The summer transfer window is approaching, and there's plenty of gossip swirling about who's moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Inter plan for Lukaku return
Inter Milan have made Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku their prime target for the summer, writes Calciomercato.
Having failed to defend their Serie A title, the Nerazzurri are planning to move quickly to add reinforcements and it is reported that they are already discussing ways in which a deal can be reached to bring the Belgium international back to San Siro.
Lukaku, 29, joined the Blues for €115 million last summer, but has failed to repeat his Serie A form on his return to Stamford Bridge, scoring just eight goals in 26 Premier League appearances.
Lukaku had to issue an apology to Chelsea fans and his teammates in January for an unsanctioned interview he gave to Sky Italy in which he said: "I really hope in the depths of my heart to return to Inter, not at the end of my career, but at a still good level to hopefully win more."
But he could now have that wish granted and, while Thomas Tuchel could be prepared to accept a lesser fee after Lukaku's displays this season, Inter are taking time to work out a way that they could structure the deal without limiting themselves for the rest of the transfer window.
Simone Inzaghi's side are understood to see Lukaku as the first priority over a potential signing of Paulo Dybala, who is available as a free agent after failing to agree to a new contract with Juventus.
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21.50 BST: Reportedly Diego Martínez will soon be announced as the new manager of Espanyol.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 41-year-old has reached a full agreement to replace Vicente Moreno, who was sacked by the Catalan club earlier this month.
Martínez, the former Grenada coach, left Los Carmenes last year after leading his side to promotion to LaLiga and the knockout stages of the Europa League.
21.27 BST: Everton may make a move for Brentford's Kristoffer Ajer this summer as the Toffees look to improve their squad this transfer window after a tight relegation battle.
The Athletic reports that, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Yerry Mina and Aston Villa leading the race for Burnley's James Tarkowski, the 24-year-old Ajer is an option to lead the defence at Goodison Park next season.
The Norway international made 24 league appearances in his debut year in top-flight football, however, with over four years left on his contract, the centre-back could prove too expensive for the Merseyside club.
21.00 BST: It appears Diogo Dalot will stay at Manchester United for another season. After a rumoured return to Italy for the 23-year-old whose contract expires in 2023, Calciomercato reports that the fullback has a future at Old Trafford under Erik Ten Hag.
With 30 appearances this season, the Portuguese international looks a better fit for the Dutch manager's style of possession-based football than his positional rival, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
20.21 BST: Real Sociedad have revealed that they will not renew the contracts of Kevin Rodrigues and Luca Sangalli, reports Marca.
The 28-year-old left back and Sangalli, the 27-year-old central midfielder, will both leave San Sebastián when their respective contracts expire in June.
The Franco-Portuguese defender has had various loan spells away and his last game was a 1-1 draw against Valencia back in August in 2019, whilst the academy graduate from Spain has barely featured in the first team due to various long-term injuries and made his return to football with Sanse in LaLiga 2.
19.50 BST: Sevilla are interested in signing Harry Winks as the midfielder looks set to leave Tottenham this summer, according to the Sun. The 26-year-old, who is valued at around £20m, is reportedly not in Antonio Conte's plans for next season.
After falling out of favour with the Italian manager, who preferred Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur in the second half of the season, Winks may need a place to restart his career.
19.19 BST:Crystal Palace are making Cheick Doucoure a priority this summer transfer window, according to The Telegraph. The 22-year-old is valued at around £15m and has two years left on his contract at RC Lens, making 34 appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira, who has reportedly known the Mali international since his time with Nice, will face competition in his efforts to improve the Eagles midfield for the upcoming season, with Conor Gallagher set to return to Stamford Bridge this summer following an impressive loan spell.
18.43 BST: Real Madrid are preparing an opening bid for teenage goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Chicago Fire are reportedly expecting to soon receive their first proposal for the 18-year-old shot-stopper, who has kept nine clean sheets in 24 appearances in MLS. The LaLiga side are looking to secure the future talent ahead of reported interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
18.15 BST: Barcelona are looking to secure a move away for Martin Braithwaite on a loan deal this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The 30-year-old, who signed for the Catalan giants for €18m in 2020 from Leganés, reportedly has no place in Xavi's plans for next season. The La Liga side are looking to offload the Dane following interest from Brighton, Celta and Valencia, after featuring just four times this season.
However, the forward is reported to have no intention of leaving the Camp Nou and remains in contract until 2024.
17.46 BST: It appears that Willian is planning a return to European football, reports Fabrizio Romano. The 33-year-old is reportedly set to depart from Corinthians in the coming weeks.
