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Nick Judd, Transfer writer
The transfer deadline might have passed across Europe’s top five leagues, but there is still business to be done this summer — and, with only four months until the January window opens, the rumour mill keeps on turning! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Madrid prepared to wait for Davies
Real Madrid are confident of landing Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies on a free transfer, according to AS.
Davies has so far rejected any advances from Bayern to extend his contract, which is now in its final year. Moreover, from Jan. 1, he’ll be able to talk to other clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement, with Madrid already confident of landing the Canada international.
Los Blancos had made moves to bring Davies to the Bernabeu last summer but Bayern weren’t prepared to allow the defender to leave, a decision which means that they many now lose the player for nothing.
Now, having had direct conversations with Davies, Madrid are prepared to continue with the players they have this season in the hope that Davies will follow through on his word and sign in January ahead of a move in July 2025.
Davies, 23, joined Bayern from the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019 and has made 137 appearances.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Real Madrid officials will watch Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday as they keep tabs on defenders William Saliba, 23, and Cristian Romero, 26, according to Defensa Central. Los Blancos‘ chief scout Juni Calafat believes both defenders have huge potential, and Madrid are prioritising central defensive reinforcements for next summer. Both players’ contracts end in 2027, which could complicate matters.
– Arsenal scouts are keeping tabs on Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, according to Football Insider. The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield as a result of the contracts of both Jorginho and Thomas Partey coming to an end in 2025, and boss Mikel Arteta has been impressed with 21-year-old Guerra’s form. Valencia have set a release clause of £100 million, which the Gunners are unlikely to agree to, and which makes a January switch unlikely. However, Arteta is hoping to negotiate with the Spanish side in the summer instead.
– Everton boss Sean Dyche may replace goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with Nick Pope from Newcastle United if Pickford’s form doesn’t improve, according to the Sun. Dyche is reportedly unhappy with the 30-year-old England international’s inconsistency so far this season and is plotting a January swoop for Pope, a player he coached when Burnley manager. Pope, 32, could be available from Newcastle who themselves are considering a move for Burnley’s James Trafford. Pickford has conceded 13 goals in four games since the start of the Premier League season, all of which Everton have lost, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.
– Marc Guéhi is expected to leave Crystal Palace either in January or next summer, but he won’t be returning to Chelsea, according to Football Insider. The outlet says that while the Blues are keen to bring back the player they let depart to Palace in 2021, Guehi is holding out for other options. Newcastle United attempted to sign the 24-year-old England international this summer but failed to match the Eagles’ lofty £75m demands. Should Guehi stay in south London this season, he’ll only have one year left on his contract, which could see his fee decrease. Newcastle are likely to return, along with Chelsea, while Liverpool are also expected to make a move.
– Joshua Kimmich could disappoint a host of European clubs by extending his contract at Bayern Munich, according to Florien Plettenberg. The 29-year-old’s contract expires in June 2025, but the Germany international has hinted he would be open to staying beyond next summer.
– AC Milan are already looking to strengthen their midfield and they could make a move for Real Betis‘ United States international Johnny Cardoso, according to Calciomercato. The 22-year-old was believed to be Tottenham Hotspur bound next summer after Betis club president Angel Haro suggested the Londoners had negotiated an option to sign him in 2025. However, Milan could make a move before then, as they look to add Cardoso’s technical skills and versatility to their squad. A move to the San Siro would see Cardoso join compatriots Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. Milan are also contemplating a move for Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka.
– Tottenham Hotspur are expected to return with a second bid in an attempt to sign Fermín López from Barcelona, according to Relevo. Lopez was part of the Spain sides that won Euro 2024 and the men’s Olympic football tournament, and his performances caught the attention of a number of clubs around Europe. Spurs approached Barca but were informed of a ludicrous release clause of £338m. The Catalan club are believed to be looking to improve Lopez’s contract beyond 2027, but Spurs are expected to try their luck a second time.
