contract with the Bees until next summer, meaning the Premier League outfit will either have to part ways with the forward now, or lose him as a free agent in 2025.
– Rennes midfielder Désiré Doué has opted for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, reveals Fabrizio Romano. The 19-year-old has been linked with several clubs in Europe, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but the report indicates that the teenager has decided upon a move to PSG.
– Tottenham Hotspur would accept £10m to part ways with midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, per Football Insider. The report reveals that Real Betis and Aston Villa have shown interest in the 28-year-old, who Spurs are keen to offload before the conclusion of the transfer window.
– Crystal Palace are eager to secure a deal for Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, per The Sun. Chelsea could offload several players before the conclusion of the transfer window, with the 20-year-old potentially one that the Blues are content to lose. The report reveals that Chukwuemeka is keen to secure regular first-team football, which Palace could offer. It is reported that the south London outfit are prepared to offer £20m to strike a deal for the midfielder.
– VfB Stuttgart are closing in on securing a loan deal for Chelsea forward Armando Broja, reveals Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. It is reported that the German outfit are in formal talks regarding a loan, however, the deal is not reported to be in advanced stages yet.
– West Ham United are looking to secure a deal for AS Roma forward Tammy Abraham, according to Football Insider. The Hammers are reportedly keen to add to their forward options, having seen a move for Aston Villa youngster Jhon Durán collapse. It is reported that AFC Bournemouth are interested in the Englishman, along with AC Milan and Atalanta monitoring his situation. Milan are reportedly Abraham’s preferred destination due to the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