Last year, ESPN reported that the Brazilian and his family received threats, which encouraged his plans to leave his homeland. Willian left Arsenal last year for Corinthians in Brazil and was signed on a deal running until December 2023.
17.16 BST: Brazilian centre-back Éder Militão will renew his contract with Real Madrid until 2028, according to AS.
After struggling to feature in the starting line-up upon his arrival in 2019 from Porto for €50m, the 28-year-old has emerged as the leader of Madrid's defensive line following the departure of Sergio Ramos. A contract extension makes sense -- he has become a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti's side, starting 50 games for Los Blancos this season, winning two Spanish Super Cups and the Champions League.
16.30 BST: Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to take Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber with him from the Dutch capital to Old Trafford, according to the Guardian. The Red Devils' inconsistent play in the heart of defence has led the club to prioritise strengthening the position, and they've made initial contact over a €50m deal. Villarreal's Pau Torres, who has a €60m release clause and two years left on his contract, is also being considered.
15.57 BST: Why is Ivan Perisic moving to Tottenham?
15.11 BST: Bologna full-back Aaron Hickey is continuing to be linked with Arsenal by Gazzetta dello Sport.
Hickey, 19, only moved to Italy from Hearts for around €3m in 2020 but is now likely to move on for around €25m.
The Scotland international is highly rated and the Gunners need some depth in defence, bolstered by the fact he can play on either side of the pitch.
14.44 BST: Robert Lewandowski says his career at Bayern Munich is over and hopes he will be allowed to complete a transfer.
Lewandowski, 33, has a contract until 2023 and has been linked with a €40m move to Barcelona, but clearly wants to move on this summer.
"My story at Bayern is over. After everything that has happened in recent months, I cannot imagine further good cooperation," he said at a news conference for Poland. "Bayern is a serious club and I hope they will not keep me just because they can. A transfer is the best solution for all parties."
14.28 BST: Neymar has said he expects to remain at Paris Saint-Germain next season and has set his sights on winning the club's first Champions League title.
Sources have told ESPN that the French champions have made Neymar available for transfer this summer but are aware that his salary, which costs PSG around €35m a year, may prove a stumbling block for clubs interested in a potential deal.
Neymar has three more years remaining on his existing contract and said he is focused on winning more trophies in the French capital next season.
"My ambition is always the same: to win every title possible," he told Canal Plus. "Play well and win the World Cup and the Champions League. These are my ambitions for next season.
"It has to be with Paris. I have a contract with PSG, so there is no choice. Yes, it will be with PSG."
Neymar also said he was unaware that Kylian Mbappe would make a shock decision to turn down Real Madrid and extend his contract at PSG.
14.03 BST: Man United are monitoring Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, according to The Manchester Evening News.
Danjuma, 25, was first linked with United before they signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for €85m in 2021.
Now, after scoring 16 goals in 34 games this season, the Netherlands winger has a €45m release clause which can be activated this summer. And it appears he is back on United's radar.
13.31 BST: Real Madrid midfielder Isco has revealed he will leave the club on a free transfer this summer.
"When I was at Malaga and I knew I had to leave," he wrote on Instagram. "I committed to join another team. But Real Madrid knocked on my door and you cannot and should not say no to Real Madrid, although there are always exceptions. I remember telling my people that Madrid hadn't won the Champions League for many years and I had a feeling that it was about to come and THE TENTH arrived, everything that came after that is now history.
"9 years later, my time at the club that has made it possible for me to fulfill all the dreams I had when I was little comes to an end. Apart from fulfilling dreams, winning more trophies than I could have imagined, playing with the greatest players, meeting incredible people: I HAVE HAD AN AMAZING TIME AND NOBODY CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME.
"Because without a doubt I focus on the good times and I hope you do too!! I want to thank my teammates, coaches, coaching staff, physios, kit men, employees at Valdebebas and the Santiago Bernabeu for all the work, love and support that everyone needs and that I have never lacked. I also want to thank the fans who welcomed me in an incredible way from my first day and who accompany this team in every corner of the world!
"By the way, yesterday I was telling a friend that I didn't understand why they were clearing up the party at Cibeles if number 15 is on its way hahahaha. Farewell and Hala Madrid."
13.00 BST: Man United would be a lot stronger with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong in their midfield.
12.22 BST: RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku has spoken of his fondness for Paris Saint-Germain as he has been linked with a possible €70m summer move.
Nkunku, 24, was named the Bundesliga Player of the Season as he managed 35 goals and 20 assists in 51 games this season.
The France international has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Chelsea, Man City, Man United and former club PSG, whom he left in 2019 to head to Leipzig.
"Paris, I've always said it, is my home, my heart club," Nkunku said at a news conference. "I don't close any doors. Everything is possible in football. It's flattering to have the biggest clubs in the world interested in me. But it's also flattering that Leipzig are doing everything to keep me."
11.49 BST: Paris Saint-Germain have kept Kylian Mbappe, but sources told ESPN that they are trying to move on Neymar.
If they succeed, they will need a replacement and are eager to sign Everton forward Richarlison this summer, according to The Daily Mail.
Richarlison, 25, had 10 goals in 30 Premier League games this season and has been watched by Real Madrid and Tottenham.
PSG striker Mauro Icardi is also expected to depart this summer, with Everton's Brazilian forward able to fill in across any position up front.
11.12 BST: Barcelona would not be able to register new signings Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen if LaLiga started tomorrow due to their continued financial problems, Diario Sport report.
Milan midfielder Kessie and Chelsea defender Christensen have both agreed deals to move to Camp Nou on free transfers when their respective contracts expire on June 30. However, as things stand, Barca are unable to inscribe new signings with LaLiga as they remain in breach of their spending limit, which was remarkably cut to -€144m earlier this year -- the only negative limit in the league.
Barca would be allowed to spend 25% of any money they make in player exits or saving on wages, while money brought in through sponsorship or the sale of assets could also help, but until that happens they are hamstrung.
The Catalan club found themselves in a similar position last year and it was only Gerard Pique agreeing a pay cut on the eve of the new campaign that allowed them to register Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia for the opening game of the season.
10.44 BST: Liverpool will make a renewed attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Gavi after their season officially ended with Saturday's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, according to Diario AS.
Gavi, 17, is out of contract in 2023 and talks to extend his deal led to a spat between Barca president Joan Laporta and the player's camp last week.
Laporta said he was hurt that they were considering other proposals when Barca had made them a good offer, but a source close to Gavi's agent Ivan de la Pena told ESPN they had still not received said offer.
Meanwhile, AS report that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the Spain midfielder and will look to take advantage of the situation by making a move for him, with Barca needing to raise money through player exits this summer. However, despite that context, sources insist to ESPN that the most likely outcome is still that Gavi, who made 46 appearances this season, agrees a contract extension at Camp Nou.
10.30 BST: Where might Neymar end up if he leaves PSG?
Julien Laurens and Gemma Soler explain why Frenkie de Jong moving to Manchester United makes a lot of sense.
10.15 BST: Caitlin Foord has signed a new deal with Arsenal, the club announced on Thursday.
Foord, 27, joined Arsenal in 2020 from Portland Thorns in the U.S. and went on to make her debut in the FA Cup that February. The Australia international forward has made 62 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 23 goals.
"It feels amazing," Foord said. "Since I joined this club, I've absolutely fallen in love with being here. I think I mentioned in one of my early interviews that I had lost my way in football a bit, but since being here I've absolutely fallen in love and found myself again. We've been inching towards winning lots of silverware and that's definitely going to be the plan for next year. We want to win multiple trophies and I think with the squad, the team, the players and the support we have, we have the squad to be able to do it."
10.03 BST: Arsenal captain Kim Little has announced she will return to OL Reign this summer for a short-term loan while the Women's Super League season is on a break. Little previously spent three seasons with OL Reign -- then known as Seattle Reign FC -- between 2014 and 2016. She made 63 regular season appearances and scored 63 goals.
"Always inspired by the opportunities this game gives me and endlessly motivated to give all I can to those who provide them," she wrote on Instagram. "Excited for a summer back with @olreign and to return to @arsenalwfc in August ahead of our 2022/2023 season."
During her time in the US she won successive National Women's Soccer League Shield titles and was the team's top scorer in both seasons. She was named NWSL MVP in 2014.
The Scotland international has 267 appearances for Arsenal and has scored 156 times. She will return Arsenal for the start of preseason on Aug. 15.
09.52 BST: Tottenham Hotspur are expected to complete the signing of Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic on a free transfer this week, sources have told ESPN.
The 33-year-old is due in London to complete a medical after agreeing terms on a two-year contract.
As ESPN reported earlier in May, Spurs were exploring the possibility of signing Perisic after receiving encouragement he was interested in a potential reunion with head coach Antonio Conte in north London.
Inter offered Perisic a contract extension while Juventus were also in lengthy negotiations but Conte's relationship with the Croatia international is thought to have been a decisive factor in pulling off a deal which is something of a coup for Spurs.
Sources have told ESPN that Conte is demanding as many as six summer signings and is set to stay at the club following constructive talks with chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici.
09.24 BST: Manchester United target Pau Torres says the "only offer I have right now is a Villarreal contract extension."
Torres, 25, is considered one of the best defenders in LaLiga and has fully established himself within the starting XI for Spain, too. Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have reportedly monitored Torres' progress this season and are keen to sign him for around €60m this summer, with his contract expiring at Villarreal in 2024.
"No decision has been taken," Torres said regarding his future. "The only offer I have right now is that of Villarreal's contract extension. I have the peace of mind of being where they want me, where I have a valid contract and a renewal offer. The future will tell what happens next, but I am very calm, I don't look further ahead. I've experienced two very good years at Villarreal, we have competed with the best at European level which is what every player wants. And if, in addition, you do it in the team of your town, that's huge."
Torres had an option to join Tottenham last summer but reportedly turned it down and knows there will be plenty of talk regarding his future in this transfer window.
"It's something I've always talked about with the president, that different situations could arise," he said. "The club loves me and I'm very grateful. I know I can stay here for many more years because the affection is mutual. We'll see what we decide."
08.27 BST: Marcelo will leave Real Madrid this summer, he confirmed on Saturday, after winning a record-breaking 25th trophy at the club in their 1-0 Champions League final victory over Liverpool.
The veteran defender was an unused substitute in Madrid's win in Paris but lifted the trophy -- his fifth Champions League having been involved in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 -- as club captain.
Marcelo, 34, had said earlier this week that he wanted to stay at the Bernabeu with his contract due to expire next month, but said after the game that he would be leaving Madrid after 15 years.
"It's an incredible emotion because it's my last game at Real Madrid," he told journalists in the mixed zone at the Stade de France. "Leaving with a Champions League is a huge joy. It isn't a sad day."
08.00 BST: ICYMI - Manchester United are set to test Barcelona's resolve over Frenkie de Jong despite doubts over whether they are the midfielder's first choice if he leaves Camp Nou, sources told ESPN.
United want a midfielder this summer, and De Jong, who worked under Erik ten Hag at Ajax during the pair's time there, is one of the names under consideration.
Despite playing a key role at Barcelona last season, there's a feeling at Old Trafford that the LaLiga giants may have to offload the Netherlands international to fund their summer transfer business. Sources told ESPN that De Jong would have to be persuaded to join United, particularly after they dropped out of the Champions League, but a move has not been ruled out.
Intermediaries working on behalf of Barcelona have tried to find potential suitors for the 25-year-old, and although Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have asked to be kept informed, United's interest is the strongest. Sources told ESPN that Manchester City are distancing themselves from De Jong, instead choosing to focus on Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips as a replacement for Fernandinho, who will leave the club this summer.
United have also registered interest in Phillips, but sources said he would be reluctant to move to Old Trafford given Leeds' intense rivalry with United.
Julien Laurens and Gab Marcotti discuss Neymar's future amid reports that PSG want him to leave.
PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)
- Liverpool are looking for a fee of €30m if they are to allow Sadio Mane to leave one year before his contract expires, reports the Liverpool Echo. The 30-year-old forward has been heavily linked with Bayern Munich in recent weeks, with reports in Germany revealing that the Bundesliga champions had already met with his representatives. Mane made 51 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's side this season.
- David Raya's impressive season in the Premier League has seen a number of teams begin to circle for the Brentford goalkeeper, but the Bees plan to offer him a new contract, according to Football London. It is reported that discussions are already in the way, as Thomas Frank's side look to extend the 26-year-old's deal beyond 2024. He made 24 league appearances last season.
- Barcelona will only allow Memphis Depay to leave if they can find a replacement first, writes Sport. Manager Xavi Hernandez is reported to be open to keeping the 28-year-old forward at Camp Nou if he does not acquire his targets in the summer and, with Depay keen on continuing his career in LaLiga, his future could remain there despite interest from Arsenal and Juventus.
- Montpellier and Strasbourg are set to join the battle for the signature of Gedeon Kalulu, according to Foot Mercato. It is reported that both clubs will do everything they can to acquire the 24-year-old defender who starred for AC Ajaccio in Ligue 2 this season.
- Barcelona have offered Oscar Mingueza to Getafe, reveals AS. The LaLiga side were reported to be keen on the 23-year-old defender in January, and they are now considering making a loan approach for his services. Mingueza's contract is set to enter its final year next month, and while the Blaugrana would prefer to move him on permanently, it is reported that they are open to allowing him to leave on loan.